Sunday, November 28, 2010
How wrapping a cat for Christmas doesn't always work!
We saw someone wrapping a very patient cat in christmas paper on YouTube so gave it a bash.
Didn't work!
Beware The Crazy Eyes!
I had an unnerving experience with a lunatic in Fyshwick this morning.
Some may be aware of my washing machine woes of late and my need to move three of the beasts around. Having left my nifty red trolley safely in the shed at Ulladulla (which is clever) I zipped around to Supercheap Auto in Fyshwick.
I was exiting with my new $16 red trolley (how can they make these things so cheap! Pump up tyres and all!) when a ute pulled up and a guy got out. Seeing my ute, he must have thought I was a fellow traveller because he approached me in a manner that suggested we shared a bond. I come across a lot of people in my line of business, most of whom never want to acknowledge me in public so I thought it was a refreshing change.
As the bloke drew nearer I thought maybe this was a case of mistaken identity. Suddenly, without warning, right there in Supercheap's carpark and in the pouring rain he began a tirade. It's hard to recollect exactly what he was saying but I do know that the main thrust of the whole ridiculous rant was about the inadequacies of modern cheap BBQ burners and how it was all a plot to sell more LPG.
Initially I humoured him but I was becoming wet and worried. I have seen crazy eyes before and his were A Grade Nutter crazy! It was like looking into a black pit of insanity or worse! Maybe even the eyes of Beelzebub himself.
Moving slowly, so as not to spook the horses, keeping myself between him and my car, I bravely advised him he was in the wrong place for BBQ accessories. Flinging my trolley into the ute I leaped into the cab. As I was frantically lighting the fires I could hear him either abusing me or thanking me in a very loud, maniacal shriek.
Gunning the trusty VZ toward the carpark exit I could see his rage contorted face mouthing obsenities in my direction as he headed into the auto parts shop full of poor unsuspecting innocents. I hope everyone was okay. There were no gunshots or sirens heard in the hour or so following.
The above is true, albiet a little tounge in cheek. What concerns me though is this guy's wandering the streets, driving a motor vehicle, interacting with innocent civilians, maybe even breeding or voting.
How can it be!
Some may be aware of my washing machine woes of late and my need to move three of the beasts around. Having left my nifty red trolley safely in the shed at Ulladulla (which is clever) I zipped around to Supercheap Auto in Fyshwick.
I was exiting with my new $16 red trolley (how can they make these things so cheap! Pump up tyres and all!) when a ute pulled up and a guy got out. Seeing my ute, he must have thought I was a fellow traveller because he approached me in a manner that suggested we shared a bond. I come across a lot of people in my line of business, most of whom never want to acknowledge me in public so I thought it was a refreshing change.
As the bloke drew nearer I thought maybe this was a case of mistaken identity. Suddenly, without warning, right there in Supercheap's carpark and in the pouring rain he began a tirade. It's hard to recollect exactly what he was saying but I do know that the main thrust of the whole ridiculous rant was about the inadequacies of modern cheap BBQ burners and how it was all a plot to sell more LPG.
Initially I humoured him but I was becoming wet and worried. I have seen crazy eyes before and his were A Grade Nutter crazy! It was like looking into a black pit of insanity or worse! Maybe even the eyes of Beelzebub himself.
Moving slowly, so as not to spook the horses, keeping myself between him and my car, I bravely advised him he was in the wrong place for BBQ accessories. Flinging my trolley into the ute I leaped into the cab. As I was frantically lighting the fires I could hear him either abusing me or thanking me in a very loud, maniacal shriek.
Gunning the trusty VZ toward the carpark exit I could see his rage contorted face mouthing obsenities in my direction as he headed into the auto parts shop full of poor unsuspecting innocents. I hope everyone was okay. There were no gunshots or sirens heard in the hour or so following.
The above is true, albiet a little tounge in cheek. What concerns me though is this guy's wandering the streets, driving a motor vehicle, interacting with innocent civilians, maybe even breeding or voting.
How can it be!
Friday, November 26, 2010
The Loneliness of the Long Distance Teetotaler
Maybe a month ago I had a unique experience that was of great import. DenMother (aka @lesliedupreez , aka Leslie to her real world friends) myself and delightful lady friend of ours attended a wedding. The fact we were at an event such as a wedding was significant enough, but there was another reason for the occasion to be memorable. As I was sitting in the chapel watching the beautiful couple exchange vows I realized with a jolt that this would be the first wedding I have attended, as an adult, where I would remain stone cold sober.
In the past I looked forward to a wedding as an ideal opportunity to “hit the piss” at someone else’s expense, hook in there with a gusto and enjoy it to the max. Lots of yahooing, crazy dancing (ever seen the episode of Seinfeld where Elaine does her thing?), getting into an argument with your own spouse and being driven home. Next day invariably would be the nightmare, sore head, sensitive eyes, breath like a brewery horse’s fart. The whole day wasted as you gingerly began the recovery process, hopefully knocking over a cold one by lunch time, thereby being in proper nick by dinner!
Most people who know me are aware that I have been on the wagon now for some time. I know exactly how long, 4 years as of Melbourne Cup Day 2010.
Wow! The changes, tears and pain that have been expended during that period are difficult to explain. Still, 4 years later here I am, in one piece, feeling pretty good for someone who’s leaped over the 50 year barrier, in reasonable nick and hopefully will be so for quite some time to come.
People are wary, with good reason, of those that beat drums of various tones, be it religious, political, anti-smoking or tee totaling. I honestly don’t think I have stood in the way of anyone’s enjoyment of alcohol during my ongoing abstinence although it’s hard being in the company of people who are drinking when you are afflicted by the demon of alcohol addiction. The smell is incredibly distinctive, I can smell an open can or bottle a mile away and to me now it is plain horrible.
What’s the point of these musings? Good question!
Maybe it’s a crazy online version of AA, acknowledge my weakness, shore up my spirit and hope that someone may gain from hearing my little tale of woe. In fact I did attend a few meetings of AA and a more confronting experience I have yet to come across. Having said that, I stopped going after a while, somehow I managed under my own will power, something that many in AA say can’t be done.
What I do know though is that without my loving partner, the aforementioned Den Mother, I would never have embarked on this radical journey, let alone stick it out! I needed an impetus to get rolling and loving support to keep the momentum going. It was tough, it was nasty, but we got there in the end!
Since being able to stand back and observe, I do believe that alcohol has Australian society firmly in its grip, particularly the young. There are powerful alcohol industry lobby groups pressuring governments to make consumption of this evil chemical easier to obtain over a greater time span, In the name of all that’s holy, why does a pub or club need to be serving intoxicating beverages at 3am or later?
Something really needs to be done and done fast! Sadly, I don't think it ever will.
Reflecting on my own journey I have to say to Leslie, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
To those who are able to drink with restraint and in moderation, I take my hat off to you!
In the past I looked forward to a wedding as an ideal opportunity to “hit the piss” at someone else’s expense, hook in there with a gusto and enjoy it to the max. Lots of yahooing, crazy dancing (ever seen the episode of Seinfeld where Elaine does her thing?), getting into an argument with your own spouse and being driven home. Next day invariably would be the nightmare, sore head, sensitive eyes, breath like a brewery horse’s fart. The whole day wasted as you gingerly began the recovery process, hopefully knocking over a cold one by lunch time, thereby being in proper nick by dinner!
Most people who know me are aware that I have been on the wagon now for some time. I know exactly how long, 4 years as of Melbourne Cup Day 2010.
Wow! The changes, tears and pain that have been expended during that period are difficult to explain. Still, 4 years later here I am, in one piece, feeling pretty good for someone who’s leaped over the 50 year barrier, in reasonable nick and hopefully will be so for quite some time to come.
People are wary, with good reason, of those that beat drums of various tones, be it religious, political, anti-smoking or tee totaling. I honestly don’t think I have stood in the way of anyone’s enjoyment of alcohol during my ongoing abstinence although it’s hard being in the company of people who are drinking when you are afflicted by the demon of alcohol addiction. The smell is incredibly distinctive, I can smell an open can or bottle a mile away and to me now it is plain horrible.
What’s the point of these musings? Good question!
Maybe it’s a crazy online version of AA, acknowledge my weakness, shore up my spirit and hope that someone may gain from hearing my little tale of woe. In fact I did attend a few meetings of AA and a more confronting experience I have yet to come across. Having said that, I stopped going after a while, somehow I managed under my own will power, something that many in AA say can’t be done.
What I do know though is that without my loving partner, the aforementioned Den Mother, I would never have embarked on this radical journey, let alone stick it out! I needed an impetus to get rolling and loving support to keep the momentum going. It was tough, it was nasty, but we got there in the end!
Since being able to stand back and observe, I do believe that alcohol has Australian society firmly in its grip, particularly the young. There are powerful alcohol industry lobby groups pressuring governments to make consumption of this evil chemical easier to obtain over a greater time span, In the name of all that’s holy, why does a pub or club need to be serving intoxicating beverages at 3am or later?
Something really needs to be done and done fast! Sadly, I don't think it ever will.
Reflecting on my own journey I have to say to Leslie, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
To those who are able to drink with restraint and in moderation, I take my hat off to you!
Monday, November 8, 2010
Stumpy's World
I couldn't resist trying the waterproof feature out on the Kodak Play Sport video cam. Bit shaky, as you'd expect considering the camera was attached to a piece of coat hanger wire.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
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