tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12736345345594882932024-03-14T18:12:50.186+11:00Ay TarirayOh look... I'm sort of back...Tarirayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13142797883757620343noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1273634534559488293.post-62096195286108209252020-10-30T17:16:00.012+11:002020-10-30T17:18:18.215+11:00The hair of many faces - Or: Tom Cruise only Exists in Mission Impossible movies - a long-ass essay<p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5dLTZ9oSDZE/X5uuQK8hd-I/AAAAAAAADak/8WhP4LBZgQku4JprT1WO1yy_rYpZkvZmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s284/logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="284" height="251" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5dLTZ9oSDZE/X5uuQK8hd-I/AAAAAAAADak/8WhP4LBZgQku4JprT1WO1yy_rYpZkvZmwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h251/logo.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">How do you
solve a quandary like Tom Cruise?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I’m serious.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">To be honest –
I actually have little to no thoughts about the guy as a celebrity outside of
the usual comment about jumping on couches, and Scientology stuff, and even
that is minimal and forgettable.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This man is an
actor who has lived within the very core of my cinematic foundation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was little, I interchanged him with
Brad Pitt because at the time, they were the two biggest male actors in the
goddamn universe.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">And then they
did <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Interview with a Vampire</i> together
and looking back; what I vaguely remember is Kirsten Dunst, and not much else.
(Oh, and the lighting, many candles, plenty shadow – much early 90s goth
romance, too much mascara? I think Antonio Banderas is there for a second – I cant
be bothered to find out).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Like, he is a
mega star. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So big that he’s a black hole
in my cinematic psyche.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I keep having
this thought in the back of my brain that I don’t actually realise how much of
an acting power-house this guy is, because all I have are a couple of jokes
about his hair and something something, cults and Xenu (and my mild relief that
Katie left when she did). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Cruise has been
in so many good movies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of them
being my absolute favourites. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Oblivion? Edge
of Tomorrow? Like, excuse me? Hell yes. (Edge of Tomorrow is like, another
essay all in itself, stay tuned.)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Minority
Report? The Last Samurai (which I have a problem with, but he’s great in it
anyway) – also, yes.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Absolutely yes.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">And yet… I
almost feel like he somehow disappears into the movies and never re-emerges.
Like he’s a shadow that takes shape in a film, only to re-appear in the next one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love those above-mentioned movies, but
sometimes I totally forget that Tom Cruise is actually in them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have no idea how this has happened to my
brain.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">(Edit: Oh my
god, I did a quick TC filmography and somehow forgot A Few Good Men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See? What the hell!)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">But – there is
one exception.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mission. Impossible.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The MI
franchise is, to me, the Tom Cruise event horizon, beyond which the actor
disappears and my memory of him and his formidable print on movie history
fades.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">But I can tell
you right now – I can track Tom Cruise’s history in Hollywood via the various
haircuts he’s sported in each and every one of these 6 Mission Impossible
films. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">If I ever have
to dig deep to even try to imagine what the guy looks like (because yes, unless
I’m actually watching the movie, I actually forget what he looks like), I just
try to remember his haircut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aMhql5WlSKs/X5uuYFC4hLI/AAAAAAAADao/keXpk4EPYCYM8PKm_xtu-AdYdc3tl9cFACLcBGAsYHQ/s275/hair.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aMhql5WlSKs/X5uuYFC4hLI/AAAAAAAADao/keXpk4EPYCYM8PKm_xtu-AdYdc3tl9cFACLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h213/hair.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br />Anyway – enough
about Tom Cruise.</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Lets talk about his
haircuts.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">When I first
watched Mission Impossible 1, my teeny tweeny brain couldn’t really comprehend
the intensity of the plot twist. I walked out of the cinema pretending that I
knew that Jim was the bad guy all along.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It took me months to fully understand the entire plot of the movie after
having rented it again from Video Ezy and re-watched at least 2 more times. (We
rented it when it first released so it was an overnight return rental, I was
short on time to do my usual 376 re-watches).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">While most
people remember the jaw breakingly tense white room suspension scene, my brain
constantly replayed the numerous ways that Jim (played by John Voight) had
fooled Ethan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And more importantly, I couldn’t
get my head around that fact that Claire was also in cahoots with her husband,
after all, she was an angel.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Tangent: can we
please talk about Emmanuelle Breart playing Claire Phelps, just for a second?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I remember when
I first watched the movie thinking – this slip of a child-girl cannot possibly
be a convincing spy, let alone a central character in a high octane, blood
pumping spy flick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Throughout the movie,
I lamented the loss of Kristin Scott Thomas, whom I felt was a stronger and
more competent character. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, as
Emilio Estavez’s hacker character Jack had pointed out, Kristin had lovely
eyes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Claire’s character was soft and
fuzzy around the edges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her big eyes and
kitten pout seemed more at home in a romantic drama. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her soft voice and demeanour felt like
weakness to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I almost felt like the
movie producers had miscast yet another sexy/sweet French actress. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I’m glad to have
been proven wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Claire is a
pearlescent snake in the grass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her very
softness emphasises the use of illusion in a world of smoke and mirrors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was at all times, more than meets the eye,
and the tween that I was completely fell for the charade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So did Ethan Hunt, whose thumb trembled as he
brushed it against her lips, waiting anxiously for her to wake up from the sedative
she’d been injected with in the opening honey pot scene. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was such a subtle moment which I only
noticed on my umpteenth re-watch last week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2fkTdNITSys/X5uvmT3F6dI/AAAAAAAADbM/FiwxVLk4zVgpy5h-xXayuP-TYe7FsMVOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/mission-impossible-lg.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="395" data-original-width="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2fkTdNITSys/X5uvmT3F6dI/AAAAAAAADbM/FiwxVLk4zVgpy5h-xXayuP-TYe7FsMVOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/mission-impossible-lg.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span>I mean, excuse me.... look at that face, I'd trust her with my puppies</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br />Throughout the
whole movie, she seemed a lost, wounded puppy, acquiescent and watery
eyed.</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Its only by the end of the film
that you wonder how much steel lay beneath that demeanour.</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">The only thing that niggles me is that I am
not entirely sure if Claire had been manipulated into her villainy by Jim, or
whether she underestimated the extent of her husband’s cold bloodedness.</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Anyway, back to
the haircut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tom Cruise’s short cropped
hair denoted trendy efficiency.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apart
from his sexy youthful looks, Mission Impossible’s lead protagonist had the lithe
body of a gymnast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It made him look
somewhat smaller, (jokes on his actual height aside) but also more agile, like
a cat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It actually made him look like a
proper spy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">By the time we
get to MI:2 – the world had changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
John Woo’s directorial work in this second instalment of the franchise reflected
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the era of Rap Rock,
leather pants, and attempts at copying the physicality and creativity of the
Matrix in every single action movie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-33anfSVhNDE/X5uueNHX-0I/AAAAAAAADas/qG6SEHal0IEsA-zWgM3NFXgoi-zLvqvHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/gross.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-33anfSVhNDE/X5uueNHX-0I/AAAAAAAADas/qG6SEHal0IEsA-zWgM3NFXgoi-zLvqvHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/gross.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span>gross, look at that flicky tail - ugh</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br />Its also my
least favourite instalment in the franchise, and by far, the worst
haircut.</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Tom Cruise turns into a moody,
motorcycle dude bro with soft chewy caramel centre emotions that feel cheap and
unconvincing.</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">That long wavy haircut
also does him no favours. If anything, my distaste for this movie stems from
the absurdity of the plot and the overwrought romantic drama that made me roll
my eyes so hard that I needed to get them serviced.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Imagine, an
action-packed spy flick where the crescendo of the final fight is juxtaposed
with scenes of a despairing Thandi Newton pulling her best Lady of Shallott impression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m ok with Cruise and the film’s villain
throwing motorcycles at each other (well, not really), but not when it cuts to
the damsel losing hope with a sob and a sigh as waves slow-motion crash at her
feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>MI:2 was the least impressive spy
movie of the franchise and the only thing I got out of it was a cool reworked
theme song played by Limp Bizkit. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">By the time
MI:3 and MI:4 rolled around, I had lost interest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, by the time MI:5 was released I was
surprised that it had gotten that far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
had no idea MI:4 had even happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Having said
that, I enjoyed the return of neat cropped hair Ethan Hunt in MI:3, which I watched
completely out of order to the rest of the franchise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also features my favorite team combo.
Jonathan Rhys Myers, Maggie Q, and franchise veteran Ving Rhames, who worked
really well together with Cruise’s Ethan, and I kind of wish they’d continued on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Again, this
weird obsession with giving Ethan a love interest threw me for a loop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wonder if I just don’t want romance in my
spy action flicks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least Julia seemed
a more competent character, more charming, and more grounded. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I was more interested in Keri Russel’s
role as Ethan’s dead mentee and the central catalyst for the plot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Having said
that, Phillip Seymour Hoffman’s Davian is probably the most terrifying and
imposing villain in the entire franchise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He is still missed and I’m glad I managed to finally watch this movie
(amongst all his others) to see what a phenomenal actor he was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Was there a
reason for the callback to the semi MI:2 long floppy hair in MI:4?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ugh, I really don’t like that haircut. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But in terms of pure aesthetics, it make
Cruise look a bit younger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nevertheless,
MI:4 is a triumphant realignment of the franchise as crazy, stunt heavy, and
dependent on effective teamwork and smarts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You know, like a spy movie.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Yes, yes – Tom Cruise
is also insane when it comes to stunting.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">My only
complaint is that Jeremy Renner didn’t get to seduce the billionaire, but I’m
glad he got use some of that Aaron Cross potential (again, I have thoughts
about Bourne to be spoken of elsewhere).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Paula Patton was umph worthy when she kicked Marceau out that window and
her physicality matched her male counterparts quite well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I would have cringed at her character
being used as a honeypot, I actually liked the subversion that she was actually
not that good at it, and that maybe the movie was trying to say that the trope
itself is actually kind of dumb. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">To be
completely honest – MI:4 dukes it out with Fallout as my favourite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s something about the team dynamic and
the tongue in cheek execution of the action scenes that makes it memorable in
my mind’s eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, the editing and
cinematography is clean, sharp and full of light, unlike the granular flarefest
of MI:3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">But then there’s
the strange short floof hair of MI:5 – Rogue Nation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which is yet another thrilling follow up, and
is proof that Cruise and the Mission Impossible Franchise is at its peak and
prime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Benji is hands down my favourite
character, not because he’s meant to be the goofy, funny sidekick, but because
he is genuinely a great a friend and team mate to Hunt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are oddly less memorable moments,
despite the fact that Cruise ups the psychotic within the first 10 minutes of
the film and that the underwater server scene nearly gave me a heart attack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its likely that the full throttleness of this
movie was just too much for me to take in - it all felt like an adrenaline shot
to the chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I still felt like Rogue
Nation is the egg and mayo filling between 4 and Fallout.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its tasty for sure, but only because its in a
sandwich.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The introduction
of Rebecca Ferguson as Ilsa, who is powerful, competent and most importantly, a
super, duper spy doing the most spy things that a spy could spy was an
excellent slap in the face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She keeps
you on edge and maybe I enjoyed it a little when she doles out the abuse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I am so excited to watch Dune just to watch
her play Jessica, YOU.HAVE.NO.IDEA). <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dlFaarmzix0/X5uupgICK4I/AAAAAAAADa4/29b4Be_BDjY3-2osDMRFVUlgZIL0NqCYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/unph.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dlFaarmzix0/X5uupgICK4I/AAAAAAAADa4/29b4Be_BDjY3-2osDMRFVUlgZIL0NqCYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/unph.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">ALSO, the use
of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nessun Dorma</i> as the musical leitmotif
for Ilsa in the score was a level of poetic subtlety that I really
appreciated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The OST may not have had
the same strength as Giacchino’s work in 4, (but to be fair, Giacchino kinda doesn’t
know how to do wrong when it comes to soundtracks – yes, another biased line in
the sand, fight me) but little moments such as those really stood out and helped
restore a bit of human introspection to a film that felt manic most of the time.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Mission
Impossible: Fallout however, is an absolute banger, in every sense of the word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Tom Cruise’s hair pinnacle by far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its back to being short cropped, with that little
swish at the fringe that helps him look youthful without looking military.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It also has my favourite
slow cooked side of beef this side of the 21<sup>st</sup> Century.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Henry Cavill makes a phenomenal villain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s not a moment that goes by when I don’t
think of that boxer’s arm-cocking action he does in the bathroom of that Paris
nightclub when his character Walker and Hunt take on the alleged John
Lark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The way that they toss each other
through the mirrors and ram each other through the walls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And this isn’t even Cavill at his peak
swoleness. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I think I have
a thing for seriously good action pieces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Would that be a fetish?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Speaking of
good hair – that moustache is life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
mildly upset Cavill doesn’t want to grow facial hair for the Witcher.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">True to form,
Fallout is also Tom Cruise ratcheting up the stunt insanity to yet another higher
notch. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I have to say, watching him
at age 56, climb a helicopter rope in mid-air and then maniacally manoeuvre said
helicopter in a dog fight, gives me an unexpected lease of new life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If he can HALO jump at 35,000ft for the sake
of getting a cool shot on camera, the least I can do is learn to pirouette
around a pole (to be discussed later).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Also – Ilsa brings
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has them Black Widow fight moves,
and that scene where she leaps backwards to break the chair she was bound to? (@*$^%^&@&!)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">(Ok, so it
might be a fetish?) Or maybe anything Rebecca Ferguson does makes my eyes water
in a good way. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The franchise
has sunk its hooks into me in a weird way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m pretty down to clown with action movies generally but the Mission
Impossible movies have a different kind of charm to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It isn’t just the adrenaline; it’s the team
dynamic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, as the movies have
progressed, the franchise has also understood that its charm stems from the
hail mary attitude that this team of IMF agents, not just Ethan Hunt, bring to
their missions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>MI:4 articulated it
best, they work because they’re a team and they’re all there for each
other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For all that these films are
carried by the behemoth that is Tom Cruise, the films aren’t really dwarfed by
his shadow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ap7My3lM4eQ/X5uu8acv5FI/AAAAAAAADbE/tHzIr_q36889Qr_viAtNQXme7wdjm8_jwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1150/morehair.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ap7My3lM4eQ/X5uu8acv5FI/AAAAAAAADbE/tHzIr_q36889Qr_viAtNQXme7wdjm8_jwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/morehair.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I will always
ooh and aah at the fancy spy tech and cinematic experiences are always good
when there’s good action pieces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I
believe in Tom Cruise’s own personal mission to make these films be good and
worthwhile. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its almost like he’s become
a vessel for good Mission Impossible movies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They don’t feel like vanity projects, they feel like destiny. His
destiny, in particular.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And maybe that’s
why he remains a shadow in my cinematic experience, shining only when these
movies come around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">So, <i>in short</i>,
let Tom Cruise keep his hair cropped, it makes him do good things in Mission
Impossible movies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">(We might even
get up to 20 of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Ethan Hunt
will be the villain in the last – I’m willing to put money on that)</span><o:p></o:p></p>Tarirayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13142797883757620343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1273634534559488293.post-71600251735684764732020-09-30T16:31:00.001+10:002020-09-30T16:32:47.095+10:00Oh look - I have more thoughts on Guy Ritchie movies<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">You know how
you sometimes open Netflix, or any other streaming service of your choice, and
just stare at the landing page for 20 minutes straight not exactly knowing what
to watch?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">Its even
weirder when the “recommended for you” list pops up and the movies and shows it
recommends are so up your alley and are definitely shows you really actually
want to watch.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">And then you
don’t.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">Instead, you
reload Archer and watch it again, right from the beginning, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">for the 5<sup>th</sup> time in the past
month.</i><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">And I don’t
even care that the show hasn’t aged all that well (I mean, what has?).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still love it. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">Science
attributes it to a combination of procrastination, sensory overload and a big
fat heaping of nostalgia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can
certainly agree with that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">Aside from the
nostalgia comfort blanket that repeat watches offers, you also end up absorbing
more details and features on repeat watches which, if anyone knows me and my
particular aesthetics; is my absolute visual jam. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">Like how in my
4<sup>th</sup> rewatch of Guy Ritchie’s flick that I’d love to hate, King
Arthur, I noticed how Lord Mercia places a concerned, and somewhat affectionate
hand on Vortigern’s arm after briefing him of Arthur’s kidnap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The moment is surprisingly tender, and
indicative of a strong love, loyalty, friendship and understanding between the
two characters that goes beyond being that of a boss villain and his crony;
there’s an actual relationship there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And I would have loved to have read through the character and script
notes for those characters and that scene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">But I am not
here to talk about King Arthur – again. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">I am here to
talk about another Guy Ritchie movie though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Which is weird because I’m not actually that huge a fan of his
work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you want me to wax lyrical
about a director, I’d have to pull out all my Edgar Wright ballads from the
back of the closet along with the inevitable hurdy gurdy that thematically
matches the praise I would shower on him. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">Having said
that, I think Guy Ritchie’s take on the Man from U.N.C.L.E is low key his best
piece of work to date. <o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ktTvKCh4Bdg/X3QltqTc7vI/AAAAAAAADYo/mLbt7MmmpEQRzjxbFWvUCF1e3SRXorG_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/Crockett-and-Jones-Man-from-UNCLE-Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="603" data-original-width="2000" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ktTvKCh4Bdg/X3QltqTc7vI/AAAAAAAADYo/mLbt7MmmpEQRzjxbFWvUCF1e3SRXorG_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Crockett-and-Jones-Man-from-UNCLE-Banner.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">I’m not going
to recap the movie – as far as I’m concerned, you should go see it. And if you already have, re-watch it. Every frame oozes style and the
cinematography is gorgeous. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">The story is
strangely paced and there are some scenes – like the drunken dancing Gabby
scene that feels both fun, forced and awkward at the same time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am sure the scene is trying to relay that
Gabby may well have a drinking problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And the whole cute sunglass wearing dance she does in her pyjamas is
certainly charming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But its also
incredibly jarring when she does from seemingly quirkily tipsy to rowdy drunk
and then blackout drunk in less than 5 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The attempted romantic tension between Ilya and herself feels more
forced in that scene than in any other where the two are together. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">Upon my 132<sup>nd</sup>
rewatch – I realised the entire story takes place in roughly 3-5 days, which
feels somewhat insane considering how the plot develops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">The characters
are so well embodied by their actors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And yet, Alicia Viaknder’s excellent interpretation of Gabby is hampered
by Ritchie’s poor writing of female characters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You can taste the potential and the depth of her character but it never
quite shines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Especially when she gets
used as yet another damsel to rescue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nevertheless, it serves the purposes of the story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gabby is a civilian, and her character is
still bound to the sensibilities of the 60s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She would not have had the physical strength, constitution or skills to
engage in particularly rampant action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Further, she is never portrayed as helpless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Frightened and worried yes, absolutely, as
any person would be if forced into becoming a double agent with little to no
training. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Gabby’s skills and
strength absolutely shine in the opening action scene as she skilfully drives
Solo through the empty streets of East Berlin whilst being chased by the
monstrous silhouette of Ilyia Kuryakin.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">Speaking of
whom, Cavill and Hammer are absolute fucking stars in this movie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">Cavill playing
Napoleon Solo hits the charming wanker ball so cleanly out of the park, it hits
me square in the between the eyes everytime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I mean, I know that outside of his major role as Supes, Henry Cavill is
a genuinely talented actor. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I never
really noticed it since most of the time all I see is a ridiculously square
jawed handsome lad with biceps the size of my ribcage (we get it, you lift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the things).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s excellent in his other roles in The
Tudors and, more recently the Witcher, but I am never convinced of his range
outside of tough handsome man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Aside
from the fact that he looks like he might rip all his shirtsleeves, he was very
affable as Sherlock in the new Enola Holmes movie, let that man grow tousled
curly hair more often, it’s a fantastic look). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">Napoleon Solo
gives Cavill the chance to play charming, suave, smart and dickish without
being too corny as the typical debonair spy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He’s very clearly a prat, but his charm is backed up by competence, from
his relatively decent linguistics, to that snarky head tilt and eyebrow that he
raises when he’s feeling slightly annoyed by Illya’s Soviet flavoured conniptions.
It’s a great cast and I really want to see more of it.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">Armie Hammer is
a god among men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His Russian accent is
horrible, but I forgive all of it because he is hands down the most charming
un-charming man in this movie and I love every second of his scowl being on
screen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also – the man is built like a
brick shithouse and I appreciate that very much, especially since his giant
body is topped with the pinchable face of a wounded puppy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I seem to constantly imagine Cavill as being
significantly shorter in my mind and I don’t know why). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">Yes – I am
aware of Solo/Kuryakin slashfic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, it
am 137% convinced it is aesthetically gorgeous, lovely stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, I am actually not interested.<o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g9OEWzMrKb8/X3Ql87gLKtI/AAAAAAAADYs/yChmmefqiCoCAAFDgXjtuf8oovJYGyH5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/03-the-man-from-u-n-c-l-e-armie-hammer-henry-cavill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g9OEWzMrKb8/X3Ql87gLKtI/AAAAAAAADYs/yChmmefqiCoCAAFDgXjtuf8oovJYGyH5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/03-the-man-from-u-n-c-l-e-armie-hammer-henry-cavill.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: times; font-size: x-small;">Yes - I see it</span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">Just give me
U.N.C.L.E 2. I can ship it in my mind. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">Oh, and if
somehow Elizabeth Debicki’s Vittoria Vinciguerra can somehow be emulated again
in whatever new villain is thrown at them then I think I can die happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debicki’s acting was probably the movie’s
crowning glory. (The way she says ‘Solo’ in her low, enunciated drawl, is worth
the constant repeat watches).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vittoria
was 1000% menacing and glamorous and was underserved by the movie’s weird narrative
pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">If Guy Ritchie
ever gets thrown the bone to start filming this, let me know. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will paddle across the ocean and slither
myself into the production design team for this movie, if only so I can gaze in
besotted wonder at the inevitably amazing wardrobe. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">(If he gets the
green light for another King Arthur 2, I will settle for dusting the cool
furniture on set). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">For now, I will
continue to play Man from U.N.C.L.E on repeat as background noise or as the
last thing I listen to before I fall asleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>Tarirayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13142797883757620343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1273634534559488293.post-34751899149439147302020-08-11T18:08:00.000+10:002020-08-11T18:09:19.673+10:00Hey - is thing still on? I watched a movie<br />
Despite the pandemic shutdowns, the ample opportunities to hunker down and watch the backlog of shows and movies that you'd put on your to do list since you got a shared account on Netflix from your friend, I have not watched anything new at all.<br />
<br />
In fact, I watched old stuff, like Community, and... uh... Community. Oh, and re-runs of<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhgFEi9aNUb2BNrIEecCGXApgeX7Yjwz8" target="_blank"> Unnhhhhh </a>on YouTube. Fun fact, I've never, ever, ever watched a single episode of RuPaul's Drag Race.... ever.<br />
<br />
Anyway. I watched Guy Ritchie's take on the Arthurian Legend which I otherwise like to call:<br />
Dark Souls: The Arthurian Version (but with 75% more geezers!).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aHWGpFK5syw/XzJNNQAUKvI/AAAAAAAADWc/pofMLMQegVwRJVx0fG0NuVuxmIIWq8BigCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/a4f3b4fe09be4b1280d20da1a1f94470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aHWGpFK5syw/XzJNNQAUKvI/AAAAAAAADWc/pofMLMQegVwRJVx0fG0NuVuxmIIWq8BigCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/a4f3b4fe09be4b1280d20da1a1f94470.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
Ritchie does gritty action really well, his visuals are cool, and, when it happens, the scripting of dialogue is fun to watch play out.<br />
<br />
Having said that, his work is already cliche and tropey after so many movies (except for U.N.C.L.E, but i'll get to that another time), where some Mad Lad with fast talking skills and a small posse of faithful, but competent other mad lads make their way in the world with panache, style and a little bit of luck.<br />
<br />
You can almost hear the tip of the hat and the cheeky wink in that description. Good grief.<br />
<br />
But you know what, it works. I did roll my eyes a bit at a gritty Arthur, raised in a brothel, leader of a small gang of good natured mobsters keeping order on the streets with extortion and cockney accented quips. But I still smiled at soft caramel centered Arthur protecting his ladies of the night parental figures. And then, I also rolled my eyes at Arthur learning protective chivalry from observing excessive violence towards women. At least there were equal levels of opportunity to get punched in that montage, if it wasn't a prostitute getting hit, it was a child, or a teen, or a Shaolin monk.<br />
<br />
Speaking of which, how interesting and cool is it to have 'Chinese George' just working at a kung fu school for wayward boys right in the middle of Londinium. Some people would roll their eyes at the alleged 'historical innacuracies' and I say, the dragon that gave Uther Pendragon his power was a wyvern and not, as is seen on any fakey coats of arms designed for an equally fakey magical monarch, a drake. But I don't hear many of you quibbling about that, do I?<br />
<br />
And what a coincidence that there is an extra sexy Asian gladiator teacher man available for young Arthur to learn to fight like a warrior in the lean mean streets of domestic violence ridden Londinium? What is a rag tag boy to do if not fall into a life of ladding about, swiping noses and cockney rhyming slang.<br />
<br />
And to be honest, I really don't mind it, trope-ish as that style of story telling seems to me. What I did mind was that those street skills paid off only a little as the story progressed.<br />
Ritchie loves making those kinds of exposition dialogue scenes. It was a very cool gimmick in Sherlock Holmes in particular, since it allowed the audience to experience in a fun visual way, the kind of high level deduction and prediction Holmes exercised before getting onto a fight.<br />
In this movie, it was meant to show Arthur's mastery at strategy and charisma when negotiating with people.<br />
Its a shame we never got that kind of +10 charisma and bardic wordsmithery when he dealt with Vortigern, his enemy and moreso, his counterpart. Instead we get meek, shambling shy boy, with a hint of tough sadness - slowly coming to terms with his manifest destiny. All of which are not qualities that make this particular Arthur shine.<br />
It would have been great to see more banter between himself and the Mage, and I wonder how much was edited out because you see the beginnings of some sort of rapport between the two and then it just vanishes into shadowy heartfelt conversations as they bandage each others' wounds - snore.<br />
<br />
Speaking of the Mage. The one primary female character in the movie has no name. I find it intriguing and I feel I've spotted a pattern in Ritchie's more recent movies when it comes to portraying female characters.<br />
Ritchie doesn't so much fridge female characters, he freeze dries them. And I find that intriguing, as opposed to finding it problematic.<br />
Anyway someone has likely written about the problematic bits in some other amazing critique and you should probably go read those.<br />
<br />
But let me expand on the freeze drying.<br />
In Snatch (otherwise know to me as - a Circus of Sausages; Cockney edition), Ma gets killed, spurring Backroom Boxer and marble swallower Mickey O'Neil (or, Brad Pitt in the worst 'Pikey' accent I've ever heard) to throw the fight. I think there might be one more female character, who probably doesn't even talk in that movie. Otherwise, Snatch, as much I utterly love that movie, is a sausage fest the likes of which make me wonder sometimes if Guy Ritchie even knows what a female person even is.<br />
<br />
Lock Stock pretty much borders on similar casting (aka - Another Circus of Sausages; Cockney edition - but more quotable.)<br />
<br />
In Sherlock Holmes; a slight twist, the females are present and competent. Although yes, Irene dies in yet another moment of genuine Fridgidation (but likely studio meddling and inability to schedule/sign an appropriate contract). And then there's Madame Simza, another capable, smart and plot important character. And she's not even portrayed as a romantic or even sexualised female character - what a revelation.<br />
<br />
If it weren't for Ritchie having to follow the plot of Aladdin almost beat for beat, Jasmine would have probably kicked Jafar in the nuts herself before starting her own trading company and founding a mercantile empire trading in embroidered silks and expensive bootleg manuscripts from Greece. In that version, she'd hire Aladdin as a partner and every now and then, they'd probably have a little smooch or two before she'd get bored and sic Rajah on some schmuck who tried to sell her sub-standard nutmeg.<br />
<br />
So ok, I exaggerate, Ritchie certainly knows how to make female characters stand out in his movies, its just that he doesn't do it often. But I think that's just because his storytelling is extremely focused on trying to pick apart the mysterious 'sacred masculine'.<br />
<br />
His movies are all about the relations of lad type dudes with other lad type dudes. If you squint, there's tender moments of dude-esque camaraderie and friendship that I think Ritchie likes to portray in subtle ways. If I squinted hard enough, I'd say a lot of it is a subtle homoerotic dig at exaggerated masculine tropes. But that might be only because I've read too many Holmes/Watson slash fic (even before the movies) to think straight about this stuff (har har).<br />
<br />
King Arthur: The Legend of the Sword - sort of does this, if it weren't for the bizarre pacing. You get a close knit family of guys, Wet Stick and Black Lack, including his son Blue Boy. They act as a small gang but also a family, especially with regards to the cute way they all seem to co-parent Blue Boy.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PlfuN6Bd5UE/XzJN_ILjzhI/AAAAAAAADWk/Rru1M4kVAv0qevmh97orwVrGoR_VPNtcgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/king-arthur-legend-sword-charlie-hunnam-1920x1198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="999" data-original-width="1600" height="199" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PlfuN6Bd5UE/XzJN_ILjzhI/AAAAAAAADWk/Rru1M4kVAv0qevmh97orwVrGoR_VPNtcgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/king-arthur-legend-sword-charlie-hunnam-1920x1198.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what you call - the 'Vulnerable tough guy' look</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Of course, the kiddo also acts as a repeating metaphor reminding Arthur of his own lost youth. Symbolism and stuff, you know.<br />
The same goes for the overtly heavy handed Nazi references when portraying Vortigern's freaky ass authoritarian rule. There are moments of complexity that sometimes get touched on. Like the not-so cold-heartedness of our main antagonist, who is willing to sacrifice the people he loves most for power, but not without showing the terrible grief he feels when doing so.<br />
Ultimately, what makes him frightening is, like Marvel's Thanos, is that his desire for power is stronger than his deep and genuine love for his wife and daughter.<br />
<br />
Oddly, its what made Thanos even more terrifying to me. There were arguments that Thanos (do i redact this? is this still a spoiler?) killing Gamora, was cheap and meaningless. But I felt it was incredibly impactful. Not even love, that he really genuinely felt for his daughter, could stop his horrible ambitions. I am far more scared of a villain who knows the purity of love and still chooses evil than a heartless one, who wouldn't know any better.<br />
<br />
The same vein of 'not-hard' masculinity (and i think what I am saying is: not toxic) is also reflected in the way we are introduced to the remainders of King Uther's knights. When Arthur first meets Ser Bedivere (also can we please give Djimon Honsou his own starring role as a primary character in a hyper violent fantasy movie? like Holy shit, cast him as the cinematic Witcher, I wanna see him in a white wig), he is peeling eggs and behind him, Goose Fat Bill (Ser William) is also chopping herbs.<br />
<br />
Its such a small scene but the two knights of the realm are preparing dinner for the collective bunch of rebels and refugees living i ntheir refuge. Its such a tiny detail but I noticed it almost immediately. These big warrior men, nobles no less, are also the providers of nourishment and care for their people. Its a domestic kind of masculinity that doesn't even seem out of place within the context of the movie. I like these weird moments between the lads (because also, there are practically no ladies around) are supportive and 'tender' in their own ways towards one another.<br />
<br />
Even the prostitutes, as little they are used outside of being the thing that Arthur cherishes and protects, are never, ever really sexualised. They're well dressed, well kept, and their profession is not used as a clever ruse to say, seduce the watch guards, or as a way to show a little leg or boobie to make the movie look adult and gritty. Its their job and nothing less. Even Lady Maggie, the somewhat nondescript lady in waiting at Vortigern's court, is not only a spy, but the only person outside of Arthur himself to completely expose and drag Vortigern with words alone.<br />
Its a somewhat charming thing. Having said, there's still elements of tough guy machismo that are hard to deny and really, it's not my place to call it out with my limited vocabulary. I still like his movies regardless.<br />
<br />
Again, circling back to the primary female character of this movie, The Mage. She is never objectified - not even in the weird flirty banter Arthur tries to engage her in. In fact, it falls so incredibly flat, that I wonder if that wasn't a hasty script rewrite. The Mage borders on flat and sexless, but is supremely competent at her tasks, to the point where you wonder if she isn't manipulating certain events for her own goals to be expanded on in the now cancelled sequel. Her relationship with Arthur is cool, they're strangers to one another but willing allies and their bond is forged from the Mage seeing him for what he really is without judgement, and her compassion for his fears is tempered by her ability to see the bigger picture and get things done.<br />
<br />
I have no idea if actress Astrid Berges-Frisbey is just one of those quiet, strong, type actresses or whether her direction was deliberate on Ritchie's part. She speaks so harshly and bluntly, but even in her softness, she is never a tropey tragic female character.<br />
<br />
And then the movie turns into Dark Souls. I wonder if Ritchie spent a month watching anime and playing the remainders on his Steam Play Library and finally got to Dark Souls. He must have played at least 2 or 3 hours before giving up on how hard it is but overall enjoyed the aesthetic.<br />
<br />
I still have no idea why Vortigern's (Jude Law) final super Saiyan form is a giant loinclothed skull helmeted guy on steroids. I get that the 'ladies' of the watery keep granted him power to take the throne, but the random conversion to bulked up grim reaper is such a weird visual throwdown.<br />
Throughout the entire movie, we have cool visual cues, harking to Roman, Celtic and many, many, many snakes and then suddenly; we get smoky caped Skeletor. I would have preferred a souped up shadowy Jude Law shaped final form, rather than a large, confused viking with no shirt.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9_pHFnECzNo/XzJOaWyL8TI/AAAAAAAADWs/jaqNyOB5y88WAAWDFbaNN5UsCLZpb3IcgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/21b38577015254bcdf6ce5c1232fc0e3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9_pHFnECzNo/XzJOaWyL8TI/AAAAAAAADWs/jaqNyOB5y88WAAWDFbaNN5UsCLZpb3IcgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/21b38577015254bcdf6ce5c1232fc0e3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't have enough Estus Flasks for this</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Visually however, it was a great film. I love the callbacks to Londinium, placing Camelot as the new capital overshadowing the ruins of an ever evolving post-Roman city. I love the confusing out of place and time visuals of everything else. From the very, very snazzy tunics (I mean, really nice, did anyone see the pointy shoulders on the tabards? gorgeous), the random tower of Babel, the very plain and obvious symbolism of Arthur wearing white (because despite coming from the bottom, he is still noble and pure, get it?!?). I love the use of a Giant World Eating Snake as the deus ex machina in the finale. The gigantic and completely wacky War Elephants from effing space are probably one of the coolest and weirdest visual elements of the movie.<br />
<br />
I am not, however, happy with Uther jumping his horse off a bridge just so he could climb one of those behemoths. But that's cause I love horses.<br />
<br />
There's so much visual spectacle and obviously a lot of thought and care that went into the props and costuming - which is so much of my Jam its not even funny.<br />
<br />
Ultimately though, this movie is still a bit of a burning garbage dump. The editing is Ritchie at his most cliche and the pacing is horrific. A lot of the things that made this movie very cool are pushed to the back to shine behind so much CG smokescreen.<br />
<br />
I still watched this movie around 8 times. Three times on repeat.<br />
<br />
The soundtrack is also cliche, edgy folk rock with gritty metal and the Celtic Kings mixed together. It is all blended together in a soundtrack that is trying to evoke something that one might imagine Celtic punk would look like. But mostly, I feel, its a rip off of Zimmer. But then everyone is doing that these days anyway. <br />
<br />
I don't know why I wrote an essay about a movie that I'm generally lukewarm to. I have a soft spot for Guy Ritchie movies, and its mainly because I read too much homoeroticism in them so I have an excuse to look for for better written fanfic on AOOO. That's what happens when your movies are complete sausage fests though. I will make a casserole of it, I guess. (Oddly, I have never, and do not care to look up any fanfic for this movie, its simply not worth my time).<br />
<br />
In the meantime Ritchie, please make Man from U.N.C.L.E 2. Because holy shit, that is an amazing movie. But I'll leave that for another time.<br />
<br />
Hah - turns out, I'm still into movies, just really weird ones.<br />
<br />
Stay safe, wear a mask. Love y'all.<br />
<br />
Also - since we just spoke about Arthurian legend. I am incredibly bummed we wont get to watch the Green Knight this year, I saw this trailer about a year and a bit ago and I was stoked. Look at those visuals!!!!!!!!! (with the help of WETA studios).<br />
<br />
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<br />Tarirayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13142797883757620343noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1273634534559488293.post-73342436486139950002019-03-30T15:10:00.003+11:002019-03-30T15:11:42.924+11:00A glimpse into Volksian life - summary 1<br />
<i><b>Extract from the journal of Marxus, Arbiter of the 2nd platoon of the Palace Guard.</b></i><br />
<br />
I haven't slept all night. This is not uncommon. My sister, second lady in waiting to Lady Tertia is much in the same situation as I.<br />
<br />
We both would have much preferred the exhaustion to have been caused by yet another raucous and passionate guest (or guests) of our Lady Tertia. At least there we know to keep our eyes forward and allow the ladies to tidy up (mop up really). Ocassionally, we will politely escort or 'roll' an exhausted guest down the stairs and onto their palanquins but such is the lot of cosy palace guard life. I must admit in my first year I always felt dread when I was shifted to guard Lady Tertia's quarters. I was always apprehensive of the... noises that drifted past her doors.<br />
<br />
It wasn't just her epicurean tastes in lovers, it was the strange magics she would dabble with in her studies and the strange mentors she would gather in her chambers. I fear she will eventually become more terrifying than the Matria.<br />
<br />
Perhaps I should not have written that.<br />
<br />
To be completely frank, I have grown accustomed to the irregular sleep patterns and proclivities of our noble Lords and Ladies, and I much prefer of late to Guard Lady Tertia's rooms.<br />
<br />
Standing by the Matria's rooms has been...unsettling. My sister whispers to me during the shift changes that she is uneasy. She calls upon me to bear her comfort, as if my role in the palace would glean more information than the often reliable gossip the maids trade in the back rooms with the slaves.<br />
<br />
There are whispers of war on the horizon, and if the irregular visits of the Patria and Matria's agents are to go by, this may well be true.<br />
<br />
The Patria's agents were around again last night. They are a queer partnership and I've often wondered how they came under the Matria's and Patria's attention. Especially that messenger lad, Truelinius. I am not one to scoff at those of noble birth and poor association, after all, it is also our relations to the Guelinius family that gave our sister and I our relatively prestigious roles. But the post boy?<br />
<br />
I do admit however, I am jealous that his association with those two has allowed him to grow somewhat in prestige. There were rumors in the barracks that he and the two agents held off an entire platoon of Drow rangers that attacked the feast hall and Generalia. there was, apparently a rooftop chase? the guards were not clear on that.<br />
<br />
The Bard has shown her mettle, I admit I never cared for their ilk, although it helps that she is such an approachable Elf, unlike her masters. It is so strange to meet such a charismatic elder even despite the rumors about her.<br />
Ah well - the heart wants what the heart wants, but Proximus has once joked under his breath about how the height difference would make things... interesting.<br />
He shouldn't have made that joke, The ranger has exceptionally good hearing and I am not sure if the grudging squint she throws at me is due to my association with Proximus sometimes.<br />
<br />
Doris seems to manouvre around the Lady Matria with ease and her management of the upcoming security measures for the chariot races surprised everyone. If I weren't so apprehensive of being in the Lady Matria's presence, I would dare to listen in on their briefings, which have included so many thrown chalices and vases of late.<br />
<br />
I shouldn't think ill of the Matria, but I often wondered what the Patria sees in her, aside from the immortality, the magical prowess, the historical background, the wealth and the obscenely good looks. But other than that?<br />
<br />
(yes, she scares me)<br />
<br />
Speaking of which. Word got round that the ranger's impressive bow was damaged in yet another altercation. Naturally, she always gets into, or causes trouble. And yet, the Matria relies on her. There was such a stir when she assigned the half-orc to be the Lady Tertia's guard.<br />
It is rumored she comes from one of the ranger platoons from the north which is unsurprising considering how many barbarians were scouted into the military from there.<br />
<br />
Her friendship with the Elf Doris is a strange one. The Bard is truly blessed to be able to tolerate the ranger's ilk. I am equally surprised the delivery lad who dogs their steps is so willing to be around her so often as well. There must be something they see in her, aside from her obvious military uses. Often I have seen Lady Tertia tease and cajole with Bap, and the half-orc humors her with an underlying fondness that is both heartening and utterly alien to contemplate. One supposes that the half-orc would have no where to go if not for our noble Lords' patronage.<br />
<br />
I have not yet seen nor heard word from the regiment sent to the forest. Again, the Matria's agents found what is rumored to be some strange ruin in the forest after chasing //name// to the coast and discovering the first Drow incursion in Sud Fisker Haven.<br />
<br />
I must end my entry now, my shift begins in 5 minutes and I have seen this unlikely trio in the cortile, chortling about some drinking contest and what sounds to be a naked wrestling match. I shudder to imagine.<br />
<br />
The Matria is incandescent with rage again, no doubt from the consequences of their actions, be it from discovering yet another crisis or causing it, I shall not know.<br />
<br />
In any case, I look forward to seeing more of them in the halls as this crisis escalates. For I feel that only they will know how to aid our Lords to victory against the oncoming invasion.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Tarirayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13142797883757620343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1273634534559488293.post-4412683550568675322019-03-08T18:21:00.001+11:002019-03-08T18:42:18.334+11:00Some people are calling it a respect gap<br />
<div class="MsoBodyText">
There’s a lot to get off my chest, today is fitting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know, I’m being preachy, even patronising
at times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have re-written this 5 times
because, yeah, I know what I’m like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
sometimes, you speak out and would you look at that, I’m already apologising
for my opinions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, just try not to
roll your eyes too hard, just a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
hard in the era of 150 characters or less, but let’s try and give it a go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, before some of you get in with your ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">yeah but’s’</i> and ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">whatabouts’</i> – I hear you. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep
reading because guess what, it gets addressed, and I can only hope I can make
it all make some sense for you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Feminism is an ‘F’ word now, because <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Feminazis</i> are going to steal everyone’s penises and fly us all to
the moon, where BBQs are banned and you can only eat sourdough and avocado, or
something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because an angry woman who is
so done with the world is shrill, and extremist, and most of all wrong. /s
(<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You ever wonder what happened to make her
so mad?</i>). I can't even begin to scratch the surface of this issue - there's so much to say and oh so much more work to do. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
I'm not talking about misandry, or man-hating, that is not feminism. That is anger, irrational and unhelpful. </div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Feminism is (at least the way I was taught it), as my psychology teacher at university described
it, put simply; <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the understanding and
appreciation* of femininity</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sounds
simple, but it encompasses much. Sure there's political over and undertones, but to me, this definition crystallizes its essence succinctly.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(*definition - recognition and enjoyment of the value of / the full understanding of a thing)</span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
In a world where our history and society has structured
itself to uphold masculinity (in all its positive and negative tropes) as the
highest ideal for running the world; feminism asks us to consider that there is
an equally powerful and competent strength in femininity too. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It shouldn’t be diminished or pushed into its
allocated corner simply because it’s different – it should be merged and used
just as much and even more, especially in times where many problems in society are borne from a world
history of patriarchal world views.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
It can be as simple as that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feminism protests and fights and snaps and
snarls and bites back and that is not a problem. It is a problem for those who
would feel threatened by it, because perhaps those who benefit from the status
quo don’t understand they have so much more to gain from feminism than lose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Feminism reminds us that it is utterly and absolutely
unacceptable that a large chunk of women who are murdered around the world are
more often than not, murdered by men specifically. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These men are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">also</i> often family members or partners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This isn’t some gang shooting, this isn’t
war, it isn’t just petty theft or crime, it is the killing of a person that
comes more easily to some because the victim happens to be female.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
So, your first ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">what
about</i>’ would be – men are also victims of domestic abuse, and gender based
attacks (and of course, murder).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Absolutely true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
They’re perhaps not killed in the same numbers though it
is also likely under reported, especially regarding domestic violence, but just
because it happens less often it doesn’t mean it doesn’t matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
But it does mean that because (toxic) masculine tropes
demean men who are victimised as being weaker; demand that men be capable of standing
up to and overpowering their partners; that they <i>wear </i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the pants</i>; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">grow a pair</i>; and
certainly not let some ‘weak’ woman get one over him – that domestic violence
against men is diminished in the conversation because men should never be
perceived as needing protection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
And even then, domestic abuse against women is also under
reported.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because women are meant to
bear their lot in life in silent dignity; because a woman is out on the street
with no one to support her if she went against the norm; because she’s not
strong enough to fight back; because, many times, she is also caring for her
children and there always is the threat that they will be victimised too; and
worse of all; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">she must have done
something to deserve it</i>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
We are 10 weeks into 2019 and Australia has already
suffered 11 murders of women from domestic/gendered violence. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This included a woman being found stuffed in a
suitcase after having been stabbed more than 20 times by her ex-boyfriend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Feminism reminds us that women and female sexuality are
not things to be used and bandied about like so much confetti at a party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our reproductive bits, or our desire for
pleasure and intimacy should always be ours to control, and not to be used at
the mercy and pleasure of men only, with or without our consent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And men should be allowed, without fear of
somehow being less manly, to explore their own sexuality as freely and consensually
without harm to anyone. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Because rape, sexual abuse and harassment is as common for
women and girls as a summer breeze and god forbid that having a female body, be
it wrapped in clothing or not, means you are fair game to the male gaze. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Here is our second ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">what
about</i>’ – men get raped too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Absolutely true.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Again, perhaps not in the same numbers, and likely also
under reported. Because… well, see my first point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Because toxic masculinity demands that men
should swing their dicks around like a powerful machine gun with rocket
propellers, and a beer dispenser (?); because hurr durr, am I right fellas?;
because sex is power and a virile man is a stallion but a woman must either be
a virgin or a ‘slut’ and both are equally bad unless it suits the sexual
narrative; because <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">what, are you gay or
something?</i> (because being a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pussy</i>
or a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">fag</i> is terrible thing); because
male rape is supposedly rare and if it happens to a man it is a mark of
weakness, and god forbid another man or woman should ever overpower another man
to have that happen to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Wow, this
all sounds so familiar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Again, (this entire thing feels like a practice in
tautology) – sexual assault against women is also under reported even though it
is still more prevalent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So prevalent
that it is the background radiation of a woman’s life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a side effect of conflict and war, it
is a dubious night out on the town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is a partner who won’t take no for an answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is every shirt, skirt and pair of jeans that they’ll ever buy because
anything a girl or woman wears might mean she was asking for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is walking home pretending to be on the
phone (and as we’ve seen, that doesn’t stop some people) because it is
apparently way too much for a woman to ask to just be able to go home at night
like a normal person without requiring self-defence lessons and a 5 stage
personal security system. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Feminism reminds us that when someone says that ‘<i>boys will
be boys</i>’, that person is doing men a disservice just as much as they are
dismissing real, terrible grievances against women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When boys are just being boys, we imply that men are savages who are
utterly incapable of being decent human beings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We imply that they’ve evolved to disrespect half of the world’s
population because of their gender.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
imply that even though boys get the money and the power, they are still animals
who are too dumb to know any better (and that this is ok). </div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Feminism reminds us that emotions, be they felt by men or
women, are human and universal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They should not be
tamped down because boys don’t cry, or that girls get hysterical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The human experience is viewed through
different lenses but they’re no less important to either gender.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The gross under reporting of mental health
issues among both genders means we will continue to bash our brains out and
suffer in silence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Feminism celebrates female empowerment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When women help each other and draw strength
from one another other, they create powerful networks of support that can also
be used to support men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Men also have
those networks in their own masculine circles, but these are discussed and
explored less when they too may have their own ways to help empower themselves
and women around them without being patronising.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Feminism reminds us that children can be parented by
any parent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Women are biologically given
the keys to this car (and yes, of course we're amazing at it) but that load can be shared when everyone is given the
right mindset and tools to parent the next generation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Men should not feel embarrassed or worried to
ask for parental leave because he’ll lose credibility or damage his
career.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because that would imply that
when mothers take parental leave they do so because it is their natural lot in
life anyway, and their careers don’t matter as much as that of men (and hence why we get paid less for the same work).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These ideas will also open up debates about
custody, an issue that is very fraught and complicated, but it is one that
should be had. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">And yes, we still have current examples of strong matriarchal traditions that have survived through the ages and we should maybe learn more from them rather than diminish them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Even here, we’ve only dipped a finger into the value of
feminism and what it does to empower women who have been culturally taught that
their place is separate and on a lower level to men. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And moreso, feminism can merge with and renew masculinity,
offering men new avenues and perspectives that are healthy and empowering for
them too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
We have young women finishing high school and university
in greater numbers and with higher scores and yet, those numbers don’t transfer
into the workforce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As an example last year, we
have Tokyo University accused of having deliberately underscored exam
results for women studying medicine to discourage them from becoming doctors. (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I mean, it’s a lose lose situation because
it just generally means having less doctors all round.</i>)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
We have high infant mortality rates in countries where
women are denied an education because a mum who cannot do something as simple
as read a medical prescription, or instructions on a piece of paper is less
likely to care for her child in the best way she can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Further, these women are denied an education
because they’ve been relegated to the role of wife/mother/slave who, on top of
that, is not even properly equipped to play the role that was forced upon her. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
We have boys being humiliated and bullied for wearing
skirts and dresses or wearing nail polish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Because in the words of that one Madonna song, being a girl is
degrading. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
We have toxic masculine norms
unable to bend and evolve with our understanding of gender and sexuality, which
is fluid and beautiful in its infinite variety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The rigidity leads to emotional conflict that rarely gets resolved
efficiently because see point (a) above, a man must be straight, ramrod in
every way and inflexible to breaking point. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
The issue is, most women are feminists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a no brainer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We want to achieve the things in life that we
know we can achieve. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We rail against the
fact that we get held back even when we work so incredibly, bone numbingly
hard.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
We receive this strange treatment from the other
half of our society who, consciously or not, keep telling us in action and behaviour that, because we are
different, we deserve less.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, we get told to let the men take care of us, let the men do the work, the innovation, the invention, hell,
let them protect women and their delicate flowery bodies even as they’re used
and harmed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Because apparently its still 1950 and god forbid we learn to share the load of running the planet a bit more. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
For me, I ask: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">why</i>
that resistance, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">whatabout’s</i>, the
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">#notallmen</i>, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">well, as a man, I have also been victimised</i> arguments?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Is that not a realisation, a moment of
clarity and understanding? this is what it must be like all the time for so
many women, and since you know how it feels, it is important to stand together
and make it better for all of us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
I write this ‘rant’ with the ‘masculine’ audience in
mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t need to tell women these things,
they know it, they live it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But men, you beautiful,
wonderful other half of this planet; you have so much to gain from standing
side by side with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Outside of our
gendered tropes, outside of the standard relationships that you expect from one
another – women, no, feminism, and all the different ways of thinking that it
could introduce you to will only give you more, not less.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
And before the #notallmen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We know, generalisation is harmful (and we're not that stupid), but so is constant denial.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is enough men, it is certainly enough
toxic masculinity that it is ruining it for all of us. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We cannot afford this for our daughters and
sons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have so many problems that need
to be solved and they can only be solved if we’re all at the table
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of us, in our huge,
wondrous variety (because humanity is a minestrone soup of deliciousness and
not a filing cabinet to sort). <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
We don’t need to be fridged or put on pedestals, we have
been fighting this good fight for longer than we can remember and yes, we’ve
always been this angry (but we were told to be prim and demure so no one ever
noticed). Close the respect gap, and the rest will follow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Tarirayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13142797883757620343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1273634534559488293.post-9900512971928388602018-09-21T16:35:00.000+10:002018-09-21T16:35:39.603+10:00Still writing - this time a fake script!A few months ago - I met some new people by attending this fun social workshop where people proposed their script ideas for fun.<br />
I, of course, arrived late - and, of course, was also feverishly sick.<br />
<br />
Anyway - everyone's ideas were fun and outlandish. The vast majority of pitches were sci-fi or fantasy based and involved gratuitous amounts of imagined CGI. Needless to say - the budgets for these movies would have been extreme. <br />
<br />
I actually didn't really come to the workshop with any ideas. I mean, I know nothing about pitching a script or story, so I went along just to rub elbows and bask in the glow of other people's talent.<br />
<br />
To my horror, I was still asked to take the stage and there I stood, red faced and wobbling slightly from fever as I pitched an old idea to a relatively unimpressed crowd. One girl even vocalised that my idea, and those of others as well (so in this case I wasn't singled out, and I certainly wasn't offended), were pretty crap. Can't please everyone I guess.<br />
<br />
My idea was also fantasy based. But unlike everyone else's, I wanted a low stakes fantasy film. In fact, it was so low stakes it was basically a family drama.<br />
What I wanted was a small quiet movie about the quest of a dwarf father, finding his feet and the strength to move on after his wife, a gnome, passes away, leaving him and their three children behind.<br />
<br />
It would be set in a modern fantasy universe where magical/fantasy races are commonplace. Basically, BRIGHT without the swears, gangs, racism and poorly executed exposition. It was meant to be in the vein of similar family drama movies like the Descendants, Moonlight and Valentino, and any movie with Diane Keaton.<br />
<br />
Anyway. I left early, mainly because I couldn't keep my eyes open and my fever was making me sweat something awful. But my idea percolated in my brain while on the train home. <br />
<br />
I wanted to deal with the changing faces of families and the roles of parents in them. Naturally, using a dwarf and a gnome would inject some silly fantasy into it, but I decided it might be fun to use imagined dwarf and gnome culture to create the tensions of coping with losing a spouse, family members or loved ones. <br />
I thought about whether there would be conflict as to how to perform funeral rights according to their cultural norms and what grieving might look like from their imaginary perspectives. <br />
(I mean this is what happens when I get sick. I get gross and snotty and hyper-imaginative).<br />
<br />
So I started with the idea that maybe this dwarf/gnome household did function according to very old school roles, but they're reinforced by their fantasy cultures as well in some way. <br />
<br />
To be honest, I didn't really know, but I had something in mind.<br />
So, when I got home, I wrote a half pager 'script' (I use the term 'script' as loosely as a 20 year old g-string in the dryer).<br />
<br />
Anyway - here is the loosely written script. I've done a few edits and I'm annoyed that I've really doubled down on mum's role being a home-maker role, but at the same time, maybe it isn't, and mum's role was more complex than it appears and she maybe just loved cooking... and more needs to be fleshed out as to how this coupled carried out their lives.<br />
<br />
Ah well, let me know what you think:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Grabbar the
dwarf sits at the edge of the stairs. He's having his lunch break at work.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">He looks down at his lunch container on his
lap.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">It is the half eaten remains of the
microwave dinner he and the kids had last night.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">He cringes, and sighs guiltily, knowing the kids had
similar packed lunches at school today.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Without Igunn to make their dinners, he felt more lost and even more worried
that he wasn’t going to be able to raise his kids the way he and Igunn had
planned.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Ted, a
human friend from marketing, approaches Grabbar and sits down next to him on the stair. He is carrying his own sad looking, home-made lunch which oozes slightly from the oils staining the paper lunch bag. Ted sets aside his now-cold take away coffee next to him to inspect the contents of his lunch. He looks over at Grabbar's lunch and makes a face...</span><br />
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">TED: You
holding up there bud? That lunch smells of depression.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Grabbar:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>*grunts* Guess so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just wondering if this is what me and the
kids have to look forward to for the rest of our lives; slow death by processed fats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">T: Hmm,
don’t worry, my sister ate frozen pizza for a month after she divorced her
wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know its not the same, but she
eventually started cooking for herself after weeks of staying at home doing
nothing but watch the Food channel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Guess that Delia whatever-her-name-is show is good for breakups.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">G: So your
sister became a good cook huh?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">T: Nah,
*Ted takes a swig of his cold coffee and burps* she was shit at it, still eats frozen pizza. She gained 8 kilos too, and
her skin looks like a cheese melt from all that oil in her food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But hey, it was something to do at the time
when her world was falling apart.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">G: You
humans have really strange grieving rituals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But they’re less complicated I guess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">T: Ritual?
Hell no, Ellie would have eaten her weight in frozen pizza even if Marie hadn’t
left her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">G: So what
did your sister do for her grieving ritual?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">T: What?
No, we humans don’t have rituals for divorces, I mean, not formal ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean some people start dating again, or
take up a hobby, or get fat on ice cream and watch Julia Roberts movies or
something, but we don’t have rituals like you know, you guys with your er…
stone stuff…sorry. I mean, yeah - we'd have funerals, but we only do that when... uh... you know...<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">G: *turns
to Ted, bewildered and despite his exposure to humans, appears culture shocked* - you don't have a rituals for the end of a relationship? Then, what do you do when someone you love is not there anymore?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">T: *smiled
sadly and shrugs* well Grab, we just cry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
-----------------------------------<br />
<br />
Oh - obligatory fun youtube video: I'm loving Janet's return to her old look. Yey! - the song is ok - but the dancing is ding dang awesome and the costuming is utterly divine.<br />
<br />
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<br />Tarirayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13142797883757620343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1273634534559488293.post-58116477143323063252018-09-14T15:20:00.002+10:002018-09-14T15:20:31.868+10:00What ho y'all!Will you look at that....<br />
<br />
I have made a post. Its taken me two or three years. I have also finally changed the layout of this place. Is this fancy enough for you? <br />
I think I want to do a few more changes, but it might not count for much if I don't really end up posting anything on here.<br />
<br />
Ugh guys... adulting is hard! Every hour of my day is used up like sand in a... sand bucket...<br />
<br />
But last week, my social media feed got inundated with information about the casting of my favourite game dad, Geralt of Rivia for the upcoming NetFlix series. <br />
<br />
I had feelings as a result. Weird ones.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
<br />
Anyway - I mentioned that I had an essay's worth of thoughts and a friend told me to write them down. So here we are. <br />
Its a preliminary set of thoughts, and I truncated a lot of it and cut out loads of paragraphs because the article was meant to be for publication in another online thing. But it didn't happen so I might as well archive it here. <br />
<br />
Having said that, I could expand on what I've already written but I fear that the Wild Hunt will cut me down before I finish and I'll still be typing even on the day of the White Frost. So I'll leave it as is.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<b>On that time when
Henry Cavill was cast as our favorite Witcher<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
2008 was the year that I met Geralt of Rivia, and I didn’t
like him. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Ok, let me rewind a bit.
It is still 2008, and I was given a very good second hand PC after my
old one had completely carked it when playing, of all things, WoW. The PC didn’t have a wireless receiver and I
couldn’t be bothered to lay out the ethernet cable out to the kitchen to
connect it to the modem. As a result I
began playing as many offline games that I could get my hands on. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
One of them was the Witcher. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
I loved, no, I LOVED the game. I loved how infuriatingly difficult the POV
would sometimes get, I loved prepping potions before fights, I loved the
ridiculous glitches and I loved Zoltan Chivay.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
But I didn’t love Geralt.
He was a bit of a twat. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Ok, rewind again to a rainy day in Derby, Yorkshire in
2005. I managed to download a zip file
with an assortment of fantasy and sci-fi e-books of very dubious
provenance. One of them was a Notepad
file (am I showing my age?) with an exceptionally poor translation of The Last
Wish. I got as far as the equivalent of
chapter 3 before I closed the .txt file and never opened it again, assuming
that the Witcher was just one of those fantasy novels that I just couldn’t get
into (like the Shannara Chronicles, so sue me).
I hadn’t liked the Geralt experience, neither from the book, nor
definitely not from this version of the game.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
It was the first time I had genuinely fallen in love with
a video game and also disliked the main character, and the feeling was weirdly
jarring. Wasn’t I supposed to like my
protagonists? Even if I made a genuinely
unlikeable character in my first play of Dragon Age – I still was able to find
something lovable about the horrendous scamp I had created. But Geralt? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
I realised half way through the game, that I didn’t
respect him. And it was only after he
left Vizima that I started to properly get to know him and give him a little
bit of a break. But not much.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
What was it about our White Wolf that I didn’t respect? Was
it his inability to speak in a tone that suggested that the voice actor had
been more than $50 for this gig? Was it the fact that the limitations of the
graphics made him look like a badly shaved ape? was it the fact that Geralt
could collect his romantic experiences by sleeping with random women like
sexist baseball cards?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Probably? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
The sexist tropes of the Witcher were definitely one of
the main issues I had, but not for the reasons you’d think. We can always say that discussions on sexism
in games and the importance of diversity and inclusion in the gaming industry
were in their infancy at the time. And,
as a devotee to the School of the Wolf and an obsessive fan of the Witcher, I even
admit that there are times when I defended or outright ignored its poor
behaviour. But what I remember most
about this unsavoury aspect of the game was how little I respected Geralt for
this, even as I, his controlling player, made him sleep with every female
character he had access to in order to complete the set. In short, I thought he was a slag.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Yes, I am party to this shame. I made Geralt a sad womaniser with horrendous
flirting skills, and it was only due to my L33T skills with a mouse and
keyboard that he got any romantic attention at all. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
I mean, I can actually lambast this game for its sexism
and have a comprehensive exploration of its themes around equality, race,
diversity etc – but that would mean me having to use footnotes and extend this
already long rant of emotions for another 20 paragraphs. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
The point is, Geralt was a bit of a sadsack in my eyes,
and his only function to me was that he got to kill the fun beasties and
somehow managed to make friends with fun people (again, Zoltan). <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Nevertheless, I loved the game and the Witcher, for all
its faults is still my favourite in the franchise. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
I am already a page in and I haven’t properly mentioned
Henry Cavill. But bear with me – there’s
feelings being unravelled here.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
The Witcher 2 was a phenomenal experience, it was head and
shoulders above its predecessor in quality and look. The game mechanics were great, the graphic
design was unbearably beautiful and the storytelling was frankly, a
masterpiece. Of course, there were still
issues and the fact that the first thing you see upon starting the game is
Triss’ very naked body, which made me roll my eyes so hard, I nearly fell off my
chair. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Although completely unnecessary, there was some context to
it(?) and by then, I had resigned myself to yet another iteration of the same
thing. I mean this wasn’t the only game
using bewbies as a game mechanic by any means.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
But something unexpected happened. I started to like Geralt. He was, charming?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
On my first play throughs of both the Witcher 1 and 2, I
chose to always side with the non-humans. After all, in my personal mind fiction, I was loyal to Zoltan to the
end of my mutant killer days. But now, Geralt
had more fleshed out opinions, hell, he had feelings! it was startling and
impressive.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://media.giphy.com/media/SKaJCT9XCD4Xu/giphy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="143" data-original-width="415" height="110" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/SKaJCT9XCD4Xu/giphy.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Of course, the improvement was also due to better writing
and improved game development on the whole.
But this was the Geralt I would later come to recognise in the books as
I resolved to try and re-read newer and better translated versions (again, I
didn’t get very far, they weren’t the Gollantz editions and the writing still
felt clunky). <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
By then, I was completely and utterly in love with the
franchise, and it was all I could do to wait for the Witcher 3. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
I won’t say much about CD Project Red’s masterpiece other
than bow down to their genius. (Side
note: Whoever directed the DLC for Hearts of Stone deserves a goddamn
Oscar). The Witcher 3 is a towering coup
of gameplay, story-telling and graphic design that drags me back to replay with
the same giddy excitement as I did the first time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Also – the Witcher 3 installation destroyed my PC. I had to wait a year and a half to save up
and buy a new gaming rig. It managed to
play the game in ultra settings, which is frankly, the only way to play this
game.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
You’d think that I’d be excited to hear that Netflix is
making a series out of the books right?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Probably?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
I genuinely don’t know what to think of this. Colour me jaded but I only see the cynical
attempts at making money from fandom and nostalgia. I probably shouldn’t be so harsh. Game of Thrones has seen great success that
has taken a fantastic set of books and made it so much more than anyone could
have ever imagined, perhaps the Witcher might receive the same treatment?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Again, probably?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
So, when my social media feed was flooded with friends
tagging me to let me know that none other than the squarest of jawed supermen
had been cast as Geralt, my reaction was… ok?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Henry Cavill is a fantastic actor. He has style, range, and a hell of a lot of charisma. I first recognised him from the Count of
Monte Cristo where he plays a young and almost shounen-esquely beautiful Albert
Mondego. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
After that, I only paid attention to him in the grossly
underrated Man from U.N.C.L.E where I watched, mouth agape as Cavill played
Napoleon Solo in a manner that made me feel, well, feelings that not even the
suave and perennially handsome James Bond could ever make me feel. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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He’s a great Superman, don’t get me wrong. For some reason I never mustered any interest
or hype when Man of Steel first came out and I didn’t watch it until years
later, and so never understood what the praise or criticism over the movie was
about. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
I’m sure Henry Cavill could be a great Geralt. I have faith in the professionals who can
transform his lovely jaw into the grizzled arctic tundra that is Geralt’s beard
(if you choose to leave him unshaven, which I always did). Of course, if they focus on Geralt’s younger
years, I’m sure that bricklike jaw will get plenty of swoon inducing screen time
too. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
In short, I have faith that they’ll turn Henry Cavill into
the Geralt that lives in my mind’s eye and the deepest and softest part of my
rotten heart. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
That being said, Doug Cockle’s gravelly voice saying
‘hmmmm you’re a naughty girl’ in the most toneless and deadpan voice has been
forever scratched into my mind until kingdom come. Geralt’s game voice is even more iconic than his
look, and despite this, I believe that young Mr Cavill can pull that off too.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
So, why am I not excited? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Like I said, I have a lot of feelings regarding all of
this. Many of them deep and very
personal at times. But I think that
there are many hard-core Witcher fans that might be feeling similar to me as
well. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Probably?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
I worry about how Netflix will personify my favourite
monster hunter for hire. But I worry
more how they’ll treat his friends, his loved ones, and even his enemies. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
I love Geralt, very much.
I love that it took 3 games for me to see his true beating heart. It was a slow growing romance. I love how the books make my eyes prickle
when depicting his achingly tender scenes with Ciri. And I love Geralt’s complicated, problematic
but ultimately fascinating relationship with Yennefer.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Speaking of Yen, I worry about her depiction the
most. I love how Sapkowski intentionally
wrote Yen as complex, difficult, and absolutely not at all how we would imagine
your favourite protagonist’s love interest to be. (Unless of course if you
simply chose Triss right from the beginning in the games – again, I have thought on this,
but who am I to judge?)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
I worry for Ciri, who holds such an important role in the
universe of the Witcher and even moreso in Geralt’s heart. I can only hope that the connection Geralt
has to his daughter is as well characterised and written as it is in the books
and the game. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
I remember the first time I read Geralt acknowledged Ciri
as his own with such conviction that I re-read the paragraph just because I found
the scene so emotionally charged. CD
Project RED followed that up so perfectly that I cried when Geralt was finally
reunited with her in the game. Every.
Time. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
(Also his scene with Corrine Tilly where he reminisces
about Ciri’s youth is again, some heartstring-pulling storytelling and goodness
me I don’t think I can sing CD Project RED’s praises enough.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
I worry that the soundtrack will not be good enough. The Witcher games have created a distinct
sound and I might find it very difficult to even listen to the opening title
scene if it is not done right. </div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
The Game
of Thrones theme is iconic but the Witcher already has this too. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
The Netflix show has a lot of work cut out for it. Casting the magnificent human person that is
Henry Cavill is an interesting anecdote in the story of its production. It’s strange that I should not really care
about this as I think I should. My
problem lies in the fact that I simply don’t believe anyone is an appropriate
choice for playing my white haired dad figure at all. Geralt is already an icon who stands at a
lofty height. However, the appeal of the
franchise isn’t just because of our favourite butcher of Blaviken, it’s the
world that he lives in. It is rich,
beautiful, scary and full of incredible characters that deserve equally good
treatment. Perhaps I might eventually
pass some sort of judgement once I find out who has been cast as Reince or
Mother Nenneke. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Probably. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
And so - in my old tradition of posting a fun video at the end of each post - here is something I heard before finishing the Witcher 2 and oh boy - to this day, this song overlays any game music set in a tavern. </div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Also relevant. </div>
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<br />Tarirayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13142797883757620343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1273634534559488293.post-653735267919250972016-04-01T11:10:00.000+11:002016-05-10T10:04:43.188+10:00Quarter one achieved<div dir="ltr">
Ok man, what is happening. Its April!</div>
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</div>
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I am trying the blogger app. Its a bit weird and I have no idea if the pictures are showing properly. </div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p82GEvi3BC4/VvchvTG154I/AAAAAAAACHQ/FJUBBmoiJfk/s1600/200w.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="179" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p82GEvi3BC4/VvchvTG154I/AAAAAAAACHQ/FJUBBmoiJfk/s320/200w.gif" width="320" /> </a></div>
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Are they?</div>
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</div>
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I have no idea, I'm back on a browser now so hopefully this post will look a little more coherent than what I can see on my phone.</div>
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</div>
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Yes - April - goddamnit where is all the time going?</div>
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</div>
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Also - let's not panic...</div>
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</div>
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So I am becoming exceedingly lazy of late. My weekends are full of events that while I may look like I am turning into a social butterfly, remember that appearances are deceiving and really, I am turning into a social slug. I get there, I end up just lying about, and leaving a mess.</div>
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</div>
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I also went diving - and I really would have loved to share my photos of the lovely underwater world I encountered in Manly but my camera failed me. </div>
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But, I did go paddle boarding too - I was slow, I was wobbly and I forgot my sun-cream and I fell but you know what - I saw jellyfish float alongside me while doing it so it was an excellent experience (not the burny stingy ones, the cute jelly up ones). </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RbKxLUXIdoY/Vv2rnTtztJI/AAAAAAAACHk/DnkbkXEyHt0BOrgR3TdE3U0fEQn1KQNYg/s1600/boarding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RbKxLUXIdoY/Vv2rnTtztJI/AAAAAAAACHk/DnkbkXEyHt0BOrgR3TdE3U0fEQn1KQNYg/s320/boarding.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the gorgeous view in Manly </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I have also been doing art. I am not attending Supanova this year so I am not making antlers for once and having at go at other things.<br />
<br />
Said things involve cutting doing a scary amount of maths and cutting metal and stuff:<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4UAMjLj_7Mc/Vv2uEJqUbZI/AAAAAAAACHw/ycHcJp-TJ3swoDbhDeW8L5mVxjBFchmZQ/s1600/IMG_20160209_211340%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4UAMjLj_7Mc/Vv2uEJqUbZI/AAAAAAAACHw/ycHcJp-TJ3swoDbhDeW8L5mVxjBFchmZQ/s320/IMG_20160209_211340%255B1%255D.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
and then soldering and filing and shaping and stuff:<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sq4puz1ftRs/Vv2utsTIvYI/AAAAAAAACH0/90Z7gUpwTm4r67Qc57DxQdkF1SrZ6sbSw/s1600/IMG_20160308_194721%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sq4puz1ftRs/Vv2utsTIvYI/AAAAAAAACH0/90Z7gUpwTm4r67Qc57DxQdkF1SrZ6sbSw/s320/IMG_20160308_194721%255B1%255D.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
and then more soldering, more filing, and buffing and then finally setting and POW!<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FS21dEBOor8/Vv2vKDjXmNI/AAAAAAAACH8/H3JaMmNwVkoOLY0oczuu81D8XrwLTib6w/s1600/IMG_20160329_230802%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FS21dEBOor8/Vv2vKDjXmNI/AAAAAAAACH8/H3JaMmNwVkoOLY0oczuu81D8XrwLTib6w/s320/IMG_20160329_230802%255B1%255D.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
Hell yiss! I made a ring! its kind of huge and pretty heavy (around 13gm of silver and probably about 4gm of stone) and I'm so proud because I can hold a flame to metal and make things and now I HAS THE POWER.<br />
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<br />
But really, I'm really happy with how it turned out, J and I took the course together and she has also improved her mad skillz.<br />
We're working on new smaller projects, I'm working on another ring so I can practice my soldering and needle filing.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WIP!</td></tr>
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I'm also doing other things!!!<br />
Like painting! Hooray! Seriously, I've not drawn or painted in years and it felt really good to get back into it.<br />
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Mind you - I'm still getting the hang of it - I'm trying watercolours,<br />
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Which is really fun, but I think I'm being either too heavy handed or using too much water and warping what is essentially watercolour paper.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tzPB2bZzIJs/Vv20KohhAmI/AAAAAAAACJE/y9S0B7rl9S0jcwGgN8wfgqsryuN69v5LQ/s1600/IMG_20160215_080546%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tzPB2bZzIJs/Vv20KohhAmI/AAAAAAAACJE/y9S0B7rl9S0jcwGgN8wfgqsryuN69v5LQ/s320/IMG_20160215_080546%255B1%255D.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
But I'm trying different things - so now I'm working on acrylics<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nuCABsxGhjQ/Vv20PWTzCFI/AAAAAAAACJE/ON1QTwMI7I4nVdDiPyCwjcy4AhUPpp0DQ/s1600/IMG_20160323_184110%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nuCABsxGhjQ/Vv20PWTzCFI/AAAAAAAACJE/ON1QTwMI7I4nVdDiPyCwjcy4AhUPpp0DQ/s320/IMG_20160323_184110%255B1%255D.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
Which was pretty hard because I'm starting to get into really small details and sometimes I can't colour coordinate properly<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rQ2DimjU55w/Vv20XqZPVZI/AAAAAAAACJE/hEudK1mz4g0hC7yAgf4IAEYhmQDMWSt4Q/s1600/IMG_20160323_184041%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rQ2DimjU55w/Vv20XqZPVZI/AAAAAAAACJE/hEudK1mz4g0hC7yAgf4IAEYhmQDMWSt4Q/s320/IMG_20160323_184041%255B1%255D.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
But I reckon I am improving, especially with texture<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-btQi23W8A2c/Vv20hKerPcI/AAAAAAAACJI/3zdBm6ihhb4DQOWsTB_1uX4UHPCBp3k0w/s1600/IMG_20160323_184248%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-btQi23W8A2c/Vv20hKerPcI/AAAAAAAACJI/3zdBm6ihhb4DQOWsTB_1uX4UHPCBp3k0w/s320/IMG_20160323_184248%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I also tried pencil drawing which is soooo hard!!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The runes on the hammer say 'All My Single Ladies"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Yeah - so I'm totally turning into an arty farty art nerd. <br />
<br />
I also went to Melbourne and saw the fam-bam there.<br />
<br />
I also saw pelicans!<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v9wEkrD6HPs/Vv26r5GAX6I/AAAAAAAACJg/WWtZt_BPLCUdbT9YRpyr8aPUDrxeZDEwg/s1600/IMG_20160327_120525%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v9wEkrD6HPs/Vv26r5GAX6I/AAAAAAAACJg/WWtZt_BPLCUdbT9YRpyr8aPUDrxeZDEwg/s320/IMG_20160327_120525%255B1%255D.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
And the sea!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S0zmhEBcXEw/Vv265Np--kI/AAAAAAAACJo/LmEpYX1MTNM8PVZ6Pmw8kuyOvV7pscgDQ/s1600/IMG_20160327_145429%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S0zmhEBcXEw/Vv265Np--kI/AAAAAAAACJo/LmEpYX1MTNM8PVZ6Pmw8kuyOvV7pscgDQ/s320/IMG_20160327_145429%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phillip Island without the penguins.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Anyway - this is mainly a pic dump. Enjoy!1<br />
<br />
Oh and if you have ideas for paintings and drawings, I'm all ears dude!<br />
<br />
I'm also obsessed with this Youtube channel:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/bufgZJa2smo/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bufgZJa2smo?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
Because goddamn it, the reviews for the movie are bad and I am so disappoint!!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TjnQFfdqrPw/Vv27nutqJvI/AAAAAAAACJ0/fItz35YlySwyxZFnRQW-xpS2ZuMLI3dbA/s1600/sadbatman.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TjnQFfdqrPw/Vv27nutqJvI/AAAAAAAACJ0/fItz35YlySwyxZFnRQW-xpS2ZuMLI3dbA/s1600/sadbatman.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So now, I'm off to soothe my heart with too many wonder Woman t-shirts. Whoooo<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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</div>
Tarirayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13142797883757620343noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1273634534559488293.post-68563251207990089992016-04-01T09:52:00.000+11:002016-04-01T09:52:47.820+11:00The Epic Saga of the Filo Trip: Came for the bad jokes, stayed for the photos<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">So – 2016 is happening huh? Holy shit do you know what that
means?!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We are going to have a third Captain America movie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And a third Star Trek movie. And we just had
the latest instalment of Star Wars as a glorious X-mas gift.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ANAccwLtTB0/Vo5JYu3Y67I/AAAAAAAAB8I/ucTuUoL9jNY/s1600/poe.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ANAccwLtTB0/Vo5JYu3Y67I/AAAAAAAAB8I/ucTuUoL9jNY/s320/poe.gif" width="207" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And what a gift...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">What a time to be alive.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">But we've also lost a bevy of awesome people - seriously, was there a statute of limitations that we didn't know about with regards to the coolest music and film icons ever? </span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Nonetheless, I can only feel grateful even as I’m slightly
panicking that I have somehow gotten through 16 years of the new millennium and
still have no idea what the hell I’m doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SNok_MdtfGs/Vo5Jix_tIVI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/PTUBG1ljbFE/s1600/k97LQjl.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SNok_MdtfGs/Vo5Jix_tIVI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/PTUBG1ljbFE/s1600/k97LQjl.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">And there’s so much to do!! So much to see!! So many places
to go!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I want to continue travelling of course and have recently
capped my travels of 2015 with a three week stay back home in the Philippines –
the beautiful, beautiful homeland. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Except for the times when it isn’t.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">But you know what – I missed my family, I missed the weird
culture bubble that is Manila, I missed the godawful television.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kS_emNQq2KQ/Vo5IZMd18sI/AAAAAAAAB7s/ShA__cThSFE/s1600/ryzza-mae-dizon-michael-v-425x157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kS_emNQq2KQ/Vo5IZMd18sI/AAAAAAAAB7s/ShA__cThSFE/s320/ryzza-mae-dizon-michael-v-425x157.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's right - she's advertising donuts - all harmless and so not sending out the wrong message regarding food advertised to young children</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Really – why aren’t Ryzza Maye’s parents doing anything about
her health? She’s going to have stroke by 20, she’s so cute and talented and
this is how they’re encouraging her public image?!</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ynYWM7t45FE/Vo5IjjwWgJI/AAAAAAAAB70/vksBmvhYkTE/s1600/hqdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ynYWM7t45FE/Vo5IjjwWgJI/AAAAAAAAB70/vksBmvhYkTE/s320/hqdefault.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I mean seriously....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Jesus.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eq4oVrM930I/Vo5IqR507aI/AAAAAAAAB78/JuT-w11NlT0/s1600/yeah%2Bright.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eq4oVrM930I/Vo5IqR507aI/AAAAAAAAB78/JuT-w11NlT0/s320/yeah%2Bright.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Australia banned Fanta from using their cartoon mascots cause it was directly aimed at kids... and we get Ryzza making food commercials for everything ugh...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">This should not be acceptable.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Anywhere.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">There’s so much unbelievable beauty and people to admire and
so much ingenuity in the Philippines and yet the level of greed and consumption
is such that it makes my brain explode.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I could write a whole essay about it - and I wont because I'll get mad, and then you'll get mad, and being mad doesn't help - spreading the word can help, and making small changes can help and we can only do so much and then rely a little bit on hope.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">But never mind! I still went and had a wonderful time and
loved it, and loved the gorgeous heat and even the humidity and oh boy the FOOD. Look at that - that's a rice bento covered in Uni, yes - sea urchin. GOD THAT STUFF IS EVERYWHERE!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pLofdkj7JYU/Vo5J9fLa_vI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/NYcM_aPQBho/s1600/IMG_20151122_141521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pLofdkj7JYU/Vo5J9fLa_vI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/NYcM_aPQBho/s320/IMG_20151122_141521.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QvYSy-96Xpc/Vo5KZQyY6PI/AAAAAAAAB8o/QMIJAswbGd8/s1600/IMG_20151129_184649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QvYSy-96Xpc/Vo5KZQyY6PI/AAAAAAAAB8o/QMIJAswbGd8/s320/IMG_20151129_184649.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">But I wanted to get my dive on, and booked a trip to Coron,
Palawan for roughly a week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stayed at
a dive resort called <a href="http://www.chindonan-diveresort.com/" target="_blank">Chindonan Island</a> where everything has to do with
diving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The place itself is simply
furnished but really well made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There would be
no electricity during the day and the only wifi spot was slow and there was no
phone reception.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t have asked
for anything better actually.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6i0RghOhsfQ/Vo5NWW9w2EI/AAAAAAAAB9E/zcxYw2Jt9cY/s1600/IMG_20151125_093620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6i0RghOhsfQ/Vo5NWW9w2EI/AAAAAAAAB9E/zcxYw2Jt9cY/s320/IMG_20151125_093620.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a sight to fly into</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The Island is surrounded by mangrove and has its own
springwater source, which means the water was gorgeous and
drinkable.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">It also made the surrounding
seawater less salty which was just the absolute best because I have always had
a gross tendency to swallow seawater when diving or snorkelling, or getting it
up my nose cause I fail at breathing or holding my breath while swimming and
goddamn saltwater stings.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o4xTKX53N6w/Vo5NVho7fkI/AAAAAAAAB9I/-NTqwSKRQh8/s1600/20151128_075716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o4xTKX53N6w/Vo5NVho7fkI/AAAAAAAAB9I/-NTqwSKRQh8/s320/20151128_075716.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are people who wake up to this every day... goddamnit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Its also a bird sanctuary and waking up to the sound of
birdsong is one of the most beautiful things in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also got woken up by geckos, which make
this adorable noise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We called them Tuko
is tagalog because that’s what the noise they make sounds like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They usually wake you up at 7am with a stream
of knocky <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tukoo, tuko, tukoo…</i> and
then eventually it sounds like they run out of steam making their calls and
their <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tukooo</i> gets stretched out until
you can tell they can’t be bothered anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rw_-S4TJjjo/Vo5PylnTanI/AAAAAAAAB-U/KFvxvsngWhI/s1600/P1010800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rw_-S4TJjjo/Vo5PylnTanI/AAAAAAAAB-U/KFvxvsngWhI/s320/P1010800.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The diving here however, is phenomenal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The set of islands we were in are home to
numerous WW2 wrecks of some small and medium sized Japanese ships that were sunk
nearing the end of the war.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some wrecks
were so close to the surface you could see their coral encrusted bows just
skimming the surface of the unbelievably clear water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ynIPB51NkT4/Vo5QFjfYhhI/AAAAAAAAB-k/gskwU17OxWw/s1600/IMG_20151126_163404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ynIPB51NkT4/Vo5QFjfYhhI/AAAAAAAAB-k/gskwU17OxWw/s320/IMG_20151126_163404.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-txIhquh2yps/Vo5QDQsXvoI/AAAAAAAAB-c/D2-qLl8X04Y/s1600/IMG_20151127_083412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-txIhquh2yps/Vo5QDQsXvoI/AAAAAAAAB-c/D2-qLl8X04Y/s320/IMG_20151127_083412.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I dove with Dive Master Nic, who, along with the mangers of
the result are Danish, which was so cool and funny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That these mega white and tall dudes were
showing me around my own country’s beautiful sites was mildly ironic but not
really all that unusual.</span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ow8lndQyHGc/Vo5NtlLvU9I/AAAAAAAAB9s/bZhLxO95sYc/s1600/IMG_20151127_163623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ow8lndQyHGc/Vo5NtlLvU9I/AAAAAAAAB9s/bZhLxO95sYc/s320/IMG_20151127_163623.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Nic was an excellent dive buddy and, typical of all the
divers I have ever met, easy going, relaxed and passionate about the sea, which
is all the things I love about diving company.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VQObdh-sGRg/Vo5N-TrxxPI/AAAAAAAAB-E/veh709sT6pQ/s1600/DSC00169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VQObdh-sGRg/Vo5N-TrxxPI/AAAAAAAAB-E/veh709sT6pQ/s320/DSC00169.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NOT DROWNING!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">He’s also a mega nerd and we had some great conversations on
land during dinner about the latest sci fi books and their reflections on
current scientific progress and the comparisons of magic and science.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My godmother, who tagged along with me and is
a pro diver and snorkeller herself sat bewildered between us as we bantered
back and forth about Game of Thrones and the Kingkiller Chronicles, which are
on my to read list (which is getting bigger).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M8vGse-QwkM/Vo5SMi2tiyI/AAAAAAAACBM/FvqcQZ2Q5js/s1600/DSC00035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M8vGse-QwkM/Vo5SMi2tiyI/AAAAAAAACBM/FvqcQZ2Q5js/s320/DSC00035.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">But the diving – oh boy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have mentioned that my motherland is beautiful haven’t I?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vGUA4Zu679Q/Vo5TAgr7yhI/AAAAAAAACB8/UUmSlUDko-U/s1600/DSC00034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vGUA4Zu679Q/Vo5TAgr7yhI/AAAAAAAACB8/UUmSlUDko-U/s320/DSC00034.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from my room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">My godmother couldn’t dive with us as she had problems with
the cold (although, I dived in just my swimsuit because the water was a
glorious 29 degrees Celsius every day) and she needed a prescription mask,
which she didn’t have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But her photos of
me diving and her own snorkelling shots are phenomenal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JZ-vtkGPT4E/Vo5TqqUcdHI/AAAAAAAACCQ/zjVFYSlWQBQ/s1600/P1010813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JZ-vtkGPT4E/Vo5TqqUcdHI/AAAAAAAACCQ/zjVFYSlWQBQ/s320/P1010813.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at that terrible flailing, can't even kick properly!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R8Jm1-t2djI/Vo5UbA_pdgI/AAAAAAAACCY/ARajBz9owvw/s1600/P1010851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R8Jm1-t2djI/Vo5UbA_pdgI/AAAAAAAACCY/ARajBz9owvw/s320/P1010851.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basket coral</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">My own photos were, if I may say so myself, pretty damn good
too.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I got some beautiful colours and
some clear shots with my cheap action camera which at least could handle up to
60 metres of depth.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I even managed to
take one good shot of a seaslug although this one gorgeous shot of a Spanish dancer
nudibranch came out unfocused AUGH!!!</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6e4WU5u9oIo/Vo5VgbmCKrI/AAAAAAAACDE/aoX3fDDbBtU/s1600/DSC00099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6e4WU5u9oIo/Vo5VgbmCKrI/AAAAAAAACDE/aoX3fDDbBtU/s320/DSC00099.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">look at this adorable sea slug!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">But that’s ok because I still managed to get some good
practice, on both using my camera underwater and learning to achieve a good
level of neutral buoyancy.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I cut and
scratched and stung myself on nearly everything down there due to my messy
swimming style but eventually learned to be more still by the end of my
whopping 5 continuous dives over those few days.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6d1RPkYqNbM/Vo5S5OTcMRI/AAAAAAAACB0/SKS6bVqm9jc/s1600/DSC00090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6d1RPkYqNbM/Vo5S5OTcMRI/AAAAAAAACB0/SKS6bVqm9jc/s320/DSC00090.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BEI1bCjztQE/Vo5UpP8VFfI/AAAAAAAACC0/kP9HBMckv2c/s1600/P1010975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BEI1bCjztQE/Vo5UpP8VFfI/AAAAAAAACC0/kP9HBMckv2c/s320/P1010975.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I even did a night dive where I thought I was getting sick
at one point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought maybe I had not
been breathing properly and was getting compression sickness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It turned out that it was most likely
exhaustion from a 75 minute night dive and the accumulation of two other dives
before that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UfzIGr8LKs8/Vo5SfrxP-hI/AAAAAAAACBg/IlF64KiK8o0/s1600/DSC00114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UfzIGr8LKs8/Vo5SfrxP-hI/AAAAAAAACBg/IlF64KiK8o0/s320/DSC00114.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Yey, I sort of did some hardcore diving!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7kbtsBXQo6U/Vo5TBmCcKBI/AAAAAAAACCE/gOkr-OpcyWc/s1600/DSC00244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7kbtsBXQo6U/Vo5TBmCcKBI/AAAAAAAACCE/gOkr-OpcyWc/s320/DSC00244.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">My co divers were two very experienced Dutch divers who were
on a long holiday diving around the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They had just been in the Caribbean and they showed me some glorious
videos of them diving with Manata Rays the size of cars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cxT-0ZBiql4/Vo5WPUpQXeI/AAAAAAAACDM/_CVwUdMS4fs/s1600/DSC00115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cxT-0ZBiql4/Vo5WPUpQXeI/AAAAAAAACDM/_CVwUdMS4fs/s320/DSC00115.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qaDTM5kLsk0/Vo5WRVWjISI/AAAAAAAACDU/iIhWjnr8S2M/s1600/DSC00176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qaDTM5kLsk0/Vo5WRVWjISI/AAAAAAAACDU/iIhWjnr8S2M/s320/DSC00176.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">One day, that’s going to be me too.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OEX-w4ZDBhw/Vo5Sk5fQBbI/AAAAAAAACBs/J2AI1GnL7aI/s1600/DSC00188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OEX-w4ZDBhw/Vo5Sk5fQBbI/AAAAAAAACBs/J2AI1GnL7aI/s320/DSC00188.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The little streak of green are actually the huge lips of a giant sea clam embedded in the coral</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The place was supposed to be a sanctuary for seahorses,
although I did not get to see one.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Nonetheless, I did get to see one of the most beautiful Jellyfish ever
and chased after the poor creature to get a good shot of him.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">You can tell that he looks mildly panicked as
I blundered after him to get a good shot.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kwt8FwW_0DQ/Vo5ODnIgvlI/AAAAAAAAB-M/cMrc0u1OfrI/s1600/P1010945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kwt8FwW_0DQ/Vo5ODnIgvlI/AAAAAAAAB-M/cMrc0u1OfrI/s320/P1010945.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ISN'T HE THE CUTEST!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I called him Leppy, cause he looked like he had leopard
spots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a quick Google, it turns out
its called a Spotted Jelly (duh), Golden Medusa or Papuan Jellyfish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3L_KrHwTvOg/Vo5Q5hkQ6yI/AAAAAAAAB_4/5ftv_Jcgp2s/s1600/IMG_20151126_124418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3L_KrHwTvOg/Vo5Q5hkQ6yI/AAAAAAAAB_4/5ftv_Jcgp2s/s320/IMG_20151126_124418.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">After Chindonan we took our boat back to Coron town to spend
our last night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ate at a phenomenal
and unusually authentic Italian restaurant and I had to get my phone fixed
cause it got exposed to water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The town
itself is basically a holding pen for tourists who need a place to sleep when
they’re not snorkelling or diving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
didn’t end up going to the Coron Island sights like Barracuda Lake but I didn’t
mind because I know I’m going back for more soon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1QRmDua-kXE/Vo5Xr-5OngI/AAAAAAAACDg/jYcpAuBZTVA/s1600/20151128_123108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1QRmDua-kXE/Vo5Xr-5OngI/AAAAAAAACDg/jYcpAuBZTVA/s320/20151128_123108.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The adorable lodge we stayed at on our last night.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I cried on the boat back to the town, I really didn’t want
to leave, the feeling of seaspray and the salty wind on my face was bliss and
at that point I didn’t know how I could live a life where I didn’t go island
hopping on boat and just eat fresh fruit and fish for my meals.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Hell, I even learned to kayak (I row badly,
it turns out) and got some great workouts while I was there.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-slkjb-HFA-s/Vo5UfXNdWHI/AAAAAAAACCk/d1zVrO9NSl4/s1600/P1010899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-slkjb-HFA-s/Vo5UfXNdWHI/AAAAAAAACCk/d1zVrO9NSl4/s320/P1010899.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">So, you can imagine it felt like a punch in the gut to land
back into the polluted morass that is Manila.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3dILMXuomSg/Vo5YWvCsX8I/AAAAAAAACDo/9kFhCc4Ovm8/s1600/IMG_20151123_134431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3dILMXuomSg/Vo5YWvCsX8I/AAAAAAAACDo/9kFhCc4Ovm8/s320/IMG_20151123_134431.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hahaha contrasty nonsense</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Manila used to be a beautiful city.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">It was vibrant and the people were
exciting.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Now it’s a bit of adump, filled with
pollution, constructions sites, and evidence of the blind capitalist greed that
has consumed the cultural psyche and, oh my god, the poverty is so prevalent
that it makes you hard and cynical. I can only hope that some of these constructions will improve things a bit.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">But despite the poverty, the visual cues of seeing a beautiful city begin to rot from poor foresight, corruption and poverty, Manila is also home to some amazing things, like the enthusiasm of their X-mas decorations. </span></div>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EBhUeyfufVk/Vo5MVMOGDVI/AAAAAAAAB84/kbgQDGWRkPM/s1600/IMG_20151210_113135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EBhUeyfufVk/Vo5MVMOGDVI/AAAAAAAAB84/kbgQDGWRkPM/s320/IMG_20151210_113135.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seriously, how beautiful!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The one thing I love about Christmas in the Philippines is
the amount of effort people put in decorating, no expense is ever spared –
especially with lights.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qIabisFCvjU/Vo5aZgnTgbI/AAAAAAAACD8/wOUjHwu1fmc/s1600/IMG_20151211_001000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qIabisFCvjU/Vo5aZgnTgbI/AAAAAAAACD8/wOUjHwu1fmc/s320/IMG_20151211_001000.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Nonetheless, Manila is home, and its home because that's where my family is and god, I love them so much and the little house I have spent so much of my childhood in during southern summers and X-masses.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ujw0JGCpEI4/Vo5bIOsMhaI/AAAAAAAACEI/T102bi_5dAI/s1600/IMG_20151124_091355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ujw0JGCpEI4/Vo5bIOsMhaI/AAAAAAAACEI/T102bi_5dAI/s320/IMG_20151124_091355.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z9KMnwoC0vA/Vo5bIVSNX8I/AAAAAAAACEM/ImrllrB249A/s1600/IMG_20151124_091804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z9KMnwoC0vA/Vo5bIVSNX8I/AAAAAAAACEM/ImrllrB249A/s320/IMG_20151124_091804.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">But away with Manila, shopping land extraordinaire and city
of paradoxes, and off we go to the mountains of Tagaytay, which is only a 40
minute drive away where we are building a new family home to move out to.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Look at the view we can start waking up to!!!!</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RP4DLLnJSas/Vo5b3VMKEfI/AAAAAAAACEw/cuqZNBVImyM/s1600/IMG_20151124_162737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RP4DLLnJSas/Vo5b3VMKEfI/AAAAAAAACEw/cuqZNBVImyM/s320/IMG_20151124_162737.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ajdTil8BK3U/Vo5b148S82I/AAAAAAAACEo/KMDmJfl8xgk/s1600/IMG_20151124_173316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ajdTil8BK3U/Vo5b148S82I/AAAAAAAACEo/KMDmJfl8xgk/s320/IMG_20151124_173316.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">This is one of my favourite places in the whole wide
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yEEhw8c1v3g/Vo5bcglebgI/AAAAAAAACEY/Yh9-ZCxPnYs/s1600/IMG_20151124_145917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yEEhw8c1v3g/Vo5bcglebgI/AAAAAAAACEY/Yh9-ZCxPnYs/s320/IMG_20151124_145917.jpg" width="235" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lQ-HDewcyj8/Vo5biULCPiI/AAAAAAAACEg/1avPzb5AqMM/s1600/IMG_20151124_123701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lQ-HDewcyj8/Vo5biULCPiI/AAAAAAAACEg/1avPzb5AqMM/s320/IMG_20151124_123701.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Tagaytay is a mountain region built on the lip of an ancient
volcano which got flooded in thousands of years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then, another little volcano, which is
still active grew out of the lake inside it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So essentially, it’s a volcano inside a volcano. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And there’s no way you can ever get a bad shot
of the place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We stayed at Taal Vista Lodge for a weekend away and spent
some time with the little bubbas at the Skyranch, which was a mountaintop fun
park that wasn’t all that bad, we enjoyed the rides (all of which you had to
pay for separately damnit!) and had some gorgeous walks in the hotel gardens
where there were butterflies following my hungover cousin (my theory is they
smelled the alcohol coming from him and thought he was food or something) and
gosh darn it, isn’t this the most beautiful view?</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6bhIKtNYq9E/Vo5cPiU7L-I/AAAAAAAACE4/FG94y4-b5ws/s1600/PC050006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6bhIKtNYq9E/Vo5cPiU7L-I/AAAAAAAACE4/FG94y4-b5ws/s320/PC050006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Then, it was back to Manila for fam-bam days and a nice
visit for an early X-mas party at the orphanages my aunty teaches English
at.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The place is called The House of
Refuge and the kids are adorable and amazing as all hell.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JaEQ_PK4OCY/Vo5c6Wbuz0I/AAAAAAAACFQ/Jp05Vl_Jbk8/s1600/IMG_20151202_174549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JaEQ_PK4OCY/Vo5c6Wbuz0I/AAAAAAAACFQ/Jp05Vl_Jbk8/s320/IMG_20151202_174549.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The teeny one at the front in the green shirt is my adorable cousin.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The kids are sent to school and taught English to prepare
them mostly for adoption.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The fact that
they already know English means its easier for overseas parents to adopt.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Likewise, they’re given a full all-rounder
education and some of the kids are being eyed to join the regional and national
Wushu teams representing the Philippines.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Oh, and so many of these kids are unbelievably bright.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span id="goog_546045581"></span><span id="goog_546045582"></span><br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxhVBX0Vepq85QPHctdEfoPIJw3PTSIclUqFs8caIMhE7HcVoxFUlOLJYd4hHS3CGlQsS87TXDa8kkqmCx5VA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">
<br /> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">We took my young nephew to Manila Ocean Park, which I’ve
visited before, there were two additional exhibits including a small ocean bird
exhibit where we got to hang around with a few sea kestrels who were actually
quite sweet and a damp touch the sealife experience with a largely pettable Leopard
Ray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XcVBIswddsk/Vo5d6RFJRAI/AAAAAAAACFo/GkZR_HKN--o/s1600/20151203_122922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XcVBIswddsk/Vo5d6RFJRAI/AAAAAAAACFo/GkZR_HKN--o/s320/20151203_122922.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iA9TQ970Y2g/Vo5d6Y_lpqI/AAAAAAAACFs/oA3gj6MW6rw/s1600/20151203_123343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iA9TQ970Y2g/Vo5d6Y_lpqI/AAAAAAAACFs/oA3gj6MW6rw/s320/20151203_123343.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The animal seemed to enjoy the
physical contact with his handler and I got my little nephew to touch it, just
so he knew what it felt like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find
those kinds of exhibits uncomfortable because of the possible stress you’re
putting the animal through, but in a country like the Philippines, where there
is so much desperate need for people to understand that these animals are
precious, its one of the few ways it helps (its not the best way, but baby
steps please).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were also some
sleepy nurse sharks that were just lumped on top of each other at the side of
the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">As always, my favourite exhibit is the Jelly fish room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I utterly adore jellies and even though we
entered the darkened exhibit with a gaggle of screaming children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was determined to zen out with my floating
buddies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I imagined myself as floating
about with Ponyo and her friends under the coloured lights. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Aside from the sightseeing, naturally I did some insane
shopping in the insane malls of Manila.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Filos are naturally inclined to be nerdy by nature and good god the Star
Wars hype over there was crazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything
was Star Wars related, EVERYTHING.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
managed to get so much tastefully made and official Star Wars stuff that I
boggled as to why there was that weird copyright infringement by Black Milk
with their first Star Wars collection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If several Filipino labels can get licenses, you’d think that an
Australian label would find it as easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Also, they had everything else licensed, if it wasn’t Star Wars, it was
Marvel or Giordano’s epic Voltes 5 collection (which was admittedly, rather
pricey).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Also – they had Cotton On there, and it was expensive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What. The. Hell?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">My trip home was a balm to the soul.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">And even though I genuinely think Manila is a hole, it is my
hole and I’ll love it the way I do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> And I'll always have a love-hate relationship with Manila which is mostly a love and exasperation relation, more than hate. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">My Aunty and Uncle who both live there gave me a simple explanation.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">People like to be patriotic
in the sense of being proud that Martin Nievera is good looking and 'talented',
or that Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussy Cat Dolls is half Filipina or that Apple
from the Black Eyed Peas is Filipino, but they don’t actually love their
country, not the kind of love where they're willing to give their all for it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">For example - its a great marine wildlife park and all - and you definitely want to pull those tourists in and all - but for the love of god, if you're going to build a marine wildlife park in the bay, don't throw all your rubbish into the water.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Because repeated requests to not sit on the stairs means that you sit on the stairs...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I love the Philippines, I want to live there and just set up
a life there by the mountains where I can go diving and maybe tour people
around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or create a turtle breeding
program and show locals and tourists what a perfect country that place is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Its getting better, slowly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I worry that it would have lost too much by then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I am Filipina too, this is my responsibility too and to be
honest – it daunting.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I wouldn’t know
where to start.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">But anyone who reads this – go visit the Philippines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its heaven on earth (except where its not),
it will open your eyes to how beautiful the world can be when done right and
open your eyes to the things that need to be seen and known so that we can start making things right. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">For now – look at the photos and marvel at the wonder of a
country built upon a coral reef, fertile with the tastiest produce and the most
serene mountains and the friendliest people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I miss you already, Manila, craziness and all. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">T<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Tarirayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13142797883757620343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1273634534559488293.post-88106419018784080512015-11-20T22:41:00.000+11:002015-11-20T22:41:00.991+11:00This is how we become<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t know what it feels like to be marginalised.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t know what its like to be look at sideways on the
street. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I haven’t lost my loved ones to war. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But I do feel loss, and grief and sadness and I ache. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I type, there is a shootout in Mali’s capital, and a
hostage situation. This will not garner
a social media profile photo flag. This
will not garner wall to wall media coverage.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And that is just as painful as the grief and shock I feel
for Paris and the unbelievable shock it has witnessed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A day before Paris, it was Beirut. Four people set out to blow up a popular
shopping area of Beirut. Two managed to
detonate their bombs, a third got caught in the blast before he could explode
his and a fourth got caught my locals before he could do anything. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They nearly lynched him.
The police had to shoot into the air to make the crowd to disperse in
order to arrest him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the hospital a man screamed out to the camera: ‘We are Arabs,
and we will never bow our heads!’</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Defiant, brave and uncowed.
The terrorists failed that day in Beirut, even if the price was high.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Paris; people living good, happy lives cut short by such
callousness, a level of brutal inhumanity that I wondered if these people weren’t
on drugs, that they did not flinch nor shy away.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It takes some kind of monstrousness to pull a trigger on
anyone.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And you know what is so sad – that could be any of us. That monstrousness spawned the
#blacklivesmatter movement too remember? And yes, they're similar things if not the same. Fueled by the same kind of ignorance, fueled by the same kind of hate and fear, its just a matter of degrees and its a sad day when we argue those tiny things instead of those big ones.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is no ‘US’, there is no ‘THEM’ but we decided to make
it so, and now we’re paying the cost. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And what is more heart breaking is that Paris is rising from
this tragedy with the same resilience that made them resist in the war, that
made them overthrow their oppressors in glorious revolution and we are not even so much as learning
from their example.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You will not have my hate – said a man who lost his wife.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do you still trust me? – asked a local Parisian (and many still
did).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will not be manipulated – said a television broadcaster.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But I don’t know, it feels like there’s not enough of
these. I am drowning in so much argument
and it hurts. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It hurts because we are too busy yelling to stop for a
second and just cry. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And I apologise, my writing is erratic and my spelling is
probably worse – half my screen is blurry, or maybe that’s my eyesight.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know we will grow from this, we’ll get better but right
now its very black. I sound very
confident about my politics and social opinions but I’m not. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m sad, I’m sad for the people we lose to the dumbest
shit. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If only someone had given those kids a year’s subscription to
World of Warcraft. Or invited them to
play soccer. Or just taken them to the
movies. Or just told them that they mattered, and yeah we do different stuff but what's important is the stuff that makes us the same, like our love for Cristiano Ronaldo. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If only our arguments were over who Kylo Ren is in the new
Star Wars movie, I’d take a punch in the throat for spreading the theory about Dark Jar Jar.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We invent words, like US and THEM and by the nature of the
fact that we are shaped by our language we create it. So words like ‘INFIDEL’, ‘HOLY WAR’ become
real to those who do not understand the terrible and exacting beauty of their
own language. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We invent things to fight over, and I’m not even talking
about religion. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I see absolutely no difference between Muslims, Christians,
Jews, Hindus, Rastafarians, Zoroastrians or even Bhuddists. For crying out
loud, we can’t even get along with people with a different skin colour than us,
or even genitalia for that matter, never mind the complicated existential stuff.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God came to all of us.
To some, he became a bearded dude in the sky, to others, an Elephant, or
an abstract concept that manifests in different forms depending on what your
requirements are.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My mother is a good catholic who taught me a very profound
truth:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If god, who is amazing and huge and beautiful and powerful
and everywhere and made everything including time and space – then why wouldn’t
she reveal himself to everyone in different ways?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To some, it showed its face as a ten armed goddess, to
others, a golden eagle, and to others, a kind hearted Jewish dude who allowed
himself to get killed in a horrific way by some Italians because he knew that
being excellent to each other was far more important than being afraid of
death. And to many others, words spoken by an angel to teach us the way forward.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wouldn’t it be insulting to your god to think that he
created billions of people, but only a handful are his chosen ones? What kind of dickhead god is that? Why would he make us if he only made some for
himself? Geez god, you’re a racist
douche, and wasteful too. All that clay
wasted on the untouched, on the heathen.
You could have made like, a trillion turtles for all that effort. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shit, we can’t even get along with non-humans come to think
about it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And I’m equal parts heart-broken and angry, because it’s the
same goddamn thing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Its Richard the Lionheart, Grand Crusader for the Cross of
Christ, burning Acre to the ground killing everyone inside, women and
children. All for the Christian faith.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t think that because it happened so long ago that its
not relevant boys and girls, time is, as Rust says, a flat circle. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ISIS took Aleppo, they burned the ruins of thousands of
years. They killed women and they killed
children.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Boko Haram has stolen more children than we can ever count.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Catholic bishops and priests raped, tortured and mutilated
thousands of people just to get them to confess to unimportant heresies, the
office of the Inquisition is still an active office of the Vatican. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We embroidered yellow stars on Jews to point them out to the
population, only later to use it as an identifier as to whom should go to the
camps.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, some brainiac in the US wants to give Syrian refugees
special Ids if they come into the country.
Hahahah I did Nazi that coming... get it?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course you do. How
sad is that?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Around 70 years ago.
Japanese pilots invoked the spirit of the divine wind and killed their
enemies in their thousands. There are
Buddhists actively participating in the massacre of the Rohingya people. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are priests destroying children, safe in the knowledge
that the Vatican will protect them. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God blew down the walls of Jericho, God burned cities to the
ground... holy cow god, you’re pretty freaking scary when you pick sides in a
fight.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You can ‘<i>yeah but...’ </i>all you like, but this smells like
human nature to me and then we blamed something so much more gorgeous than ourselves for our stupidity and called it righteous. Same mongrel,
different collar and everyone is doing it so if you’re going to point the
finger, remember there’s three pointing back.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So here I am, forlorn and disheartened and needing something
to hang on to.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And here’s the thing, the only thing we really have is each
other. So I have no choice but to hang on to you guys and believe we’re more
beautiful than this. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And I have to believe the fairy tales that tell me, time and
time again, that good people triumph because there has to be a reason we tell
these tales. To light tiny candles in the deep dark.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If we tell them enough, they just might start happening.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I’ll take the words of a widow and I will only love. And I will take my indignation and turn it
into a shield because I will not be manipulated.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And I will be the first to say sorry, even though I haven’t
done anything.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m sorry that I am often helpless to help. I am sorry that I too am quick to judge. I’m sorry, I forget you’re human too. I’m sorry, I want to give you a hug, but
computer screens prevent that. I’m sorry
that all my good intentions and love and well wishes sometimes can’t stop the
hate or the anger or the loss or the sorrow. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m sorry, I don’t have the answers. I’m sorry, I will always be ignorant about
something. I’m sorry, I sometimes just
wont understand.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But I have to remember these things, so that all my
apologies can become steps forward. So
maybe I’ll read some history on the internet and find out what everyone was
doing back then. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ll go to that soup kitchen, or that library and have a bizarre conversation
about haunted trains, because I’ll still learn something and I’m sure that guy
appreciates telling me all about it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And I’ll try to walk half a mile in your shoes, especially
if they’re Vivienne Westwoods. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And I’ll believe the stories and fairy tales about heroes
and good people because maybe if I believe hard enough. They’ll come true. Because even if they’re
just fairy tales, I’m still pretending to be a better person than what I
normally am.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because Terry Pratchett, may his magnificent soul rest in
peace – was right all along.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And maybe the only good thing I can ever do is spread the
word of my own personal prophet to you.
Because his words have saved me and my human, stupid, full of holes
heart more times than I can count.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">THE SUN WOULD NOT HAVE RISEN</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">‘Really? Then what would have happened?’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A MERE BALL OF FLAMING GAS WOULD HAVE ILLUMINATED THE WORLD</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">‘Ah’ said Susan dully. ‘Trickery with words. I would have
thought you’d have been more literal-minded than that’.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I AM NOTHING IF NOT LITERAL-MINDED. TRICKERY WITH WORDS IS
WHERE <i>HUMANS</i> LIVE.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">‘All right’, said Susan. ‘I’m not stupid. You’re saying
humans need... <i>fantasies </i>to make life
bearable.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">REALLY? AS IF IT WAS SOME KIND OF PINK PILL? NO. HUMANS NEED FANTASY TO BE HUMAN. TO BE THE PLACE WHERE THE FALLING ANGEL MEETS
THE RISING APE.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">‘Toothfairies? Hogfathers? Little-‘</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">YES. AS PRACTICE. YOU
HAVE TO START OUT LEARNING TO BELIEVE THE <i>LITTLE</i>
LIES.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">‘So we can believe the big ones?’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">YES. JUSTICE. MERCY. DUTY. THAT SORT OF THING.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">‘They’re not the same at all!’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">YOU THINK SO? THEN TAKE THE UNIVERSE AND GRIND IT DOWN TO
THE FINEST POWDER AND SIEVE IT THROUGH THE FINEST SIEVE AND THEN <i>SHOW</i> ME ONE ATOM OF JUSTICE, ONE
MOLECULE OF MERCY. AND YET – Death waved a hand. AND YET YOU ACT AS IF THERE IS
SOME IDEAL ORDER IN THE WORLD, AS IF THERE IS SOME... SOME RIGHTNESS IN THE
UNIVERSE BY WHICH IT IS JUDGED.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">‘Yes, but people have <i>got</i>
to believe that, or what the <i>point</i>-‘</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">MY POINT EXACTLY</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">THERE IS A PLACE WHERE TWO GALAXIES HAVE BEEN COLLIDING FOR
A MILLION YEARS, said Death, apropos of nothing. DON’T TRY TO TELL ME THAT’S RIGHT.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">‘Yes, but people don’t think about that,’ Said Susan.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">CORRECT. STARS EXPLODE, WORLDS COLLIDE, THERE’S HARDLY
ANYWHERE IN THE UNIVERSE WHERE HUMANS CAN LIVE WITHOUT BEING FROZEN OR FRIED,
AND YET YOU BELIEVE THAT A...A BED IS A NORMAL THING. IT IS THE MOST AMAZING
TALENT.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">‘Talent?’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">OH YES, A VERY SPECIAL KIND OF STUPIDITY. YOU THINK THE WHOLE UNIVERSE IS INSIDE YOUR
HEADS.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">‘You make us sound mad,’ said Susan.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">NO, YOU NEED TO
BELIEVE IN THINGS THAT AREN’T TRUE. HOW
ELSE CAN THEY <i>BECOME</i>?</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think I’ve had enough of a rant, maybe my venting might
help you digest some of your thoughts.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cancer is a shit and so is blind sightedness and there’s too
much loss sometimes. And sometimes it isn't fair but if we don't wear our hearts like armour then we will never become strong. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So lets make new things. Better things, that they may carry the better sides of our nature.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And if you ever need a holler, a virtual hug or a chat buddy, I'm here, wherever that may be.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
/peace</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
T</div>
Tarirayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13142797883757620343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1273634534559488293.post-79520747328404378032015-10-29T13:58:00.000+11:002015-10-29T13:58:00.016+11:00NOPEtober and associated GifsGoddamnit!<br />
<br />
It's almost the end of the year. How the hell did this happen?<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_b-bRjpeAhE/VjBUgJwlceI/AAAAAAAAB3o/Xtxj4iWcHFI/s1600/1344646610516870547.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_b-bRjpeAhE/VjBUgJwlceI/AAAAAAAAB3o/Xtxj4iWcHFI/s1600/1344646610516870547.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
Its been an interesting month. Work still goes, and I'm still adjusting. It's been a slog actually, I feel my metaphorical calves chafing from all that metaphorical uphill climbing. On the plus side, dem metaphorical glutes. On the minus - dem glutes aren't real. <br />
<br />
It almost December - which means Christmas, which means I'm going to be eating so much and oh my god decorations and presents and the new year holy shit, wait...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uXpHJSvRgdg/VjBYViIThCI/AAAAAAAAB4A/9vuYbnS9324/s1600/nope.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uXpHJSvRgdg/VjBYViIThCI/AAAAAAAAB4A/9vuYbnS9324/s320/nope.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I had plans! what happen!<br />
<br />
In fact, I have recently been encouraged to write my short stories and such and start looking for ways to publish. If anyone has any resources or sharing ideas, please hand them over! I'm not expecting something lucrative, but I want to write to get better, get critique and collaborate with others. That way I don't write in a vacuum of writer's hipsterness. <br />
<br />
I feel like I have procrastinated a lot, even though I have done quite a few little things. Seriously, what is happening October, it wasn't meant to be like this! Damn you Chris Evans! I developed a mild obsession with you as Captain America and have been re-watching too much Cap.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tn0AqzaBGAc/VjBctjF20YI/AAAAAAAAB4g/mNgLn03dG80/s1600/giphy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tn0AqzaBGAc/VjBctjF20YI/AAAAAAAAB4g/mNgLn03dG80/s320/giphy.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PHWOAR</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But yeah, I have made a few little things, mainly props and pretty decors. I may sell these things if anyone is interested. <br />
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</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ufhDKFpjM5Q/VjB3gMtwJMI/AAAAAAAAB48/_203C9ayYOM/s1600/IMG_20151027_233035%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ufhDKFpjM5Q/VjB3gMtwJMI/AAAAAAAAB48/_203C9ayYOM/s320/IMG_20151027_233035%255B1%255D.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sea in a jar and some crystals I grew myself</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hrw69kSeiew/VjB5DKcCtLI/AAAAAAAAB5k/gCuRtDagOCI/s1600/IMG_20151027_233122%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hrw69kSeiew/VjB5DKcCtLI/AAAAAAAAB5k/gCuRtDagOCI/s320/IMG_20151027_233122%255B1%255D.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bottled Galaxies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
At least on the learning to make make-up front. I even made a new palette - but more on that later.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zCQ_yR2lfek/VjC51V6NFNI/AAAAAAAAB6A/kmGn3X6FjRc/s1600/IMG_20150905_203830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zCQ_yR2lfek/VjC51V6NFNI/AAAAAAAAB6A/kmGn3X6FjRc/s320/IMG_20150905_203830.jpg" width="192" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sparkly!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Oh and also, I sort of got tanned!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3skygcbX48k/VjC5SWRDsnI/AAAAAAAAB58/EK6xci4HJZ4/s1600/1444110836209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3skygcbX48k/VjC5SWRDsnI/AAAAAAAAB58/EK6xci4HJZ4/s320/1444110836209.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
<br />
Anyway. <br />
<br />
The year has gotten a hold of me and shaken me around. I almost feel like I've run out of time despite the fact that I still managed to find the time to write inane comments on movie forums.<br />
<br />
I even saw crimson peak!<br />
<br />
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<br />
It was inspiring - I ended up drawing things and designing things that I want to make for future crafts-ing. Man, I want to be adopted by Guillermo del Toro. I'll live in his attic and make little curios for his cabinet.<br />
<br />
I finally managed to take a proper course in making mineral makeup and boy did I learn a hell of a lot. And got a migraine.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hBzv02gL1qI/VjC6uLbZVlI/AAAAAAAAB6M/oWSBYed3eKs/s1600/IMG_20151010_094027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hBzv02gL1qI/VjC6uLbZVlI/AAAAAAAAB6M/oWSBYed3eKs/s320/IMG_20151010_094027.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Research!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Aaand - I made these!!! whooooo<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NKuoJesuOtc/VjC7FMuipUI/AAAAAAAAB6U/Vdk06ZMN2W8/s1600/IMG_20151027_233513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NKuoJesuOtc/VjC7FMuipUI/AAAAAAAAB6U/Vdk06ZMN2W8/s320/IMG_20151027_233513.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skin matching foundation, blusher, bronzer and eyeshadows</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I'm really excited to make and learn more. I'll stick to eyeshadows for now simply because that's a lot of powdery, glittery stuff to make a mess with.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O52f7Hbuhqo/VjBZ40rjLvI/AAAAAAAAB4M/msuos0GXo0E/s1600/1344677115929973606.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O52f7Hbuhqo/VjBZ40rjLvI/AAAAAAAAB4M/msuos0GXo0E/s1600/1344677115929973606.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NOT LIKE THAT!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We also had a labour day holiday and I took advantage to book the fam bam and I to go to the Gold Coast and spend some really relaxing time in Sanctuary Cove.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gulHhFYHnqQ/VjC7ssOkzII/AAAAAAAAB6s/lx_zUNMtYvE/s1600/IMG_20151003_114349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gulHhFYHnqQ/VjC7ssOkzII/AAAAAAAAB6s/lx_zUNMtYvE/s320/IMG_20151003_114349.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OOOOoooOOOOOO chick it ouuut!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We had such a worry-free time. The hotel had a man-made lagoon where we just lounged everyday, like walruses in the sun.<br />
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<br />
The hotel is situated in a inland river cove so we visited the local marina, where they had little festivals and good, fresh seafood restaurants. <br />
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<br />
Then, the rest of October happened. It was mostly work and some birthday parties.... and cake.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1kbzZqhDhdI/VjC8G8TPkJI/AAAAAAAAB60/RRVYFo8kQNs/s1600/IMG_20151028_154556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1kbzZqhDhdI/VjC8G8TPkJI/AAAAAAAAB60/RRVYFo8kQNs/s320/IMG_20151028_154556.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SOON</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But I am heading to PAX this weekend and I'll probably have an update on that in November.<br />
<br />
For now, I will need to get art and craft inspiration and cling onto my sanity as the year rushes on by the skin of my teeth. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rzG0cxuKYEI/VjC8YxVBwqI/AAAAAAAAB68/evrTDD7IEJA/s1600/IMG_20151016_140351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rzG0cxuKYEI/VjC8YxVBwqI/AAAAAAAAB68/evrTDD7IEJA/s320/IMG_20151016_140351.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">herping that drawing derp</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So people - throw those ideas at me... my body is ready.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nPMsUY5Yf34/VjBcGqseJhI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/XOjwBPZk5ds/s1600/READY.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nPMsUY5Yf34/VjBcGqseJhI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/XOjwBPZk5ds/s1600/READY.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And as always - I'm leaving you with a funny video to watch and ingest as food for thought. <br />
STEPHEN FRY IS LEAVING QI WHAT AM I GOING TO DO WITH MYSELF!!!!!!!<br />
Except Sandi Toksvig will be the new host, and she's marvellous.<br />
<br />
Just watch!!<br />
<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/2f7urmRaRxY/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2f7urmRaRxY?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />Tarirayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13142797883757620343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1273634534559488293.post-47889301111018928422015-09-30T20:00:00.002+10:002015-09-30T20:00:50.408+10:00Tapas Fest 2014 - My Spanish Adventure<br />
<br />
<br />
So last September 2014 I went on an epic adventure back to my (other) homeland, Spain!<br />
<br />
I took K and J with me as travel buddies (oh and mum too hee hee) and they're the best travel buddies ever!<br />
<br />
We spent 4 weeks gallivanting around the peninsula and even though I was still mega sick with a borderline hangover style depression, I had an amazeballs time and got to reconnect to my old home and reminisce about childhood and meet with old friends and family.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AAgsbpXqs2g/VgurAjE7_XI/AAAAAAAAB3E/zfitFWQNMzo/s1600/IMG_20140909_192548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AAgsbpXqs2g/VgurAjE7_XI/AAAAAAAAB3E/zfitFWQNMzo/s320/IMG_20140909_192548.jpg" width="192" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flying high with Monster Hunter - Achieving G-Rank at 5000 feet!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Mind you, the long flights are horrible, thankfully the Emirates long haul flights we took had a great collection of shows to watch like Community, Brooklyn 99 and some old school friends - awwww </div>
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yeah!</div>
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Finally arriving in Barcelona, tired and excited, we met up with two other travel buds who decided the first meal they'd have in Spain was Burger King. WACK!<br />
<br />
No worries, we were situated in a nice area that let us commute easily around the city and were near some really nice taperias.<br />
<br />
We also arrived on the same weekend the Catalans celebrate the Diada, which is the National Day for Catalonia. The streets were covered in yellow and red flags and everyone and they grandma was out on the street showing their nationalistic pride for their erm, province, dukedom, sovereignity, desire for independence which, as someone who was born in Madrid and studied Spain's history as an outsider was weird and fascinating to watch.<br />
<br />
But hey, recent news says that Catalunya might go independent and hey, good luck to them, if it works out for them then good, if it doesn't well, you tried.<br />
<br />
But Barcelona was lovely, it was warm and humid and my hair got greasy quite a lot.<br />
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We went to the Casas Gaudi, Parc Guell, Sagrada Familia, the Olympic Parks and ate as many tapas as I could stuff my face with. I also introduced everyone to the wonders of my favourite cold sausage; Fuet.<br />
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Then we headed off to Madrid. J, K and I took the bullet train and enjoy the super speed scenery while Mum went by car with the others.<br />
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And then, I was home!!!! The first lovely thing to see was not only the amazing weather but that the Madrid Central Station - Atocha still had that adorable turtle sanctuary i<br />
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Every day I showed off something beautiful and unique and so very Madrid to my friends, I knew all the corners and haunts and niches as much as I encouraged we visit all the beautiful tour sites. Eventually we all cut off into our own little groups, as a local there were some things I didn't want to see again and everyone being adults, made their own itineraries. For one, I didn't go to El Prado art Gallery this time because I didn't want the usual overload migraine.<br />
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I caught up with my sis from another miss and my other family. </div>
The weather in Madrid was sublime and my hair looked quite lovely thank you very much.<br />
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From Madrid, we took little day trips to different nearby towns like the always beautiful Toledo and Segovia. We binged on damascene jewellery shopping and saw the usual plethora of ancient ruins, Mega Churches/Cathedrals and ancient ruins.<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">Then, we headed south on the wonderful bullet train to Andalucía. We settled in at Carmona, a small town near Seville where we stayed in an old palace hotel. I had stayed there once as a child and the memory remains true to its beauty and tranquillity.</span></div>
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We spent a day in Seville because while it may be nice - and the cathedral is impressive, we were there for tapas, wine and Flamenco. We attended a tablau and even though it is genuinely a touristy thing, we had a hell of a lot of fun. </div>
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Next were my absolute favourite stops in the South of Spain. Cordoba and Granada.<br />
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Cordoba is a delight - I love that town so, so, so very much that I'd genuinely consider moving there if it weren't for the fact that I'd have no idea what to do with myself.<br />
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Cordoba's town centre is almost unchanged from the way it must have looked like in the heyday of Andalucía. The South was once a Moorish kingdom, with a culture based on a unique blend of Islam, Judaism and Christianity. The kingdom was wealthy, progressive, prosperous and tolerant. Had the catholic kings not driven the Moors out, we'd have a completely different Spanish culture. <span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">The Cathedral Mosque is the jewel of Cordoba. Its origin lay in a tiny gothic church which eventually was built over with the grand Mosque of Cordoba. The place is enormous and the architecture is sublime. The Quibla (the corner indicating where you face to point to Mecca) is adorned with semi precious stone mosaic given to the Sultan of the time by the Christian Emperor of Byzantine.</span></div>
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Then, the catholic kings came in and shoved an overly ornate baroque church right in the middle of it. The architectural disconnect is the weirdest thing you'll ever see and the gaudiness of the Christian décor contrasts with the beautiful and simple décor of what remained of the mosque.<br />
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Oh, and by the by, there just happened to be roman ruins next door, and in the basement of our hotel. Just cause... and cats that ambled about on the ruins...</div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Then we went to Granada where we visited the Alhambra. The beautiful (read: breathtakingly beautiful) castle fortress of one of the last Sultanates to rule Al Andalus before it became a Christian kingdom.</span></div>
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The architectural style, although Islamic is unique only to Spain, form the way the tiles are designed, to the bas relief of the walls and columns. But the structure of the building follows a uniquely Islamic home décor style of having a central courtyard with a water feature and having a crap load of trees and gardens to provide tranquillity and shade.<br />
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We also ate Tapas all day erry day. At one point K walked in on me chowing down on a Fuet sausage with some slightly perverse gusto. I swear to god it wasn't awkward.<br />
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We also saw some strange things - like the fact that dancing is not allowed when getting off trains. And there's actual Fifty Shades merchandise....<br />
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But back to the food...</div>
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Of course, I had churros....</div>
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And everything else. And all the ham you can bust your gut at.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What you're seeing here is the free pile of tapas that you get when you buy a drink at a bar. Yes, free tapas with every drink.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The measure of love is love without measure.</td></tr>
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After our southern romp. We headed back to Madrid. By this point my fatigue was getting the better of me and my sleep and eating habits were slightly alarming my family.</div>
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Despite my incessant eating of Fuet, I was loosing weight and I was feeling nauseated quite a lot.<br />
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J and K took a short visit to Amsterdam, but since I wasn't feeling well and also, I wanted to spend time with an old friend who was also very sick, I stayed behind. They had an amazeballs time, and I am feeling excessively jealous - but there's always next time. I'm so glad they loved my other home away from home as much as I did.<br />
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Nonetheless, I shopped and shopped and ate and ate and wined and wined as much as by body would let me.<br />
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I got to visit old haunts and just generally chill out in one of the most beautiful cities that I've ever loved.<br />
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I felt the usual trickles of nostalgia and felt grateful I could show my two best friends the fun and weirdness of my Spanish childhood. We even watched a Real Madrid Match. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Needless to say - Madrid won</td></tr>
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It was a wonderful holiday spent with wonderful people and even though I wasn't at 100% (and it went downhill when I got back but I got a holiday out of it so yey!) - I had such a great time and was so glad to have shared it with some of my favourite people.<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">Oh - and I introduced J &K to Gazpacho *pats self on back* - you're welcome guys.</span></div>
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Eventually we flew back to Barcelona for our last night there and flew back to Sydney. We had a horrendously long stop in Dubai but thankfully managed to get a booking at the corporate lounge. At one point we all got woken up by the call to Friday prayers, which as tired and as grumpy as we all were, I utterly loved listening to the ululations that called the faithful to pray.<br />
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I am heading off on another adventure this weekend and I'll tell you all about it next time. I know this post is a year late but things really got weird last year and I wasn't going to be in a good writing mood to share the utterly breathtaking beauty of Spain with you. <br />
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But here you go, I hope you're sufficiently jealous and maybe even inspired to go visit by beloved birth country. <br />
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And since I've been gorging on these videos, I'll leave you with a relevant tale about a Spanish guy wrote an amazing book - explained to you by the coolest and knowledge-swollest of homies:<br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/PVkzxDJo9-Y/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PVkzxDJo9-Y?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<br />Tarirayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13142797883757620343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1273634534559488293.post-61882454043186884762015-08-29T19:20:00.002+10:002015-08-29T19:20:56.934+10:00This year just keeps on chugging... with more DC comics gifs than usual<br />
Hallo!<br />
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Look at that, I'm somewhat timely. Or rather, I've bothered myself to write.<br />
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Well, I sang Supanova's praises last month, and now I've little else to talk about.<br />
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Oh yeah, I mentioned I got a new job, whooo hoo!!!<br />
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Since its important to stay private when spewing my guts out on the internet, the only thing I'll say is that its with a Children's NGO that advocates caring for children in the foster care system.<br />
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Its been eye opening and sometimes even confronting. And its taught me one or two things about raising children. Love alone can't raise them.<br />
<br />
Some parents might try, and fail, terribly, and sometimes it isn't always their fault. But here's the thing, that kid can't wait for their parents to sort their lives out, they need care now. And that's a hard pill to swallow sometimes.<br />
<br />
Buuut anyway, enough philosophising, its a great job and I'm learning a lot and really adjusting to a completely different world of work too.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MqUzGD6xRlg/VeBVLxw3fsI/AAAAAAAABm8/G2GATr6HxKE/s1600/1395429789396704686.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MqUzGD6xRlg/VeBVLxw3fsI/AAAAAAAABm8/G2GATr6HxKE/s1600/1395429789396704686.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
But I'm still hobbying around!!!<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1Rz5HVJbpA/VeBZ7u-iIBI/AAAAAAAABpY/QfuNoepG7XM/s1600/1395416429066468647.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1Rz5HVJbpA/VeBZ7u-iIBI/AAAAAAAABpY/QfuNoepG7XM/s1600/1395416429066468647.gif" /></a></div>
So, The T'EMPorium is going to go through a massive overhaul in the following months, and/or (depending on how lazy I am) in the next year. <br />
<br />
I have loads of ideas and have already been putting some into practice, like... getting to G Rank on Monster Hunter<br />
<br />
OH YEAH BOI YOU HEARD IT RIGHT FINALLY I CAN GET MY ASS KICKED BY LIZARD-DOGS!!!!!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6O262Pxkwws/VeBVY35NjhI/AAAAAAAABnE/_lNbkTDUiuc/s1600/giphy%2B%25281%2529.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6O262Pxkwws/VeBVY35NjhI/AAAAAAAABnE/_lNbkTDUiuc/s1600/giphy%2B%25281%2529.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
But on the other hand - my computer is borked and wont let me play the Witcher 3....<br />
<br />
let's not talk about it... ok?<br />
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</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k3WvGEZrODk/VeBVrObozYI/AAAAAAAABnU/WwMfY4PvZss/s1600/m8-pls_o_2536475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k3WvGEZrODk/VeBVrObozYI/AAAAAAAABnU/WwMfY4PvZss/s320/m8-pls_o_2536475.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
<br />
I also did a winter dive. It was my reward after leaving my old job and having two days off to <strike>freak out about leaving</strike> prepare for the new work adventure.<br />
<br />
It was freezing so bad, I genuinely thought I'd developed nuts to get into that freezing water only in order to have them freeze right off.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7uNGYKZiCtM/VeBWJz5vpoI/AAAAAAAABns/DsTes-P4PEU/s1600/IMAG0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7uNGYKZiCtM/VeBWJz5vpoI/AAAAAAAABns/DsTes-P4PEU/s320/IMAG0002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a beautiful but unbelievably cold day at the Fairy Bower in Manly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And so, nature became balanced once more.<br />
<br />
My shitty underwater camera also decided to be uncooperative...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hivThUzdwic/VeBV4iMGPrI/AAAAAAAABnc/NECM-fhAnsA/s1600/IMAG0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hivThUzdwic/VeBV4iMGPrI/AAAAAAAABnc/NECM-fhAnsA/s320/IMAG0008.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">yep...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYU3AAMGFYY/VeBWC-W7_SI/AAAAAAAABnk/8mdakWxDLio/s1600/IMAG0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYU3AAMGFYY/VeBWC-W7_SI/AAAAAAAABnk/8mdakWxDLio/s320/IMAG0024.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">uh... wow (somewhere in there is a Wobbegong Shark</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YjCw5Tr9ikk/VeBWLfkb4yI/AAAAAAAABn4/UH8P4xUVWbI/s1600/IMAG0033%2B-%2Bgroper2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YjCw5Tr9ikk/VeBWLfkb4yI/AAAAAAAABn4/UH8P4xUVWbI/s320/IMAG0033%2B-%2Bgroper2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A decent shot of a blue groper</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-35ao0BMJvPA/VeBWK0mygeI/AAAAAAAABnw/aSd1CCzv8h4/s1600/IMAG0077%2B-%2Bwives2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-35ao0BMJvPA/VeBWK0mygeI/AAAAAAAABnw/aSd1CCzv8h4/s320/IMAG0077%2B-%2Bwives2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
FINALLY</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But I at least got one or two nice shots, but better memories.<br />
<br />
I regret not having caught the photos of the two huge cuttle fish that decided to have a curious peek at us. They were the size of mini ponies and were this gorgeous purple and flashed yellow at us every now and then before they got bored of us. <br />
<br />
The ferry ride home was great, I got a rainbow AND a friendly seagull... OHBOY.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n21izwyD_Yc/VeBWP3lOV9I/AAAAAAAABoE/23rdYbO_rHI/s1600/IMG_20150611_144412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n21izwyD_Yc/VeBWP3lOV9I/AAAAAAAABoE/23rdYbO_rHI/s320/IMG_20150611_144412.jpg" width="192" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U7Pmq0FMcOc/VeBWQvYe0mI/AAAAAAAABoM/HYHETBru78k/s1600/IMG_20150611_143738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U7Pmq0FMcOc/VeBWQvYe0mI/AAAAAAAABoM/HYHETBru78k/s320/IMG_20150611_143738.jpg" width="192" /></a></div>
<br />
It was a good way to relax before the new job and since it was a week before Supanova, it helped me not freak out about the world of pain that I spent in burning my hands with hot glue.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3hITJUXReCk/VeBXSgVfwzI/AAAAAAAABog/vHgaVJ3MHcw/s1600/check%2B487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3hITJUXReCk/VeBXSgVfwzI/AAAAAAAABog/vHgaVJ3MHcw/s320/check%2B487.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burnination was worth it after the loads of fun I had making this...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Whelp - its been a decent run and I got all creative and crafty and have even come up with this!!!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e_WTYxJHTrc/VeBXrPHJVjI/AAAAAAAABoo/IgQuRUIE6ck/s1600/20150802_183300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e_WTYxJHTrc/VeBXrPHJVjI/AAAAAAAABoo/IgQuRUIE6ck/s320/20150802_183300.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THAT'S RIGHT I MADE MINERAL EYESHADOW WHOOO I'M A ONE WOMAN SEPHORA!!!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm still working on formulation and my colour blending abilities are limited, but I'm having a crap ton of fun even though it means getting shitloads of disinfectant in my eye because my workspace is pristine clean... pine-o clean, acid clean.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O411c1fJ7Ic/VeBYWczSAmI/AAAAAAAABo0/866d-olM9sA/s1600/20150802_184530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O411c1fJ7Ic/VeBYWczSAmI/AAAAAAAABo0/866d-olM9sA/s320/20150802_184530.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">not the best swabbing or the best shot but it was the best one in the clearest light...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And I'm back to drawing! sort of - that will take a while since I have to rediscover what it feels like to hold a pencil, but I intend on producing more random stuff like this:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rphUU869wkQ/VeBZTFtM7FI/AAAAAAAABpA/hwH_ur_XLAM/s1600/20121102112927051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rphUU869wkQ/VeBZTFtM7FI/AAAAAAAABpA/hwH_ur_XLAM/s320/20121102112927051.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Ah well, I've run out of fabulous things to say. And I can't come up with any more relevant gifs.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-awb0wcAsWro/VeBZ14YqaZI/AAAAAAAABpI/QIpqlYKKhKc/s1600/dance%2Bdc.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="145" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-awb0wcAsWro/VeBZ14YqaZI/AAAAAAAABpI/QIpqlYKKhKc/s320/dance%2Bdc.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Oh - I've been watching Young Justice because... well... I don't know and seriously, why the retcon on Huntress??!! I mean, its cool making her Vietnamese (Nguyen... I'm assuming they're going for Vietnamese - but considering the godawful Spanish they talk I would not be surprised if they assumed she was Japanese).<br />
But halfie Asian kids are NEVER BLONDE - Impossible that Artemis is blonde... IMP.OSS.I.BLE.<br />
<br />
And God Almighty... WONDER WOMAN. I mean I got some of the old comics and she's amazing in them, cheesy dialog and all... But Holy Shit is she Hard Core in Justice League Unlimited. Well done Brucy boy...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-acyb2-OqL4Q/VeBZ6okcLpI/AAAAAAAABpQ/De3e4u7hR-Y/s1600/ww.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-acyb2-OqL4Q/VeBZ6okcLpI/AAAAAAAABpQ/De3e4u7hR-Y/s1600/ww.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HOLY COW I CAN'T EVEN COMPUTE HER AWESOMENESS</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ok... now I have nothing decent to say so peace out and cook with dog!!! Cause Francis the Dog is adorable.<br />
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<br />
stay shiny.<br />
<br />
T<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Tarirayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13142797883757620343noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1273634534559488293.post-55026406281059382722015-07-31T22:05:00.001+10:002015-08-01T22:42:22.463+10:00The Final Supanovaaaaaa<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What happened?</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s like, a day before August!!!</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YuhQ8cHJLvg/Vbri4c7-xFI/AAAAAAAABf0/-jJDMFiYODw/s1600/1344646610516870547.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YuhQ8cHJLvg/Vbri4c7-xFI/AAAAAAAABf0/-jJDMFiYODw/s1600/1344646610516870547.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had a whole entry written up for June! And then, Supanova
happened, and I didn’t even post for that!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ok, I’ll start with an excuse.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I GOT A NEW JOB!!!!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lIaRbeCRCuw/VbrjAzCUuzI/AAAAAAAABf8/GqWFJSpG3_U/s1600/1344653290768089445.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lIaRbeCRCuw/VbrjAzCUuzI/AAAAAAAABf8/GqWFJSpG3_U/s1600/1344653290768089445.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Work success!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yep, its been utterly insane, June was a whirlwind of
emotion and business with all sorts and diving and computers breaking (again).</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qOCZ_JdMS_k/VbtSaZC_BSI/AAAAAAAABg0/vtd4DjTiqJ4/s1600/1314208414495696020.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qOCZ_JdMS_k/VbtSaZC_BSI/AAAAAAAABg0/vtd4DjTiqJ4/s320/1314208414495696020.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can't even get to this level of fail on my PC because its completely borked...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My new job is finally a step in the direction I want my
career to head to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I now work in a
children’s charity that assists children in foster caring programs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its utterly brain blowing and I have hit the
ground running with this job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
learnt so much and it has been so intense from the get go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>HOMG I am loving it.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anyway, I’ll talk about my monthly goings on next time
because now, I shall share with you the adventure of my life that is the yearly
ritual of attending SUPANOVA; gigantor nerd convention of epic proportions.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XfruEZDH7Ws/VbtR_pTdRlI/AAAAAAAABgk/fTpNN99wgek/s1600/check%2B554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XfruEZDH7Ws/VbtR_pTdRlI/AAAAAAAABgk/fTpNN99wgek/s320/check%2B554.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is official – this was my last year as a vendor.</span></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WbtN_Cyz_6M/VbtSI-fRuJI/AAAAAAAABgs/EklpnbcBEuY/s1600/thuuur.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WbtN_Cyz_6M/VbtSI-fRuJI/AAAAAAAABgs/EklpnbcBEuY/s1600/thuuur.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yes, for real.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
done. Out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finito!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have had a great time but I simply do not have the time or
the space to make a giant mess of antlers, resin, beads and all that.</span><br />
<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9cN9R103rtE/VbtS9X2DO3I/AAAAAAAABhM/sTZlEf2gCiM/s1600/check%2B559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9cN9R103rtE/VbtS9X2DO3I/AAAAAAAABhM/sTZlEf2gCiM/s320/check%2B559.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Admittedly, I loved making these things!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fear not (if you were)! I will continue to make antlers on a
commission and customised basis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will
continue to experiment with styles and different methods since I am always on
the search for perfection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am also
crafting loads of other weird things, who knows, you might like them.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OdUQO1llq9A/Vbta0wmxt9I/AAAAAAAABkI/EhvJzdTQu9E/s1600/check%2B499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OdUQO1llq9A/Vbta0wmxt9I/AAAAAAAABkI/EhvJzdTQu9E/s320/check%2B499.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">good times</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But as always, I enjoyed making my antlers (and other
trinkets) to sell to some lovely, wonderful and genuinely fun people.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ve met some old friends and made new ones
who have been so kind to support my work and bolster my crappy ol’ ego and my
hard work making these things.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6q0MQr9pgHQ/VbtTG4Pc7mI/AAAAAAAABhg/I0rcI6S-120/s1600/check%2B580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6q0MQr9pgHQ/VbtTG4Pc7mI/AAAAAAAABhg/I0rcI6S-120/s320/check%2B580.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A happy customer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One of my horns has been in the presence of Nathan Fillion
guys.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was worn during a photo session
and god damn am I so happy and proud.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eDASMTETVEY/VbtUl0lT5lI/AAAAAAAABik/T6ZrqLMVg-s/s1600/check%2B584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eDASMTETVEY/VbtUl0lT5lI/AAAAAAAABik/T6ZrqLMVg-s/s320/check%2B584.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oberyn liked my stuff you guyz!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I even had Rehka Sharma, Battlestar Galactica Actress and
Supanova Guest try my horns on and genuinely asked me if she looked shiny and
sparkly.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Man, what a way to go.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ea9SK-ue_Q/VbtSeTo5WNI/AAAAAAAABhA/ab4aI0nu6YU/s1600/1348707654399.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ea9SK-ue_Q/VbtSeTo5WNI/AAAAAAAABhA/ab4aI0nu6YU/s320/1348707654399.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To be honest, I was expecting to be really angry and grumpy
at the world, I was feeling quite tired and quite resentful that I had to make
so much of an effort for money that I didn’t think I’d make.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was even placed in the same area as a
competitor, making it hard for the two of us to garner any attention without
directly competing off each other.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Frankly I think everyone else’s antlers are better than mine
and I often feel a bit bad for standing in other’s way.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ITx_w5_IVDU/VbtbY1sOE6I/AAAAAAAABkQ/6BtBHjqQ0k4/s1600/check%2B610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ITx_w5_IVDU/VbtbY1sOE6I/AAAAAAAABkQ/6BtBHjqQ0k4/s320/check%2B610.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunday's last sales until there was only one left!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But I am proud of what I made this year and I have many new
ideas for new designs, and I will continue to tinker around with these things.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I think I was also particularly grumpy because I was alone
this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>K and J of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/nekochii.art?fref=ts" target="_blank">Nekochii </a>were
situated quite far from me and J was busy with her new shop, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CuriousEmpireClothing?fref=ts" target="_blank">Curious Empire(OMG guys, Zelda dresses.... how gorgeous are they?!)</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ozN5-Y9RRk/VbtWC4wgn4I/AAAAAAAABjo/jURnubSuc8g/s1600/check%2B561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ozN5-Y9RRk/VbtWC4wgn4I/AAAAAAAABjo/jURnubSuc8g/s320/check%2B561.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">G and M of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mogoandco?fref=ts" target="_blank">Mogo & Co</a> were equally far from me too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And not to mention <a href="https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/ilikeshinies" target="_blank">I like Shiniez</a> – I have no
idea where they were even sitting, I didn’t see that shop at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YSC6Y_Rf1Zg/VbtVI_lmRgI/AAAAAAAABi8/nv0oIhnXOGI/s1600/check%2B593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YSC6Y_Rf1Zg/VbtVI_lmRgI/AAAAAAAABi8/nv0oIhnXOGI/s320/check%2B593.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I got a sweet and short visit from <a href="http://processdiary.com/" target="_blank">P </a>who was, as always a
great chat and good company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s been
wise and decided not to attend as an artist.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Guys, I said last year that there was an oversaturation of
stuff right? I’M NOT WRONG.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jRC6pBzlbM8/VbtWGHz3XUI/AAAAAAAABjk/p0b6QNP8Tqw/s1600/check%2B600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jRC6pBzlbM8/VbtWGHz3XUI/AAAAAAAABjk/p0b6QNP8Tqw/s320/check%2B600.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you're going to be one (or two) of the million deadpool cosplays - do it right like these guys (aka <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ChefpoolCosplay" target="_blank">Chefpool</a>) and support <a href="https://nationalbreastcancerfoundation.everydayhero.com/au/save-the-boobies" target="_blank">breastpool</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There were at least two more rows of us at artists alley and
there were so many fucking talented people it wasn’t fair.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was sat next to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TankCreates" target="_blank">T from Tank Creates</a> and Tentacle Flower,
who make gorgeous artwork.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re
everywhere guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where the hell do all
these talented people come from?</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Another thing I noticed is that there are SO MANY FANDOMS.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W_VgzrFBBY0/VbrjQE0R4aI/AAAAAAAABgE/-6BoTX5aDQY/s1600/1344677115929973606.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W_VgzrFBBY0/VbrjQE0R4aI/AAAAAAAABgE/-6BoTX5aDQY/s1600/1344677115929973606.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What the hell... children's shows are about drugs now?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am still trying to catch up on Supernatural and I had
people screaming things about some guy called Stephen?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gawd I feel old.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SQeg8pXr-cM/VbtWJYGnWAI/AAAAAAAABjw/POCpgQQ_Gmc/s1600/check%2B601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SQeg8pXr-cM/VbtWJYGnWAI/AAAAAAAABjw/POCpgQQ_Gmc/s320/check%2B601.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I remember these, see? Relevant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Oh – and I spoke to John Dimaggio!!! Ok, I gushed and cooed
at him and possibly made undignified noises.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sm4JU8JEFYw/VbtcZphQxJI/AAAAAAAABkc/OcEcVCOH7Ps/s1600/11791725_10153133969261553_877932820_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sm4JU8JEFYw/VbtcZphQxJI/AAAAAAAABkc/OcEcVCOH7Ps/s320/11791725_10153133969261553_877932820_n.jpg" width="192" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On one side, his autograph, on the other side he wrote: 'Fight through the pain'. I LOVE THIS MAN</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">He signed my locket and oh lawdy, he spoke to me in his
Marcus Fenix voice! “Dom, Baird, take the left.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tara, you’re with me...”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hnnnnnnnggggggg</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bNaZ4leK32c/VbrkAgRDfPI/AAAAAAAABgQ/okjtW04ckgQ/s1600/giphy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bNaZ4leK32c/VbrkAgRDfPI/AAAAAAAABgQ/okjtW04ckgQ/s320/giphy.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hhhhhnnnnnnnnnngggggg some more!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was wearing a Pacific Rim children’s onesie and I made a
total fool of myself.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NRGOdSgWycc/VbtTpN-cJkI/AAAAAAAABh4/MTrjjf3-XTo/s1600/check%2B607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NRGOdSgWycc/VbtTpN-cJkI/AAAAAAAABh4/MTrjjf3-XTo/s320/check%2B607.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I DON’T CARE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>JOHN
DIMAGGIO.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wqTONERnYZQ/VbtUm8YGV7I/AAAAAAAABig/v-wioV-XKEg/s1600/check%2B591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wqTONERnYZQ/VbtUm8YGV7I/AAAAAAAABig/v-wioV-XKEg/s320/check%2B591.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was also utterly amazed at the quality of cosplay this
year, like seriously guys, what the hell?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Why couldn’t people be this good when I was young and impressionable? I
wouldn’t have such a surprised semi cringey attitude towards it. </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vvylAQGmZjY/VbtVGA8Un6I/AAAAAAAABiw/O8b4aqQht9Q/s1600/check%2B596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vvylAQGmZjY/VbtVGA8Un6I/AAAAAAAABiw/O8b4aqQht9Q/s320/check%2B596.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">perfect, utterly perfect</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hOmGp8rJR8U/VbtUl3XHC-I/AAAAAAAABio/8Ik7B0GJe90/s1600/check%2B589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hOmGp8rJR8U/VbtUl3XHC-I/AAAAAAAABio/8Ik7B0GJe90/s320/check%2B589.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at the glory of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OTaDCosplay" target="_blank">OMG that's a Dude Cosplay</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I think... I might one day do a cosplay one day too. (shhhh - she is speaking heresy!!!)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kqEt80EtIcA/VbtdJ7BvhWI/AAAAAAAABkk/XaBU8GWkf_E/s1600/ku-medium.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kqEt80EtIcA/VbtdJ7BvhWI/AAAAAAAABkk/XaBU8GWkf_E/s1600/ku-medium.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had some genuinely gorgeous people allow me to take photos
with them, including the ever charming A and E, as well as the yearly surprises
from M.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UhPPVcjHPE4/VbtTf7VubYI/AAAAAAAABho/4c_iTt4jvu8/s1600/check%2B585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UhPPVcjHPE4/VbtTf7VubYI/AAAAAAAABho/4c_iTt4jvu8/s320/check%2B585.JPG" width="240" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dEctQCiQrMQ/VbtTk_-rQ5I/AAAAAAAABhw/0wHNYTerGs8/s1600/check%2B586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dEctQCiQrMQ/VbtTk_-rQ5I/AAAAAAAABhw/0wHNYTerGs8/s320/check%2B586.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I even got approached by some people form the BBC about
getting in touch to make one off pieces for set props! </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M_sb-KbPO0E/Vbtd4BsGcDI/AAAAAAAABks/o341DiqDw48/s1600/output_5SZoY7.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M_sb-KbPO0E/Vbtd4BsGcDI/AAAAAAAABks/o341DiqDw48/s320/output_5SZoY7.gif" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WHAT A STUNNING WEEPING ANGEL COSPLAY</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Veeery interesting... so watch this space.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Again, it was an over saturation of merchandise, but there
is a strong core of people who love to support artists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was surprised to hear that a lot of the
drawing artists actually got quite a few sales this year, normally posters of
fan art become less and less popular when official ones are sold equally as
cheap or there are 15 other artists making fanart of the same thing.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wI74Z6-BAXg/VbtkM5mD5GI/AAAAAAAABlw/bWRYbZqFMW0/s1600/check%2B566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wI74Z6-BAXg/VbtkM5mD5GI/AAAAAAAABlw/bWRYbZqFMW0/s320/check%2B566.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sexy Sassy Gandalf is real!!!!!!!!!!! ..... my life is complete</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But hey, while the organisation behind Supanova, the people
who allowed Adam Baldwin to tag along despite many people petitioning against
him coming, may just be taking advantage of our nerdy love for some fancy ass
cash, it is still great to have a con like this in Sydney that is the massive
size that it is.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2SOnfl16_qM/VbteNPFBSxI/AAAAAAAABk0/jbbI7weuV8Y/s1600/giphy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2SOnfl16_qM/VbteNPFBSxI/AAAAAAAABk0/jbbI7weuV8Y/s320/giphy.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And no, I didn’t mind Mr Baldwin being there, he is a
repulsive person, but his act as Jayne was charming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Props to Whedon for that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And apparently, he’s a nice guy when you meet
him, just don’t mention anything at all that could get him to talk about his opinion, on anything.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ah well, its curtains for the T’EMPorium as a convention
shop it seems, and I’ve been so very busy crafting and doing things and trying
to get underwater that I wonder where and when I‘ll have time to make a real
shop.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I also met the lovely people who help run the Australian Discworld Con and even freaked the hell out at finding none other than Susan, at Suapanova. (And Death, Neil Gaiman's one)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JfqDPeuSfeU/VbtgZFG1lWI/AAAAAAAABlA/iAbTUOjUA5A/s1600/check%2B598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JfqDPeuSfeU/VbtgZFG1lWI/AAAAAAAABlA/iAbTUOjUA5A/s320/check%2B598.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I still managed to grab some loot from neighbours -not as much as usual because I'm all shopped out. but oh my do I love my new star wars swimsuit. And Amigurumi Goldfish!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Om-zuL2QljE/VbtiVh5q5LI/AAAAAAAABlc/jKFjqe2tl6k/s1600/check%2B614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Om-zuL2QljE/VbtiVh5q5LI/AAAAAAAABlc/jKFjqe2tl6k/s320/check%2B614.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and some cute small things for cute small nerds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Its great to have a full time job now that ends an hour earlier
than I used to, that extra hour will afford me the time to start putting things
together for the near future.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pmlihSkXGjo/Vbth36tq0jI/AAAAAAAABlM/ZLgdGjTsdeA/s1600/odo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pmlihSkXGjo/Vbth36tq0jI/AAAAAAAABlM/ZLgdGjTsdeA/s1600/odo.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Something involving glitter maybe...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r4hVYPevbHI/VbtiAlGvfsI/AAAAAAAABlU/C-NikmxM1_o/s1600/yep.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r4hVYPevbHI/VbtiAlGvfsI/AAAAAAAABlU/C-NikmxM1_o/s1600/yep.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Who knows.....?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Until then, peace out! I love you sparkly love babies and
your eyes and minds to read and mouths to laugh and stuff.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Be gorgeous, be good!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">/T out. </span></div>
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Tarirayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13142797883757620343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1273634534559488293.post-59347418082860552242015-05-27T17:21:00.001+10:002015-05-28T11:43:03.033+10:00Let's not panic that half a year is over<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://draft.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>Hallo Hallo<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
PANIC! It's May!!! Or almost June.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Almost half a year has passed. Holy shit.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /></div>
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Things have been happening! And when I mean things, I mean, like, things, stuff, occurrences, things!!!!!! (enough to warrant multiple exclamation marks).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Things like – Oh lordy I have a new job!! </div>
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WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rq6zymmzKlY/VWVq9DTFLaI/AAAAAAAABdM/xJ1vxT_FXWQ/s1600/giphy%2B%25283%2529.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rq6zymmzKlY/VWVq9DTFLaI/AAAAAAAABdM/xJ1vxT_FXWQ/s1600/giphy%2B%25283%2529.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am vintage dancing banana excited</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm going to miss my old job and the wonderful people I have
had the privilege to work with. I have been really lucky to have the best
boss ever and have also been influenced and inspired by some of the brightest
and smartest.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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In short, it's a bittersweet parting but I'm going to move
out and onward into the breach.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The job is with a lovely NGO that advocates children's
rights. Its certainly a lot more
fulfilling than corporate law and it’s the industry that I have always wanted
to work in.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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In other news, I grieved hard for Terry Pratchett and am not
over it by a long shot. I am planning a
tattoo to commemorate him but more importantly – I went to a DISCWORLD
CONVENTION. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6hdvXDPWYS4/VWVrIyHlx2I/AAAAAAAABdU/bO_PAN-OZYQ/s1600/newish%2B501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6hdvXDPWYS4/VWVrIyHlx2I/AAAAAAAABdU/bO_PAN-OZYQ/s320/newish%2B501.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">proper blue Feegles... crazy, oh and a balloon version</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was adorable and sweet and small. It was also local so it was easy to get to but
the price certainly wasn't cheap. That
was my fault, I bought a three day pass when I barely even spent a whole
day. </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The convention is organised by the Australian Fanclub known
otherwise as Nullus Anxietas. They
organise the Discworld Convivium every year in different cities and it seems
that its predominantly a club affair.
Everyone seemed to know each other and it was a bit hard for me to insert
myself into a group that was already comfortable with its already existing
members.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Nonetheless, I ended up helping a girl set up her Dibbler
costume and assisted, by putting my fingers, there, and there, in hot glue
gunning a fantastically made cardboard Moving Pictures Iconograph (complete
with colour painting imp on the inside). </div>
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<br /></div>
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I tried to get photos of her but she vanished off with her friends and
then I couldn't find her after that, I didn't even get her name. Ah well.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There were genuine good cosplays though. I wont lie, I was impressed. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dY07-UCvfeY/VWVrUh1onhI/AAAAAAAABdk/M66zDmKPL9U/s1600/newish%2B506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dY07-UCvfeY/VWVrUh1onhI/AAAAAAAABdk/M66zDmKPL9U/s320/newish%2B506.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Commander Samuel Vimes of the Night Watch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iQAumzlm1Yg/VWVrvSI2KxI/AAAAAAAABd8/YXPkzOmvNDg/s1600/newish%2B510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iQAumzlm1Yg/VWVrvSI2KxI/AAAAAAAABd8/YXPkzOmvNDg/s320/newish%2B510.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Best and Tallest Death cosplay. With a little Death of Rats on his shoulder</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I sort of dressed up, I was a very pathetic looking Magrat,
but I think, more than anything, I just looked really tired and really
confused.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FFAqzSRpeHI/VWVrb-NVYbI/AAAAAAAABds/vf0NVXe19VU/s1600/newish%2B502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FFAqzSRpeHI/VWVrb-NVYbI/AAAAAAAABds/vf0NVXe19VU/s320/newish%2B502.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best Cheery Littlebottom ever</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I still managed to get away with some sweet, sweet loot. Most of it rare to get in Australia and very,
very official. Discworld fanart isn't
common, so there wasn't much by way of fan stuff to buy, even I have never considered
doing Pratchett fanwork, although maybe this year, I might do a tribute… we
shall see.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1n4OUpFeRNg/VWVrnB7CW3I/AAAAAAAABd0/ayuHuwViplg/s1600/newish%2B518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1n4OUpFeRNg/VWVrnB7CW3I/AAAAAAAABd0/ayuHuwViplg/s320/newish%2B518.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
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As we moved further into May and things got busy, I still
managed to get myself into the ocean.
Thus feeding my mermaid impulses.
However, it isn't always the best idea in winter. This time though, it was worth it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I accidentally booked an Extreme (not that extreme) Shark
Dive at the Manly Seal Life Sanctuary on Mother's Day. Being a lady who not fussed, Mum considered it
a great opportunity to go to the beach and enjoy a nice coastal Mother's Day,
looking at fishies and laughing at me lolloping about in a shark tank. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yO09gxBApZA/VWVsGQnhqsI/AAAAAAAABeM/vIboYpOvhww/s1600/IMG_0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yO09gxBApZA/VWVsGQnhqsI/AAAAAAAABeM/vIboYpOvhww/s320/IMG_0059.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
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The dive was incredible.
The Sanctuary has a relatively successful breeding program for penguins,
sharks and in particular, Grey Nurse Sharks, who look pretty intimidating, but
are more like barrels with decorative teeth. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zf7Mwy2WG4Y/VWVsMDjHhfI/AAAAAAAABeU/YUOtrb-0DDU/s1600/IMG_0045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zf7Mwy2WG4Y/VWVsMDjHhfI/AAAAAAAABeU/YUOtrb-0DDU/s320/IMG_0045.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love meeeee</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There were four of us including a couple who had never done
diving before. I did the beginners
session because I cannot consider myself an accomplished diver yet by any
stretch of the imagination, but it was great that I was not helped as much as
some of the others. </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The couple, or at least the wife in that couple was pretty
terrified but definitely enjoyed herself.
We walked to a wide part of the exhibit and leaned against the glass
tunnel and just chilled there (literally) while our dive guides took photos of
the sharks having a curious peek. At one
point a huge turtle swam by and made a quick hello.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was also a great introduction to the massive variety of
sharks that exist out there, some are so un-shark-like that I never would have
guessed. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FSD79WLPqNQ/VWVsdvX3fOI/AAAAAAAABes/hczB7R8WJS0/s1600/11271950_10152980793471553_1401474630_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FSD79WLPqNQ/VWVsdvX3fOI/AAAAAAAABes/hczB7R8WJS0/s320/11271950_10152980793471553_1401474630_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Bamboo Sharks the size of your palm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It certainly ratcheted up my interest for marine biology to
a whopping 235%. (I am seriously considering <strike>making the mistake</strike> possibly appplying to study Marine Biology or Environmental Management. <strike>No, I shouldn't do it because I don't want to be broke anymore. </strike></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The water however, was freezing. They sourced their seawater straight from the
beach itself and I needed to jump around and jog a bit to keep warm. As a result there is a video of me somewhere
in the Sanctuary archives of me dancing and generally acting a fool and pissing
off all the fish because I ain't got not grace nor style.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OE2vmPbScms/VWVsoPaiHcI/AAAAAAAABe0/Mt-XU1qne0g/s1600/IMG_0048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OE2vmPbScms/VWVsoPaiHcI/AAAAAAAABe0/Mt-XU1qne0g/s320/IMG_0048.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Wobbegong Shark, lazy, squishy, adorable</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It took all my discipline to try and not try and pet or
cuddle a shark. Seriously, they're really
cute. They look squishy, like they'd
make a weird honking noise if I squeezed one.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tNk0K-AqoQ8/VWVsw3Snz2I/AAAAAAAABe8/ZnqFio5SXQo/s1600/giphy%2B%25281%2529.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tNk0K-AqoQ8/VWVsw3Snz2I/AAAAAAAABe8/ZnqFio5SXQo/s1600/giphy%2B%25281%2529.gif" /></a></div>
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Thankfully, I am not stupid enough to actually do that. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Mum really enjoyed the day since she shares my love of
sealife as well and we managed to go in with the rest of the fam-bam later on
in the day to share the experience with my nieces, cousins, uncles and aunties.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AWoDQWMyMCQ/VWVs3yiGjBI/AAAAAAAABfE/MsOvzhYYsyI/s1600/11356136_10152980793391553_1516110229_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AWoDQWMyMCQ/VWVs3yiGjBI/AAAAAAAABfE/MsOvzhYYsyI/s320/11356136_10152980793391553_1516110229_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heeeey Guys!!!! I frigging love the doofy faces of Rays</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was a wonderful day and I do not regret the terrible cold
I caught as a result.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have a another beach dive coming up in the next two weeks,
hopefully I either find a good camera housing or a decent underwater camera to
take some shots. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So now, I'm slowly getting through my stuff for Supanova,
and getting slightly excited for Joe Dimaggio who is going to be a guest at
Supa and oh. god. Marcus Fenix (also Bender, also Jake the dog) is going to be
there. I wonder if it is appropriate to
tell him all about the slash fiction I have had the dubious privilege of
actually finding online. <o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tffAeq8xoxw/VWVn56sJUiI/AAAAAAAABck/rrYeh-T4WiM/s1600/giphy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="131" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tffAeq8xoxw/VWVn56sJUiI/AAAAAAAABck/rrYeh-T4WiM/s320/giphy.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See! Its real love!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Probably not. (beefy Fenix/Baird romance for the win? right?
– no, I guess not).</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I'm also supposed to re-vamp this blog, give it a new lick
of paint and maybe turn it into something proper seriously bloggy. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Which probably wont happen because this has
recently come into my life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FfY1uxWaM5o/VWVnW6IUuII/AAAAAAAABcc/Lpm_bx3b5Tw/s1600/418407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FfY1uxWaM5o/VWVnW6IUuII/AAAAAAAABcc/Lpm_bx3b5Tw/s320/418407.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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I don't really care about anything at the moment other than
this.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh and getting to G-rank on Monster Hunter. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But if I did get off my lazy ass and redesign this blog it
would have this kind of theme or something. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;">
<div style="position: relative;">
<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/shelf_personal_curios/set?.embedder=427229&.svc=copypaste&id=156508252" target="_blank"><img alt="shelf of personal curios" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/q1yVsCtqcDGMjXRRARbg/cid/156508252/id/Hor0P4rp5BGV1ZD2mu7EJQ/size/c600x707.jpg" height="707" title="shelf of personal curios" width="600" /></a></div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/shelf_personal_curios/set?.embedder=427229&.svc=copypaste&id=156508252" target="_blank">shelf of personal curios</a> by <a href="http://tariray.polyvore.com/?.embedder=427229&.svc=copypaste" target="_blank">tariray</a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/framed_wall_art/shop?query=framed+wall+art" target="_blank">framed wall art</a></small></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyhoo, its time to get back to making antlers and obsessing
over Conchita Wurst (OMG HOW CAN SOMEONE BE SO LOVELY AND ELEGANT AND BEAUTIFUL
HOLY CRAP THAT CONCHY HAS REDEFINED EVERYTHING FOR ME), and also getting onto
some serious writing for an upcoming project that I'm excited to be
participating in.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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For a small taste, go visit <a href="http://www.angryhamsterpublishing.com/witch/" target="_blank">Angry Hamster Publishing's new game site for Witch</a>. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zfDiUmnX108/VWVpfK0pNoI/AAAAAAAABc4/KCJIyydkH10/s1600/photo-original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zfDiUmnX108/VWVpfK0pNoI/AAAAAAAABc4/KCJIyydkH10/s320/photo-original.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">successfully funded and on its way!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But for now, I'll be killing Nekkers in swamps and possibly
flirting really, really badly with wenches and sorceresses because I love it
when I play Geralt as if he's a piss poor Casanova who probably gets the girls
because they feel a bit sorry for him.
Because seriously, those pick-up lines are awful.</div>
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<o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y3Pj0ga5VTk/VWVo3WrURfI/AAAAAAAABcw/PiefqlRoZXw/s1600/The-Witcher-3-Main-Characters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y3Pj0ga5VTk/VWVo3WrURfI/AAAAAAAABcw/PiefqlRoZXw/s320/The-Witcher-3-Main-Characters.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No Geralt, they're not naughty girls, they'll kick your ass six ways from Sunday. But Vesemir probably likes to cuddle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In the meantime, please watch Bill Nye the Science Guy say
'Fuck', its amazing. (So is Amy Schumer).</div>
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Adios my bubblebutts! Till next month!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tarirayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13142797883757620343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1273634534559488293.post-31170592656281503892015-04-14T20:02:00.000+10:002015-04-14T20:02:47.068+10:00Bubbling along in Paradise: My March Trip to Fiji<br />
Bula Lovelies!<br />
<br />
Yes, finally, I am writing a nice thing. Which is to say, I am writing about something which is not filled with overly dramatic things.<br />
<br />
But even then, I am pretty sure I will wrench some emotional turmoil from some not very well edited shots of my miraculous and fantabulous trip to Fiji!<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VcUbHED7F4w/VSdXWzMrgkI/AAAAAAAABUU/R__PhgutBVc/s1600/4537012921_9b51ddc9df.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VcUbHED7F4w/VSdXWzMrgkI/AAAAAAAABUU/R__PhgutBVc/s1600/4537012921_9b51ddc9df.jpg" height="201" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was right above Sigatoka on the Coral Coast</td></tr>
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I was invited last year to P&M's wedding and I was ecstatic to hear it was going to be a destination wedding. I was simply so happy for the lucky couple that I nearly forgot to book my accommodation and flights. No matter, Jetstar ended up having a sale in January and my IHG membership guaranteed me a slightly cheaper nightly rate at the lovely Intercontinental Spa and Golf Resort in Natadola Bay, Fiji.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HzxBDNIRifU/VSdeMPoysxI/AAAAAAAABVA/acVhyRqwLt4/s1600/Intercon720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HzxBDNIRifU/VSdeMPoysxI/AAAAAAAABVA/acVhyRqwLt4/s1600/Intercon720.jpg" height="155" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This may be a brochure photo, but it didn't need no damn photoshop</td></tr>
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Normally, I do try to go for something a bit cheaper, mainly because I would prefer to spend the money on shopping and sightseeing, and not give my wallet a hard time. But this time, because of my complete and utter lack of any knowledge on Fiji, its geography and what exactly I could go shopping for, I decided to stay at the resort because it was convenient. Also, I needed a break, and a bit of pampering, wallet be damned for once. Also, the wedding was to be held there, and the people I would be familiar with would be there as well.<br />
<br />
Having said that. I began my research after booking, which is the derpiest thing to do, but I was happy with my bookings.<br />
My IHG membership in any case, guaranteed me free internet which, as it turns out, is a big freaking deal and then, when I finally arrived at the resort, it pretty much paid off.<br />
But more on that later.<br />
<br />
The flight was a blessed four hours long. That, for my standards is godly. Having moved back to Australia, where, as my mum says 'god lost his hat' (read: really effing far from everything), flights to places are agonisingly long. Going to Perth, which is in the same country is a 5 hour flight. And going to back to Europe is a gauntlet.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WFG0tGtR7Kw/VSdY4Y_4KTI/AAAAAAAABUo/TbYh9_ns4kU/s1600/giphy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WFG0tGtR7Kw/VSdY4Y_4KTI/AAAAAAAABUo/TbYh9_ns4kU/s1600/giphy.gif" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Real life reaction to long haul flights</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There was a time when I used to fly London to Amsterdam every 8 weeks, and I would whinge that the taxi time sometimes took longer than the flight itself.<br />
<br />
Then there were my London to Paris trips by either Eurostar train (2 hours under the channel) or my London-Portsmouth-Caen Ferry trips for work in France.<br />
<br />
I shan't ever complain again. <br />
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<br />
Anyhoo. <br />
<br />
Landing in Nadi airport almost felt like a homecoming. The humid heat and the window views of rolling, green hills and banana and palm trees everywhere felt like landing in a cleaner to breathe Manila. <br />
<br />
I had booked a minibus pickup so I expected to be crowded in with other bustled tourists, but as luck would have it, I was the only one to pick up that day. My driver was called Bobby and I sat in the front seat as we chatted about the wedding and he gave me a cursory local's perspective on the development of Fiji. They're very proud that they're catering to tourists it seems.<br />
<br />
Not only did I learn about the economic potential of Fiji's agricultural sector (sugar cane is on the down turn, but honey is being invested in and oddly enough, they export pine), but was given a slightly politically correct overview of the social makeup of the country, which is fine. Bobby obviously knows not to get people too riled about any particular issues happening there.<br />
As a poli-sci analyst of course, my brain naturally listened to the words that weren't being said. <br />
<br />
But, I was on Fiji time now, time to switch that all off.<br />
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As we drove along, Bobby was happy to point out how villages were structured and how they functioned. The growth in the educational system and, as we turned into Natadola Bay Road, we passed by his house, his primary and high school and we got to wave at his wife as we drove by.<br />
<br />
Upon arrival, P was there to say hello. <br />
<br />
That was the best welcome ever. Aside from the little necklace made of shells and the borderline diabetic smiles of the bell boys and concierges, their friendliness was almost shocking. I mean, I know hotel service, I know that friendliness is the name of the game, but this was not part of the standard script, these folks were genuinely enthusiastic.<br />
<br />
Not about me, but in general. It almost felt as if they actually enjoyed their work. So, as I moved to the check in, I saw why.<br />
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<br />
Jeebus on a pogo stick. This place is utterly amazing.<br />
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<br />
As I was an IHG member, I got a little extra treat on arrival. A complimentary bottle of sunscreen (which smells heavenly, like bubblegum), chocolate chip cookies (which I wolfed down), lip balm and some coconut cream macarons. Oh and daily refills of Fiji Water and complimentary internet and newspaper every day. My concierge was so kind and so helpful and so welcoming (he also explained my discount perks with my priority privilege card) I wanted to take him back home with me!<br />
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Oh - and I got upgraded to an ocean view room in side a two story Bure (Fijian style house) with my own path to the beach.<br />
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<br />
LUXURY LUXE HOLY COW.<br />
<br />
I nearly broke down into tears at the sight. I hadn't seen anything so clean and perfect and blue and beautiful in years since the Philippines and god almighty, the place was pristine.<br />
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I know resorts are meant to showcase the best beaches but this was out of this world.<br />
<br />
After that, I spent the day with my feet submerged in water.<br />
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Oh, and my room had an outdoor bath tub. *sigh*<br />
<br />
That evening was spent getting to know P&M's friends and family. I was one of three friend on P's side who was invited but I didn't know anyone at all aside from P&M. Another of P's friends, T apparently remembered me from High School (St. Pat's whoo!). Um, I didn't. <br />
<br />
It's not like high school was a traumatic time for me. Certainly not my time in Aussie high school. I mean, I got bullied far more in my high school in Milan and yet I seem to remember more from that and none of it, not even the bullying, feel like bad memories for me. <br />
I think perhaps I must have traveled so much in my life and met so many people after that my brain could only hold so many memories of people at once.<br />
<br />
Having said that, I mingled as much as possible. <br />
<br />
Cocktails are pricey. I only realized that a few days later when I was checking my tab. Good grief, they're as bad as Sydney prices. But then, I should have expected that from an Intercon resort (except I've wined and dined at the Intercon in Manila, and its somewhat cheaper there, but not by much).<br />
<br />
Cocktails are also - strong. Like, mega strong. Not 'I haven't drunk anything alcoholic since before Christmas' strong, I'm talking 60% proof rum strong. I eventually had my Mai Tai taken away by P for my own good after he noted that he could smell my drink (and possibly the fumes coming out of my mouth) from meters away.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b-Sdclp7qd8/VSt2UtDVqkI/AAAAAAAABWY/SWX2vHwV-WQ/s1600/giphy%2B(2).gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b-Sdclp7qd8/VSt2UtDVqkI/AAAAAAAABWY/SWX2vHwV-WQ/s1600/giphy%2B(2).gif" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I wont go into much detail about the wedding as it is not my place to talk about it. It was lovely, the reception was fun and there were traditional and fire dances (of which none of the photos came out right, damn!).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The only thing I can show - what I more or less wore at the wedding</td></tr>
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The next day, a little post-wedding brunch was organised at the golf resort near the 16th hole overlooking the sea. We were shuttled in and, after a few turns and possibly making several wrong ones, we arrived at our little buffet area with a bbq, a watermelon cutting demonstration (the guy cut out a bouquet of roses) and lots of juice for those with hangovers.<br />
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Again, I was gobsmacked by how stunning the views were. Everyone else was too.<br />
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The coral reefs were amazing, if not a little hazardous to navigate. But as usual, as long as I'm in the water, I'll manage the coral cuts with a happy grin.<br />
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There were so many fish in the shallows, including some pretty creepy and hella long sea cucumbers. It was absolutely amazing and the weather had been fantastic for the whole day.<br />
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<br />
Upon getting back to resort, I realized I was pretty burned. I have no idea why I did not gain the Asian predisposition to get tanned, just like I cannot handle rice. So, I booked myself a spa experience and got a Vivili shell massage.<br />
<br />
Now, most of you know I have the weird issue about people touching me, especially if that means touching me in my back, and in places that normally see the back of chairs.<br />
And yes, I was apprehensive, my shoulders are extraordinarily rock hard and tense and other masseurs have had problems with them just not relaxing.<br />
<br />
However, for the first time in a long time, I actually could feel my shoulders. Normally I just feel like my arms move by means of a rope a pulley system from my spine. <br />
<br />
The massage comprised of a full spa experience, which was completely new to me. It started with changing into a robe and settling into their waiting room where I got to enjoy some of the most delicious tea I've ever tasted.<br />
<br />
Ok, please take this into account. I am a tea connoisseur, I drink tea more than I eat food. I tolerate Twinings at work simply because its is a form of tea and that is more suitable to me than water. I have tasted all sorts of tea from all sorts of places and have developed a little bit of a palate, mainly in part of the fact that I am starting to design and make my own tea blends.<br />
<br />
So, when I say this is some of the best tea I've ever had the privilege to taste, you better believe it.<br />
<br />
I also had a granola bar - but back to that tea...<br />
<br />
Anyway, the massage began, and despite assurances and breathing exercises taught to me by the masseuse, I was still tense. However, that all melted away when the heated seashell touched my skin. The feeling was lovely even though there were times when the massage was so painful, I nearly cried (my calves and shoulders were of course, a problem). I made no sound and ended up feeling completely and utterly blissed out by the end of it.<br />
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<br />
And as I sat in the waiting room afterwards enjoying a glass of strawberry and pineapple juice. I felt like the first few pieces of my somewhat jumbled up self start to slowly slide back into place.<br />
<br />
The few days after became heaven.<br />
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<br />
Most importantly, I was healing. The past few months, and maybe even most of last year became so turbulent that I had fragmented myself. Maybe even pushed aside parts of me that I didn't want to deal with and worse, forgot the better parts of me that made me strong.<br />
<br />
Be it because I was finally getting over a broken heart, or getting away from a work situation that disheartened me, or just reconnecting with the one thing that makes me happy, the sea, I suddenly felt whole.<br />
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<br />
Its as if I had been dismembered for so long and the blue waters of Fiji made me re-member myself.<br />
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For one thing, I enjoyed my solitude, something I had missed in a long time. Having moved out early and having lived overseas on my own for so long. I missed the feeling of being happy with my own company. I became friends with me again.<br />
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<br />
And so, while occasionally chatting to some of the people who remained after the wedding, and spending a bit of time with the happy couple (who then left this paradise for another paradise, Hawaii!), I spent practically every waking hour in water.<br />
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If it wasn't by the corals outside my door snorkeling, to scuba diving, to just reading in the infinity pool (three Terry Pratchett books in one week, everyone working near the pool got to know me well because apparently, they could all hear me giggling as I read, ah Terry, I do miss you). It was water, water, water. Almost 8 hours straight in the water, how wonderful is that?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adorable trivia: If you wiggle your fingers at a clownfish, it will approach you because it will think your fingers are anemones. </td></tr>
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And of course, I made friends with the locals!<br />
<br />
Aside from the standard 'Bula's you get from the resort staff, Fijians are so friendly and so affable. They find joy in family and the world around them and it was so pleasant chatting with the cleaning ladies or the security guards. <br />
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I got to see their local art work and was really pleased to see Intercontinental's CSR work is genuine and effective. From the local artists they hire to support the deaf and mute (this one guy does paper quilling and he made me a beautiful custom card), to the fantastic Malo Malo school visit.<br />
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The School visits are held every Thursday and is organised by the hotel itself. We were shuttled across the mountains to a small 4 room school that housed kindergarten to year 8 (or was it 9?). The children were friendly and excitable (I imagine they look forward to the visits as it means they get a break from class). Their handwriting for one, is way neater than what I have ever produced and I was impressed with the fact that most of them did pretty advanced mathematics, and enjoyed it.<br />
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There was that little cynical part of me though, and I wondered about the function of these school trips. Be it to encourage donations or to present a poor but happy life that is common when showing off to a bunch of well-off curious white folks (I suppose I was one of them I'll admit, I can be pretty 'white' myself). I wondered how much of that thinking was from me. My cynicism is built from years of going to the Philippines and seeing both the great progress and the disappointments of development in poor countries and I guess I pass that a bit on to the things I see.<br />
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But the truth was that maybe, they just wanted to show us who they were, no veils of pretense, no hidden agendas. The kids all seemed to study hard (and were predominantly self directed, impressive considering that one classroom would have up to three different years and varying levels going on at the same time), and they enjoyed practicing their English and were happy to approach us to ask questions as much as we could go and talk to them. I found that they all seemed to enjoy us giving them their attention. They sang for us and did some dances, and I got to join in with a few fun conga lines and a lot of loud songs.<br />
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The resort is also located next to a local Village called Sanasana village. It also does a few weekly visits but this time, instead of organizing it with the hotel or a tour group, I visited with a local resident called Alfred. Many of the local men who aren't working in the hotel sometimes walk along the beach of the resort and offer residents more personalized and slightly more 'home-made' touring options. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sansana Village, perfect location</td></tr>
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He took me around and introduced me to his sister at her home. She sold me a necklace and, after I told her I was going to give it to my mother as a present, she gave me a second necklace for free so that mum and I would match.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chieftain's Bure made from traditional materials</td></tr>
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I also met the local village ladies who sold souvenirs in their village council hall.<br />
Again, they all had a bit of a script when describing the women's work but to be honest, I was happy buying off them than off an actual shop, I knew and could see where my money was going and honestly, I can part with my money for the company and experience as much as for the souvenirs.<br />
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One of my many highlights (actually, it was all a highlight) was horse riding cross-country through the bay. Another villager called Joseph introduced me to his three horses; Jimmy Carter, Lady Diana and Billy, their foal. It was wonderful, we rode over the hills, through mangroves, past some guava trees for breakfast and finally across the beautiful beach. It was a serene day trotting along with Joseph and his little horse family. <br />
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Finally, I got to clock up my newbie hours scuba diving. And to be honest, going under there every day has to be some of the best experiences in my entire life.<br />
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Its a whole new world under there, and there's no other place I would rather be.<br />
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I got to see some of the most beautiful things in the world and frankly, these types of things change me quite dramatically.<br />
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Imagine rolling hills and cliffs covered in coral and populated with schools of bustling fish of every color you can conceive. Imagine they're living and breathing and just getting along with their own little lives as they surround your head like a swarm, and you're being given the honest to god privilege to see them just do what they do best.<br />
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Imagine cartoony, slow, cute turtles.... now, Imagine them glide along, 30 metres deep in the water, flying with ease as if through space... with four elephants on their back, balancing on top a giant disc...<br />
Ok, no. They're not the Discworld's A'Tuin, but they are really so lovely and graceful in the water and quite gracious since they are sometimes benevolent enough to let you pet them.<br />
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Imagine sharks. Long and graceful and not at all frightening because they're more terrified of you anyway. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea snakes near the shallows (turns out they're the most poisonous snakes on earth, whuuut! this thing was terrified of me!)</td></tr>
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Sadly, my crappy underwater camera can only take photos down to 10m, so before all the buttons compressed from the pressure, my camera managed to take one little picture before recording everything else. It comprises of 40 minutes of sand, water, my legs, my vest pocket and some fish. And then, some severe artefacting from the pressure.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My only deep diving photo before the camera clunked out</td></tr>
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However, even without my camera there is one image permanently burned into my mind.<br />
On my last dive, I was taken down to something that pretty much resembles and underwater forest and entered a cave with my guide.<br />
As I entered into that black mouth the light finally filtered out to reveal we were in a cave with a hole at the top, where sunlight filtered through.<br />
The cave lit up with the silhouettes of fish and coral and bright splashes of colour where the sunlight touched.<br />
And slowly winding its way up to the top of a cave was a black tip reef shark, curling in and out of the shadows as it made its way up.<br />
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Sometimes when you see things like that. The world becomes a little different and things inside of you shift.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So many starfish around here!</td></tr>
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Among these memories, I am also grateful for the friends I made. Aside from the lovely people I met at the wedding, I really enjoyed hanging around with the locals themselves. I loved listening to the stories of their life, hearing about the things they loved, the pride in their work, and just being able to chat with another kind and wonderful human being.<br />
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I made wonderful friends with the people who operate the resorts Dive Hut and thanks to Joan, Masi, Johnny and Capt. Ken (and the wonderful chat with Alex), I feel refreshed and re-made.<br />
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The sea will always make you whole. (And the fish wont judge you hahaha).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well, this shy little clownfish wont judge you...</td></tr>
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I left Fiji and cried a little on my flight back. I miss the place terribly and will do everything I can to get back there and see everything and my new friends again for sure.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best breakfast ever</td></tr>
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For now, I have amazing memories, a new outlook.... and a CRAP TON of complimentary toiletries that I took home from my room.<br />
Guys, Pure Fiji has some of the best body products I have ever had the privilege to use. (Philippines, I need you to take up this challenge, because all I got from you guys is Tawas and Gugo).<br />
Guys, COCONUT AND WHITE GINGERLILY<br />
guys, IT SMELLS LIKE HEAVEN AND BABY TEARS AND PARADISE AND DELICIOUSNESS<br />
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So, as my tan slowly fades from Asian brown to Asian white, I will hang on to these images and engrave them onto my heart, and use as a sanity maker for those days when I want to tear my hair out.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stay sane...</td></tr>
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Where am I going to go next? who knows...<br />
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I know I will keep diving. I know I will keep travelling and I know I will keep on chugging.<br />
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Maybe for my next trip, the Gold Coast... or Cambodia!<br />
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P.S - Philippines, I am visiting you end of year, start making body scrubs for me to drool over!!!!!<br />
I can't wait to go diving there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BNU85hJ9wn0/VSdjMhZdu3I/AAAAAAAABVg/NdT9kpCVwwY/s1600/Eskinol%2BClassic%2BWhite%2BFacial%2BDeep%2BCleanser%2BClassic%2BWhite%2B450x450_tcm103-367844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BNU85hJ9wn0/VSdjMhZdu3I/AAAAAAAABVg/NdT9kpCVwwY/s1600/Eskinol%2BClassic%2BWhite%2BFacial%2BDeep%2BCleanser%2BClassic%2BWhite%2B450x450_tcm103-367844.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">STOP IT WITH THE SKIN WHITENING ALREADY!!!</td></tr>
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So, until next month, vinaka for reading and ni sa moce!<br />
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<br />Tarirayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13142797883757620343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1273634534559488293.post-38704529342158534412015-03-31T15:20:00.000+11:002015-03-31T15:20:28.340+11:00Tempers Fuggit - But I didn't think it would be Terry Pratchett<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
I tried to make a long, beautiful, dramatic and literary homage to the great Terry Pratchett.<br />
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I can't, there's too much in my heart and not enough brains in here to get the right words out.<br />
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The world is suckier without him.</div>
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I am not exaggerating for Tumblr effect melodrama, this isn't about literally not being able to even.<br />
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This is about the fact that the man whose writings shaped the very bones of what makes me who I am is gone. <br />
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And I feel so sad and a little angry, because people like him aren't made like that anymore, people who have a fire in their guy and use it to poke at the backside of humanity and show us an honest, ugly and ultimately wonderful reflection of ourselves in the Discworld.<br />
<br />
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I only have the most incredibly beautiful and life-changing things. Simple things that open your eyes and golly, how could someone use such simple words to impart such profound (and basically obvious) wisdom.<br />
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<br />
All I can say is thank you. Thank you for Granny Weatherwax, who ever remains a mirror to my soul, I shall always find the truth in her.<br />
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<br />
Thank you for Nanny Ogg and her strawberry wobbler... and the hedgehog song...<br />
<br />
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<br />
Thank you for Vimes and his burning righteousness, his honor and sense of justice. <br />
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<br />
Thank you for Detritus, I wish him and Ruby all the best.<br />
Thank you for Cheery, who is brave and unashamed in showing the world that yes, she is a female dwarf. Yes, she wears makeup. No, she will never stop wearing iron boots, and yes, its fine to use conditioner in your beard.<br />
Thank you for Carrot, a person so kind, and just and good and well meaning, that he will never be King of Ankh Morpork.<br />
Thank you for Nobby Nobbs, because everyone is really just human underneath it all (except maybe Nobby himself).<br />
Thank you for Agnes Nitt, who doesn't need to be smart to look at things from different sides, and whose beauty is truly skin deep (and she does have a lovely pair of kidneys).<br />
Thank you for CMOT Dibbler and his famous meat pies. I now never eat meat pies.<br />
Thank you for Moist Von Lipwig. Because everyone deserves redemption... sometimes.<br />
Thank you for Magrat, she's a wet hen, but a mongoose among snakes.<br />
Thank you for Rincewind, keep running!<br />
Thank you for the luggage<br />
Thank you for the Bursar, may he be blessed with dried frog pills to outlast him.<br />
Thank you for Ridcully, because all you need is fresh air...<br />
Thank you for Tifanny Aching, the bravest wee hag of the hills.<br />
<br />
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<br /></div>
Thank you for Death. Thank you for his love of kittens, his penchant for late night curries and his endearing curiosity and love of us living creatures. <br />
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<br />
Thank you for letting him stand against the forces of entropy, if ever I go into the dark desert, I am glad it is with an anthropomorphic entity who SPEAKS IN ALL CAPS and his best joke so far is telling a Dwarf called Bjorn that HE WILL BE BJORN AGAIN, SEE?<br />
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<br />
<br />
Thank you for reminding me that everything is holy and Millenium Hand and Shrimp.<br />
<br />
I am grateful, soul deep grateful for the way your words have changed my life. My words will never be enough.<br />
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<br />
I miss you, but I suspect, as I open (for the fifth time) the first pages of Maskerade, I wont miss you for long.<br />
<br />
For as long as I have you with me in my heart, I still ATEN'T DEAD.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />Tarirayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13142797883757620343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1273634534559488293.post-30979021301949559772015-01-12T12:16:00.000+11:002015-01-12T12:16:35.098+11:002014 - Up and Down - Welcome to the Badassery of 2015<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://draft.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><span lang="EN-US">I was supposed to write a fanciful long winded entry about my awesome
month long trip to Spain. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I'll be
honest, I haven't even extracted the photos from my phone and camera yet. Is it because I'm lazy? <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US">Yes, duh.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Instead - let us have a happy new year article that is way too long and requires more gifs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I also went
to PAX – I got sick. But it has ignited
a fire in me for the love of Arhkam Horror… yes E, we're playing that game, its
our mission to get it right</span>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">But yeah<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">2014 – I promised
more entries and more fun and more stuff.
As usual, life got in the way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Now – I am
going to disclaimer here. I will most
likely sound like a drama queen. I hope
it isn't because I am an actual drama queen but more because I have a writing
style that makes me sound like a drama queen.
I like to think of myself as sensible and most likely, a bit pretentious
in thinking that because I am curious and intellectual, it falsely makes me some
sort of authority in… I don't know, fancy ass blog writing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I am
not. But I do like to write, thinking
that my writing style is fancy and meaningful and super-duper pretentious.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-etxm8B3hKPE/VLMYjvT-WHI/AAAAAAAABD0/sNUT81X5b_k/s1600/giphy%2B(1).gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-etxm8B3hKPE/VLMYjvT-WHI/AAAAAAAABD0/sNUT81X5b_k/s1600/giphy%2B(1).gif" height="129" width="320" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">But this
has been an amazing year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I managed
to create first successful and super popular line of resin antler
headpieces. I went to Spain, and now I
am chock full of things and ideas and places and stuff to go, see and do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I also
fell, tits over ass, in love and had a wonderful relationship. I do not
regret it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I lost that
love in the most unexpected way as well.
I still don’t regret it, it just makes me wistful. I wish it had ended on a better note. I was devastated and probably broken up more than I should be. Maybe I still am, and am hiding behind a thin veneer of sassy-black-lady-ness.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
At least, for the first time in my life, I funally understand why girls LOVE Taylor Swift and Katy Perry can be empowering when you're swimming in your own tears.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Taylor Swift... right? </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Up and
down, up and down.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I also got
so ridiculously sick with a sudden wave of uncontrollable, muscle locking,
appetite reducing, brain meltingly bad depression. Even now, I feel like despite the fact that I
feel like I'm back to my old self again – I have a sneaky feeling that there is
this little evil little creature in my head, waiting for me to drop my guard
again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">And
seriously, that annoyed me, because I don't want this thing in my head to
control my life and dictate my behavior, it is the dumbest excuse for not
wanting to go work, because I need the frigging money and staring at a computer
for 8 hours while looking miserable won't hurt anyone (except it can give you
migraines, take breathers people – and BLINK).
I am greater than the sum of my parts and depression is such a small
part of who I am. Fuck it (pardon my French),
seriously, fuck that lying son of a bitch making me feel sorry for my own ass
when I could be out there being awesome.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Up and
down, up and down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I am also
trying a startup business in making homemade tea blends. I am discovering that I have a tendency to
put in too much orange zest in everything.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I am
playing the violin again<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/FHBhaSN5JR8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span lang="EN-US"> Ambition level: Ultra</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I have
enrolled in scuba diving classes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I intend on riding horses again<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I am
painting and doing crafts every weekend (well... sort of, is scrubbing the bathroom floor artistic?)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Babysitting<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lost weight
from going insane over exercise</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Bought way
too many training sports bras and jogging shorts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Saving up
for a mermaid tail<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One day...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Going to
Fiji for a wedding!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Having a
fit of tears on a daily basis (it has been 1 day without incident - to be fair, I was listening to Rufus Wainwright)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Instead of
feeling hungry, I always get nauseous <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">No longer
have an obsession with leggings (unless they're for running)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Up and
down, up and down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Have the
world's longest backlog of Steam games (good news everyone, I'm finally almost finished with the Witcher 2, and only 2 years late!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I haven't
re-started WoW yet, I fear I may never get out again<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I can't
watch certain TV shows or listen to certain kinds of music because they trigger
something in me that makes me feel afraid or sad and I really don't know why. I'll sort it out eventually because its just silly to be triggered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">All in all –
its been quite the year. And despite
that my heart, my silly, naïve, giving too much of myself heart, feels
completely and utterly shattered – I feel happy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Call me
inexperienced, naïve, too kind (I don’t think so), but I guess this is
something we all go through as humans. And
it was arrogant of me to think that because I was willing to give everything to
someone, that I wouldn't experience the pain of inexplicable loss too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Sometimes
we get hurt. Its totally fine. It’s a reminder to not ever do it to others
in return.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">And more
importantly, its just one small step in life. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It doesn't feel
like it sometimes, but it is and we all gotta learn or we are no different from
amoebas. Well, we probably are, on
account that we are not single celled organisms and such. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But I will
never stop learning. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I have also
recently learned, that I have to always stick to the guns that I believe in,
and never back down. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">For a
moment, I lost my integrity, forgave things that shouldn't be forgiven. (Well, forgiveness is good, but it has to be
given in a certain way – hard to explain).
And then remembered that there are injustices in this world I need to
fight. Because the one thing I have in spades
is a capacity to burn with righteous indignation.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DMC4jGG-ltI/VLMflNESzjI/AAAAAAAABFU/9Pe1N2HmUuY/s1600/R_-_Righteous_Justice_4568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DMC4jGG-ltI/VLMflNESzjI/AAAAAAAABFU/9Pe1N2HmUuY/s1600/R_-_Righteous_Justice_4568.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IN. SPADES.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">So yes,
BLACK LIVES FUCKING MATTER and its so stupid that I, a
half-white/half-everything else person from the other side of the planet is
looking on in horror at this blatant and obvious and SO MUCH MORE COMPLICATED
THAN WE CAN IMAGINE ISSUE and not think; 'Christ, these are the guys who give
us Martin Luther King Jnr, Eleanor Roosevelt and Abraham Mother Fucking Lincoln,
Google and Wikipedia, and they still have people who treat other people like….
'other' because they actually believe in the idea of 'other'.' <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I am tired
of being told to suck it up, and that is the internet for you, and yes –
GAMERGATE MAY TOUCH UPON THE SMALL ISSUE OF VIDJA GAMES JOURNALISM (yeah so,
important in the grand scheme of things) BUT THAT DOES NOT EXCUSE THE ABSOLUTELY
FILTHY AND ABHORRENT BEHAVIOUR OF ITS PROPONENTS AND FUCKING EVERYONE ELSE ON
BOTH SIDES. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Remember – this is a shit
fight about video games. VIDEO GAMES,
and if you find that ethical considerations in video games are somewhat more
important than treating people decently then perhaps you need to take a
seriously hard look at yourself in the mirror.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EkEOwgG88nw/VLMbZfAqHEI/AAAAAAAABEU/ZziKtU5DkY0/s1600/5fLgl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EkEOwgG88nw/VLMbZfAqHEI/AAAAAAAABEU/ZziKtU5DkY0/s1600/5fLgl.jpg" height="320" width="138" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's just make fun of each other for silly things. Silly things are great.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Worse, if
anyone feels that it is somehow some sort of impingement upon their own
identity then remember this – you must be some small minded fucking tiny
brained person to wrap your entire identity around this subject. Liking something, loving something, being
obsessed with something, does not make you that thing and if you've decided
that the only box you want to live in is the 'gamer' box. The good fucking luck surviving in the real
world.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And guess
what ISIS; this lazy, Steam playing, antler wearing, makeup obsessed, Terry
Pratchett loving, swimming, violining, ranting, naïve, heartbroken, sensible,
logical, angry, happy, getting old faster than she imagined, half one thing and
half everything else female is COMING AFTER YOU.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">And the
same goes to you drug lords and corrupt cops killing kids, and the same goes
for anyone else who thinks they have the right to lord it over other people and
hurt them.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FRAi-SiSY0g/VLMbpeL3aUI/AAAAAAAABEc/9FVLA3sE9V8/s1600/charlie-hebdo-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FRAi-SiSY0g/VLMbpeL3aUI/AAAAAAAABEc/9FVLA3sE9V8/s1600/charlie-hebdo-2.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US">And Paris, I am with you, I am Charlie, I am Ahmed, I am the 43 students killed by Mexican drug lords because they dared to speak out, I am 8 little babies stabbed to death by their own mother. I am all those people wrapped in blankets, dead from Ebola and ignored because the disease is no longer affecting first-worlders, I AM MALALA, AND YOU CAN NEVER COW ME.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/yF6HlDolATE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The Sam
Vimes in me is awake and summoning the dark, and I may only know how to blog,
or study, or make fancy resin head-gear, and I don’t know how I will do it, but
I will and I will do everything in my ability to find a way to make sure that
you are HUNTED DOWN AND GOTTEN RID OFF.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Because we
landed a fucking probe on an asteroid;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yoUqrZwa-yg/VLMcRlfoT6I/AAAAAAAABEo/FtmSiQ4EU18/s1600/Iqb36bs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yoUqrZwa-yg/VLMcRlfoT6I/AAAAAAAABEo/FtmSiQ4EU18/s1600/Iqb36bs.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Because
some guy in a lab invented a tentative cure for ebola;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Because
Einstein told Marie Curie to ignore the haters;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-veGZ5rpiLTM/VLMcjqTNYBI/AAAAAAAABEw/__SYrZEaWTQ/s1600/cmdK2TB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-veGZ5rpiLTM/VLMcjqTNYBI/AAAAAAAABEw/__SYrZEaWTQ/s1600/cmdK2TB.jpg" height="235" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.iflscience.com/physics/albert-einstein-told-marie-curie-ignore-haters" target="_blank">TL:DR</a> - My main Lady Curie, them haters be whiney bitches. Your shit is da bomb. Haters gonna hate, keep playin the game. Hugs and Kisses, your bro in the science hood - Albert E,</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Because
sometimes I feel so fucking tiny and stupid and useless that I cannot help of
dreaming of superheroes;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Because the
sky is so ridiculously fucking beautiful when there is no light pollution;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-toW6HJdGjKI/VLMdCr7cUmI/AAAAAAAABE4/lx6QsRC-9j4/s1600/milky-way-viewed-in-australia-15638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-toW6HJdGjKI/VLMdCr7cUmI/AAAAAAAABE4/lx6QsRC-9j4/s1600/milky-way-viewed-in-australia-15638.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Because 'fuck'
is an amazing word to imply exaggeration and also naughty things;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Because I have
the most beautiful nieces and nephews and I want them to know that it is always
worth fighting for a cause that helps other people outside of liking a stupid
and useless facebook status;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Because the
only thing I can control in this amazing, beautiful and sad world is what I can
do for it;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Because we
have to try and be that little bit less shitty as human beings and not be
satisfied with swimming in our own muck just because sometimes, things are
bigger than us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">So,
whatever it is that I can do, I will do… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I don’t know
how much of an impact that will leave, but I'll do it anyway. There can never be any harm in doing the
right thing, and when it is does do harm, take it, because it is something
worth fighting for.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dK7-vUWEZLM/VLMdY0uFlJI/AAAAAAAABFA/WQXEQnHfVac/s1600/tumblr_n5l2d1QfCT1tu96k5o1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dK7-vUWEZLM/VLMdY0uFlJI/AAAAAAAABFA/WQXEQnHfVac/s1600/tumblr_n5l2d1QfCT1tu96k5o1_500.jpg" height="235" width="320" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And I'll
make sure that I will have an amazeballs 2015. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">And I will
do whatever I can to make sure you guys have an amazeballs 2015. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">And after
having re-read this entry a few times, I realize that not only is this very
dramatic… it escalates hilariously quick.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I sound
like a one woman army armed with craft glue and a lot of big words. I most likely am – thankfully the internet is
a place I can shout loudly on and fade into at the same time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">But I am
just a drama queen and at the very least I have entertained you. If not, let me
have inspired you to join my trying-to-be-useful-army. Hell, make your own, build a fucking fort of
righteous little acts of do-gooding and even better, do-awesomeing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Forgive, don’t
forget, and keep trucking. And remember,
do things that don’t hurt other people, be it in buying t-shirts and coffee or
just trying to give back. Everything we
do always affects someone else. It is
time we lived our lives with eyes a bit more open, even if sometimes the harm
cannot be fully helped, wilful ignorance, or worse, intentional apathy, hurts
even more (heck, fair trade food is hard to find and ethical clothing is
expensive).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I have no
idea where this article has taken me....<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dAyemEDp4sE/VLMdzDV4LjI/AAAAAAAABFI/QUjHGFJFSj8/s1600/IMG_2221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dAyemEDp4sE/VLMdzDV4LjI/AAAAAAAABFI/QUjHGFJFSj8/s1600/IMG_2221.JPG" height="217" width="320" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US">Stay
gorgeous and shiny everyone – I think I need a lie down (I ate too much avocado
last night).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<a href="https://draft.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Maybe I
should make blog entries composed entirely of bullet points.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Thank you and good night.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US">And now for something completely different:</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/CJW_yTbYGoI/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/CJW_yTbYGoI&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/CJW_yTbYGoI&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Tarirayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13142797883757620343noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1273634534559488293.post-25511327534590005922014-09-05T17:52:00.002+10:002014-09-05T17:52:58.964+10:00Hola, good bye, hello...<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What the hell? seriously? Another nonsense post?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yes, sadly, I have dropped the ball again.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ok, there's... reasons. Really.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WxFrWOq30f8/VAlmlrS8aYI/AAAAAAAABBw/7BQ9mkpATtQ/s1600/get.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WxFrWOq30f8/VAlmlrS8aYI/AAAAAAAABBw/7BQ9mkpATtQ/s1600/get.gif" height="174" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm so sorry I haven't been vociferous lately, even on FB - I have reduced my presence to that of newsfeed/echo chamber for other articles with the occasional comment to imply that I am equally as sharp and witty as the articles I share.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I think you all ought to know by now that is a shameful lie and a front. I am just that good at the gift of gab.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So - I thought I'd write this short article to tell you that I am not dead or just knocked out from the devastation of losses of public figures that has happened recently. (Now our Beloved Joan Rivers, I will never hear anyone as irreverent to small Asian children as her again). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have been sick. Super, super, knocked out sick.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have never been good with doctors and medicines, it seems my body thinks it is either a woodland elf (ew) or a hippie (extra ew) and I cannot handle medication more complex than my usual ibuprofen for my headaches.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As a result, I have lived on a roller coaster of side-effects as long as my arm and I have been swinging in both moods, appetites and physical appearance.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am still plucking all the bristles off my back, it is a long and tedious procedure. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This has also meant losing weight in ways that even I am not pleased about (it's not impressive to be swimming in your own clothes actually), sleeping for too long or too little and throwing up every time I smell anything that isn't oxygen. Oh and pain, stupid crappy simple pain. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
FUN STUFF.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I have lost my sense of humor - TRAGEDY.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But, on the other hand - I still have my friends and family and all the people I love and damnit, I still have this brain and I have met new people and am slowly learning and re-learning new exciting things and habits. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yeah, that's right, fighting back - I'mma be all muscled and over excited again in no time. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m0vI10q6tAE/VAlm0BxbTqI/AAAAAAAABCA/Vb1wKtq3kAE/s1600/V4KUazz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m0vI10q6tAE/VAlm0BxbTqI/AAAAAAAABCA/Vb1wKtq3kAE/s1600/V4KUazz.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
See, everyday is a new day and a new adventure no matter how shit things might seem. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GfpTZRyhVjo/VAlmo9Mh3SI/AAAAAAAABB4/80S-7AlR0H8/s1600/hUe4IoU.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GfpTZRyhVjo/VAlmo9Mh3SI/AAAAAAAABB4/80S-7AlR0H8/s1600/hUe4IoU.png" height="317" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Maybe I'm just writing this entry to give everyone a big thumbs up - you can do it! - pep talk. No idea why, you're all so lovely anyways.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am also publishing on a <a href="http://oxcgn.com/" target="_blank">bona fide REAL website</a>, and not just some shitty dear diary full of them yucky feelings and emotes and gifs.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
LOOK AT ME DOING STUFF!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am also going to Spain! YEEEEEEEAAAAAAAH</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That means photos of Tapas and Canas and things that involve sunshine because oh, my god, I am so sick of this stupid grey-ass weather here in Sydney. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I will also get my much needed breathing space to reconnect with the world and get back to my childhood roots and reconfigure myself yet again to face the big bad world when I get back.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Frankly, I think I need to just get my adventurer boots on again, I've been feeling a tad stifled since it has been a while since I got to go on a trip and my feet are super, duper itchy.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Its always good to take some time and try and do little things everyday that ground you.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There's going to be art museums, long walks, tapas, swarthy dark espanish men (and women, I'm an equal opportunist ha! <i>[actually, not really - growing up in Spain didn't really give me that stereotypical taste for a latin lover, I got dropped on my head, I know, but what can you do, I grew up there, it isn't exotic to me]</i>), tapas, good wine, a lot of shopping, tapas, old family and friends, tapas and maybe new friends and tapas. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XEtGxRo7W98/VAlnwwVAgkI/AAAAAAAABCc/3fy4qiebChM/s1600/keep-calm-and-eat-spanish-food-5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XEtGxRo7W98/VAlnwwVAgkI/AAAAAAAABCc/3fy4qiebChM/s1600/keep-calm-and-eat-spanish-food-5.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hahaha! I can't believe this poster exists</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Oh, and paella, cochinillo, albondigas, calamares, oreja, churros, gambas al ajillo, fabada, chorizo, FUET, queso manchego... I could go on really.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8SQ4f1549TY/VAlm1Tfkh0I/AAAAAAAABCI/fBIeBoq4UGo/s1600/481730-8-1258059406588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8SQ4f1549TY/VAlm1Tfkh0I/AAAAAAAABCI/fBIeBoq4UGo/s1600/481730-8-1258059406588.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In short, AMAZEBALLS food. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_EMvTP2J28/VAloC152eJI/AAAAAAAABCk/gS0k8ZvesNo/s1600/xurreria_rosaleda_churros_xurros_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_EMvTP2J28/VAloC152eJI/AAAAAAAABCk/gS0k8ZvesNo/s1600/xurreria_rosaleda_churros_xurros_01.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And no, I wont miss you guys at all (kidding! well, maybe not).</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yt5AoEOAmys/VAloKfU4JNI/AAAAAAAABCs/5GDZJ4tPBXw/s1600/Paella_travel460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yt5AoEOAmys/VAloKfU4JNI/AAAAAAAABCs/5GDZJ4tPBXw/s1600/Paella_travel460.jpg" height="192" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You jealous yet? yeeeeeaaaaah you jelly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
I wont even miss my gamez. Well, I'm bringing my DS with me.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Upon my return, I shall be a Monster Hunter extraordinaire legend of epic proportions. (ok, the Jhen Mohran is giving me problems, I wont lie)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And I'll miss the fact that I've been playing Resident Evil 6 co-op. Jeebus that game is fun although I have noticed that as cool and fun as all the in-game violence is, I do sit there and get - I don't know, not offended, or really horrified - but I am finding that I acknowledge the excessiveness of the violence. Is this a getting old thing?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I may discuss it here or maybe, on a <a href="http://oxcgn.com/" target="_blank">bona fide real website</a>, if you know what I mean.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Also, I recently played Geometry Wars. OH MY GOD I LOVE THAT GAME (oh my god, I am really shit at it)</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DCOZDJstsIA/VAlpb4Jj0-I/AAAAAAAABC4/zGevByGke_o/s1600/geometry-wars-galaxies-large-hd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DCOZDJstsIA/VAlpb4Jj0-I/AAAAAAAABC4/zGevByGke_o/s1600/geometry-wars-galaxies-large-hd.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the most fun trip EVER</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Anyway - i'm off to listen to some David Bisbal, the cool kids in Spain still listen to him right?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
See you in October when I am jolly, well-traveled and fat!!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Tarirayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13142797883757620343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1273634534559488293.post-80288379837519833022014-08-14T12:59:00.002+10:002014-08-14T12:59:22.457+10:00Stop all the clocks…<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, I think it suffices to say that we are all rather
shocked and traumatised by the passing of comedy's, no, life's greatest and
brightest stars.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I normally don’t care for celebrity deaths, people live,
people die. Some are influential, like
Madiba and Dr Angelou, who I've spoken of before. We pay our tributes, we give our thoughts, we
remember them, we get that nice glow of fondness and gratitude, we move on.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But this felt like a punch in the gut. A small hole dropping out from beneath you
because your Genie; the one who made you laugh with innumerable impressions and
goddamn, some of the dirtiest and most salacious jokes you've ever seen or
heard, thought that his existence was so hopeless and desperate, that he could
no longer feel like he belonged here, alive, breathing, with his family, with
his friends or his fans.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The one thing people have been baffled over is how someone
who brings so much happiness could have had so little for himself. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Easy, that's what depression does. Its such an awful son of a bitch and it doesn't
care how kind you are, how generous and bright your are, how willing you are to
share your light with the world and how happy you are to make others happy. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It says to you; 'Yeah, its all fine and dandy that everyone
thinks you're the bees knees and its all sort of nice that you're so good to
the people around you, but guess what, I'm here to tell you that no matter how
wonderful you really are, you're never going to feel it. All that happiness you give other people, all
that love that you're so eager to share with the world? I'm taking that away
from you, I wont let you have a single ounce of it.'<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Depression claims you, in a similar way that drug addiction
slowly claims every aspect of your life, this does it too. It steals your happiness and keeps it for
itself, a self-indulgence hurt machine that digs its little claws in you and
croons the most cruel and hateful and hurtful things into your ear and worse,
it does it because it believes it loves you, it believes it and is making you
believe it too.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The most horrible thing about this, because Robin Williams
was a total stranger to me, is that there is no way in the seven hells that I
would have even had an ounce of presence or influence in his life and yet I still
feel guilt; guilt at not having been able to somehow reach out for this famous
and wonderful stranger.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can only imagine what his family is going through, my
heart bleeds, it is unimaginable.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am so sorry Mr Williams that your despair led you down the
darkest roads, that sometimes drink and drugs eased the loneliness, but
ultimately they only led you further into the dark. I'm so sorry that this cruel, monstrous
illness figuratively cock-blocked you from having all that wonder and joy and
love from properly settling into your heart.
I am sorry we didn't notice sooner, I'm sure your family and friends
were the greatest shields you had against this evil, but ultimately, you couldn't
go on. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It almost makes a person really mad, that this nameless,
faceless thing thinks it has the right to steal everything that is good from
you, fuck it, fuck depression.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And yes, I feel strongly about this, too much maybe. Because it hits far too close to home. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And no, suicide isn't selfish, its desperate, its lonely,
its misguided but it isn't selfish. It’s
the last resort of people whose minds are so arduously tortured that silence
and nothingness becomes the only promise of respite. That's the true evil of depression, it makes
you think that silence, not love, or warmth is the only answer. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seriously, fuck that bastard. That lying selfish cruel bastard.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyway, I have no idea what to say in the face of this
tragedy. I loved Robin Williams like one
loves a favourite uncle. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He set the tone and timbre of my own personal sense of
humor. Everyone who knows me has seen my
constant and really, really bad attempts at voice impersonation. A trick I learnt from Robin from Aladdin (<i>Fabulous Darling, I love the feathers</i>). <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He brightened every dark day with the Birdcage. A story that at heart, is about the deep and
abiding love one has for family. (<i>Fossey,
fossey fossey!!!!</i>)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He had depth and talent coming out of his hoo-hah like no
other actor. I remember watching his
interviews and knowing without a doubt I would end up in stitches. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was never a time when this man wasn't shining. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And he seemed for a time, a success story. He overcame his addictions and his demons,
named a daughter after one of the coolest video games ever (maybe not the coolest character, but
that is slowly changing) and damnit how can this guy not be awesome in every
single way?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And to see that maybe those demons were maybe a little stronger is
disheartening and tragic, maybe he just needed more time. Or maybe he had run out. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We can only mourn for so long. After all, at the core of all this tragedy is
the face that someone lost a father, a husband, a friend. He may not have been a personal friend but
the loss is real, just maybe not that personal.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But what am I saying? I am talking like there is no
hope. Like this is all too much a sad
reality of the effects of depression and the aftermath of suicide. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It isn't. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes, some people lose the fight, or are too exhausted
to go on. Sometimes it happens, but its
not a fixed fact.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To everyone else who may relate, who may feel this
breathless pain, who can relate all too well:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Its so fucking hard, I know, but damnit, keep fighting.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And when the fight gets overwhelming always remember that
you do have more weapons in your arsenal than you are aware of even having. If you ever need a happy grenade, I'mma toss you as
many as you need.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If not me, someone else.
Find your wingman, hell, find a fucking platoon. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Reach out and find someone who deserves your friendship and
your love, even if it is just one person.
Although, you'd be surprised (like I often am) how many people actually
care for you in return. Love and
friendship aren’t just easy motifs for My Little Pony episodes, they're genuine
armour reinforcements for your heart and mind.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
O Captain, my captain, rest well. Your battle is over and wherever you are, you're
free. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You won't be forgotten and your legacy will keep us strong
and happy and grateful that we were ever privileged to witness you shine. You're my hero and my hairiest dad, my best
playmate and funniest laugh. I won't
forget you and you will be remembered for all the things worth remembering you
for. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For all of us left behind, let's be genies and mad
scientists, peter pans and super hairy gay men, wear your rainbow suspenders and
your red noses. We have inherited his
joy and his talent so lets put it to good use.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For us in Oz who may need someone to talk to, the occasional pat on the shoulder of just something to help ease the noise, we have:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li> the
<a href="http://www.beyondblue.org.au/" target="_blank">Beyond Blue Foundation</a>; and </li>
<li> the <a href="http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/" target="_blank">Black Dog Institute</a></li>
</ul>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And if you can, or have the physical ability to do so (I
can, I think, just give me time and maybe surgery) – participate in the upcoming
event <a href="http://au.movember.com/" target="_blank">Movember</a>, which focuses on men's health and men's mental health issues.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If all else fails, even as I make my way down my own occasionally dark, cockblocky thorn riddled
road; know that I love you all like Robin Williams loved to drink excessive amounts
of water at a standup (most of which was used as a prop to simulate his dirty
jokes, good times, good, sloppy, times). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I'm not always around but I think about you guys fondly and even those of you I
do not know at all, I think about you too and I want nothing but happiness for
you because really, the world only needs happiness (and internet) and nothing much beats that.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So remember that you're gaining XP every mother fucking day.
That coffee you drank in the morning was
another achievement unlocked. You're
blasting paperclips like locust in Gears of War and goddamn you are a badass,
look at your Level 50 Demon Hunter armor, that shit is sparkling, and every
dent and every scratch is just another battle scar anecdote you can tell to
impress everyone.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Be free and happy in the here and now. Thanks for putting up with this rant and peace
out. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nanu Nanu.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Tarirayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13142797883757620343noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1273634534559488293.post-55742201308728055352014-07-10T21:00:00.002+10:002014-07-10T21:00:57.194+10:00When costumes attack – Supanova 2014 (20% less photos than last year boo) – a genuine review<div class="MsoNormal">
So – I haven’t been writing yes? I have been busy… yes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I say that EVERY TIME… yes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ok so last month was Supanova, my yearly nerd convention
where I sell my stuff and generally spend three tired, sleepless and mildly
croaky days having epic fun.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This year was no different, I tabled with the Geeky Bee!!!
it was awesome.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J-MjQANeLTs/U75s8jS6OLI/AAAAAAAABAA/PUrlTWvfhPI/s1600/newwer+087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J-MjQANeLTs/U75s8jS6OLI/AAAAAAAABAA/PUrlTWvfhPI/s1600/newwer+087.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my lovely co-tabler A and I</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I sold all my stuff! – it was great! (ok maybe not all my
stuff, like I have two items left – but whatever GREAT SUCCESS)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Things are a bit different this year. Table prices went up to borderline exorbitant
prices, sharing the table was a huge advantage since it cut my overhead cost by
quite a bit and it was so good to have the company because really, despite my
requests to be put next to Nekochii or I Like Shinies or Mogo & Co - I–was left
all by my lonesome!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qvIQxkDQMmE/U75tC5rBuzI/AAAAAAAABAI/MLG44ANad0Q/s1600/20140613_114639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qvIQxkDQMmE/U75tC5rBuzI/AAAAAAAABAI/MLG44ANad0Q/s1600/20140613_114639.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very busy T'emporium</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Further, we were split into the weirdest vendor categories
ever, with hand made products being classified in the most confusing manner and
hand drawn artists being relegated to their own little side of the convention
floor where, from what I hear they barely got any exposure or, their product
got drowned out by an oversaturated artists alley. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was a poor attempt on the part of the event organisers to
categorise all the vendors into some kind of grouping, but it didn’t work. We ended up hearing of people who sold almost
identical products being placed next to each other, when they should have been
put apart in order to give some semblance of product diversity. That's how you give vendors a chance, by
making them stand out. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Either way, most vendors that I had time to speak with
complained about the same thing. Either
no one was buying or that everyone was buying something else. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Which leads me to this conclusion:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN – WE HAVE ACHIEVED FINAL NERD FORM.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What I mean by that is the evolution of the nerd as a
consumer of marketable products has reached its peak. We have finally reached (or will be reaching
in the next 5 years or less) a saturation point where, above all things, nerd
gadgets, and merchandise are just oh so easily accessible and common place that
EVERYONE is getting in on the action.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I've also heard some people complain that with the sheer
amount of mass produced items and official merch vendors, indie craftsters are
losing out, which is where the real shame is.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The artists alley really ought to be where it is at. Why? no, this isn't bias, its because they're
the embodiment of what it means to be a geek or nerd or whatever the term is
that kids use these days for being a fan of these kinds of things. They're the expression of that enthusiasm and
the hub of all future creative endeavours in the community. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some talented comic artists such as <a href="http://pandeia.com/" target="_blank">P, author of Pandeia</a>
could be among those to begin a new wave of indie comic sub-cultures that could
encourage more and more people into the genre, in a similar way that Rooster Teeth
has opened eyes and minds about what makes consumable nerd media on the
internet. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dEhAlvfN_EM/U75u6zK6n2I/AAAAAAAABAc/ZBKlxfCWSo8/s1600/newwer+069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dEhAlvfN_EM/U75u6zK6n2I/AAAAAAAABAc/ZBKlxfCWSo8/s1600/newwer+069.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">P bought this book/cabinet i made before the con even opened haha - insta-sale! yus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Instead, we are starting to get massive tables that sell,
wholesale, and probably with less passion than some of the people whose tables
I walked past, $20 Harry Potter timeturners or mass produced Sailor Moon
pendants (most likely imported from China).
And while I wouldn’t spit on their obviously successful work model, it
just means that yes, your time turner is awesome, but you probably missed out on
buying a beautiful, made with love, by hand, timeturner from a guy who
literally wallpapers his bedroom in Hogwarts paraphernalia. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The latter would mean significantly more to
me, not so much because of the 'hand made'-ness of it, but because it was made
from the heart, by a true fan, who probably invests so much love into their
product that the product is imbued with its own nerdy magic.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As such, I ended up buying a strange little adorable weebly
thing that looks like something from the Labyrinth. I don’t care that it cost me more than the
two Living Dead Clothing pieces I breathlessly bought and cooed and crooned
over, I watched this girl make it with love and care and that means so much to
me and has made my purchase worthwhile because that little critter was not just
made, he was created.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cT_geo6SMbQ/U75uwlTSsuI/AAAAAAAABAU/DeMcTYyMXfg/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cT_geo6SMbQ/U75uwlTSsuI/AAAAAAAABAU/DeMcTYyMXfg/s1600/006.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">see, its a ... weeb...thing...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Oh – and <a href="http://livingdead.com.au/" target="_blank">Living Dead Clothing</a> gave <a href="https://blackmilkclothing.com/" target="_blank">Black Milk</a> a run for its
money…. I may not always care about the fashion shenanigans of spandex vendors
but after <a href="http://www.cleo.com.au/get-talking/news/2014/5/black-milks-social-media-fail/" target="_blank">Black Milk's hilarious PR disaster</a>, it was nice seeing some competition. Having said that - these fan groups obsessing over leggings, its weird and I am trying to stay away from all that lest I become a spandex obsessed ... obssessive.. yeah.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Having said that, I just bought two very blatant copyright
infringements. Ah life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bpsy8CGD2go/U75vIfVrVeI/AAAAAAAABAs/4wYt7VtYMw4/s1600/newwer+103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bpsy8CGD2go/U75vIfVrVeI/AAAAAAAABAs/4wYt7VtYMw4/s1600/newwer+103.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">spandex!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was however, great to see vendors from other states,
making it a proper Aussie con. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Having
said that, one of the vendors on my row took the whole Aussie artist thing a
little to heart and apparently didn’t take well to ahem, non-Aussie (read: non-white) vendors and attendees. Their
little stand got taken down early because obviously, there were enough
complaints about them to get them removed from site, yeesh. However, I dont know the whole story so that may only be one part of the whole shemozzle, I do remember hearing people who waled away from the store visibly upset at things that were said to them, either regarding their ethnicity or, irrelevantly, their political affiliations. I'm a Sith, so unless the stall was like, pro-republic, I don't know how such a conversation at a convention would get ugly. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Also this was a three day event, from the point of view of a
vendor, was a friggin waste of time. Friday attendants were not interested in
buying, considering that they were saving their money for the next day. Our
presence was rendered moot in light of the fact that all these early pass
people were there for autographs and photos.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fpYYM7An0Pk/U75vAQdFVxI/AAAAAAAABAk/mRb5QJkfj9Q/s1600/newwer+099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fpYYM7An0Pk/U75vAQdFVxI/AAAAAAAABAk/mRb5QJkfj9Q/s1600/newwer+099.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">M as, well, i dont know - but he cosplayed it damn well...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Understandably, it was good to make it a three day even
because none-other than Mr Stan Lee the Man had decided to grace us with his
magical, ancient (yeah, he's 91, its legit) presence and boy was that useful for
those of us who cannot afford to spend hours in a line.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I managed to walk straight up to him on Friday evening and
just get my hilariously bad '5 Generations of X-men Tales' book signed by the
fella. He looked so precious and old,
like an enthusiastic and shiny shrivelled pea who looked like he could sway off
his stool at any second. I genuinely
wanted to give him a blanket, some Ovaltine and a nice glass of water for his
dentures.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LgMHC1aHCZM/U75vOzaRyeI/AAAAAAAABA4/DjGTPunnuHE/s1600/newwer+104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LgMHC1aHCZM/U75vOzaRyeI/AAAAAAAABA4/DjGTPunnuHE/s1600/newwer+104.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lovely goodies from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mogoandco" target="_blank">Mogo & Co</a>, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ilikeshinies?ref=pr_shop" target="_blank">I Like Shinies</a> and yes - that is Stan Lee's Scribble right there...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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John Barrowman (Captain Jack Harkness, Dr Who, Torchwood, apparently
also Arrow) and Nikolaj Coster Waldau (JAIME FUCKING LANNISTER) we also massive
fan favourites. In particular, Mr
Majesty Barrowman who, while I didn’t get to ever meet, was a true gentleman
and was amazeballs and kind and sweet to everyone he met and accepted a box of
tim-tams from a friend of mine and stayed till late in order to give everyone
their autographs. </div>
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The guy is a veritable
rainbow of goodness and ought to be showered in sparkles and kisses everyday (I
imagine his husband does that, if not, he is a very poor excuse of a husband).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Nonetheless, despite my lengthy gripe regarding the changing
dynamics of purchasing power among the nerdy community, it was wonderful seeing
the convention get so very big. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I know I say it every frigging year but yes (insert reverb) –
I always say this will be my last year as a vendor but I think I am coming back
next year for more <s>punishment</s> experience. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The community continues to inspire me and even though I didn’t
take as many photos (or my camera would fail at taking them) – Cosplay is
getting better and more imaginative (also, the family that cosplays together,
stays together folks!). The event is a
lot more open to the public with people of varying levels of interest attending
and just enjoying the event. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-74LM7YXYC3o/U75vVExxgsI/AAAAAAAABBA/ehis1QJgUsg/s1600/newwer+095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-74LM7YXYC3o/U75vVExxgsI/AAAAAAAABBA/ehis1QJgUsg/s1600/newwer+095.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely loli S paid a visit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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While this year, I didn’t buy the everloving shit out of
everything, I still decided to support friends and other artists who I genuinely
like (thus the purchase of the weird weebly thing). However, on my part, I had return
customers. People remembered me form
last year and oh, what a warm fuzzy feeling that gives me. This included people who couldn’t believe how
cheap my products were. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g1CD20E9_zg/U75v2ip5hYI/AAAAAAAABBE/U5AoSj14ZCw/s1600/newwer+081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g1CD20E9_zg/U75v2ip5hYI/AAAAAAAABBE/U5AoSj14ZCw/s1600/newwer+081.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">trying to look awake for sales</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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But I have a
reason:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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This is my first year casting with resin, because these were
my first pulls, I don’t feel confident enough to price them higher considering
that I felt that they were first tries.
Yes I'm raising my prices for next year but that will be a proportionate
price raise with the quality of the product. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8E4iWT8geTg/U75wQRkrzWI/AAAAAAAABBQ/3jjXHHe3FBE/s1600/newwer+038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8E4iWT8geTg/U75wQRkrzWI/AAAAAAAABBQ/3jjXHHe3FBE/s1600/newwer+038.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">some sample cabinets of curiosity that i also made - definitely a good idea for next year</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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So yes, I'm going to be a few dollars pricier, but I am
aware of my market share and wont make it absurdly expensive. I love my customers and I understand their
wallets as well.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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All in all, Supanova was a great success, I also introduced
some first timers to the event and they totally lost their con virginity. I am so salacious ooh.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The community continues to grow and damnit, we had some
great guests and a great time. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Oh, the only improvement required on the part of the venue
(apart from re-thinking the table prices and the categorisation of artists) is
to have more ATMs. Holy shit the lines
were incredible. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So – look out for my next post (yes, because I am writing
again, CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!) on Winterfest, every damsel's dream come true
(why, because puppies, that's why).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Peace out my sparkle bubblies!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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T<o:p></o:p></div>
Tarirayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13142797883757620343noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1273634534559488293.post-26938194779920889252014-05-29T16:46:00.000+10:002014-05-29T16:50:53.207+10:00My farewell letter to Maya Angelou<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/8PXdacSqvcA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Dear Dr Angelou<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I'm going to be cheesy for just a moment.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Sorry, my bandwagon is going to hitch up with all the others
for today, how can it not?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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You were one of the greatest, most shining of writers in
this world, and have left us all the poorer for it. I know you're in a better place, wherever it
is you wanted to go after this life. I
know that despite your absence, your work will speak to the next generations
and hopefully forge new thinkers, new speakers of peace the way you were.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Maya Angelou, you saved me, or rather, your poem 'A brave and
startling truth' saved my life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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And you'll have to forgive me, this rant will ramble and
have absolutely no structure (which would be a shame because you structured your poetry so beautifully and subtly…)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I have always teetered from being too sad to formulate words
on some days and on others too happy to bring myself to believe that anything
could ever go wrong. Such is the way so
many of us are, especially when we are young.
When we're young we get so myopic and can't see past the hole we dig
ourselves into.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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To paraphrase Seamus Heaney a bit; your pen was the shovel
that dug me out into the sun with just the opening stanza of my favorite poem:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i> </i><i><br />
<span style="background: white;">Traveling
through casual space<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Past
aloof stars, across the way of indifferent suns<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background: white;">To a
destination where all signs tell us<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background: white;">It is
possible and imperative that we learn<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background: white;">A
brave and startling truth</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></i></div>
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And just like that, I am made humble, small and yet strong
and hopeful all at once and the feeling I felt when the full impact of those
words hit me was so liberating that even on really, really bad days, just that
stanza alone is enough to wash over me like a balm. It feels good to know I'm part of a bigger journey, my problems become small and bearable when faced with the wonder of 'casual space'. </div>
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<br /></div>
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It helps me so much; you remind me that I am made of stardust and I become happy to share the same experiences as the rest of humanity, flawed and small as we sometimes seem to be. You remind me of how magnificent we are as a people, how burning and brilliant we are despite everything. This poem made me feel proud to be human, proud that I shared words like yours, but only you could structure in such a way to leave us feeling inspired.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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You have this cooling effect like sea foam over hot coals. It is so refreshing to read your poetry,
every time I read this one though, my breath hitches just a bit and I wonder
what it feels like to have vision as big as yours.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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That poem put everything into perspective for me, not to
mention how powerful the rest of that epic 11 stanza poem is.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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You've always had this ability to take the long view about
life, which is probably why you're so inspired. You don't speak about life as an
amalgam of separate moments but as one long slow blink of an eye, spanning the millennia
from the beginning of time. It's like you
see sparks of infinity which you described in your poetry. <o:p></o:p></div>
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And of course, there is the fact that your wit and courage
is a powerful voice for women, and for African Americans, you are one of their
finest warriors in the struggle for equal rights in the USA. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Out of the
huts of history's shame</span></i><i><br />
<span style="background: white;">I rise</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Up
from a past that's rooted in pain</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">I rise</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">I'm a
black ocean, leaping and wide,</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Welling
and swelling I bear in the tide.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Leaving
behind nights of terror and fear</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">I rise</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Into a
daybreak that's wondrously clear</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">I rise</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Bringing
the gifts that my ancestors gave,</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">I am
the dream and the hope of the slave.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">I rise</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">I rise</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">I
rise.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><span style="background: white;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></i></div>
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Damn lady, you was classy
even when you was biting a chunk out of them, and oh, did I mention, YOU MADE
TUPAC CRY. Mad props… goddamn<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So rest in Power you
amazing, phenomenal woman, you are the finest of all of us and I can only hope
that your words forge a better person of me, us and generations to come. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I'll miss you, but probably
not that much, because you're in the place that matters in my heart.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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May the universe embrace
you on your final journey.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal">
T<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Edit: I wrote a hell
of a lot more rant, but after going to lunch and doing errands, my mind had
time to cool down and detach a bit and not be as melodramatic as it originally
sounded. Perspective is an awesome thing.
That was something I also learned from
Dr Angelou's work.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The Rock
Cries out to us Today<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">A Rock, A
River, A Tree</span></i><i><br />
<span style="background: white;">Hosts
to species long since departed,</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Mark
the mastodon.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">The
dinosaur, who left dry tokens</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Of
their sojourn here</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">On our
planet floor,</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Any
broad alarm of their of their hastening doom</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Is
lost in the gloom of dust and ages.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">But
today, the Rock cries out to us, clearly, forcefully,</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Come,
you may stand upon my</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Back
and face your distant destiny,</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">But
seek no haven in my shadow.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">I will
give you no hiding place down here.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">You,
created only a little lower than</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">The
angels, have crouched too long in</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">The
bruising darkness,</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Have
lain too long</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Face
down in ignorance.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Your
mouths spelling words</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Armed
for slaughter.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">The
rock cries out today, you may stand on me,</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">But do
not hide your face.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Across
the wall of the world,</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">A
river sings a beautiful song,</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Come
rest here by my side.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Each
of you a bordered country,</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Delicate
and strangely made proud,</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Yet
thrusting perpetually under siege.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Your
armed struggles for profit</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Have
left collars of waste upon</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">My
shore, currents of debris upon my breast.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Yet,
today I call you to my riverside,</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">If you
will study war no more.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Come,
clad in peace and I will sing the songs</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">The
Creator gave to me when I</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">And
the tree and stone were one.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Before
cynicism was a bloody sear across your brow</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">And
when you yet knew you still knew nothing.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">The
river sings and sings on.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">There
is a true yearning to respond to</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">The
singing river and the wise rock.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">So say
the Asian, the Hispanic, the Jew,</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">The
African and Native American, the Sioux,</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">The
Catholic, the Muslim, the French, the Greek,</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">The
Irish, the Rabbi, the Priest, the Sheikh,</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">The
Gay, the Straight, the Preacher,</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">The
privileged, the homeless, the teacher.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">They
hear. They all hear</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">The
speaking of the tree.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Today,
the first and last of every tree</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Speaks
to humankind. Come to me, here beside the river.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Plant
yourself beside me, here beside the river.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Each
of you, descendant of some passed on</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Traveller,
has been paid for.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">You,
who gave me my first name,</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">You
Pawnee, Apache and Seneca,</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">You
Cherokee Nation, who rested with me,</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Then
forced on bloody feet,</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Left
me to the employment of other seekers--</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Desperate
for gain, starving for gold.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">You,
the Turk, the Swede, the German, the Scot...</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">You
the Ashanti, the Yoruba, the Kru,</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Bought,
sold, stolen, arriving on a nightmare</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Praying
for a dream.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Here,
root yourselves beside me.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">I am
the tree planted by the river,</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Which
will not be moved.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">I, the
rock, I the river, I the tree</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">I am
yours--your passages have been paid.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Lift
up your faces, you have a piercing need</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">For
this bright morning dawning for you.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">History,
despite its wrenching pain,</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Cannot
be unlived, and if faced with courage,</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Need
not be lived again.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Lift
up your eyes upon</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">The
day breaking for you.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Give
birth again</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">To the
dream.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Women,
children, men,</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Take
it into the palms of your hands.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Mold
it into the shape of your most</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Private
need. Sculpt it into</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">The
image of your most public self.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Lift
up your hearts.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Each
new hour holds new chances</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">For
new beginnings.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Do not
be wedded forever</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">To
fear, yoked eternally</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">To
brutishness.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">The
horizon leans forward,</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Offering
you space to place new steps of change.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Here,
on the pulse of this fine day</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">You
may have the courage</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">To
look up and out upon me,</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">The
rock, the river, the tree, your country.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">No
less to Midas than the mendicant.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">No
less to you now than the mastodon then.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Here
on the pulse of this new day</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">You
may have the grace to look up and out</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">And
into your sister's eyes,</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Into
your brother's face, your country</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">And
say simply</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Very
simply</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">With
hope</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Good
morning.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
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Tarirayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13142797883757620343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1273634534559488293.post-68548462427609053612014-05-21T15:10:00.003+10:002014-05-21T15:14:58.093+10:00Sorry... Sorry... um.. yeah... sorry, have a gif party...<br />
Oh my god, Its May...<br />
<br />
I AM SO SORRY. (ok, maybe not SO sorry, but I am sorry...)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yjPA3E-jz3s/U3wVnN7Lc_I/AAAAAAAAA9c/xtOxe3EGJ6o/s1600/ccoybvkxbx8kbrba318g.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yjPA3E-jz3s/U3wVnN7Lc_I/AAAAAAAAA9c/xtOxe3EGJ6o/s1600/ccoybvkxbx8kbrba318g.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So, so, sorry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Can I use 'I've been busy' as an excuse? because I have been, really, for realsies.<br />
<br />
I feel a little stretched thin nowadays, which probably isn't good but on the other hand, I enjoy being able to fill my days with something to do.<br />
<br />
I am filling my hours with house chores and arts and crafts, and I have decided to be really really silly, and have decided to compete in <a href="http://www.darkhorse.com/Blog/1707/hellboy-hell-artifact-contest?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=promoted&utm_campaign=hellboy%20artifact%20contest" target="_blank">this competition</a> so i can win sweet sweet BPRD lootz. I am really hoping to get something really nice done and get a tad of attention from someone in the magical cosmic world of... something.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P-AmYz4jmXo/U3wVuEIZL4I/AAAAAAAAA9k/RJdyGa5KCQU/s1600/fme5tpichdzkt9zs3hjy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P-AmYz4jmXo/U3wVuEIZL4I/AAAAAAAAA9k/RJdyGa5KCQU/s1600/fme5tpichdzkt9zs3hjy.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Also, I just really really want Mignola-Senpai to notice me.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I have been also completely overwhelmed with family things, my niece and nephew are the cutest things that ever patootied and my Sundays are usually spent driving to Cherrybrook (please note, I can drive, doesn't mean I like doing it), so i can play with these monsters.<br />
<br />
Also - I love our dogs, so I am willing to do the 'agonizing' half hour drive to Cherrybrook to lunch, play with bubbies and then, promptly without fail, have a nap with the two dogs at 3:30. Also my cousin occasionally grabs me to play some multi-player BattleDuty of whatever warzone dudebro shooter game he is playing and I usually (but very successfully) pray and spray the entire screen.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4svuQliLmFw/U3wx3cPUULI/AAAAAAAAA-U/aRomQds6RW8/s1600/IMG_20140112_180521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4svuQliLmFw/U3wx3cPUULI/AAAAAAAAA-U/aRomQds6RW8/s1600/IMG_20140112_180521.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my babies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I am also a full-on swimmer, so Tuesdays revolves entirely around me being able to fish around at the pool, I even imagine my practice laps at work. Because maybe no one has noticed, but secretly, I am a mermaid. Not the soppy in love with a douchey price type (yes, Eric is a douche, seriously, he finds a hot, mute girl at the beach and starts getting all hot for her, but as soon as the foxy brunette with the sick voice wanders, he drops her like a fucking hot potato - FUCKING DOUCHE, damn Ariel, you can do so much better).<br />
<br />
Having said that, I want to show you this....<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DRMieZjROWM/U3wWaIpmhAI/AAAAAAAAA9s/ZAUk137Us4c/s1600/10_Blue_1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DRMieZjROWM/U3wWaIpmhAI/AAAAAAAAA9s/ZAUk137Us4c/s1600/10_Blue_1a.jpg" height="182" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The most beautiful mermaid tails in the world by the <a href="https://www.themertailor.com/" target="_blank">Mertailor</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Aren't they the most wonderful things that have ever existed since the invention of sliced bread?<br />
Can I please have a sugar-daddy that could buy me one of these? Or an employer who is willing to give me a salary and as a bonus, one of these? (payment in complimentary fish tails sounds really cool actually).<br />
<br />
I have also started writing short stories... which end up not being short. I got inspired by an art commission by Buddy P, write of <a href="http://pandeia.com/" target="_blank">extraordinarily rich and lovely graphic novel Pandeia</a>, to draw me a character as a reward for his kickstarter project. I wrote a short story based on this character but eventually it evolved into its own monster. I have a summarized version of the story but I don't think I can attach it separately. I think I might post it as something separate.<br />
<br />
More importantly, I am in full T'EMPorium mode, I sleep, eat and breathe the T'EMPorium and I am proud to announce that I have set up my (empty) etsy shop and have most of my stock almost ready for my big re-launch at SupaNova. I have my merchandise mostly ready, the decor for the stall, and eeeeeee - business cards!!! so exciting!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d_fCxuwruAA/U3ww5oUNxhI/AAAAAAAAA98/HIMgCFB4si4/s1600/IMG_20140519_114452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d_fCxuwruAA/U3ww5oUNxhI/AAAAAAAAA98/HIMgCFB4si4/s1600/IMG_20140519_114452.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Also, I am in dreamy, dreamers mode because STAN LEE IS COMING TO SUPANOVA AND I JUST MIGHT HAVE A STROKE. John Barrowman is also coming so I will have two strokes, oh and quite unlikely as this seems, a gay man will give me multiple org-... nerdgasms... yes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TDX390rf5RU/U3wxo-oKb2I/AAAAAAAAA-E/nFYR2q2Phl8/s1600/dkqxiwywsjatq1hestv9.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TDX390rf5RU/U3wxo-oKb2I/AAAAAAAAA-E/nFYR2q2Phl8/s1600/dkqxiwywsjatq1hestv9.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
I need to plan my costumes because I really wanna ham my products up with some nice product placement, on me, that is, because I cannot afford models.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O7zcH1ysnFQ/U3wxx0E38FI/AAAAAAAAA-M/H_gs2EgPiAE/s1600/IMG_9362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O7zcH1ysnFQ/U3wxx0E38FI/AAAAAAAAA-M/H_gs2EgPiAE/s1600/IMG_9362.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by J (thanks!) - sneaky preview of the final products!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I am also dangerously close to increasing my corset collection. Which is impractical and silly and weird because who wears a corset to watch Captain America anyway?<br />
<br />
Oh, guys - Captain America... that was the most perfect Marvel movie, like, ever. Totes.<br />
I have been to the cinema quite a bit (as in, more than once) these past few weeks and I must say, I have really enjoyed the movies I've seen. Totally worth the $21 FUCKING DOLLARS for a ticket. (Ok, i lie, I watch these movies using vouchers).<br />
Even... yes... that Zack Snyder ABOMINATION that was 300: Rise of an Empire. I am a little bit worried he will turn the new batman/superman movie into a douchefest but I am going to keep faith because Sin City was pretty good.<br />
<br />
Gosh, isn't everyone disappointed that Bryan Singer, director of what I assume is the goddamn amazing X-Men: Days of future past a complete asshole? Because I am, I really hope this becomes his last gig and he gets his disgusting ass thrown into jail. Seriously.<br />
<br />
In other news, I have caught the flu three times since the beginning of fall. Three. Times.<br />
Oh, and all those weddings whose hen's night I have been attending? worth it. I am so happy for all my friends and whatever, my dress was two sizes too big for me and well, it was also very hot in Adelaide and I threw up and it was all very, very lovely.<br />
<br />
Also, I'm going to be an auntie again because J is preggers again with baby number 2 but she (yes, its a girl!) is tiny so I guess we all have no choice but to call her nugget.<br />
<br />
I am very excited for nugget to be born. However, current adorable baby niece is hilarious, she makes faces and she does this weird crawl and she screams so she has a new nickname: Nazgul. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4t9LYptvITw/U3wy_xjgrTI/AAAAAAAAA-s/6EQ8QMPzBC8/s1600/tumblr_m75x48Bsfc1qbymseo1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4t9LYptvITw/U3wy_xjgrTI/AAAAAAAAA-s/6EQ8QMPzBC8/s1600/tumblr_m75x48Bsfc1qbymseo1_500.gif" height="128" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So it seems that despite the sudden craziness of my day-to-day I am quite chipper (probably a very brittle mask to stop me from screaming down the street). I will no doubt collapse in an exhausted and weeping heap by Mid June but whatever.<br />
<br />
I have also booked my tickets and hotels for Spain in September. SO EXCITED ALL THE TAPAS NOM NOM NOM.<br />
<br />
So, um, yeah. That's my current dear diary, I guess. Kris is leaving EXO, because everyone cares about Kpop right?<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NeCLHBibC7U/U3w0FX2HyiI/AAAAAAAAA-4/As4MFeaHj40/s1600/giphy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NeCLHBibC7U/U3w0FX2HyiI/AAAAAAAAA-4/As4MFeaHj40/s1600/giphy.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is pretty much what most Kpop ends up feeling like to me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Also - what has been a recent movie that you enjoyed? why? I'm always interested in hearing critique of film because i always end up not realizing many things about the things i watch until someone else points them out to me.<br />
<br />
Oh and is it possible to marry a TV show? Because True Detective is my fiance. Totally.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9SIbjuv3eWU/U3w1MlxZo4I/AAAAAAAAA_I/qfI-J-6gS30/s1600/8ST-askrust.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9SIbjuv3eWU/U3w1MlxZo4I/AAAAAAAAA_I/qfI-J-6gS30/s1600/8ST-askrust.jpg" height="160" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
magotes for all of you!!! (I don't know, I like the word okay?)<br />
T<br />
Oh, and enjoy some pre-X-men love goodies<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aAFavny9JXk/U3w0j1j6jtI/AAAAAAAAA_E/tddMLgW-Ooc/s1600/qgl4p14pvfqq2wk17jlr.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aAFavny9JXk/U3w0j1j6jtI/AAAAAAAAA_E/tddMLgW-Ooc/s1600/qgl4p14pvfqq2wk17jlr.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bromance is like, infijillionty time better than Xavie/Magneto slash...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />Tarirayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13142797883757620343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1273634534559488293.post-69484123428530314532014-02-28T17:43:00.001+11:002014-02-28T17:44:10.575+11:00Pooppity Hoppity - Its a post...er... postitty?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Errr… happy new year and two months?! (disclaimer - GIF PARTY BELOW)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jtSfRh74QIQ/UxASUnJLMzI/AAAAAAAAA4g/cflQRDRte3s/s1600/whut.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jtSfRh74QIQ/UxASUnJLMzI/AAAAAAAAA4g/cflQRDRte3s/s1600/whut.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's do this right</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Hello – We survived!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So – Hmmm, lots of stuff happened…<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And then I burned out – major – crash. and. burn.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Oh my god… its been a cray-cray past two months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I mean c'mon, Christmas – who doesn’t get insanely busy
during that time?.. ok, people who don’t celebrate it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But still, here in Aus, its summer and its
all about going out and going to the beach and festivals and party and the
Sydney Festival was on and damn, so much stuff has been happening.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I mean, what's with all my buds suddenly getting married
everywhere?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Check this out:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YDqX_0nkGm8/UxASMgbYSMI/AAAAAAAAA4M/iL8fMpFR3CA/s1600/101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YDqX_0nkGm8/UxASMgbYSMI/AAAAAAAAA4M/iL8fMpFR3CA/s1600/101.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Friday night; hen's night out for one bride (sangria, sangria, sangria);<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Saturday all day; hen's 'tea' (as in drinking tea but mostly drinking vodka punch out of teacups) in the Blue Mountains (beautiful views, hilarious talks about adult toys and champagne)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Sunday; quiet daytime wedding with friends and family;<br /><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Following Friday; flight to Adelaide to attend a 45-degree-in-the-sun-40-degree-in-the-shade garden wedding (super pretty and so lovely though).</span> </li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Aaaaand shut down.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Guyz, I'm too old for all this party hardy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seriously. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I feel so tired and worn out and damnit if I haven’t
actually had a few people telling me that I look like I'm going to die or I
just look like plain shit – thanks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So, after an actual crash and getting doctors to prod me, I
am feeling super duper dandy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still
tired, but not too tired to possibly, say, roll on the floor with puppies, or
finger paint dinosaurs with my baby nephew, or gesticulate wildly while
watching The Legend of Korra.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I am also not too tired to play the Witcher 2 either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">OK, Guys, guyze…. omg… guyz… I am like, so, sooooo, In Love
guyze. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FdN3Nd_fgCc/UxAUlLUR7JI/AAAAAAAAA5E/KY2YDy95T08/s1600/the-crew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FdN3Nd_fgCc/UxAUlLUR7JI/AAAAAAAAA5E/KY2YDy95T08/s1600/the-crew.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">seriously.... look at that... holy shit.... SO BEAUTIFUL!!! (and I'll admit, Triss looks good)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <span style="font-family: Arial;">The Witcher 2 is a masterpiece guyze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I can't play any other game (except Monster Hunter – that
that's my 'professional' commitment so it doesn’t count) right now other than
the Witcher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">HOLY-MOTHER-OF-ORGANIC-WHOLEGRAIN-FED-RUM-BOTTLING-GOD –
that game is Lush. Luuuuuuush.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I have done any skanky stuff yet and I actually can't wait –
so far, I have had Geralt do these smirks at girls which, I assume, according
to someone with no genitalia, is supposed to come off as either sexy or
charming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It actually comes off as
passing wind, but hey, at least it doesn’t look rapey.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M0PJXdtxV3Y/UxASZKGvgXI/AAAAAAAAA4w/ovTJYXvhmGg/s1600/sign.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M0PJXdtxV3Y/UxASZKGvgXI/AAAAAAAAA4w/ovTJYXvhmGg/s1600/sign.png" height="125" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Etsy store coming soon!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I am also in production mode.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As in, I am casting a resin piece almost
every night and I am already building up a steady supply of thingies to make
into prettier thingies so I can start making big thingies!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8TgfOcfDIp4/UxASLXNI-QI/AAAAAAAAA34/Em3nAPogr7s/s1600/088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8TgfOcfDIp4/UxASLXNI-QI/AAAAAAAAA34/Em3nAPogr7s/s1600/088.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ignore tired face...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <span style="font-family: Arial;">I also started making these!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0zFVMWc8n_8/UxAVu3wbBtI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/79IV_LeyJ4w/s1600/IMG_20131219_215547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0zFVMWc8n_8/UxAVu3wbBtI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/79IV_LeyJ4w/s1600/IMG_20131219_215547.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I am not embarrassed to say I feel rather loving and
motherly towards these.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had so much
fun making them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I also made my own color palette of eyeshadows using my new purchases from the greatest Nerdy Mineral Make Up Makers. Each colour is nerdy themed and golly oh my aren't they the prettiest things!!!!!</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6AiH5TKpra0/UxASPwPrYPI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/1j-h6FuwPUo/s1600/IMG_20131214_112054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6AiH5TKpra0/UxASPwPrYPI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/1j-h6FuwPUo/s1600/IMG_20131214_112054.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So – in terms of New Years' Resolutions – my year of
adventure has begun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, I have gone
to Adelaide, that's like, a big deal right?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So, looking forward to meeting new people (making friends
with Spanish strippers and another stripper called Julie apparently has been a
strange, strange theme this month);catching up, and falling in love with aliens
(and coffee jelly shots apparently [NOTE TO SELF AND NOTE TO YOU – DRINKING IS
BAD, SO, SO, BAD]).<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Other planned adventures for this year include:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Tripping around in Fatherland Spain for a month
in September!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Eat all the Doritos<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Silver jewellery classes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Invade Japan – steal all Gundams<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Scuba lessons!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'm also going to see KYARY PAMYU PAMYU THIS MARCH!!!!! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ublXngmfKYs/UxAWpH-BcqI/AAAAAAAAA5o/7TWJYmEpYvs/s1600/tumblr_mu0n13B9Pl1r6n0uqo1_400.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ublXngmfKYs/UxAWpH-BcqI/AAAAAAAAA5o/7TWJYmEpYvs/s1600/tumblr_mu0n13B9Pl1r6n0uqo1_400.gif" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I always tell myself I'll also be more creative, which
honestly, I think I am, except I always feel like I'm never doing enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I feel this is a common thing among people who like doing
creative arts and crafts (or any creative medium).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As if every minute we don’t spend drawing or
sculpting or rendering or forging is a minute wasted, it’s a bit of a slippery
slope of danger zone-ness because the more you force yourself to be creative
the more anxious about your activities you become. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I have two sketchbooks which I keep feeling are being
neglected, my tablet isn’t out of its box yet and boxes filled with craft stuff
(and a dead cicada in a bottle) which keep judging me because they're gathering
dust. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I have a portrait of Daenerys which I now have no idea what
to do with. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qYbbfam4ydA/UxAWhF5OnDI/AAAAAAAAA5g/DMQuthMy9So/s1600/dany.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qYbbfam4ydA/UxAWhF5OnDI/AAAAAAAAA5g/DMQuthMy9So/s1600/dany.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think I've shown this before, still dont know what to do with it</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Any ideas guys? <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Also – I want to hear about your New Year's Resolutions –
whatever the hell they are, be it to win the chocolate éclair championship or
to ensure your farts smell better for the comfort of your fellow man (this
should genuinely be a scientific endeavour).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So yeah – tell me, TELL ME.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even if they're not resolutions, just plans or vague ideas, who knows,
we might encourage each other and before you know it, you're driving a Jaeger
called Banana Delta.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iL9VqL7LPhM/UxAadXdLbwI/AAAAAAAAA50/y2PFuxNkrMk/s1600/wabbit.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iL9VqL7LPhM/UxAadXdLbwI/AAAAAAAAA50/y2PFuxNkrMk/s1600/wabbit.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I am that good at motivating people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The podcast I've been on is on hold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The host has been pretty busy and some of the
later podcasts we've done haven’t been put on there yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who knows, maybe I'll do more, or maybe this
is the glorious end of my talking loudly into tablets days.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Also – sparkledragon, graphic wizard extraordinaire Paul is
<a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2053105763/pandeia-book-i" target="_blank">kickstarting his massively amazing and inspiring graphic novel Pandeia</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have all the current issues and I love this
story. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moreso, I love watching his
progress as I see his work improve with every page.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is, as I have mentioned before, highly
decorated with the title of Amazeballs and you should check him out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I have also been catching up on some podcasts which I listen
to while killing time at work:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Do you like jokes? yes, you like Disney? yes, you like video
games? wrestling? comics? MacDonalds? penis jokes… yes? – <a href="http://www.lasertimepodcast.com/" target="_blank">Laser Time</a> is for
you. (Seriously, these guys are adorable)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">AISHA TYLER'S <a href="http://girlonguy.net/podcast/" target="_blank">GIRL ON GUY</a> – 'nuff said.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So – unless life decides to give me another swift kick in
the pants (I'm exhausted even writing this up – ew), you will soon see this
page renovated with a new layout or at the very least, a different colour
scheme.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">These are all hopes and dreams, provided I do not get sucked
into the strange world that is the Walking Dead and Supernatural fandom (yes, I
am finally watching these… what the hell man).<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Otherwise, you wont hear from me until the Sochi Winter
Olympic games is over, or the NBA… whatever.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eum4AsNuznM/UxAahxJL9DI/AAAAAAAAA58/aTBdU17_cI8/s1600/1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eum4AsNuznM/UxAahxJL9DI/AAAAAAAAA58/aTBdU17_cI8/s1600/1.gif" height="175" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goddaym LeBron </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I love the winter games, they're infinitely more hard-core
than the summer games.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And something
about the snow and the ice (cryogenic effect?) just makes every winter athlete
hot, like fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I also have an athlete
crush on Torah Bright, OMG she is so adorable).</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It has also been the season of all things loverly and sparkleful - the Sydney LGBT Mardi Gras!! For those who live under a non-Australian rock, this is a huge touristy and awesome event here in Sydney (Arizona take note, being fab is good for the economy - even our ATMs totally work it) </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J4-G7BkoLPk/UxAdM-_22SI/AAAAAAAAA6I/fhH4NK7Tqmc/s1600/351989-e352ef92-9c61-11e3-8d06-ee68f907182a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J4-G7BkoLPk/UxAdM-_22SI/AAAAAAAAA6I/fhH4NK7Tqmc/s1600/351989-e352ef92-9c61-11e3-8d06-ee68f907182a.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Until then, sparklehugs!!!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">T<o:p></o:p></span>Tarirayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13142797883757620343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1273634534559488293.post-18722827320965439412013-12-18T19:44:00.004+11:002013-12-18T19:44:53.667+11:00Like Jesus, I like wine - warning: GIFS EVERYWHERE<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Oh my god – would you look at that – I'M NOT DEAD!!!! Its like a Christmas Miracle.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Yeah… well… I technically was.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I actually got off my ass and did something!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And I have done many things in the past few months.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">One – I have finished my masters! I AM A MASTER</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-scd_mSdlQfs/UrFYn60-4LI/AAAAAAAAA08/5fQoZtWJa2M/s1600/1sg1p.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-scd_mSdlQfs/UrFYn60-4LI/AAAAAAAAA08/5fQoZtWJa2M/s320/1sg1p.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">….i am a master…. master, master, master….<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Yes, I have finished my masters studies – and now that its
done, I will never make any intellectual propositions ever again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shall cease to cogitate at higher levels
from now on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">All I will think about from now on are kittens and
Turians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(And shoes) - And Christmas!!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ORNBl4e1sjg/UrFYxoiG1rI/AAAAAAAAA1E/3dXQwxwMsfs/s1600/tumblr_mevxm48DXk1rnxngio1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ORNBl4e1sjg/UrFYxoiG1rI/AAAAAAAAA1E/3dXQwxwMsfs/s320/tumblr_mevxm48DXk1rnxngio1_500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Seriously, these studies have sucked the everliving crapping
life out of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel so tired and so,
so drained and oddly, slightly lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
feel like there should be something I should be stressing about, but I no
longer have any assignments or exams to stress out over. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Its weird, I have yet to make up my mind as to whether this
may lead me to darker paths – like considering another degree. (My wallet
agrees with my gut in that it does not want to be taken on another wild
financial ride until I consider buying a house).<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I am now catching up on a fuckton of TV shows that i've been abstaining from in order to read my source materials, except not really because I've been watching re-runs of The Thick of It. As such I can succesfully claim I still havent watched the Walking Dead, except one or two relevant episodes.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Bear with me, there's a reason why I am woefully behind the
Walking Dead and always fucking know the fucking story in fucking
Bala-fucking-mory. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I am told there are
good looking guys who possibly kiss each other, if that's not yum fodder, I don’t
know what is, except – its not true – the actors on the show sometimes kiss
each other, is that better?)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I mean, because Malcolm Fucking Tucker is amazing that's
fucking why, and he's also going to become a mother-fucking Dalek Fucker.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8dn9vB3WgWw/UrFY9vaWPtI/AAAAAAAAA1M/vsmJdibEDyM/s1600/capaldi.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8dn9vB3WgWw/UrFY9vaWPtI/AAAAAAAAA1M/vsmJdibEDyM/s1600/capaldi.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at that intense Angry Doctor Face...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I don’t know, it was partially relevant to my studies (not
really), it was Malcolm Tucker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Need I
say more?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But um… yes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Oh, I went to PAX!!!! the one is Australia that is, the
first one ever on Aussie soil, I was like, a pioneer, like Captain Cook, except
without the racism (much) and the getting stabbed in Hawaii (well, I did get
drunk in a Mexican themed bar, but I did not inappropriately touch ANY
chieftain's daughter). Ok - this is super old news. But still, that's sort of exciting rights? I'm also going to PAX 2014 - yipee! I smell a nerdy tradition involving Cards Against Humanity.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-18iLC-PNoQs/UrFfNFdh32I/AAAAAAAAA2s/_SCx9Tne7B0/s1600/IMG20130721_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-18iLC-PNoQs/UrFfNFdh32I/AAAAAAAAA2s/_SCx9Tne7B0/s320/IMG20130721_001.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">PAX was lovely, I made new friends and had a great time
playing card and boardgames.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I actually
ignored a lot of the video games because, well, I play video games at home,
there's no point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried out some of
the indie Aussie developments like <a href="http://www.blackannex.net/" target="_blank">Black Annex</a>, which gives me a headache but
is really, really cute. (the pixelated graphics animate rather jarringly which
is not good on the eyes, but the slightly bland color palette helps a bit). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I also got so see Beyonce live, it was a religious experience and damnit, I cried, I went like a loser Beyonce nerd to the concert on my own, stood next to some kids and a tourist and whooped and cried my way through two hours of booty shakin. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iiexyc5PSRs/UrFZqKpEiyI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/XsDZkZnY43g/s1600/U4cgukl.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iiexyc5PSRs/UrFZqKpEiyI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/XsDZkZnY43g/s320/U4cgukl.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have been waiting a long time to use this .gif</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I have no regrets.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I also went to a packed Bon Jovi Concert - I didnt really know a lot of their newer stuff but did go bananas because I am wanted.... dead or aliiiiiiiiive.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nX1gr3lNwW4/UrFfVSBvbMI/AAAAAAAAA20/MILC2exc9a4/s1600/bon+jovi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nX1gr3lNwW4/UrFfVSBvbMI/AAAAAAAAA20/MILC2exc9a4/s320/bon+jovi.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">taken with potato...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I am almost fully caught up on Game of Thrones – yes,
FINALLY! the books that is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had read
the first book when I was like 14, and found it a bit too confusing for my
tastes at that time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I am managing
to make my work commutes super dramatic and I am really, enjoying the
ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wont watch the series because
its just too much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Daenerys looks wildly
different to the one in the series (same for Drogo) and god, Brienne.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lordy, the TV Brienne is so beautiful in
comparison to book Brienne (and oddly, my Jamie is more handsome in a different
way). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I am also planning on maybe, possibly (i'm so lazy so let's just assume I wont) doing several fan pieces of art and sculpture to sell for next year's SydNova. This includes some baby dragon eggs, some paintings of the Summer ilse's landscapes (guize, Volantis is beautiful guize - re-read the descriptions). </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xze4seMIFX8/UrFfnMV57PI/AAAAAAAAA28/1OGC_PRTkpY/s1600/dany.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xze4seMIFX8/UrFfnMV57PI/AAAAAAAAA28/1OGC_PRTkpY/s320/dany.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">yeah - that's as far as i go... </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Oh, but Jorah Mormont – YUM, Bronn – DOUBLE YUM (I have
been, as a result been in love with Ripper Street).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-176A_eGb4Ys/UrFaf8DRfDI/AAAAAAAAA1o/q3t0PitBA80/s1600/jorah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-176A_eGb4Ys/UrFaf8DRfDI/AAAAAAAAA1o/q3t0PitBA80/s320/jorah.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Never my delicious Bear, NEVER</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Other than PAX, I have been up to absolutely nothing because,
did I mention? I finished my masters!!!!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I have about 4 months' worth of podcasts to catch up on and
OH SO MUCH ART AND CRAFT.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">so much – I think I am going to cry…<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Oh – and in my usual late to the video game party
revelations – THE WITCHER MAKES ME FEEL SO DIRTY, HOLY SHIT GERALT WHY YOU
SLEEP WITH ALL THE WIMINZ<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I guess being a mutant means he won't get STDs. But god, he
is such a sleaze, I tried really hard to not get the sexy times conversations –
I kept thinking you'd get advice or new entries in your glossaries (like that
one swamp lady that reaches you all the swamp herbs – so useful) and sometimes,
I just slept with the ladies thinking that would award me some skill or
alliance (eg the Dryad) but no, just a collectible graphic.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SJUpRy8xmW8/UrFbgBKshPI/AAAAAAAAA10/81f3yLpvKlA/s1600/m8-pls_o_2536475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SJUpRy8xmW8/UrFbgBKshPI/AAAAAAAAA10/81f3yLpvKlA/s320/m8-pls_o_2536475.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">His pickup lines are terrible! which is why I probably ended
up sleeping with a few ladies that I didn’t want to sleep with, the lead up was
awful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I only actually bothered myself
with Shani.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She's cool, and actually has
proper social interactions with Geralt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>AND WHO PAYS 70 ORENS TO SLEEP WITH A PROSTITUTE?!?!?!?!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Triss, well, I re-loaded an old save file and avoided that
pile of crap. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Geralt, you're skanky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">That having been said, the Witcher is a phenomenal game and
I love the crap out of it regardless. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Also… my computer is dead.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Not completely dead, just the hard drive – all my data,
corrupted, the partition, dead. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">This is the second time its happened guys, AM I CURSED?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lOv5bN8ZC0Y/UrFceoC_I5I/AAAAAAAAA2A/-cm8GGeZ3R4/s1600/tumblr_lpou2cdJwp1qhafj6.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lOv5bN8ZC0Y/UrFceoC_I5I/AAAAAAAAA2A/-cm8GGeZ3R4/s1600/tumblr_lpou2cdJwp1qhafj6.gif" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">will I never see my hentai from ten years ago that I am no
longer interested in ever again?!?!?!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">what a life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I have started prototyping for next year's crafts table at
Supanova (badly).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be honest I am so run down
that again, I am resolving that this will be my last year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know for sure, I don’t even have the
energy to set up an etsy store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel
very creative but I don’t feel I can do anything with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If anyone would want to buy stuff off me that
would be nice, but I'd rather do my usual art exchanges.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Speaking of which!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I did a canvas exchange with the Sketchbook Project in
August.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I made this:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">And got this in return from California!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PxxwinNnXL0/UrFe4Q-ENyI/AAAAAAAAA2c/5jFZOysmkD0/s1600/exchange.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PxxwinNnXL0/UrFe4Q-ENyI/AAAAAAAAA2c/5jFZOysmkD0/s320/exchange.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Pretty cool huh?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p>Oh and in case you didn't know, or got bored by my last slightly emotional entry - I help out on a lovely movie reviewing podcast, hosted by Miles from <a href="http://www.mustlovefilm.com/">www.mustlovefilm.com</a> - he talks and reviews movies and dude, it is so very informative, I learn so much awesome stuff. And also I am having a hell of a fun time.</o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">So – finally, a blog post, not that it matters much, but
yeah, I'm somewhat alive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And obviously
still committed, sort of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully I
can write better things soon and have less reddit ripped gifs to show for my
new found creativity – And yes - its Xmas time and I have a surprisingly alrge amount of babies to babysit or play with. I am super clucky this year, its really perturbing.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But let's not get too excited.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MPy9wCdsJck/UrFgOe46ehI/AAAAAAAAA3I/fExBtlkkLiM/s1600/cray+cray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MPy9wCdsJck/UrFgOe46ehI/AAAAAAAAA3I/fExBtlkkLiM/s320/cray+cray.jpg" width="311" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I may eventually change my blog design too - I have been sort of drawing... sometimes... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">OH GOD WHO AM I KIDDING I AM GOING TO SPEND THE REST OF MY LIFE PLAYING MONSTER HUNTER.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">GOODBYE CRUEL WORLD. (Merry Christmas and Happy New Year - I promise I'll post again, super duper promise!!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Oh - and I got a beautiful Intuos Wacom Tablet doodler for my birthday. You are now obligated to nag me - in particular on facebook, to get on with the drawing of the things and the artings. GODDAMNIT DO NOT WASTE SUCH AN AMAZING GIFT!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Peace out fellow canines! </span><br />
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Tarirayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13142797883757620343noreply@blogger.com0