What do you do on a really cold wintery Saturday night? Do you brave the cold and wear a skimpy outfit and heels, waiting in line to get into the supposed "hot" city night spot???
Or are you like me, and prefer to rug up on the couch with a really warm throw and a DVD in the player with some chips or chocolate and a hot drink?
Then there is another alternative (one of many depending on your mood)...
Get all rugged up with a warm coat and scarf (beanie too, if you don't mind the hat hair later) and brave the cold between your house and the car...then brave the cold between the car and one of your favourite cafes...where you can meet your friends to play some games while you wait for that mega bowl of tender chicken pieces (the way real nuggets should be) and wedges with sour cream and sweet chilli sauce...and of course...your choice of coffee, hot choc, or my favourite hot apple cider with whipped cream!
Mars Hill is just the place...and E has never played Jenga and it has been forever since he played UNO. It seems that both games can induce great stress...for E anyway! *LoL* I believe we were there for 2 hours...but I had the best night in a long time and it was worth braving the cold for such an event. It wasn't planned...it was on the spur of the moment decision...it turned out to be a very good night.
Mars Hill is on Church Street in Parramatta, on the far end near the Riverside Theatre. Its a small quirky cafe that has an extensive range of coffees and hot drinks, as well as cold drinks...there are also a number of nibblies and snacks and cakes. I think they have some more substantial things on the menu, but I haven't taken a proper look, as I'm often there after lunch or dinner. There is a tallboy down the hallway that houses the games...trivial pursuit, monopoly, jenga, UNO, battleship, mastermind, connect four and a number of other games...
There is a lounge area at the front, a couple of tables and chairs behind the front lounge...there is also an upstairs with more lounges and table and chairs, a private room with the U-shaped bench, but the upstairs is used for live performances on Saturday night which there is a $10 cover charge to enter and its not quite game-friendly.
Its a bitter sweet place for me to visit. I was introduced to Mars Hill by my ex-bestie...shame...and it's also a place I visited with my ex-bf quite often, during our courtship days...
I'm glad that I am able to replace any sad, bitter feelings with warmth and laughter...definitely go back to play UNO and jenga and any other game we can get our hands on in the future. And I definitely recommend the hot apple cider (remember to stir the whipped cream and let it dissolve into the drink...yum!)
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
The problem is...
I can easily tell you now, what the problem isn't.
This post stems from last weekends low point and a post I read on "Ask Sam" - How to be a Happy Bachelor.
In all honesty, I don't want to be in a relationship just to be in one. I'm not keen on getting married or worried about my ticking bio-clock. I've heard of enough sad stories about relationships where the couple stay together even though its not working, that makes me adamant that I will only marry a person if I love them whole heartedly, and not because I'm lonely.
It would be great if I found that someone, but I'm fine with the way things are now. My career is heading in the right direction...I get to go on wonderful trips - all self funded...but what brought on that aforementioned "low point" was the fact that I realised I no longer have enough single friends to call upon when I want company. So, the problem isn't a partner...the problem is that I need more friends.
Think about the time in which you would want company...most likely the weekends. Most couples spend the weekend together as they haven't seen their partners enough during the week...which is fine. The single friends that I have remaining, well they usually have plans. Not sure what...but they are doing something. So, I really don't know of anyone who is in the same position as I am...wanting to make more friends and not knowing where to find them.
Keeping in mind, I'm not a sporty, group activity type of person and even when I was searching the web for ideas on things to join, its pretty sad that the feedback from Google is actually speed dating as a "social activity"...which it is, but I don't think its the place to meet friends with common interests to expand your social network without giving the other person a misconception.
Its sort of funny, this turn around...they way I feel about networking online. When I was younger...way younger...I used to meet people via mIRC...it was the thing to do, especially when I was in uni. Now, it feels really odd even though everyone is doing it these days...so many people are online and its quite the avenue to socialise...I mean there was a time when it was okay to put ads in the paper...now its via another medium and its a social norm. But for me, there still seems to be a stigma that comes along with it.
Its probably in my head, but because it is in my head, I won't be getting over it any sooner.
This post stems from last weekends low point and a post I read on "Ask Sam" - How to be a Happy Bachelor.
In all honesty, I don't want to be in a relationship just to be in one. I'm not keen on getting married or worried about my ticking bio-clock. I've heard of enough sad stories about relationships where the couple stay together even though its not working, that makes me adamant that I will only marry a person if I love them whole heartedly, and not because I'm lonely.
It would be great if I found that someone, but I'm fine with the way things are now. My career is heading in the right direction...I get to go on wonderful trips - all self funded...but what brought on that aforementioned "low point" was the fact that I realised I no longer have enough single friends to call upon when I want company. So, the problem isn't a partner...the problem is that I need more friends.
Think about the time in which you would want company...most likely the weekends. Most couples spend the weekend together as they haven't seen their partners enough during the week...which is fine. The single friends that I have remaining, well they usually have plans. Not sure what...but they are doing something. So, I really don't know of anyone who is in the same position as I am...wanting to make more friends and not knowing where to find them.
Keeping in mind, I'm not a sporty, group activity type of person and even when I was searching the web for ideas on things to join, its pretty sad that the feedback from Google is actually speed dating as a "social activity"...which it is, but I don't think its the place to meet friends with common interests to expand your social network without giving the other person a misconception.
Its sort of funny, this turn around...they way I feel about networking online. When I was younger...way younger...I used to meet people via mIRC...it was the thing to do, especially when I was in uni. Now, it feels really odd even though everyone is doing it these days...so many people are online and its quite the avenue to socialise...I mean there was a time when it was okay to put ads in the paper...now its via another medium and its a social norm. But for me, there still seems to be a stigma that comes along with it.
Its probably in my head, but because it is in my head, I won't be getting over it any sooner.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Conditional shopping...
I have refrained from buying things for a few months now. All in the effort to save for my NY - Mauritius trip...and I spent a heffer on printing my holiday photos, making photo books, collages, buying albums...9 months after the fact.
But something happened last week, that has spilled over into this week...damn Stocktake Sales!!!
So, it started last Thursday where I bought myself an outfit for Phantom...
Then on Friday night, while I waited for L to finish work, I stepped into Hugo Boss and bought my brother a tie...
And I've tried soo hard to not to buy anything since, but Target is having a massive DVD sale and there are all these packs that are 2 for 1 DVDs at such low prices!!!
So, I went to Target today and bought 4 DVD packs...as I walked out and went up the escalators I was confronted with Cue...which prompted me to consider buying a black skirt, because my favourite black skirt is barely holding together at almost 10 y/o and is obviously losing its shape now...and since I'm a member, I recall there is an extra discount with the card for today.
I waltzed through the store and no black skirt bigger than a size 6.
So, I go to Myers and find the same problem...nothing bigger than size 6, and nothing smaller than size 14. Then, a sales assistant asked if she could help, just as I grabbed a charcoal-ish coloured skirt, but sort of a hue of brown. She went looking for a black skirt my size...while I wandered around. She finds 2 skirts for me and I grab the charcoal-ish one too and march into the change rooms...And what do you know??? The charcoal-ish one fits like a glove...
The sales assistant asks how I'm doing, I ask her to bring the matching jacket to the charcoal-ish skirt and she said there is only one size left...so, I try it and that fits like a glove. I show her and she is really surprised it fits so well...odd how things pan out.
The suit is actually half price...but I got an additional 20% off...so, thats 70% off overall. Talk about a bargain!!!
I must stop shopping, even though I'm finding bargain buys during this sales period...
>_<
I do really need to still save for my holiday!!! *sigh*
But something happened last week, that has spilled over into this week...damn Stocktake Sales!!!
So, it started last Thursday where I bought myself an outfit for Phantom...
Then on Friday night, while I waited for L to finish work, I stepped into Hugo Boss and bought my brother a tie...
And I've tried soo hard to not to buy anything since, but Target is having a massive DVD sale and there are all these packs that are 2 for 1 DVDs at such low prices!!!
So, I went to Target today and bought 4 DVD packs...as I walked out and went up the escalators I was confronted with Cue...which prompted me to consider buying a black skirt, because my favourite black skirt is barely holding together at almost 10 y/o and is obviously losing its shape now...and since I'm a member, I recall there is an extra discount with the card for today.
I waltzed through the store and no black skirt bigger than a size 6.
So, I go to Myers and find the same problem...nothing bigger than size 6, and nothing smaller than size 14. Then, a sales assistant asked if she could help, just as I grabbed a charcoal-ish coloured skirt, but sort of a hue of brown. She went looking for a black skirt my size...while I wandered around. She finds 2 skirts for me and I grab the charcoal-ish one too and march into the change rooms...And what do you know??? The charcoal-ish one fits like a glove...
The sales assistant asks how I'm doing, I ask her to bring the matching jacket to the charcoal-ish skirt and she said there is only one size left...so, I try it and that fits like a glove. I show her and she is really surprised it fits so well...odd how things pan out.
The suit is actually half price...but I got an additional 20% off...so, thats 70% off overall. Talk about a bargain!!!
I must stop shopping, even though I'm finding bargain buys during this sales period...
>_<
I do really need to still save for my holiday!!! *sigh*
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Gripe...
I saw this lady, carrying a really cute clutch...very art deco...and white...I think it was glomesh...The odd thing was that this lady was carrying it at the Macquarie Centre and she was a big lady in a sweat shirt, baggy jeans and chuck taylors...so not right...incredible fashion faux pas! It wasn't the fact that she was big that was the problem...it was the whole ensemble she was wearing with the bag that made it seem so off.
I've resorted to listening to my ipod while I work. I don't know what it is, but it helps me focus, so I can do the boring menial admin tasks - like project reporting. I really don't want this to become a habit, but it seems to work.
I really hate it when all my resources assigned to my projects go on leave without telling me. They sort of like drop a bomb on you mid-week before they go on leave. So, any planning gets reduced to a frantic panic attack, because there is no one left to do any work to ensure the deliverables get...well...delivered.
I also hate the days where I am scheduled in back to back meetings for the whole day...no work gets done. Instead I sit in meetings that various new technical terminology gets thrown around...different solutions get thrown around...new teams get referred to and names get thrown around...basically by the time I get out, my eyes have glazed over and I wonder what all these new things are, but I have no time to really find out what they are because I have to go back to my desk and try to do some work so that the day is not a complete ride off.
My workmates and I had formed a syndicate and for the last 3 weeks we re-invested our small winnings into the next highest jackpot for Lotto/Oz Lotto/Powerball. But today we got informed by the organizer that the run has come to an end...I guess I won't be retiring early.
I need to speak to a financial planner/advisor...I need to work out how much extra I should put into my Super so that I can retire comfortably...and perhaps earlier...I also should consider my options for investment. I tried a calculator on CFS website and found that for retirement at 60 y/o, I had over estimated and would be living very comfortably...that is assuming that I will always be paid as much as I am now for the next 33 years. I had also used a calculator on the HSBC website and found that if I made extra repayments, I could reduce my home loan from the 30 years it is now to 9 years. So, as you can see, I need to speak to a specialist in this area to help me figure these things out. The trouble is finding the time and making the effort...I'm going to deal with this after my holiday to NY and Mauritius.
I've resorted to listening to my ipod while I work. I don't know what it is, but it helps me focus, so I can do the boring menial admin tasks - like project reporting. I really don't want this to become a habit, but it seems to work.
I really hate it when all my resources assigned to my projects go on leave without telling me. They sort of like drop a bomb on you mid-week before they go on leave. So, any planning gets reduced to a frantic panic attack, because there is no one left to do any work to ensure the deliverables get...well...delivered.
I also hate the days where I am scheduled in back to back meetings for the whole day...no work gets done. Instead I sit in meetings that various new technical terminology gets thrown around...different solutions get thrown around...new teams get referred to and names get thrown around...basically by the time I get out, my eyes have glazed over and I wonder what all these new things are, but I have no time to really find out what they are because I have to go back to my desk and try to do some work so that the day is not a complete ride off.
My workmates and I had formed a syndicate and for the last 3 weeks we re-invested our small winnings into the next highest jackpot for Lotto/Oz Lotto/Powerball. But today we got informed by the organizer that the run has come to an end...I guess I won't be retiring early.
I need to speak to a financial planner/advisor...I need to work out how much extra I should put into my Super so that I can retire comfortably...and perhaps earlier...I also should consider my options for investment. I tried a calculator on CFS website and found that for retirement at 60 y/o, I had over estimated and would be living very comfortably...that is assuming that I will always be paid as much as I am now for the next 33 years. I had also used a calculator on the HSBC website and found that if I made extra repayments, I could reduce my home loan from the 30 years it is now to 9 years. So, as you can see, I need to speak to a specialist in this area to help me figure these things out. The trouble is finding the time and making the effort...I'm going to deal with this after my holiday to NY and Mauritius.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
The songs...the music...the stage!
Phantom of the Opera was spectacular!
It took me to a place that I had totally forgotten and it left me wanting more. More musically and more emotionally.
My first experience with Phantom was when I was probably 11 or 12 y/o. I bought this pack from the newsagent which came with a booklet and cassette with all the songs from the musical. I listened to it over and over and over. And somewhere along the way, I lost the cassette and never listened to the Phantom ever again.
On Friday night, it was the first time I had listened to the whole musical in ages...were talking maybe 15 years. But from the first score...all the way to the end note, I recalled everything from those days when I used to listen to my cassette on my walkman.
The production was beautiful. It was moving at an exceptional pace, ever so dynamic. WAYYYY better than the movie. The movie had bored me. The show made me love it again. L and I couldn't stop talking about how wonderful it was as we were walking back to George Street. If only I could tell you about the stage without ruining it for those who have tix.
It was so innovative and glamourous...I was dazzled with how things moved, so to speak...
If you ever had an inkling to go and watch this musical...please do...you won't be disappointed!
It took me to a place that I had totally forgotten and it left me wanting more. More musically and more emotionally.
My first experience with Phantom was when I was probably 11 or 12 y/o. I bought this pack from the newsagent which came with a booklet and cassette with all the songs from the musical. I listened to it over and over and over. And somewhere along the way, I lost the cassette and never listened to the Phantom ever again.
On Friday night, it was the first time I had listened to the whole musical in ages...were talking maybe 15 years. But from the first score...all the way to the end note, I recalled everything from those days when I used to listen to my cassette on my walkman.
The production was beautiful. It was moving at an exceptional pace, ever so dynamic. WAYYYY better than the movie. The movie had bored me. The show made me love it again. L and I couldn't stop talking about how wonderful it was as we were walking back to George Street. If only I could tell you about the stage without ruining it for those who have tix.
It was so innovative and glamourous...I was dazzled with how things moved, so to speak...
If you ever had an inkling to go and watch this musical...please do...you won't be disappointed!
Friday, June 13, 2008
The Phantom of the Opera...
I'm going to see the Phantom at the Lyric Theatre tonight.
I'm excited because a male friend who is so not into these things went to watch it a month ago with clients from work...im impressed that he wore a tux for the evening and he was glad too, because where they sat, it really called for black tie...anyhoo...he thoroughly enjoyed it and was amazed with himself that he enjoyed the show...and his feedback was that it was awesome!
Emailed my aunt about her wedding and wondered if she was going to have a Hen's party...I forgot that they don't refer to it as a Hen's night in the US...its a Bacholorette Party...
She responded and said that it would be happening on the Friday before the wedding...I think that is cutting it really close and what that really means is that we can't get her really drunk...I wouldn't want to be bloated before her wedding day, and I don't think she'd be keen on it either.
How interesting...at least I will make it for the Bacholorette party and see how its done in NY...I wonder if it will be remotely similar to a SATC type of affair...hehehe...that would be cool!
I bought a black knit dress and red coat for tonight...I hope its dressy enough...its not black tie, obviously because I'm wearing it at work...and its definitely not the type of thing you would wear if the person you are with is in a tux...lets hope its passable, considering I'm not sitting in a VIP seat.
Oooh...I can't wait!
I'm excited because a male friend who is so not into these things went to watch it a month ago with clients from work...im impressed that he wore a tux for the evening and he was glad too, because where they sat, it really called for black tie...anyhoo...he thoroughly enjoyed it and was amazed with himself that he enjoyed the show...and his feedback was that it was awesome!
Emailed my aunt about her wedding and wondered if she was going to have a Hen's party...I forgot that they don't refer to it as a Hen's night in the US...its a Bacholorette Party...
She responded and said that it would be happening on the Friday before the wedding...I think that is cutting it really close and what that really means is that we can't get her really drunk...I wouldn't want to be bloated before her wedding day, and I don't think she'd be keen on it either.
How interesting...at least I will make it for the Bacholorette party and see how its done in NY...I wonder if it will be remotely similar to a SATC type of affair...hehehe...that would be cool!
I bought a black knit dress and red coat for tonight...I hope its dressy enough...its not black tie, obviously because I'm wearing it at work...and its definitely not the type of thing you would wear if the person you are with is in a tux...lets hope its passable, considering I'm not sitting in a VIP seat.
Oooh...I can't wait!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
SATC...The Movie...
On Friday at work, I found out that as part of the Sydney Film Fest, they were showing Kung Fu Panda at the State Theatre for the same price as a normal movie tix. So, I got all excited and tried to buy a ticket....but to my dismay it was sold out!
=(
So, I tried looking for Gold Class tix to SATC to make up for my disappointment in missing out on Kung Fu Panda. And I found a tix for Sunday in Gold Class. So, on Sunday I watched SATC. Unfortunately, I had a stoopid man sitting next to me who made the most ridiculous comments at the most inopportune moments and it irritated me sooo much I really wanted to tell him to shut up!!!
No - we should not just FORGIVE a man when he cheats on you!!!
No - we don't deserve to be cheated on by our husband because of "you know what!!!"
And NO - you don't deserve a girlfriend or wife who will cook, clean and make sushi - placing them strategically on their naked body waiting for you to come home as a surprise on Valentine's Day...because you are an a$$hole without a heart.
I really could have kicked him where it would hurt.
I think he ruined my experience. Because I left really annoyed and dissatisfied. I have to watch a bootleg version and see if I like it without that a$$hole around.
Not to say that I didn't cry...I was talking to my brother's gf and we both cried at the same scene, because we felt extreme empathy and it was something we could see ourselves do, if we were in the same shoes and our friend was hurt like that. But saying that, we both cracked up laughing straight after the scene that made us cry...actually, it was probably the same scene...hahaha...
I'm currently sitting around waiting for my car to be serviced...its going to be a while.
=(
So, I tried looking for Gold Class tix to SATC to make up for my disappointment in missing out on Kung Fu Panda. And I found a tix for Sunday in Gold Class. So, on Sunday I watched SATC. Unfortunately, I had a stoopid man sitting next to me who made the most ridiculous comments at the most inopportune moments and it irritated me sooo much I really wanted to tell him to shut up!!!
No - we should not just FORGIVE a man when he cheats on you!!!
No - we don't deserve to be cheated on by our husband because of "you know what!!!"
And NO - you don't deserve a girlfriend or wife who will cook, clean and make sushi - placing them strategically on their naked body waiting for you to come home as a surprise on Valentine's Day...because you are an a$$hole without a heart.
I really could have kicked him where it would hurt.
I think he ruined my experience. Because I left really annoyed and dissatisfied. I have to watch a bootleg version and see if I like it without that a$$hole around.
Not to say that I didn't cry...I was talking to my brother's gf and we both cried at the same scene, because we felt extreme empathy and it was something we could see ourselves do, if we were in the same shoes and our friend was hurt like that. But saying that, we both cracked up laughing straight after the scene that made us cry...actually, it was probably the same scene...hahaha...
I'm currently sitting around waiting for my car to be serviced...its going to be a while.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
hmmm...
I was going to write about something...and when I finally opened up this page the thought flew out of my mind.
Buble, last Saturday night was really good...I oh so wanted to hear Funny Valentine again...but it just wasn't meant to be.
=(
L and I drank a jug of Sangria by ourselves at dinner before the show and it was great!
Due to some weird circumstances, I ended up with 2 free tix for tomorrow night. I'm taking M with me and its going to be fabulous. I've never been to a concert where the support act was actually really good too! And Naturally 7 are really amazing...you just need to hear them and appreciate that it is only the 7 members...no instruments...no equipment...just them and their ability to manipulate their voices.
V just sent me an sms about Mraz coming back to Sydney for another concert. I knew he was going to come back, he said so the last time we saw him at the Metro...I just didn't know when.
My workmates and I have pooled together for the $50M Powerball syndicate...I hope we win something tomorrow night! It doesn't have to be big...just something.
Its a long weekend this week...you don't understand how much I am looking forward to this! I don't have any plans at the moment, but I think I may just veg at home over the 3 days!!!
=)
DVD all the way...I mean its going to be raining all weekend, so why not?
Buble, last Saturday night was really good...I oh so wanted to hear Funny Valentine again...but it just wasn't meant to be.
=(
L and I drank a jug of Sangria by ourselves at dinner before the show and it was great!
Due to some weird circumstances, I ended up with 2 free tix for tomorrow night. I'm taking M with me and its going to be fabulous. I've never been to a concert where the support act was actually really good too! And Naturally 7 are really amazing...you just need to hear them and appreciate that it is only the 7 members...no instruments...no equipment...just them and their ability to manipulate their voices.
V just sent me an sms about Mraz coming back to Sydney for another concert. I knew he was going to come back, he said so the last time we saw him at the Metro...I just didn't know when.
My workmates and I have pooled together for the $50M Powerball syndicate...I hope we win something tomorrow night! It doesn't have to be big...just something.
Its a long weekend this week...you don't understand how much I am looking forward to this! I don't have any plans at the moment, but I think I may just veg at home over the 3 days!!!
=)
DVD all the way...I mean its going to be raining all weekend, so why not?
