Saturday night saw me at a housewarming party, which involved me playing Twister for the first time ever - I was one of those kids who always opted to watch instead. Damn was I sore afterwards. One of the girls tipped a bit of drink down the back of my pants while I was trying to balance too.
Sunday was Indiana Jones day as far as I was concerned. Along with James and Darz, we hijacked a room with a big projector, found some confy couchy things and footrests, and went through the Indiana Jones trilogy.
Raiders of the Lost Ark - 115 mins
The first of the series, and I love this movie. Absolute classic, too many memorable moments to mention. Karen Allen is hot.
Temple of Doom - 118 mins
I never really liked the second movie (which is a prequel to Raiders) as much as the others, the theme behind it was a lot darker than the others, and the key female Willy annoys me. I do like Short Round as Indy's sidekick though.
Last Crusade - 127 mins
Sean Connery is great in this one as Indy's father, the chemistry between them entertaining, and Alison Doody is quite aesthetically pleasing as Dr Schneider. Love the intro too, explains a lot.
Following watching the trilogy as well as getting through corn chips, salsa, lollies and soft drink, we went off to buy tickets for the fourth movie at the cheap cinemas. When we got there - sold out. We'd have to wait a a few hours for the next session that wasn't sold out yet. So we decided to go for a walk to the more expensive cinemas, which had an session on soon that hopefully wasn't sold out. By the time we got there and went to get our tickets, we found that it hadn't sold out but we had missed the first 5-10 minutes. So we decided to buy tickets to the next session, go get ourselves some dinner and kill some time before making sure we didn't miss a single minute of the movie.
Kingdom of the Crystal Skull - 124 mins
I liked it. Though not quite as awesome as the first or third. There was a bit over CGI overkill here and there, and it just didn't have that same level of breathtakingness (a bit like the newer Star Wars films). And I didn't see as much of Indy's whip as I had hoped (no, that's not metaphorical for anything...). What I did love was the running gags relating to the past three movies.
Anyway that was my 8 hours of Indiana Jones on Sunday. It was good.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
elevator-phobia
Saturday was interesting. I represented a company that isn't the company I work for in mixed touch at the Corporate Games. I hadn't played touch footy for about a year. Managed to injure my leg again in the second of three matches - I got a little overexcited when I took an intercept and went for a flamboyant swan dive to touch down... We lost the first match but won the other two to come second in our pool - not bad considering we had only just met each other. I still don't know most of their names. Oh, and it bucketed down on us basically when our last match finished - it was like we were in a bloody cyclone.
Anyway, I went to Malex's afterwards to shower and get changed, and then the two of us made our way to Suncorp Stadium to watch the Reds' final match for the season. We parked in Auchenflower and walked to the stadium from there. Along the way we had to cross the train tracks at Milton train station, which involved climbing up to the platform, then climbing up to the concourse and crossing the tracks up there. After climbing the steps up to the platform I decided my leg wasn't in a step-climbing mood so we decided to catch the lift up to the concourse. We got in, pressed the button to go up and waited. And waited.
The light to the button we pressed had gone off. So we tried it again and again, and it wasn't coming back on. We tried other level buttons, and they weren't working either. Neither was the door open button. We were stuck in a lift. The emergency telephone button worked though, and we were told that someone was on their way to let us out.
I think that if I was in the lift alone and it didn't have glass doors I would've panicked. But I didn't. We both saw the humour in it. Paul, who was already at the game and alone since it was the three of us going (front row, too...) kept us up to date over the phone. A few QR workers and a policeman tried helping us out, but to no avail. Amusingly the cop tried to pry the doors open with his bare hands.
Anyway after about 40 minutes the elevator man came along and, with a few minutes of tinkering, saved the day. We said our thanks, relieved to be outside that damn lift, walked the stairs and made our way to the game. We heard that they had discounted merchandise, we both bought Reds jerseys (Paul got one too after hearing how much they were... best jerseys ever by the way, good old cotton jerseys so soft to the touch) and by the time we were done with that it was half time. So we missed half the match. Oh well. The Reds ended up losing the match, but at least we got to farewell the departing and retiring Reds players afterwards.
Anyway, I went to Malex's afterwards to shower and get changed, and then the two of us made our way to Suncorp Stadium to watch the Reds' final match for the season. We parked in Auchenflower and walked to the stadium from there. Along the way we had to cross the train tracks at Milton train station, which involved climbing up to the platform, then climbing up to the concourse and crossing the tracks up there. After climbing the steps up to the platform I decided my leg wasn't in a step-climbing mood so we decided to catch the lift up to the concourse. We got in, pressed the button to go up and waited. And waited.
The light to the button we pressed had gone off. So we tried it again and again, and it wasn't coming back on. We tried other level buttons, and they weren't working either. Neither was the door open button. We were stuck in a lift. The emergency telephone button worked though, and we were told that someone was on their way to let us out.
I think that if I was in the lift alone and it didn't have glass doors I would've panicked. But I didn't. We both saw the humour in it. Paul, who was already at the game and alone since it was the three of us going (front row, too...) kept us up to date over the phone. A few QR workers and a policeman tried helping us out, but to no avail. Amusingly the cop tried to pry the doors open with his bare hands.
Anyway after about 40 minutes the elevator man came along and, with a few minutes of tinkering, saved the day. We said our thanks, relieved to be outside that damn lift, walked the stairs and made our way to the game. We heard that they had discounted merchandise, we both bought Reds jerseys (Paul got one too after hearing how much they were... best jerseys ever by the way, good old cotton jerseys so soft to the touch) and by the time we were done with that it was half time. So we missed half the match. Oh well. The Reds ended up losing the match, but at least we got to farewell the departing and retiring Reds players afterwards.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
intermission
I had the honour of seeing Ross Noble last night. It was three hours of awesomeness. Face was hurting from excessive laughter. Mouth was dry but I couldn't really drink any without the risk of choking and/or spitting all over the rows of people in front of me. I think I wet myself a little bit too. Luckily all eyes were on Ross, so I think I got away with it unnoticed.
It was great value for money too. He went on for about three hours. Actually, Ross reminded me of me a bit. He had this way of jumping from topic to topic like lightning, starting a story and then jumping to something else when he's barely started the last one. He kept forgetting that he had mentioned a story without actually getting through it or onto it. Tangents left, right and center. The difference between us was that he was funny. The show was pretty much based around him picking on audience members, with the tangents leading the way to all kinds of stories and random stuff from there. I reckon that if I went to see him again tonight, most of the show would be different - I highly doubt that he really plans much of it, probably has a few stories/jokes that he'll try to get to at some stage, but it would mostly be his improv genius, supported by a lot of miming and sound effects to help get the message across.
Picked myself up a cool signed poster for $10 - the money going to feed some Africans or something.
It was great value for money too. He went on for about three hours. Actually, Ross reminded me of me a bit. He had this way of jumping from topic to topic like lightning, starting a story and then jumping to something else when he's barely started the last one. He kept forgetting that he had mentioned a story without actually getting through it or onto it. Tangents left, right and center. The difference between us was that he was funny. The show was pretty much based around him picking on audience members, with the tangents leading the way to all kinds of stories and random stuff from there. I reckon that if I went to see him again tonight, most of the show would be different - I highly doubt that he really plans much of it, probably has a few stories/jokes that he'll try to get to at some stage, but it would mostly be his improv genius, supported by a lot of miming and sound effects to help get the message across.
Picked myself up a cool signed poster for $10 - the money going to feed some Africans or something.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
townsville (dos)
Don't ask why I'm counting in Spanish. I wouldn't have the faintest idea as to why the hell I'm doing it. That pretty much goes for most things that I do actually.
Saturday (Day Two):
Geez, as I sit here and think about it, I actually have very vague recollections of what actually happened on Saturday. I woke up. Eventually. I would've easily been the last of the four to wake up. I think the others managed to go for a swim in the pool (which had a damn awesome view... just like our balcony in fact, just not as high, funnily enough) before I even stirred.
Ooh I remember now. After getting harassed (both verbally and physically) by my hungry companions, I managed to get our of bed and get ready, before we headed out to find a quick breakfast and supplies for the rest of the stay. It was another stinker of a day, but luckily this time I had the genius idea of wearing shorts. We bought a lot of crap at the local Bi-Lo, considering it was Saturday and we were leaving on Monday. Not to mention the arguments and indecisions involved with picking stuff. How the hell was I meant to know the difference between fruit juice and fruit drink? Who cares if it's reconstituted or regurgitated or whatever... Glad we all managed to agree on the Raspberry Splits. Mmm.
Back at the apartment it was straight into the pool for me - I hadn't gone for a dip yet, and Paul came along too. Stormy set out to explore the city in the hunt for souvenirs. Who knows what Ray got up to back in the apartment. Following that, I made lunch. Yes, I am awesome. Sure, it was two minute noodles (my specialty dish, and probably the only one not requiring a microwave), but for 15 minutes there, I actually felt like I could cook.
After that it was time to gear up in our supporters gear and it was off to get the bus to Dairy Farmers stadium to go see what we were up there for - the Cowboys vs Storm match. I liked the feel of the stadium, it was as if it hadn't bowed down to the commercialism that other stadiums had gone through. Rather than having a big catering services company, they had like the local Rotary clubs etc doing the catering. They had a carnival thing for the kids in one corner, with rides and stuff. I got fairy floss from there. We were treated with skydivers, fireworks, cheerleaders, as well as a dodgy local cover band. The game itself was pretty good, a close one that went to the visitors. Wasn't the best performance from either team though. Amusing was the cha-ching sounds that came over the speakers everytime Ray Cashmere made a hit-up, as well as playing Big Girls Don't Cry when Billy Slater copped an accidental Thurston finger to the eye.
After the game we caught a cab back to the apartment (it was quicker and easier for the four of us compared to queueing up for the bus), got changed and headed out to check out the Jupiters Casino. It was really close to the apartment, but unless we wanted to swim there we had to walk around to it. Same as any other casino, it managed to keep us occupied until midnight or so. After that, we considered going out into the city to check out the nightlife but we were tired and were planning to be up early on Sunday morning to head to Magnetic Island, so decided to head back to the apartment and chill out. Once again I can't actually remember anything after that. No joke. I think I remember being hungry.
Saturday (Day Two):
Geez, as I sit here and think about it, I actually have very vague recollections of what actually happened on Saturday. I woke up. Eventually. I would've easily been the last of the four to wake up. I think the others managed to go for a swim in the pool (which had a damn awesome view... just like our balcony in fact, just not as high, funnily enough) before I even stirred.
Ooh I remember now. After getting harassed (both verbally and physically) by my hungry companions, I managed to get our of bed and get ready, before we headed out to find a quick breakfast and supplies for the rest of the stay. It was another stinker of a day, but luckily this time I had the genius idea of wearing shorts. We bought a lot of crap at the local Bi-Lo, considering it was Saturday and we were leaving on Monday. Not to mention the arguments and indecisions involved with picking stuff. How the hell was I meant to know the difference between fruit juice and fruit drink? Who cares if it's reconstituted or regurgitated or whatever... Glad we all managed to agree on the Raspberry Splits. Mmm.
Back at the apartment it was straight into the pool for me - I hadn't gone for a dip yet, and Paul came along too. Stormy set out to explore the city in the hunt for souvenirs. Who knows what Ray got up to back in the apartment. Following that, I made lunch. Yes, I am awesome. Sure, it was two minute noodles (my specialty dish, and probably the only one not requiring a microwave), but for 15 minutes there, I actually felt like I could cook.
After that it was time to gear up in our supporters gear and it was off to get the bus to Dairy Farmers stadium to go see what we were up there for - the Cowboys vs Storm match. I liked the feel of the stadium, it was as if it hadn't bowed down to the commercialism that other stadiums had gone through. Rather than having a big catering services company, they had like the local Rotary clubs etc doing the catering. They had a carnival thing for the kids in one corner, with rides and stuff. I got fairy floss from there. We were treated with skydivers, fireworks, cheerleaders, as well as a dodgy local cover band. The game itself was pretty good, a close one that went to the visitors. Wasn't the best performance from either team though. Amusing was the cha-ching sounds that came over the speakers everytime Ray Cashmere made a hit-up, as well as playing Big Girls Don't Cry when Billy Slater copped an accidental Thurston finger to the eye.
After the game we caught a cab back to the apartment (it was quicker and easier for the four of us compared to queueing up for the bus), got changed and headed out to check out the Jupiters Casino. It was really close to the apartment, but unless we wanted to swim there we had to walk around to it. Same as any other casino, it managed to keep us occupied until midnight or so. After that, we considered going out into the city to check out the nightlife but we were tired and were planning to be up early on Sunday morning to head to Magnetic Island, so decided to head back to the apartment and chill out. Once again I can't actually remember anything after that. No joke. I think I remember being hungry.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
townsville (uno)
Townsville - it was like stepping into a time warp. And now it's like trying to step back into time into that time warp (erm... does that even make sense) to remember what happened. So I'll split this up into days - trying to remember all four days at once might make me explode.
Friday (Day One):
I was up around 3am-ish, and left home at 4am to make my way to the airport for our 7am flight. It was early, I was cold and tired, and by the time we got to the airport to drop our baggage, the queue was huge. Anyway, the four of us managed to finally get on board after a slight delay, and I managed to sleep through a bulk of the two hour flight, despite a window seat with a nice view. After landing in Townsville, we caught a hybrid cab (Ray really really wanted to ride in the hybrid) to our apartment. Well, as close as he could get to our apartment anyway - there was an Anzac Day march happening along The Strand, complete with road closures. The Strand ran between us and our apartment. So we had to cut through the march... hope that isn't regarded as being disrespectful or anything.
Our room wasn't ready until about 2pm, so we left our bags there and headed out into the heat of the sun (it wasn't humidity, it was just the sun beating down on us, trying to fry us as quickly as possible... and I had jeans on) to explore Townsville.
There really wasn't that much to it. Nothing much was open, being a public holiday and all. I was hot and tired. After walking along a bit of The Strand and finding some brunch, it was into the "city". This coincided with a tirade of whinging and complaining (both shared openly and kept deep down inside) on my behalf.
Flinders Mall was deserted. Most shops were closed. Victoria Bridge was a little pedestrian bridge. Chasing air conditioning, we went to Reef HQ. It was a smaller Underwater World without the travelator. Finally we got the call saying our apartment was ready. On the way back we went to check out the museum, and found that we needed to be local residents to get in for free - otherwise you had to pay some sum of money for admission that wasn't worth it.
First thing we did when we got to the apartment was hit the air con to full blast and bask in the awesomeness of the coolness (both ways). We had a great view from the apartment balcony. After settling in, we decided to venture out again for food. First plan was Woolies - when we got there, that was closed. Duh.
Anyway, following a feed at the one cafe that was open in the mall, we headed up Castle Hill. Ray went ahead because he was so cool (or so he thinks). Stormy and Paul hung back to make sure that I made it up there alive. I really struggled on the walk up, could've been the lack of sleep, but maybe it was just because I'm unfit and I suck. Don't know how I'll manage the half marathon I've got in two months' time...
The view from the top was awesome, and well worth the struggle up there. I had forgotten my camera back at the apartment though. You could see everything. Well, not literally everything. That would be weird. While up there, Stormy spotted what she thought was the Melbourne Storm training on a football field. This may be a good opportunity to add that the primary reason for visiting Townsville that weekend was to watch the NQ Cowboys (Paul's heroes) play the Storm (funnily enough, Storm's object of support). When we went down, we decided to check it out. And she was right. Not to mention excited.
We watched them train from the sidelines (with the sounds of coach Bellamy's foul mouthed commands filling the air), followed by a bit of a meet and greet session. I kept Paul company (who had a Cowboys jersey on) while Storm ran around like a kid in a candy shop, meeting the players, as well as photos and the odd signature.
Next stop was the apartment - we were all tired after the climb and just wanted to sit down and watch the footy on TV, though we had to actually get there first, which involved walking back. When we finally got there, Stormy passed out on the couch while Paul and I ducked back out to find some dinner. After eating and watching the footy, that's all I remember of Friday. So I'll leave it there before I strain my brain a little too much.
Friday (Day One):
I was up around 3am-ish, and left home at 4am to make my way to the airport for our 7am flight. It was early, I was cold and tired, and by the time we got to the airport to drop our baggage, the queue was huge. Anyway, the four of us managed to finally get on board after a slight delay, and I managed to sleep through a bulk of the two hour flight, despite a window seat with a nice view. After landing in Townsville, we caught a hybrid cab (Ray really really wanted to ride in the hybrid) to our apartment. Well, as close as he could get to our apartment anyway - there was an Anzac Day march happening along The Strand, complete with road closures. The Strand ran between us and our apartment. So we had to cut through the march... hope that isn't regarded as being disrespectful or anything.
Our room wasn't ready until about 2pm, so we left our bags there and headed out into the heat of the sun (it wasn't humidity, it was just the sun beating down on us, trying to fry us as quickly as possible... and I had jeans on) to explore Townsville.
There really wasn't that much to it. Nothing much was open, being a public holiday and all. I was hot and tired. After walking along a bit of The Strand and finding some brunch, it was into the "city". This coincided with a tirade of whinging and complaining (both shared openly and kept deep down inside) on my behalf.
Flinders Mall was deserted. Most shops were closed. Victoria Bridge was a little pedestrian bridge. Chasing air conditioning, we went to Reef HQ. It was a smaller Underwater World without the travelator. Finally we got the call saying our apartment was ready. On the way back we went to check out the museum, and found that we needed to be local residents to get in for free - otherwise you had to pay some sum of money for admission that wasn't worth it.
First thing we did when we got to the apartment was hit the air con to full blast and bask in the awesomeness of the coolness (both ways). We had a great view from the apartment balcony. After settling in, we decided to venture out again for food. First plan was Woolies - when we got there, that was closed. Duh.
Anyway, following a feed at the one cafe that was open in the mall, we headed up Castle Hill. Ray went ahead because he was so cool (or so he thinks). Stormy and Paul hung back to make sure that I made it up there alive. I really struggled on the walk up, could've been the lack of sleep, but maybe it was just because I'm unfit and I suck. Don't know how I'll manage the half marathon I've got in two months' time...
The view from the top was awesome, and well worth the struggle up there. I had forgotten my camera back at the apartment though. You could see everything. Well, not literally everything. That would be weird. While up there, Stormy spotted what she thought was the Melbourne Storm training on a football field. This may be a good opportunity to add that the primary reason for visiting Townsville that weekend was to watch the NQ Cowboys (Paul's heroes) play the Storm (funnily enough, Storm's object of support). When we went down, we decided to check it out. And she was right. Not to mention excited.
We watched them train from the sidelines (with the sounds of coach Bellamy's foul mouthed commands filling the air), followed by a bit of a meet and greet session. I kept Paul company (who had a Cowboys jersey on) while Storm ran around like a kid in a candy shop, meeting the players, as well as photos and the odd signature.
Next stop was the apartment - we were all tired after the climb and just wanted to sit down and watch the footy on TV, though we had to actually get there first, which involved walking back. When we finally got there, Stormy passed out on the couch while Paul and I ducked back out to find some dinner. After eating and watching the footy, that's all I remember of Friday. So I'll leave it there before I strain my brain a little too much.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
don't forget your card, sir...
Today Rebel Sport had a 25% off sale for RACQ members, which included already discounted stock! I had a few things that I wanted to get, so I went to my closest Rebel store after the gym to pick up some bargains. Now, in order to receive the discount you needed to be an RACQ member and flash your membership card. Guess who didn't check that they had their membership card with them? That's right. Me.
So when I got there it was about 7pm. During the drive there I searched through my wallet to make sure the card was in there (it's one of those cards that I usually always keep with me - kinda needed for when/if my car breaks down...), and it wasn't there. I though that was fair enough, I probably temporarily took it out of my wallet to make it thinner for whatever reason, and the card was probably just in my bag. At this stage I was tempted to pull over to check, but I figured I'm just being a worry wart. So I waited until I got there. And couldn't find it.
I drove home to get it. Searched around the house and it showed up after about 10 minutes, hidden away under a pile on a shelf. Quite glad that I didn't have a car problem and need to call RACQ and found my card missing...
Got back to the store at about 8pm, giving me an hour until the shop closed at 9pm. Freaked out because I thought I had left my wallet at home this time, but it was sitting on the passenger seat. Phew. Anyway I ended up spending $172.85 on a bunch of random stuff. Wanted to get myself a Canberra Raiders jersey, but there was only one there (either they're really popular or they're not... I'm picking the latter) and it wasn't my size. I felt obliged to get something Raiders related, so I got a scarf. Other purchases included a gym bag, long Skins compression tights, a t-shirt and a ball that apparently bounces on water (impulse buy whilst standing in the queue). Went through the checkout with about 7 minutes to spare. No sweat.
[For those wondering, Townsville recap will be up soon... just gotta get around to it.]
So when I got there it was about 7pm. During the drive there I searched through my wallet to make sure the card was in there (it's one of those cards that I usually always keep with me - kinda needed for when/if my car breaks down...), and it wasn't there. I though that was fair enough, I probably temporarily took it out of my wallet to make it thinner for whatever reason, and the card was probably just in my bag. At this stage I was tempted to pull over to check, but I figured I'm just being a worry wart. So I waited until I got there. And couldn't find it.
I drove home to get it. Searched around the house and it showed up after about 10 minutes, hidden away under a pile on a shelf. Quite glad that I didn't have a car problem and need to call RACQ and found my card missing...
Got back to the store at about 8pm, giving me an hour until the shop closed at 9pm. Freaked out because I thought I had left my wallet at home this time, but it was sitting on the passenger seat. Phew. Anyway I ended up spending $172.85 on a bunch of random stuff. Wanted to get myself a Canberra Raiders jersey, but there was only one there (either they're really popular or they're not... I'm picking the latter) and it wasn't my size. I felt obliged to get something Raiders related, so I got a scarf. Other purchases included a gym bag, long Skins compression tights, a t-shirt and a ball that apparently bounces on water (impulse buy whilst standing in the queue). Went through the checkout with about 7 minutes to spare. No sweat.
[For those wondering, Townsville recap will be up soon... just gotta get around to it.]
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