Today, I am resting. I’ve taken to riding the bike almost every day and am getting better at tackling the big hills. I think it has more to do with me getting used to knowing what gears to use than it does me becoming fitter, but I’ll take whatever little milestones I can get. My back started having odd twinges yesterday so I thought I’d give Woodstock a day off.
I’m going to a Glory Bound Groove Train rehearsal next week! Praise the Lord! The first week is just to listen and then sing with the group to make sure I’m not rubbish, and then if that seems to work there is a 2 week probationary period to make sure it’s a mutual fit before I’m “officially accepted”. Rehearsals are every Tuesday until the big performance in early December. I am excited.
PS. A welcome to earth is extended to Isaac Len Charpentier who took his sweet ass time but finally arrived yesterday. I have a feeling I may now not get a postcard back from his mother anytime soon. Good job, Kimmy.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Zoom zoom - Mach IV
You know it's going to be a bad driving lesson when you immediately forget which is the brake and which is the accelerator. That's all I have to say about that.
On the positive note, I bought new bike gloves and now I won't get blisters any more!
Also my first pair of Adidas shoes ever. Amazing.
The harbour walks thing is really difficult to be motivated about. Not because the weather isn't perfect, or the scenery beautiful, but because of the tediousness of travelling to and from each start and finish point. We considered doing The Spit to Balmoral today but when faced with the the 70 minute journey just to get there, the idea quickly lost its charm. A 2 hour walk suddenly becomes a whole day out. Nope.
Instead we took our bikes along the canal and did the 'Bay Run' around Iron Cove. Technically it doesn't count as part of Port Jackson but it is attached to the harbour so let's just consider it bonus points.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
To summarise...
It’s the 22nd today, so here’s my end of month summary:
#1 – I had an idea (or rather, Bart had an idea) and I was very excited about it for about a week. But nobody called me back, nothing really happened except for a couple of kind people saying they would donate their time to it, but without the 2 major components of a venue to hold the ball and a drawcard to get people there, it sort of fell on its ass. I should have pushed it more. I need to clear my head and start from scratch on it.
#2 – I think I will have to merge the second fundraiser into the other 2 fundraisers. Three fundraisers is just a bit silly.
#3 - I have made a total of 1 person laugh so far. I can’t believe I’m 7 weeks behind. I need to work up a game plan on this.
#4 – I fell off the wagon for a while there, but I am still meditating most days. I need to try and be stricter with this. Also, I have written (or at least, co-written) 2 songs as per the required 1 song per month – different from the songs-about-challenges songs. I will have to post some rough demos of them as proof.
#5 - I have completed the required 2 songs of my 12 songs-about-challenges.
#6 – Haven’t thought about this Bathurst gig since last month. Jason sent me some contacts that I forgot to contact. Gotta get back on it.
#7 – No further progress with the gospel choir. I’m hoping they will get in touch again regarding the Godspell performance. Perhaps it’s time to give them a nudge.
#8 - Heather has confirmed that the children’s hospital is a sufficient challenge. I’ve made some very basic enquiries as to the logistics of such a thing and also what passes for kid’s entertainment these days. My greatest fear is of being in a room full of sick kids who are crying and bored and not finding me funny or joining in at all. Fortunately I know a lot of school teachers that I can milk this kind of information from.
#9 - I haven’t done any more harbour walks which is a bit shameful really. I’m going to endeavour to purchase some “sensible walking shoes” next week.
#10 – I’ve had 3 driving lessons so far with another one booked for Saturday. I’m not sure what’ll happen at the end of the 5 lessons – I guess I just wait until I can afford another 5 lessons…
#11 – We’ve booked flights to Tasmania for February 4th next year. Exciting.
#12 - I bought a book on scrapbooking that funnily enough, I found pretty inspiring. I’ve scanned a bunch of photos and childhood stuff and just need to get myself all crafted up and get going.
#13 – I’ve been sporadically cooking, mostly with something resembling a recipe, but it is all good for my kitchen confidence. I should really start repeating some of the recipes to see if I can do it all on my own.
#14 – No word from the world of television requesting my presence. The extended deadline for The Amazing Race just passed (after we submitted a shonky application) so we’re expecting a call for the next round of auditions any day now…
#15 – Our first horseriding lesson is booked for October 23rd at Glenworth Valley.
#16 – Sydney to Gong bike ride is all organised. All I have to do now is get better at actually cycling.
#17 – No progress on the reunion dinner. Must call Heath.
#18 – No progress on the breakdancing.
#19 – I am about halfway through ‘The Heart is a Lonely Hunter' now. I’m starting to feel like I know the characters and am really enjoying McCullers’ writing style.
#20 – I’ve decided to do a Yeats multi media project rather than join a theatre group. I haven’t actually got further than the decision, but I have some ideas floating about in my head.
#21 – It’s a bit crap that I’ve made no progress on making a video clip in a whole month. I’m going to research camera hire and maybe contact some film students to see if they’ll do us a favour.
#22 – I’ve started learning some covers for my busking challenge. Some songs are immediately pleasing to play. Others are awkward. Once I’ve got a good repertoire under my belt I’ll start planning where to punish passers-by with my so-called talent.
#23 - #29 - I’ve still not heard a word, and these guys are going to forfeit their right to be involved in exactly one month from now.
#1 – I had an idea (or rather, Bart had an idea) and I was very excited about it for about a week. But nobody called me back, nothing really happened except for a couple of kind people saying they would donate their time to it, but without the 2 major components of a venue to hold the ball and a drawcard to get people there, it sort of fell on its ass. I should have pushed it more. I need to clear my head and start from scratch on it.
#2 – I think I will have to merge the second fundraiser into the other 2 fundraisers. Three fundraisers is just a bit silly.
#3 - I have made a total of 1 person laugh so far. I can’t believe I’m 7 weeks behind. I need to work up a game plan on this.
#4 – I fell off the wagon for a while there, but I am still meditating most days. I need to try and be stricter with this. Also, I have written (or at least, co-written) 2 songs as per the required 1 song per month – different from the songs-about-challenges songs. I will have to post some rough demos of them as proof.
#5 - I have completed the required 2 songs of my 12 songs-about-challenges.
#6 – Haven’t thought about this Bathurst gig since last month. Jason sent me some contacts that I forgot to contact. Gotta get back on it.
#7 – No further progress with the gospel choir. I’m hoping they will get in touch again regarding the Godspell performance. Perhaps it’s time to give them a nudge.
#8 - Heather has confirmed that the children’s hospital is a sufficient challenge. I’ve made some very basic enquiries as to the logistics of such a thing and also what passes for kid’s entertainment these days. My greatest fear is of being in a room full of sick kids who are crying and bored and not finding me funny or joining in at all. Fortunately I know a lot of school teachers that I can milk this kind of information from.
#9 - I haven’t done any more harbour walks which is a bit shameful really. I’m going to endeavour to purchase some “sensible walking shoes” next week.
#10 – I’ve had 3 driving lessons so far with another one booked for Saturday. I’m not sure what’ll happen at the end of the 5 lessons – I guess I just wait until I can afford another 5 lessons…
#11 – We’ve booked flights to Tasmania for February 4th next year. Exciting.
#12 - I bought a book on scrapbooking that funnily enough, I found pretty inspiring. I’ve scanned a bunch of photos and childhood stuff and just need to get myself all crafted up and get going.
#13 – I’ve been sporadically cooking, mostly with something resembling a recipe, but it is all good for my kitchen confidence. I should really start repeating some of the recipes to see if I can do it all on my own.
#14 – No word from the world of television requesting my presence. The extended deadline for The Amazing Race just passed (after we submitted a shonky application) so we’re expecting a call for the next round of auditions any day now…
#15 – Our first horseriding lesson is booked for October 23rd at Glenworth Valley.
#16 – Sydney to Gong bike ride is all organised. All I have to do now is get better at actually cycling.
#17 – No progress on the reunion dinner. Must call Heath.
#18 – No progress on the breakdancing.
#19 – I am about halfway through ‘The Heart is a Lonely Hunter' now. I’m starting to feel like I know the characters and am really enjoying McCullers’ writing style.
#20 – I’ve decided to do a Yeats multi media project rather than join a theatre group. I haven’t actually got further than the decision, but I have some ideas floating about in my head.
#21 – It’s a bit crap that I’ve made no progress on making a video clip in a whole month. I’m going to research camera hire and maybe contact some film students to see if they’ll do us a favour.
#22 – I’ve started learning some covers for my busking challenge. Some songs are immediately pleasing to play. Others are awkward. Once I’ve got a good repertoire under my belt I’ll start planning where to punish passers-by with my so-called talent.
#23 - #29 - I’ve still not heard a word, and these guys are going to forfeit their right to be involved in exactly one month from now.
Serious Folk
Well, our excitement about horseriding was short-lived… looks like we’re not going this weekend after all. Sad face. The scary part is that we don’t have another opportunity for a whole month. Time is a stealthy thing. I must remember to keep an eye on it.
Today is my third day riding to work in a row. Wowee. I used to only be able to ride one day, then take a recovery day before riding again, but Woodstock makes a world of difference with her new comfy springy seat and my butt doesn’t hate me at all any more! Ben mapped out a new route consisting mostly of bike paths, so even though it’s an extra 1.5kms or so, it’s a lot less traffic-heavy and goes through some lovely spots – past Café Bones to see all the precious doggies on their morning play date; over Anzac Bridge with a view of the harbour just as the mist is rising over the city. It’s a shame my head was melting as we crossed it. Bike paths through the suburbs are wonderful; commuter bike paths – while also wonderful in their own way – are traditionally full of commuters. It’s strange, I don’t feel pressure from other cyclists or from cars on quiet streets. But on these streamlined paths, the cyclists are Serious Folk, with lycra and millions of gears. I mean, I'm sure they're nice people, but it ends up having the same effect on me as regular traffic. I start to panic. “I’m slow and I suck… I can’t breathe… They’re judging me…”
Anyway. I’m glad I had Ben with me, and he was, as ever, extremely patient with my huffing and puffing up mediocre hills and getting onto the footpath on scary roads. I had to stop on the bridge and take my helmet off. I felt like there was nothing left but hot water where my head should have been. I felt ashamed.
My crapness scares me, mostly. This morning’s ride was the equivalent of only a mere 9th of the way to Wollongong. I’m trying really hard. Really I am. Don't get me wrong, I'm really pleased to have done that ride this morning. I just hope I get better at it soon.
Today is my third day riding to work in a row. Wowee. I used to only be able to ride one day, then take a recovery day before riding again, but Woodstock makes a world of difference with her new comfy springy seat and my butt doesn’t hate me at all any more! Ben mapped out a new route consisting mostly of bike paths, so even though it’s an extra 1.5kms or so, it’s a lot less traffic-heavy and goes through some lovely spots – past Café Bones to see all the precious doggies on their morning play date; over Anzac Bridge with a view of the harbour just as the mist is rising over the city. It’s a shame my head was melting as we crossed it. Bike paths through the suburbs are wonderful; commuter bike paths – while also wonderful in their own way – are traditionally full of commuters. It’s strange, I don’t feel pressure from other cyclists or from cars on quiet streets. But on these streamlined paths, the cyclists are Serious Folk, with lycra and millions of gears. I mean, I'm sure they're nice people, but it ends up having the same effect on me as regular traffic. I start to panic. “I’m slow and I suck… I can’t breathe… They’re judging me…”
Anyway. I’m glad I had Ben with me, and he was, as ever, extremely patient with my huffing and puffing up mediocre hills and getting onto the footpath on scary roads. I had to stop on the bridge and take my helmet off. I felt like there was nothing left but hot water where my head should have been. I felt ashamed.
My crapness scares me, mostly. This morning’s ride was the equivalent of only a mere 9th of the way to Wollongong. I’m trying really hard. Really I am. Don't get me wrong, I'm really pleased to have done that ride this morning. I just hope I get better at it soon.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Of course, of course...
Ben was working on Saturday, so I played all domestic-like and cooked up some pork chops with a rosemary, lemon rind and garlic marinade. I also roasted up some potatoes, parsnips and pear (damn straight), which much to my relief not only cooked right through but also didn’t burn to a crisp and actually tasted pretty good. Win.
Guess what I’m doing on Saturday? Go on, guess.
No, it’s not going to the dentist.
Guess what I’m doing on Saturday? Go on, guess.
No, it’s not going to the dentist.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Zoom zoom - Mach III
Things I learnt from driving lesson #3:
1. Marrickville is mental.
2. The clutch doesn't need to go in every single time you use the brake. Wow! This makes pulling into curbs, slowing behind other cars, etc a whole lot easier.
3. Reverse parking: line up your mirror with the car in front. Look for your 45 degree angle marker by aligning something with the end of your wing mirror. Do a full rotation of the wheel. Back up. There was some other stuff but I've forgotten it now. So basically I can do half of a reverse park.
4. Commentating myself is helpful when I would otherwise forget what gear I'm in. "Two to three. Three to four. Four to three. Crap, what gear am I in?" The answer is three.
Apparently I am improving! That's what my instructor says anyway, and is reassuring since I felt pretty downhearted just before the lesson. Best gear changes so far. Only 2 stalls. Too many yellow lights. Busier traffic. More jerks on the road beeping their horns and cutting me off. So this is driving, eh?
Meanwhile, I've got some vegetables roasting in the oven and I don't feel very confident about them. Please be ok, little vegetables. Please be ok.
Sausages
It's nearly the 22nd of the month, and what does that mean, people? It means that I freak out and have to write a song really quickly.
Sausages by duskerdee
I used to listen to Adam & Joe (but I listened to the podcast, not the live show... etc), who do a radio show on BBC Radio 6 Music and are a little bit hilarious. They have a segment called Songwars, in which they have a week to write a song about a particular subject and then the 2 songs face-off against each other for the listener's votes. Generally the songs are crazy Garageband experiments. I thought this might be a good approach to take onboard for the 'songs about challenges' challenge.
I thought wrong.
This is by far the most ridiculous piece of music I've ever constructed. It's about cooking. Enjoy...
Sausages by duskerdee
Cook 'em up
Fry 'em down
Fry 'em up
Cook 'em down
Cook 'em up
Fry 'em down
Fry 'em up
Cook 'em down
Sausages
Sausages
Sausages
Sausages
You are not brown enough
You are not brown enough
You are not brown enough
You are not brown enough
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)