boats, karts and beaches

What a weekend.

Friday evening after work saw me on a boat for a 3 hour party cruise along the Brisbane River, followed by an after party in the city. Theme was National Pride - the opening ceremony for the Beijing Olympics was on the same night. I went as Captain Cook, which was fun. First time I've ever hired a costume, and felt it was worth it. Though it was annoying how many people thought I was a pirate (I mean come on, it's not like I had an eye patch on or anything) or Napoleon Bonaparte (apparently due to my lack of height). I had a great time, and it was good to see everyone going to an effort to dress to the theme. Took a few photos as well using my new phone (which I got on Wednesday and love, but that story will come later... for now I'm still too busy playing with it). Got home at 5:30am.

Saturday was go-karting at Willowbank Raceway. Awesomeness again. It was my first time karting - the last few times my mates went, I was busy for one reason or another. There was a qualifying session, two heats and a final race. I picked kart number 05 (in honour of Brocky), with all karts powered by a 270cc Honda 4 stroke, 14hp engine. I somehow managed to qualify 1st (out of 8 of us) with my first lap, and spent half of qualifying, the heats and the final race with Storm sitting on my arse, giving me the occasional tap to remind me where she was. Not that I needed reminding, I found myself constantly checking over my shoulder and out the corner of my eye to see if she was still there. And that she was. I think my time spent playing racing games has finally paid off... the end result being a cheap trophy and getting to stand on the top podium (which was another first for me, I think). Sweet. Must say, I had luck on my side though. I pushed the kart into a few corners a little too fast once or twice (you can't help it when you've got the pressure on you to try to pick up an extra split second here and there) and almost spun out on a couple of occasions. Had I not qualified ahead of Storm, I doubt I would have kept up with her, let alone gotten past her. Others were getting quicker lap times than me, I was just able to take a decent enough racing line most of the time to stop anyone sneaking by. I've just gotta stop practicing it in my car now...

Today was a beach day. It was a nice warm day for winter, though it was a bit chilly in the shade and in the water. Also spent a lot of time driving people around. By the end of it I was exhausted. I think I broke my own weekend driving record, something like 700kms from Friday evening to Sunday arvo. Don't know why I'm still up actually. Time for bed I reckon...