Archive for the 'friends' Category

19
Sep
11

I know some publish-y people

A couple of smart, driven people I knew back in London are doing well for themselves, and getting books published. I believe in celebrating successes. So yay!

Sian Meades has her fingers in several writing pies. But it’s you-can-have-it-all blog Domestic Sluttery, which she founded, that’s going to be published in book form in November. If you’re a woman who realises – or wants to realise – that you needn’t be perfect to be fabulous, pre-order it now.

Niamh Shields has been blogging about food and travel at Eat Like A Girl for a long time now. But she recently saw the publication of Comfort & Spice, her first book of recipes. Buy it now, if you love food and want to love making it. No one loves food like Niamh.

There you have it: two great people who are realising dreams. That’s pretty awesome.

It does imply, however, that if you want to get published you need to have an Irish [or Welsh] woman’s name.

28
Apr
11

Easter in QLD

This was an extra-long Easter weekend in Australia (it coincided with Anzac Day) so we went up to Brisbane and hung out with M&B.

It was great fun: we went to Noosa and Tweed Heads (to also see V), played with their dog Ziggy, squeezed in at the end the 21st century art exhibit at the GoMA, saw Thor, had an epic Sunday session, had great seafood, and laughed a bunch.

You can see a few pics here.

08
Nov
10

Sculpture by the Sea, and other things to do in Sydney

M&B came down from Brisbane this past weekend. The weather wasn’t great but we made the most of it: barbecuing, shopping in Newtown, fish and hiking in Watsons Bay, a night out in the Rocks. Good times, and it was great to see them.

We also went to Bondi for this year’s Sculpture By The Sea. The walk to Tamarama was busy and had plenty of large-scale and unusual art. It didn’t feel as interesting as last year, though, nor did there seem to be as many pieces. It’s hard to complain about a free, outdoors event though, especially one that brings out so many people.

26
Sep
10

Ladies Day at Royal Randwick

Yesterday was a gorgeous, sunny Saturday. It was also my mate V’s birthday, and a dozen of us got together at Royal Randwick racecourse to celebrate. I’m not a gambler, but there was more than enough food, drink, and socialising to make it a great day.

It was also Ladies Day, so all the females were dressed up to the nines (or at least to whatever maximum number they could manage).

I don’t think I’m going to become a horse-racing regular. I had a great laugh with everyone, though, and it’s as good an excuse for a day out as any other. Most importantly, V had a fun birthday.

Ladies Day at Randwick

Ladies Man at Randwick

13
Jun
10

Long weekend: Part 1

It’s funny how although Canada gets a day off for Victoria Day and Australia (and a few other Commonwealth countries) does the same on The Queen’s Birthday, the United Kingdom no longer has any such long weekend. Brits get Trooping the Colour on TV and little else.

Well, too bad for the Poms*. Here it’s a long weekend, and that suits me fine. It’s the start of winter, so it’s getting cool – nights are about 5C in Sydney, hitting freezing out in the sticks – but it’s still, so it’s still 14C or so in the afternoon.

Friday night we visited friends (other recent immigrants we met back on Anzac Day weekend) for dinner at their place. They’re good folks, friendly and interesting and chatty. They’re both keen to learn from our Australian experiences and bold in striking out on their own. We played with their kids, had some good lamb tagine, and necked a couple of bottles of wine. I like doing something on the first evening of a long weekend: it makes it feel like you maximise the time available.

Saturday was busy househunting, which is the next big task ahead of us. We saw about eight places in a few hours. There’s a good range of housing available, and there are things available that we like and can afford, so it’s all very encouraging. We’re looking before we leap, though.

We don’t really have any plans for Sunday or Monday, yet. I’m thinking that both the Sydney Biennale and Vivid festival deserve a look, though.

*See how quickly I’ve turned?

06
Jun
10

Ex-colleague

Last night I went out with an ex-colleague from the UK. It was good to catch up, P’s a good guy. And I got to hear the gossip from the old company, and how they’ve been sold to a new company, and how that’s working (or not). I got to meet some new folks – new colleagues of his – and have a laugh.

It all solidified in my mind how pleased I am with both my life and career choices at the moment. Well done, me.

02
Jun
10

Brisbane weekend

We spent last weekend in Brisbane with MB. It was great: just the right combination of fun and relaxing.

Friday night we saw their awesome new digs, barbecued some steaks, and drank some top-notch wine.

Saturday morning saw us off to a slow start due to rain. But once out we saw some great antique shops (okay, the ladies did) and a cool self-brew beer shop (okay, that was the blokes).

Lunch was incredible: the Crosstown Eating House was relaxed, eclectic, and provided all of us with the tastiest meals we’d had in ages. Very highly recommended. Just go.

That afternoon we went to the GoMA for the Ron Mueck exhibition. It was bizarre, but interesting. I’ve rarely seen art so detailed and meticulous.

In the evening it was more great food, this time at Queensland’s best seafood restaurant, Lure. Looking back, we ate incredibly well all weekend. I really need to start running again.

Sunday was more outdoorsy, since the weather was better. We drove out to Mount Glorious for lunch and hikes in the rainforest.

Having friends from here makes exploring easy. It’s simple to pack a lot in a weekend without incurring any stress. And we get to hang out with our cool friends at the same time. What could be better?

29
May
10

Catching Up, and a Weekend in Brisbane

Attending the first State of Origin match last week was fun, though not as inspiring as I’d hoped. NSW played like a bunch of amateurs, and were thoroughly outclassed by QLD.

Later this week I finally watched the last two episodes of Lost. It all felt pretty disappointing. I’d been in denial ever since they got mystical to the point that there were no possible logical explanations (which was about when Miles showed up and started talking to the dead). Oh well.

Now I’m back in Queensland. We’re with our good friends MB in Brisbane. They’ve got a new house and it’s amazing. We’re looking forward to some fun downtime.

08
May
10

Girl Geeks

My pal and fellow Canadian Judith Lewis, back in London, was always involved in tech, online initiatives, and social media. She was – and still is – involved in London’s Girl Geek Dinners, a regular gathering for women who are interested in technology.

I’m all for any initiative that tries to balance the skills, experience, and outlook in the tech world. And the BBC agrees, with a writeup on Judith and girl geek gatherings around the world. Congrats, girl!

02
May
10

Making friends

The end of last week got pretty social.

On Thursday we got invited via a work mate to join a group of folks celebrating (their new business had won some accolade) at a Chinese restaurant in Crows Nest. Not only was the restaurant pretty awesome but the folks – only one of whom we knew slightly – all turned out to be really cool as well. We all just instantly hit it off and had a great laugh.

Friday after work I met the missus in Surry Hills for some drinks with other work mates. After a quick bite we met up with a couple of people I met via Twestival, the lovely Xanthe and Casey Finigan, plus their friend Emma. We put away several pretty tasty cocktails at Cafe Lounge, a funky spot I’ll definitely be back to.

Saturday I mostly spent on the sofa.




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