Hiya;
Big week last week. The photojournalism course came to an end on Thursday evening with the presentations of student works. I consider it some of my best work to date and to receive the feedback I did, from these incredible photographers was nothing short of mind blowing.
It's been a tough year mentally not having much work, being rejected for jobs due to lack of experience and having to send The Lovely Samantha back into the workforce to pay the bills. Setting out into this new world, what you really want is for someone you respect to tell you your work is good enough and I got that so finger's crossed next year brings more new world opportunities.
I took it very easy on the weekend. On Saturday Sam told me to pull my finger out and start lifting my weight around the house, which i would have done sooner if there wasn't a good soccer match on TV at the time. Queue argument, resolution, T.V. off. House now cleaner. I took Bodhi to the beach for some sand castle fun - he's not too keen on the water. Lunch with the ageing grandparents.
On Sunday I dropped Sam at work then took Bodhi to a birthday party nearby. Jumping castle and Thomas The tank engine plates & cups were a big hit with the boy. A few more chores to avoid the next argument then back out to pick up Sam and bring her home for a lovely meal.
Merry Christmas kids,
Minas.
Monday, 21 December 2009
Wednesday, 16 December 2009
Hey Gang;
Been doing another photojournalism course which has required me to be up shooting before dawn each day so apologies for the (once again) late update.
I wont bore you with details of the weekend as both days were taken up with the course which continues through to Thursday night with a presentation of student projects. It's being run by two of Australia's living legend photojournalist in Stephen Dupont and Jack Picone (although don't worry if you've never heard their names as outside of photography circles they are just a couple of affable & humble guys). My project is on dawn & morning rituals centered around Bronte baths. Somehow i just need to relate it back to the project brief of "hope". I'll upload the finished product to my website and send through a link when done.
Until then,
Minas.
Been doing another photojournalism course which has required me to be up shooting before dawn each day so apologies for the (once again) late update.
I wont bore you with details of the weekend as both days were taken up with the course which continues through to Thursday night with a presentation of student projects. It's being run by two of Australia's living legend photojournalist in Stephen Dupont and Jack Picone (although don't worry if you've never heard their names as outside of photography circles they are just a couple of affable & humble guys). My project is on dawn & morning rituals centered around Bronte baths. Somehow i just need to relate it back to the project brief of "hope". I'll upload the finished product to my website and send through a link when done. Until then,
Minas.
Tuesday, 8 December 2009
It's Tuesday. Sorry. The Lovely Samantha has become the new bread winner on Sundays and Mondays and this sole parenting thing has thrown me a bit.
I was on assignment again last night. Pyrmont has been in the news due to it's resident protests against a planned metro station requiring heritage buildings be demolished. I was sent to their local ALP meeting to capture their position statement for the new NSW Premier. Talk about a tough gig. Lovely people, just boring photos. Suppose i should look on the bright side. After all, I could be doing IT.
I remember on Saturday afternoon heading over to our neighbours for a BBQ dinner. Bodhi's and his best mate Hari are finally starting to work out that it's better playing nice with each other instead of bickering over everything. Must be a boy thing i guess. They're both into Santa and are convinced he's coming to visit irrespective of whether they are well behaved or not (if their behaviour is anything to go by).
Sunday was the perfect day for a birthday party in the park. Good thing Bodhi's friend Adelaide was turning three. Cakes, lollies and tantrums all the way home. At least we didn't have to clean up.
On a sorry note, i didn't get a call up for the photography job i'd applied for. "Good application" he said. "Liked your work" he said. "You just don't have the experience" he said. "Maybe next time" i said.
see ya,
Minas.
I was on assignment again last night. Pyrmont has been in the news due to it's resident protests against a planned metro station requiring heritage buildings be demolished. I was sent to their local ALP meeting to capture their position statement for the new NSW Premier. Talk about a tough gig. Lovely people, just boring photos. Suppose i should look on the bright side. After all, I could be doing IT.
I remember on Saturday afternoon heading over to our neighbours for a BBQ dinner. Bodhi's and his best mate Hari are finally starting to work out that it's better playing nice with each other instead of bickering over everything. Must be a boy thing i guess. They're both into Santa and are convinced he's coming to visit irrespective of whether they are well behaved or not (if their behaviour is anything to go by).
Sunday was the perfect day for a birthday party in the park. Good thing Bodhi's friend Adelaide was turning three. Cakes, lollies and tantrums all the way home. At least we didn't have to clean up.
On a sorry note, i didn't get a call up for the photography job i'd applied for. "Good application" he said. "Liked your work" he said. "You just don't have the experience" he said. "Maybe next time" i said.
see ya,
Minas.
Monday, 30 November 2009
Work The Angles
Hey Gang;
While sleeping on the grass in the park last week, unbeknown to me a furry caterpillar began crawling up my neck. It wasn't until I felt something irritating and rubbed it that I realised what it was. I spent friday night watching TV and rubbing antihistamine into one of the largest hickie-esque reactions my neck has ever seen. You'd have been forgiven for thinking someone had glued a Cumberland sausage to my neck.
Saturday was glorious. I was on assignment on Manly's corso covering the opening of a new Ben & Jerry's franchise (the first in Australia as a B&J's fanatic at the front of the queue informed me). This assignment reminded me just how tough a career in news photography will be. I had to get a shot to accompany an expose on the business's bad practices. The starving masses in Sudan is one thing, but just try finding a negative angle on a thousand Aussie kids and free ice-cream at the beach.
I stole a bit of time afterward to shoot some of the volleyball players on the beach and finally, after wondering why the antihistamine wasn't working, I took myself off to the chemist to replace it with one which wasn't two years out of date.
On Sunday Bodhi and I went to the pool for his weekly chlorine skulling comp. It's a wonder he still floats. A BBQ lunch at a friends followed by a picnic in the park rounded out the remainder of the weekend.
see ya,
Minas.
While sleeping on the grass in the park last week, unbeknown to me a furry caterpillar began crawling up my neck. It wasn't until I felt something irritating and rubbed it that I realised what it was. I spent friday night watching TV and rubbing antihistamine into one of the largest hickie-esque reactions my neck has ever seen. You'd have been forgiven for thinking someone had glued a Cumberland sausage to my neck.
Saturday was glorious. I was on assignment on Manly's corso covering the opening of a new Ben & Jerry's franchise (the first in Australia as a B&J's fanatic at the front of the queue informed me). This assignment reminded me just how tough a career in news photography will be. I had to get a shot to accompany an expose on the business's bad practices. The starving masses in Sudan is one thing, but just try finding a negative angle on a thousand Aussie kids and free ice-cream at the beach.
I stole a bit of time afterward to shoot some of the volleyball players on the beach and finally, after wondering why the antihistamine wasn't working, I took myself off to the chemist to replace it with one which wasn't two years out of date.On Sunday Bodhi and I went to the pool for his weekly chlorine skulling comp. It's a wonder he still floats. A BBQ lunch at a friends followed by a picnic in the park rounded out the remainder of the weekend.
see ya,
Minas.
Monday, 23 November 2009
Grand Opening
Hey Gang;
The Lovely Samantha hit the city sporting a racy new dress to catch up with her gal pals on Friday. Dunno how, but the girls seem to invent new excuses to socialise. First it was "book club" (5 minutes of book review, 1hr 55 of Gossip), then it was "The Artist way club" (5 minutes of art therapy, 1hr 55 of Gossip) and now a "destress club" (5minutes of rhythmic breathing, several hours of Gossip).
Still gave Bodhi and I time to enjoy the manly pursuits of watching firemen attend to the next door neighbour's house (singed pride but no major damage). Bodhi thought Christmas had come early.
We hadn't yet had our new neighbours over (not the pyromaniacs, the others), so we made them brunch on Saturday. A novel experience. I spent a few hours at Clovelly learning to use a mate's underwater camera before heading back, picking up the troops and heading over to a friend's for dinner.
Sunday I was on assignment which sounds much cooler than it is. The gala opening of the revamped Leichhardt aquatic center needed coverage so yours truly got the nod to shoot a covershot for the local rag.
The brief was to shoot the official ribbon cutting but to try and get more happy smiley kiddy shots which is a difficult ask in this era of post Bill Henson paranoia. Still, I successfully avoided any untoward glances by being upfront, honest, but above all pre-arranging a friend's kids to be the main focus. Favourite shot of the day which wont see the cover is no doubt a mid air shot of Olympic gold medal diver Matthew Mitcham doing his thing from the 10m diving platform. Talk about heights.
see ya,
Minas.
The Lovely Samantha hit the city sporting a racy new dress to catch up with her gal pals on Friday. Dunno how, but the girls seem to invent new excuses to socialise. First it was "book club" (5 minutes of book review, 1hr 55 of Gossip), then it was "The Artist way club" (5 minutes of art therapy, 1hr 55 of Gossip) and now a "destress club" (5minutes of rhythmic breathing, several hours of Gossip).
Still gave Bodhi and I time to enjoy the manly pursuits of watching firemen attend to the next door neighbour's house (singed pride but no major damage). Bodhi thought Christmas had come early.
We hadn't yet had our new neighbours over (not the pyromaniacs, the others), so we made them brunch on Saturday. A novel experience. I spent a few hours at Clovelly learning to use a mate's underwater camera before heading back, picking up the troops and heading over to a friend's for dinner.
Sunday I was on assignment which sounds much cooler than it is. The gala opening of the revamped Leichhardt aquatic center needed coverage so yours truly got the nod to shoot a covershot for the local rag.
The brief was to shoot the official ribbon cutting but to try and get more happy smiley kiddy shots which is a difficult ask in this era of post Bill Henson paranoia. Still, I successfully avoided any untoward glances by being upfront, honest, but above all pre-arranging a friend's kids to be the main focus. Favourite shot of the day which wont see the cover is no doubt a mid air shot of Olympic gold medal diver Matthew Mitcham doing his thing from the 10m diving platform. Talk about heights.see ya,
Minas.
Monday, 16 November 2009
Summer's Here
Hey Gang;
A darn good weekend kids, even if I do say so myself.
Friday night had relatively new friend's around for dinner. A vegetarian majority simply meant more sausages for me.
Saturday was a cracking day. I convinced Bodhi to ask for pancakes for breakfast (not too hard) which meant I got to have them too.
The Lovely Samantha had the wonderful idea to go to the beach and why not - sun shining, mercury rising, summer's here. A few hours in Bra boy heartland kickstarted the seasonal bronzing in fine form. She then had the wonderful idea to leave the aircon going in the car while the engine was off. A while later someone thankfully kickstarted the car back into life.
The best part of Sunday was spent doing handyman stuff. I made an anti-cat-crap-flap for the side gate thus preventing the new neighbour's cat from squeezing underneath it and treating our pebbled side passage like its very own kitty litter.
This morning I put the finishing touches onto a cover letter for a job that I'm absolutely gagging to get. If their main selection criteria is witty writing, I'm a shoe in, although having said that, it is a photography job. Finger's crossed please.
see ya,
Minas.
A darn good weekend kids, even if I do say so myself.
Friday night had relatively new friend's around for dinner. A vegetarian majority simply meant more sausages for me.
Saturday was a cracking day. I convinced Bodhi to ask for pancakes for breakfast (not too hard) which meant I got to have them too.
The Lovely Samantha had the wonderful idea to go to the beach and why not - sun shining, mercury rising, summer's here. A few hours in Bra boy heartland kickstarted the seasonal bronzing in fine form. She then had the wonderful idea to leave the aircon going in the car while the engine was off. A while later someone thankfully kickstarted the car back into life.The best part of Sunday was spent doing handyman stuff. I made an anti-cat-crap-flap for the side gate thus preventing the new neighbour's cat from squeezing underneath it and treating our pebbled side passage like its very own kitty litter.
This morning I put the finishing touches onto a cover letter for a job that I'm absolutely gagging to get. If their main selection criteria is witty writing, I'm a shoe in, although having said that, it is a photography job. Finger's crossed please.
see ya,
Minas.
Monday, 9 November 2009
For She's a Jolly Good Sheila
Hey Gang;
Friday was The Lovely Samantha's birthday. Like any adoring partner, i got up at the crack of dawn, went out for fresh flowers, put the kettle on, prepared pancake mixture... and waited several hours for the rest of the house to stir into life.
For some reason, this year was particularly difficult. I just couldn't think of anything to get her. I thought I'd struck gold with a last minute dash into HMV for the first series of Star Trek Next Generation. Alas it will just see me dash back into the store this week for a refund. Lucky the flowers were a hit.
After depositing Bodhi at daycare, we high tailed it to the Hunter Valley for a few days of R&R. Mum had kindly offered to babysit for the weekend. Now, being skint and a bit of a tight arse, you'd be forgiven for wondering why the splurge on a weekend away - A friend's wedding.
The weather wasn't great but it didn't stop us getting out and about for a few wines, food and scenery. The wedding wasn't too shabby either. Gave us a good excuse to catch up with the Hudsons and other friends who live just around the corner but we never manage to see otherwise.
Sunday was more or the same lousy weather and a long slow drive home.
I'm now trying to pen a 2000 word article to accompany my photos of the cycle journey for (hopeful) publication in Australian Photography magazine. Dunno about you, but I hate writing about travel after returning home. Just can't seem to capture that same vibe...like Mabo.
see ya,
Minas.
BTW - Finally got around to launching my website
Friday was The Lovely Samantha's birthday. Like any adoring partner, i got up at the crack of dawn, went out for fresh flowers, put the kettle on, prepared pancake mixture... and waited several hours for the rest of the house to stir into life.
For some reason, this year was particularly difficult. I just couldn't think of anything to get her. I thought I'd struck gold with a last minute dash into HMV for the first series of Star Trek Next Generation. Alas it will just see me dash back into the store this week for a refund. Lucky the flowers were a hit.
After depositing Bodhi at daycare, we high tailed it to the Hunter Valley for a few days of R&R. Mum had kindly offered to babysit for the weekend. Now, being skint and a bit of a tight arse, you'd be forgiven for wondering why the splurge on a weekend away - A friend's wedding.
The weather wasn't great but it didn't stop us getting out and about for a few wines, food and scenery. The wedding wasn't too shabby either. Gave us a good excuse to catch up with the Hudsons and other friends who live just around the corner but we never manage to see otherwise.
Sunday was more or the same lousy weather and a long slow drive home.
I'm now trying to pen a 2000 word article to accompany my photos of the cycle journey for (hopeful) publication in Australian Photography magazine. Dunno about you, but I hate writing about travel after returning home. Just can't seem to capture that same vibe...like Mabo.
see ya,
Minas.
BTW - Finally got around to launching my website
Monday, 2 November 2009
Regular Work...Not
Hey Gang;
On Friday i tagged along with a photographer i'd previously assisted (he didn't need an assistant, but i was interested in the shoot so he let me watch). He was shooting an interesting project of portraits of a variety of subjects at the Westmead childrens hospital (patients and staff) in Parramatta. Finished the day stuck in traffic but home in time to kiss Bodhi good night and head out with the Lovely Samantha for an Indian meal with friends.
Now, as any doctor will tell you, a good breakfast is essential to a growing boy...so, at Mum's suggestion (and kind offer to pay), on Saturday morning we took Bodhi to Yum Cha. Despite our best intentions it seemed our girths were the main things to grow decidedly larger. The afternoon was spent chilling at home and preparing dinner for the neighbours.
With council chuck out fast approaching, Sunday was earmarked as clean up day. The floor is now visible in not just the laundry, but the garage too. If that wasn't enough of a full weekend, we rounded out the evening with dinner at our friend's not-so-new house.
This morning started with the promise of some regular paid work - the first since the decision to leave IT. Sadly though, after reporting for jury duty this morning, i was informed that the trial was canceled. Back to the drawing board.
Day 154 of my water series
see ya,
Minas.
On Friday i tagged along with a photographer i'd previously assisted (he didn't need an assistant, but i was interested in the shoot so he let me watch). He was shooting an interesting project of portraits of a variety of subjects at the Westmead childrens hospital (patients and staff) in Parramatta. Finished the day stuck in traffic but home in time to kiss Bodhi good night and head out with the Lovely Samantha for an Indian meal with friends.
Now, as any doctor will tell you, a good breakfast is essential to a growing boy...so, at Mum's suggestion (and kind offer to pay), on Saturday morning we took Bodhi to Yum Cha. Despite our best intentions it seemed our girths were the main things to grow decidedly larger. The afternoon was spent chilling at home and preparing dinner for the neighbours.
With council chuck out fast approaching, Sunday was earmarked as clean up day. The floor is now visible in not just the laundry, but the garage too. If that wasn't enough of a full weekend, we rounded out the evening with dinner at our friend's not-so-new house.
This morning started with the promise of some regular paid work - the first since the decision to leave IT. Sadly though, after reporting for jury duty this morning, i was informed that the trial was canceled. Back to the drawing board.
Day 154 of my water series
see ya,
Minas.
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
Better Late Than Never
Hey Gang;
Tired is about the only excuse for not writing sooner...ohh and we've got a new car ...which makes funny noises (it starts whistling over 60km/h), which has been diverting my attention.
On Friday night i caught up with a friend from the Fin Review for a few beers in Redfern. Alcohol intake was going pear shaped until I arrested it with a big bowl of Vietnamese pho. Bid my farewells and grabbed a cab home.
Up early on Saturday morning for a fundraising sausage sizzle at Ashfield Bunnings. After years of falling prey to the sweet smell of a bunning's bbq, it was my turn behind the grill. Despite the poor location we managed to sell over 500 sausages. Still, we did have some left over and after donating most to a homeless shelter, what better way to get rid of extras than by inviting friends around for a bbq dinner - so we did. Kids everywhere. Bodhi's room looked like a ransacked crime scene. No toy had been left unturned.
Sunday was a mate's buck's lunch. Nice company but terrible catering. Dunno what made me feel more ill - the food, or handing over money for it.
see ya,
Minas.
Tired is about the only excuse for not writing sooner...ohh and we've got a new car ...which makes funny noises (it starts whistling over 60km/h), which has been diverting my attention.
On Friday night i caught up with a friend from the Fin Review for a few beers in Redfern. Alcohol intake was going pear shaped until I arrested it with a big bowl of Vietnamese pho. Bid my farewells and grabbed a cab home.
Up early on Saturday morning for a fundraising sausage sizzle at Ashfield Bunnings. After years of falling prey to the sweet smell of a bunning's bbq, it was my turn behind the grill. Despite the poor location we managed to sell over 500 sausages. Still, we did have some left over and after donating most to a homeless shelter, what better way to get rid of extras than by inviting friends around for a bbq dinner - so we did. Kids everywhere. Bodhi's room looked like a ransacked crime scene. No toy had been left unturned.
Sunday was a mate's buck's lunch. Nice company but terrible catering. Dunno what made me feel more ill - the food, or handing over money for it.
see ya,
Minas.
Monday, 19 October 2009
A Spent Force
I'm spent.
On Friday the Gary Harvey show made its final stop in Melbourne. This was the last leg (apart from his official charity ride on Sunday) of his cross Australia fundraiser. All told over $100K raised to date...by one person...WOW!
I remember Melbourne fondly for, among other things, its fantastic lamb souvlakis. Sadly the kebab house I chose didn't rekindle those memories. I fought back the urge to purge by enjoying several cleansing ales with Shalome at The Espy (sensational Aussie pub rock, also where Rockwiz is filmed each week). For good measure, a few martinis in a nearby cocktail bar saw us through to the early hours of Saturday morning.
Saturday was a rest day for Gary...and I.
Sunday started at the un-Godly hour of 5am shooting Gary at the start of the 250km Around-The-Bay-In-A-Day charity ride. My (paid) brief was to get shots of him at three points - The Start, The Ferry crossing and The Finish. While being in a car had its benefits for the most part, the final few kms had me pulling my hair out. Stuck in St Kilda Rd gridlock, I received a call from the client at the finish line. Gary had phoned her saying he was five minutes away. "Where was I?" she asked. Ten minutes away at this rate. Here i was, having followed this guy across Australia, stuck in traffic and about to miss the money shot. Decision time. I grabbed the camera bag, jumped out of the car and sprinted the last kilometer just in time to see him sail past the finish post. Damn...Good thing i was positioned perfectly and looking through my viewfinder at the time. Hero shot - check. Home please.
see ya,
Minas.
On Friday the Gary Harvey show made its final stop in Melbourne. This was the last leg (apart from his official charity ride on Sunday) of his cross Australia fundraiser. All told over $100K raised to date...by one person...WOW!
I remember Melbourne fondly for, among other things, its fantastic lamb souvlakis. Sadly the kebab house I chose didn't rekindle those memories. I fought back the urge to purge by enjoying several cleansing ales with Shalome at The Espy (sensational Aussie pub rock, also where Rockwiz is filmed each week). For good measure, a few martinis in a nearby cocktail bar saw us through to the early hours of Saturday morning.
Saturday was a rest day for Gary...and I.
Sunday started at the un-Godly hour of 5am shooting Gary at the start of the 250km Around-The-Bay-In-A-Day charity ride. My (paid) brief was to get shots of him at three points - The Start, The Ferry crossing and The Finish. While being in a car had its benefits for the most part, the final few kms had me pulling my hair out. Stuck in St Kilda Rd gridlock, I received a call from the client at the finish line. Gary had phoned her saying he was five minutes away. "Where was I?" she asked. Ten minutes away at this rate. Here i was, having followed this guy across Australia, stuck in traffic and about to miss the money shot. Decision time. I grabbed the camera bag, jumped out of the car and sprinted the last kilometer just in time to see him sail past the finish post. Damn...Good thing i was positioned perfectly and looking through my viewfinder at the time. Hero shot - check. Home please.
see ya,
Minas.
Monday, 12 October 2009
A Thousand Apologies
Gang;
The past fortnight has been a bit of a blur and i humbly apologise for not writing last week. Excuses excuses i know, but I've got a good one, truly.
The first week was spent in the wonderfully relaxed environs of the Margaret River with The Lovely Samantha and her family. An incredible house made the horrible weather bearable and the nice wines made the time fly much too quick. Bodhi was beside himself with the kangaroos that would hop in from the surrounding bush to breakfast on the lawn beside the living room.
Ridiculously early Monday morning i boarded a flight from Perth to Adelaide to take my place in the support crew for Gary Harvey who was attempting to raise money for The Smith Family by cycling from Sydney to Perth just so that he could then cycle to Melbourne to take part in his tenth "Around the Bay in a Day" charity ride. Scary how humble, selfless and machine like this guy is. He's been an inspiration to be around.
Being around him has also had other benefits. I've been the unofficial photographer on the ride and man have i been licking my lips at the scenery. It's something I've dreamt about for quite a while to travel around this country with a camera and now I'm getting paid (well...my expenses anyway) to do it.
Shalome - This guy is incredible. Failing a hurricane blowing from Melbourne to Sydney, we'll be there Friday night for the Sunday charity ride. Get your party blouse ready.
see ya,
Minas.
The past fortnight has been a bit of a blur and i humbly apologise for not writing last week. Excuses excuses i know, but I've got a good one, truly.
The first week was spent in the wonderfully relaxed environs of the Margaret River with The Lovely Samantha and her family. An incredible house made the horrible weather bearable and the nice wines made the time fly much too quick. Bodhi was beside himself with the kangaroos that would hop in from the surrounding bush to breakfast on the lawn beside the living room.
Ridiculously early Monday morning i boarded a flight from Perth to Adelaide to take my place in the support crew for Gary Harvey who was attempting to raise money for The Smith Family by cycling from Sydney to Perth just so that he could then cycle to Melbourne to take part in his tenth "Around the Bay in a Day" charity ride. Scary how humble, selfless and machine like this guy is. He's been an inspiration to be around.
Being around him has also had other benefits. I've been the unofficial photographer on the ride and man have i been licking my lips at the scenery. It's something I've dreamt about for quite a while to travel around this country with a camera and now I'm getting paid (well...my expenses anyway) to do it.
Shalome - This guy is incredible. Failing a hurricane blowing from Melbourne to Sydney, we'll be there Friday night for the Sunday charity ride. Get your party blouse ready.
see ya,
Minas.
Tuesday, 22 September 2009
Good News Week
The Dubai people came back with an offer. Thankfully they made it easy to turn down. A good week in the land of Minas Aroney photographic made it that much easier. A few well paid days assisting with a very well credentialed photo journalist ((Michael Amendolia) and a page three print in the Sydney Morning Herald made this easily the best week of my photographic career to date. Being a broadsheet, the Sydney Morning Herald tends to be a more high-brow publisher of photographic content. Not your typical tabloid paparazzi stuff, more quality stuff. Aside from the cover which is usually reserved for boring politicians, page three is the photographer's page as it is where they run the best picture...and that's where they ran mine. I didn't sleep for fear of someone declaring war and bumping my pic from the paper.
Friday and Saturday nights were both spent watching my preferred teams lose ther NRL quarter finals. Rugby is just too confusing so i couldn't give a toss what happened there.
Sunday was our last photojournalism class. If i was the crying type, tears would have flowed. But i'm not, so they didn't. Contact details did instead. This Wednesday night is the gala opening of the student exhibition for anyone passing through. Considering you probably won't be, here's my print (taken at a wrestling audition event in Martin Place)
The Lovely Samantha, Bodhi and I are off to Perth this week for a Docherty family get together before i then join in the driving of a support car for a guy who is cycling across Australia for charity...and i get to take pics. Woo hoo!
see ya,
Minas.
Friday and Saturday nights were both spent watching my preferred teams lose ther NRL quarter finals. Rugby is just too confusing so i couldn't give a toss what happened there.
Sunday was our last photojournalism class. If i was the crying type, tears would have flowed. But i'm not, so they didn't. Contact details did instead. This Wednesday night is the gala opening of the student exhibition for anyone passing through. Considering you probably won't be, here's my print (taken at a wrestling audition event in Martin Place)
The Lovely Samantha, Bodhi and I are off to Perth this week for a Docherty family get together before i then join in the driving of a support car for a guy who is cycling across Australia for charity...and i get to take pics. Woo hoo!
see ya,
Minas.
Monday, 14 September 2009
Wastelands
Looking out each morning over the barren wasteland of paid photographic work in front of me, i'd been re-evaluating that short term IT contract in the middle east. On Friday I spent the best part of a 90 minute skype conversation being dragged over the coals by a ridiculously pedantic tech head who had the most confrontational interview technique i'd ever witnessed. Personally, i wouldn't have hired me following that "interview", but the Director (who was also on the call) left me an apologetic voicemail with the promise of a more civil "cultural fit" interview this week. The current thinking would be to take a short term gig to help boost the coffers for a more prolonged run at the photography dream. Pizzas and finals football helped calm the nerves.
Saturday was mainly spent hangin with Bodhi and The Lovely Samantha before heading over to the neighbours for an early evening BBQ. Finals footy again, this time at the pub, although, i must say my sleep avoidance stamina is no better at the pub than it is on the couch. My companion caught me several times doing the sleepy eye'd head nod before the final whistle.
Sunday was our second last photojournalism class. My photo essay and topical news shots have been getting rave reviews and I'm happy with the progress that's been made. It'll be kinda sad to finish next week but at least i'll get my Sunday mornings back. A short trip down to Bondi beach to take shots of the Festival of the the Winds (Kite's) before cycling home for BBQ dinner with friends.
see ya,
Minas.
Saturday was mainly spent hangin with Bodhi and The Lovely Samantha before heading over to the neighbours for an early evening BBQ. Finals footy again, this time at the pub, although, i must say my sleep avoidance stamina is no better at the pub than it is on the couch. My companion caught me several times doing the sleepy eye'd head nod before the final whistle.
Sunday was our second last photojournalism class. My photo essay and topical news shots have been getting rave reviews and I'm happy with the progress that's been made. It'll be kinda sad to finish next week but at least i'll get my Sunday mornings back. A short trip down to Bondi beach to take shots of the Festival of the the Winds (Kite's) before cycling home for BBQ dinner with friends.
see ya,
Minas.
Monday, 7 September 2009
Finals Footy Here We Come.
It was the final week of the regular NRL season so what better way to celebrate than focusing my undivided attention on the T.V. for each and every minute of football available on free to air. With a few positions up for grabs, it did not disapoint.
Saturday was a really stupendous day. The glorious weather was enjoyed in full on the decks of the Manly skiff club. The food was average but the drinks and company made up for it.
Dinner involved a Greek family catch up to farewell my cousin before embarking a two week journey to Kilamanjaro and back. It's been interesting comparing how much she's packed compared to me when traveling. Mind you, i often find myself freezing my tits off with altitude sickness in some remote peak when traveling, which i can appreciate is not everyone's cup of tea.
On Sunday morning i was showered with breakfast in bed and a home made father's day card before heading off to photo class. I'd shot a topical event during the week (the remembrance service for the Battle of Australia) which was well received in class and some of the shots will go into the portfolio. A late father's day lunch with the Italian side of the family before heading home to more footy and cheese n bikkies for dinner.
see ya,
Minas.
Saturday was a really stupendous day. The glorious weather was enjoyed in full on the decks of the Manly skiff club. The food was average but the drinks and company made up for it.
Dinner involved a Greek family catch up to farewell my cousin before embarking a two week journey to Kilamanjaro and back. It's been interesting comparing how much she's packed compared to me when traveling. Mind you, i often find myself freezing my tits off with altitude sickness in some remote peak when traveling, which i can appreciate is not everyone's cup of tea.
On Sunday morning i was showered with breakfast in bed and a home made father's day card before heading off to photo class. I'd shot a topical event during the week (the remembrance service for the Battle of Australia) which was well received in class and some of the shots will go into the portfolio. A late father's day lunch with the Italian side of the family before heading home to more footy and cheese n bikkies for dinner.see ya,
Minas.
Tuesday, 1 September 2009
Hey Gang;
Last week i did quite possibly the most demeaning work of my entire life volunteering (exploited) at a photo studio. Apart from sweeping the floors and painting the studio i was allowed to clean the toilets and mop up tomatoes which had been squashed into the floor for a shoot. Needless to say, i shall not be returning.
Friday night involved....wait for it...football and pizza.
Saturday was my final day at the studio and because i'd done such a good job during the week i was allowed to refill the toilet paper rolls and get coffee for the "Photographer in Chief". Thankfully they weren't doing interesting work there else i'd have been tempted to continue the humiliation in the hope of learning something.
In Sunday's photojournalism class a real photojournalist, Paul Blackmore winner of several World Press awards (equivalent of the Oscars for news photography), came in as a guest lecturer. What makes them forgo stablility, family and normalcy in favour of wars, famine and desperation is beyond me but damn they take some cracking shots.
On Monday i was paid to assist on a house shoot for Better Homes & Gardens (or some equivalent) magazine.
Day #95 of my water series
seee ya,
Minas.
Last week i did quite possibly the most demeaning work of my entire life volunteering (exploited) at a photo studio. Apart from sweeping the floors and painting the studio i was allowed to clean the toilets and mop up tomatoes which had been squashed into the floor for a shoot. Needless to say, i shall not be returning.
Friday night involved....wait for it...football and pizza.
Saturday was my final day at the studio and because i'd done such a good job during the week i was allowed to refill the toilet paper rolls and get coffee for the "Photographer in Chief". Thankfully they weren't doing interesting work there else i'd have been tempted to continue the humiliation in the hope of learning something.
In Sunday's photojournalism class a real photojournalist, Paul Blackmore winner of several World Press awards (equivalent of the Oscars for news photography), came in as a guest lecturer. What makes them forgo stablility, family and normalcy in favour of wars, famine and desperation is beyond me but damn they take some cracking shots.
On Monday i was paid to assist on a house shoot for Better Homes & Gardens (or some equivalent) magazine. Day #95 of my water series
seee ya,
Minas.
Monday, 24 August 2009
QATAR Too Far
Friday was a recovery day on account of being in Canberra for a good part of the week assisting on photo shoots. The newly formed sole trading firm of "Minas Aroney" was engaged to assist a Fin Review photographer to capture some of the most powerful people in Australia, including, but not limited to Barnaby Joyce, Julia Gillard (lovely in person), Malcolm Turdballs (his arrogance is as big as his bank balance) and Mark Arbib (good soccer skills).
Save for some more shooting in the afternoon with my photojournalism subject, Saturday didn't really amount to much.
Sunday started with the usual photo class followed by a field trip to the annual Fifties Fair at the Rose Seidler house in Wahroonga. Very photogenic indeed. Given i was umming and ahhing in the morning about going, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and definitely got my money's worth in terms of photo content. I just hope my shots are better than the other students when we do show 'n tell in class next weekend (there's a bit of friendly rivalry going on).
I just turned down a short term IT contract in Qatar so i bloody hope i get some paid PHOTOGRAPHY work soon.
see ya,
Minas.
Save for some more shooting in the afternoon with my photojournalism subject, Saturday didn't really amount to much.
Sunday started with the usual photo class followed by a field trip to the annual Fifties Fair at the Rose Seidler house in Wahroonga. Very photogenic indeed. Given i was umming and ahhing in the morning about going, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and definitely got my money's worth in terms of photo content. I just hope my shots are better than the other students when we do show 'n tell in class next weekend (there's a bit of friendly rivalry going on).I just turned down a short term IT contract in Qatar so i bloody hope i get some paid PHOTOGRAPHY work soon.
see ya,
Minas.
Tuesday, 18 August 2009
Much Ado about Nothing
Hey Gang;
The PVR is on the fritz meaning i can no longer fall asleep during the footy and hope to watch it the next day. May not be much to you, but i love my Friday night footy...on Saturday. All this meant that i had to turn to other means to keep me burning the midnight candle. Thankfully nothing harder than coffee was required.
Saturday and Sunday were both sensational weather days. Hopefully we've seen the last of winter. A short trip into Chinatown for some fruit and veg, but i honestly can't remember much else.
On Sunday night Mum took us out to dinner in little Portugal (Petersham). When something is done well, simple things can turn into melt in your mouth moments. Portuguese BBQ chicken in Petersham is one of them.
see ya,
Minas.
The PVR is on the fritz meaning i can no longer fall asleep during the footy and hope to watch it the next day. May not be much to you, but i love my Friday night footy...on Saturday. All this meant that i had to turn to other means to keep me burning the midnight candle. Thankfully nothing harder than coffee was required.
Saturday and Sunday were both sensational weather days. Hopefully we've seen the last of winter. A short trip into Chinatown for some fruit and veg, but i honestly can't remember much else.
On Sunday night Mum took us out to dinner in little Portugal (Petersham). When something is done well, simple things can turn into melt in your mouth moments. Portuguese BBQ chicken in Petersham is one of them.
see ya,
Minas.
Tuesday, 11 August 2009
When the Ordinary becomes Extraordinary
Hey Gang;
Last week the Leichhardt council was running a photo competition. I spent the week riding around trying to find some interesting & unusual vantage points within the council boundary, but to no avail.
A common theme in photography is to steer clear of well known landmarks unless you have a very original and unique take on them (as they are very familiar and thus might not stand out). But, a cracking sunset rolled through on Friday afternoon and i ended up capturing a well known steeple in our suburb. You can see it here: The Annandale Steeple
On Saturday night The Lovely Samantha "just didn't see" the black car in front of her and turned our car into a poster child for the efficacy of crumple zones. Thankfully that's the only drama, no injuries. On a positive note, at least we're getting some return on the years of investing in our insurance company's future.
Sunday was photojournalism class again. My photo essay, while getting increasingly interesting, is starting to stray away from pure photojournalism (which dictates fly on the wall style. No staging of events). I need to steer it back in the right direction in the coming weeks.
see ya,
Minas.
Last week the Leichhardt council was running a photo competition. I spent the week riding around trying to find some interesting & unusual vantage points within the council boundary, but to no avail.
A common theme in photography is to steer clear of well known landmarks unless you have a very original and unique take on them (as they are very familiar and thus might not stand out). But, a cracking sunset rolled through on Friday afternoon and i ended up capturing a well known steeple in our suburb. You can see it here: The Annandale Steeple
On Saturday night The Lovely Samantha "just didn't see" the black car in front of her and turned our car into a poster child for the efficacy of crumple zones. Thankfully that's the only drama, no injuries. On a positive note, at least we're getting some return on the years of investing in our insurance company's future.
Sunday was photojournalism class again. My photo essay, while getting increasingly interesting, is starting to stray away from pure photojournalism (which dictates fly on the wall style. No staging of events). I need to steer it back in the right direction in the coming weeks.
see ya,
Minas.
Wednesday, 5 August 2009
Deadlines
It's Wednesday and this was supposed to be written on Monday. I wonder if i should be continuing my fixation with a career in the newspapers with that kind of attitude to deadlines. Would "sorry" cut it? Sorry.
This week I made some sales clerk's yearly target with a new camera purchase. I spent Friday afternoon with the new kit continuing my photo essay on the interesting local character i mentioned last week. Among other things he volunteers at food mission in Newtown which is where we shot. Home to the footy.
Saturday was a big day for our wee family. Our little man (who prefers to be regarded as a big boy, not a baby) made the giant leap from cot to bed. He still shits his pants, but one thing at a time. A word of warning Damo - he'll be asking me for the car to take Zali to the movies in no time at all.
Sunday was pretty quiet. I showcased my latest shots in photojournalism class. Another guy is doing a night series on the Kings Cross strip from the voyeuristic viewpoint of a drive by passenger - very cool (and stupidly dangerous). We hold our breath each Sunday morning hoping he hasn't been set upon by bouncers or pimps.
Day #68 of my water series:
see ya,
Minas.
This week I made some sales clerk's yearly target with a new camera purchase. I spent Friday afternoon with the new kit continuing my photo essay on the interesting local character i mentioned last week. Among other things he volunteers at food mission in Newtown which is where we shot. Home to the footy.
Saturday was a big day for our wee family. Our little man (who prefers to be regarded as a big boy, not a baby) made the giant leap from cot to bed. He still shits his pants, but one thing at a time. A word of warning Damo - he'll be asking me for the car to take Zali to the movies in no time at all.
Sunday was pretty quiet. I showcased my latest shots in photojournalism class. Another guy is doing a night series on the Kings Cross strip from the voyeuristic viewpoint of a drive by passenger - very cool (and stupidly dangerous). We hold our breath each Sunday morning hoping he hasn't been set upon by bouncers or pimps.
Day #68 of my water series:
see ya,
Minas.
Monday, 27 July 2009
When work turns to fun
Hey Gang;
Thursday and Friday saw me in at the photo desk of the Fin Review experiencing newspaper photography first hand. One of the younger "maverick" shooters took me under his wing and showed me the ropes. I showed him some of my portfolio which i guess filled him with enough confidence to let me "take the shot" during Friday's profile shoot of some company's Chief Financial Officer. To say i was grinning would be an understatement. To my jaw dropping OMFG jubilation, the September issue of the CFO magazine will be running my shot full page to an accompanying article. Not bad for a work experience boy eh?
The excitement was just too much and I was once again asleep on the couch before the half time break in the Friday night footy.
Saturday started with absolutely nothing on the horizon but a phone call from friends changed all that. By early afternoon i was freezing my little man boobs scuba diving off Manly while the Mums and bubs enjoyed the warm winter weather from the beach.
Sunday was the second class of my photojournalism course. Our major assignment is to produce a photo essay (A story told in pictures). Mine is based on a local character who definitely doesn't conform to the "meat 'n two veg" brand of society. It is so far out of my comfort zone it ain't funny. Wish me luck. I'll show you all when it's done.
see ya,
Minas.
Thursday and Friday saw me in at the photo desk of the Fin Review experiencing newspaper photography first hand. One of the younger "maverick" shooters took me under his wing and showed me the ropes. I showed him some of my portfolio which i guess filled him with enough confidence to let me "take the shot" during Friday's profile shoot of some company's Chief Financial Officer. To say i was grinning would be an understatement. To my jaw dropping OMFG jubilation, the September issue of the CFO magazine will be running my shot full page to an accompanying article. Not bad for a work experience boy eh?
The excitement was just too much and I was once again asleep on the couch before the half time break in the Friday night footy.
Saturday started with absolutely nothing on the horizon but a phone call from friends changed all that. By early afternoon i was freezing my little man boobs scuba diving off Manly while the Mums and bubs enjoyed the warm winter weather from the beach.
Sunday was the second class of my photojournalism course. Our major assignment is to produce a photo essay (A story told in pictures). Mine is based on a local character who definitely doesn't conform to the "meat 'n two veg" brand of society. It is so far out of my comfort zone it ain't funny. Wish me luck. I'll show you all when it's done.
see ya,
Minas.
Monday, 20 July 2009
For The Kids
Hey Gang;
Back to the usual Friday night footy antics this weekend, although I barely made it through the first half before doing the old jelly-neck-head-nod routine.
For the last few months we've been organising Bodhi's child care fundraising night. As a strong Chairman should, I've guided the efforts of the worker ants (The Lovely Samantha & co) for the good of the project. Saturday night was go-live. Good Trivia, crap food, great prizes and thankfully cash everywhere. Not as much raised as last year's committee, but then again they didn't have to go toe to toe with the worst financial crisis in modern times. Up till the wee hours tallying totals and cleaning debris.
Sunday i was absolutely shattered. Woke up early for my first photojournalism course lecture then headed home for some much needed R&R.
see ya,
Minas.
Back to the usual Friday night footy antics this weekend, although I barely made it through the first half before doing the old jelly-neck-head-nod routine.
For the last few months we've been organising Bodhi's child care fundraising night. As a strong Chairman should, I've guided the efforts of the worker ants (The Lovely Samantha & co) for the good of the project. Saturday night was go-live. Good Trivia, crap food, great prizes and thankfully cash everywhere. Not as much raised as last year's committee, but then again they didn't have to go toe to toe with the worst financial crisis in modern times. Up till the wee hours tallying totals and cleaning debris.
Sunday i was absolutely shattered. Woke up early for my first photojournalism course lecture then headed home for some much needed R&R.
see ya,
Minas.
Monday, 13 July 2009
The Artists Sanctuary
Rather than start off with the belated results from the Friday fixtures I'm pleased to report that this Friday night saw no footy whatsoever. Instead The Lovely Samantha and I went out for a slap up meal and a bottle of plonk followed by coffee & cake before bathing in the light of the silver screen. Not your average Friday night eh? Sorry, not OUR average Friday night.
Early Saturday morning I dusted off the DIY uniform to answer my uncle's mayday call. Thinking i was just going to lend a hand to help fasten a tarp over a leaking wall, I proceeded to spend the next few hours up a ladder doing all the work. To my uncle's credit, he did hold the ladder very still.
A neighbourly dinner invite provided a perfect opportunity to showcase my new found talent for baking. Unfortunately I learnt the hard way that no two ovens are the same. My poor little apple & rhubarb crumble was sodomised by their naughty cooker.
Sunday
morning saw Sam at the gym working off the aforementioned sodomy. I spent a bit of time trespassing at the Dawn Fraser Baths (closed for winter) for my daily water shot. Upon returning Bodhi was mischievously quiet so i went for a look see. Turns out he's been harbouring a prolific artistic talent and used the blank canvases of our corridor walls to have his first solo exhibition. Crayon...everywhere. That was the queue for Sam to deliver the most sternly worded, artistically nurturing warning I've ever heard.
see ya,
Minas.
Early Saturday morning I dusted off the DIY uniform to answer my uncle's mayday call. Thinking i was just going to lend a hand to help fasten a tarp over a leaking wall, I proceeded to spend the next few hours up a ladder doing all the work. To my uncle's credit, he did hold the ladder very still.
A neighbourly dinner invite provided a perfect opportunity to showcase my new found talent for baking. Unfortunately I learnt the hard way that no two ovens are the same. My poor little apple & rhubarb crumble was sodomised by their naughty cooker.
Sunday
morning saw Sam at the gym working off the aforementioned sodomy. I spent a bit of time trespassing at the Dawn Fraser Baths (closed for winter) for my daily water shot. Upon returning Bodhi was mischievously quiet so i went for a look see. Turns out he's been harbouring a prolific artistic talent and used the blank canvases of our corridor walls to have his first solo exhibition. Crayon...everywhere. That was the queue for Sam to deliver the most sternly worded, artistically nurturing warning I've ever heard. see ya,
Minas.
Monday, 6 July 2009
Hey Diddle Diddle
Hey Gang;
Another Friday night saw another feast of footy and nowt else
Saturday saw me take on the highly unenviable task of cleaning the bathroom and i must say that the walls have never looked so bright after my combination of Selley's Mould remover and sugar soap - lethal. I also mopped the floors which brought about a "difference of opinion" between The Lovely Samantha and I. She insisted on the need to sweep/vacuum the floors before mopping. Call me stupid, but what's the point of doing that? Who'd want to do things twice? Then again, whoever decided to twice cook a pork belly should be given a medal.
That night we drove a fair way out of town to a favourite Lebanese restaurant only to find out they were fully booked. Back home with a hungry (and tired) baby for some takeaway.
Sunday was my Nonno's 93rd birthday. We lunched at a seafood buffet in town. Now i don't know if anyone has ever fully studied the restorative qualities of a buffet, but the way pensioners get a new lease on life when they see one is definitely something to behold.
The evening was spent bumming around the house making videos. Apologies for the poor quality audio, the backing vocals are quite angelic in person.
see ya,
Minas.
Another Friday night saw another feast of footy and nowt else
Saturday saw me take on the highly unenviable task of cleaning the bathroom and i must say that the walls have never looked so bright after my combination of Selley's Mould remover and sugar soap - lethal. I also mopped the floors which brought about a "difference of opinion" between The Lovely Samantha and I. She insisted on the need to sweep/vacuum the floors before mopping. Call me stupid, but what's the point of doing that? Who'd want to do things twice? Then again, whoever decided to twice cook a pork belly should be given a medal.
That night we drove a fair way out of town to a favourite Lebanese restaurant only to find out they were fully booked. Back home with a hungry (and tired) baby for some takeaway.
Sunday was my Nonno's 93rd birthday. We lunched at a seafood buffet in town. Now i don't know if anyone has ever fully studied the restorative qualities of a buffet, but the way pensioners get a new lease on life when they see one is definitely something to behold.
The evening was spent bumming around the house making videos. Apologies for the poor quality audio, the backing vocals are quite angelic in person.
see ya,
Minas.
Monday, 29 June 2009
The Walking Dead
I'd organised to catch up with a friend for a few quiet ones on Friday night but i was so knackered i had to cancel. I sat in on a professional food shoot on Friday and despite doing absolutely nothing but chatting and watching, i just had no energy left. For those who don't know how a food shoot goes, this is about as professional as it gets. There are three - the photographer, the stylist and the food assistant. The assistant cooks the dishes, the stylist "finesses" the food and the photographer captured the shots. I also pitched in by reseting the standby timer on the stylists laptop so she wouldn't always have to re-login. If there's one thing i took from the day it's that photography is no different to painting a wall. It's all in the preparation.
Saturday was spent predominately at the photo imaging expo in Darling Harbour. In between comparing lenses ranging from minuscule to John Holmes size, i spent some time watching the official awards judging process (Basically an opportunity for judges to pit their opinions against each other like rutting walruses).
On Saturday night we had Bodhi's friend Hari for a sleepover. He's really attached to his mum so we thought it would be a case of him screaming his lungs out all night and It didn't help that our teenage neighbour was also having a sleepover. But, like a 100-1 longshot that no one sees coming on the outside, it was actually Bodhi who stole the show by waking up several times during the night ensuring that Sunday was a day of the walking dead.
see ya,
Minas.
Saturday was spent predominately at the photo imaging expo in Darling Harbour. In between comparing lenses ranging from minuscule to John Holmes size, i spent some time watching the official awards judging process (Basically an opportunity for judges to pit their opinions against each other like rutting walruses).
On Saturday night we had Bodhi's friend Hari for a sleepover. He's really attached to his mum so we thought it would be a case of him screaming his lungs out all night and It didn't help that our teenage neighbour was also having a sleepover. But, like a 100-1 longshot that no one sees coming on the outside, it was actually Bodhi who stole the show by waking up several times during the night ensuring that Sunday was a day of the walking dead.
see ya,
Minas.
Tuesday, 23 June 2009
Shooting Blanks
Hey Gang;
Apologies for the tardy posting. No excuses really but I'm going to need to start take notes of what we do during the weekend because this hectic lifestyle of mine means that I'm drawing a blank come Monday.
You might remember last weekend that i babysat hurricane Katrina for a few hours, well this weekend started with her, her baby sister and Mum coming to stay. Renee is hubby-less while her man gallivants around Europe saving their business so we had 'em all over for an old fashioned sleepover. Sleep however was very thin on the ground. Trying to put Bodhi and Isabella to sleep in the same room gave us an idea for a new TV show - Australia's Biggest Screamer. Kind of like one of those Japanese humiliation shows where you see how long you can last with two kids turning their tonsils inside out.
Saturday is currently a black hole in the memory banks.
Sunday started with a trip into the city. We had free tickets to the new Ice Age 3D flick so went in for a look see. Arriving late, we could only find a seat down the front. I was ruing the conditional surrender of all cameras and phones prior to the pre-release screening. The sight of Bodhi reclining on Sam's lap with the screen light washing over them in their 3D glasses is something I'll savour for a long time.
The only other news to share with you
is that my year long water photography project has proved incredibly successful in ways in which i hadn't imagined. Not one month into my crusade to highlight Australia's lack of water, Sydney has officially declared an end to water restrictions!!! The sprinklers are back baby!
see ya,
Minas.
Apologies for the tardy posting. No excuses really but I'm going to need to start take notes of what we do during the weekend because this hectic lifestyle of mine means that I'm drawing a blank come Monday.
You might remember last weekend that i babysat hurricane Katrina for a few hours, well this weekend started with her, her baby sister and Mum coming to stay. Renee is hubby-less while her man gallivants around Europe saving their business so we had 'em all over for an old fashioned sleepover. Sleep however was very thin on the ground. Trying to put Bodhi and Isabella to sleep in the same room gave us an idea for a new TV show - Australia's Biggest Screamer. Kind of like one of those Japanese humiliation shows where you see how long you can last with two kids turning their tonsils inside out.
Saturday is currently a black hole in the memory banks.
Sunday started with a trip into the city. We had free tickets to the new Ice Age 3D flick so went in for a look see. Arriving late, we could only find a seat down the front. I was ruing the conditional surrender of all cameras and phones prior to the pre-release screening. The sight of Bodhi reclining on Sam's lap with the screen light washing over them in their 3D glasses is something I'll savour for a long time.
The only other news to share with you
is that my year long water photography project has proved incredibly successful in ways in which i hadn't imagined. Not one month into my crusade to highlight Australia's lack of water, Sydney has officially declared an end to water restrictions!!! The sprinklers are back baby!see ya,
Minas.
Tuesday, 16 June 2009
Miracles
I don't use the term lightly but not since The Baby Jesus has there been a miracle quite like this. And i've seen it with my own eyes. Just three words describe it - Selley's Mould Remover. I had no idea our bathroom was white.
It was a really boring weekend just gone which has led me to the realisation that if it wasn't for Friday night footy, i honestly wouldn't know how to start these weekend reports.
On Saturday morning I convinced Mum to come into Chinatown with me for some market shopping. Produce there is cheap but doesn't last long. I regard this as proof of no added preservatives so there'll be no more produce from Woolworthless for me, nosiree. We snuck in a selfless visit to Yum Cha while there, for Bodhi, to broaden his cultural awareness. Not for us.
That night The Lovely Samantha and I braved the cold with Bodhi and went into Circular Quay to check out the Vivid Sydney light display. Thankfully they got the Opera House display spot on because some of the others more looked like a blue light disco on spumante than anything resembling art.
Sunday was pretty relaxed until the afternoon when i had the pleasure of looking after Bodhi and Isabella while their mums went to Mere's baby shower. Now, I can't be sure, but i've got a sneaking suspicion that Isabella was hurricane Katrina in a previous life.
see ya,
Minas.
It was a really boring weekend just gone which has led me to the realisation that if it wasn't for Friday night footy, i honestly wouldn't know how to start these weekend reports.
On Saturday morning I convinced Mum to come into Chinatown with me for some market shopping. Produce there is cheap but doesn't last long. I regard this as proof of no added preservatives so there'll be no more produce from Woolworthless for me, nosiree. We snuck in a selfless visit to Yum Cha while there, for Bodhi, to broaden his cultural awareness. Not for us.
That night The Lovely Samantha and I braved the cold with Bodhi and went into Circular Quay to check out the Vivid Sydney light display. Thankfully they got the Opera House display spot on because some of the others more looked like a blue light disco on spumante than anything resembling art.
Sunday was pretty relaxed until the afternoon when i had the pleasure of looking after Bodhi and Isabella while their mums went to Mere's baby shower. Now, I can't be sure, but i've got a sneaking suspicion that Isabella was hurricane Katrina in a previous life.
see ya,
Minas.
Tuesday, 9 June 2009
The Long Weekend
Hey Gang;
It was a long weekend here which means eight days instead of the usual seven.
My career change hasn't amounted to much at the moment apart from trying to motivate myself to take at least one photo every day. The year long project is nothing new, it even has a name in the online flickr world - A 365 Set. But, being Australian and constantly reminded of our national lack of water, i thought i'd make it a bit tougher on myself. So, i've imposed a condition that each daily shot include water of some sort. The irony is that despite being such a drought plagued country it's been raining every day since starting (although ten days in the commitment levels are already being tested). Here's my set so far.
Friday was more of the usual dinner in front of the footy. Saturday didn't amount to much other than taking Bodhi swimming while The Lovely Samantha worked on her Special K figure in the gym. I gotta tell ya, our little man is a natural in the pool. He just doesn't stop smiling, even underwater. With the amount of chlorine he swallows were working up to a business as pool cleaners.
Sunday was a beautiful winter's day, chilly but sunny.
We walked to Newtown where Sam spent what precious little money we have left on a totally superfluous pair of boots. I protested vigorously, presented my case to the court only to see it thrown out on a technicality (i hadn't been back in the country long enough to re-validate my license to argue marital law).
Monday didn't amount to much apart from reading the papers and taking photos.
see ya,
Minas.
It was a long weekend here which means eight days instead of the usual seven.
My career change hasn't amounted to much at the moment apart from trying to motivate myself to take at least one photo every day. The year long project is nothing new, it even has a name in the online flickr world - A 365 Set. But, being Australian and constantly reminded of our national lack of water, i thought i'd make it a bit tougher on myself. So, i've imposed a condition that each daily shot include water of some sort. The irony is that despite being such a drought plagued country it's been raining every day since starting (although ten days in the commitment levels are already being tested). Here's my set so far.
Friday was more of the usual dinner in front of the footy. Saturday didn't amount to much other than taking Bodhi swimming while The Lovely Samantha worked on her Special K figure in the gym. I gotta tell ya, our little man is a natural in the pool. He just doesn't stop smiling, even underwater. With the amount of chlorine he swallows were working up to a business as pool cleaners.
Sunday was a beautiful winter's day, chilly but sunny.
We walked to Newtown where Sam spent what precious little money we have left on a totally superfluous pair of boots. I protested vigorously, presented my case to the court only to see it thrown out on a technicality (i hadn't been back in the country long enough to re-validate my license to argue marital law). Monday didn't amount to much apart from reading the papers and taking photos.
see ya,
Minas.
Monday, 1 June 2009
The Portfolio
Hey Gang;
Another friday, another night at home in front of the footy. Home made hamburgers were superb.
I woke up late on Saturday just in time to see The Lovely Samantha and Bodhi head out the door to the Orange Grove markets. Bad weather forced them back home for an umbrella. Just enough time for me to get dressed, hide the umbrella and convince them to go to Paddy's markets instead. I don't particularly like markets but chinatown has a certain appeal. On Sam's suggestion i went into a chinese butcher to see the price of my favourite cut of the month - pork loin. At $10 a kilo, it's a wonder they're still in business. I walked out three kilos heavier which should safely see us through the winter but the savings may be short lived kids. Our freezer is now making a weezing noise. It's a hand-me-down and i'm not sure how old it is but whenever it starts up it sounds like an old miner with the black lung.
Sam's
Dad is in town so we passed on Sunday's Yum Cha Birthday bash for Mere. It's a shame because with neither of us working, dining out is definitely out and we don't have many occasions for actually going out. In honour of the sacrifice we hit the bikes in search of further savings at the fish market ($9.90/kg for silver dory - keep that one under your belts).
On a serious note, I should probably take some responsibility for Shalome's off-again-on-again relationship being off again. If not for last week's coining of the term "binary man", then it must surely be due to the high culinary standard we set at dinner last week. Having left with the promise of matching our hospitality how was I to know the pressure of trying to live up to those lofty gourmet heights we set would take such a toll on their relationship. Should I have mentioned it was just silver dory?
If you want to see a sneak peak of the photos I'm considering for my portfolio, click here the colour is a bit out on this website, but you'll get the idea.
see ya,
Minas.
Another friday, another night at home in front of the footy. Home made hamburgers were superb.
I woke up late on Saturday just in time to see The Lovely Samantha and Bodhi head out the door to the Orange Grove markets. Bad weather forced them back home for an umbrella. Just enough time for me to get dressed, hide the umbrella and convince them to go to Paddy's markets instead. I don't particularly like markets but chinatown has a certain appeal. On Sam's suggestion i went into a chinese butcher to see the price of my favourite cut of the month - pork loin. At $10 a kilo, it's a wonder they're still in business. I walked out three kilos heavier which should safely see us through the winter but the savings may be short lived kids. Our freezer is now making a weezing noise. It's a hand-me-down and i'm not sure how old it is but whenever it starts up it sounds like an old miner with the black lung.
Sam's
Dad is in town so we passed on Sunday's Yum Cha Birthday bash for Mere. It's a shame because with neither of us working, dining out is definitely out and we don't have many occasions for actually going out. In honour of the sacrifice we hit the bikes in search of further savings at the fish market ($9.90/kg for silver dory - keep that one under your belts).On a serious note, I should probably take some responsibility for Shalome's off-again-on-again relationship being off again. If not for last week's coining of the term "binary man", then it must surely be due to the high culinary standard we set at dinner last week. Having left with the promise of matching our hospitality how was I to know the pressure of trying to live up to those lofty gourmet heights we set would take such a toll on their relationship. Should I have mentioned it was just silver dory?
If you want to see a sneak peak of the photos I'm considering for my portfolio, click here the colour is a bit out on this website, but you'll get the idea.
see ya,
Minas.
Monday, 25 May 2009
Portfolio Preparation
Hey Gang;
I've been working on putting together a portfolio of photos to take around to prospective employers. I only need a dozen strong shots but, after a week of culling and re-working I'm only one photo closer to that dream. At this rate, it should be ready just in time for the Christmas rush. But, there are two universal laws in this world which should never be broken. Never wake a sleeping baby, and never rush an artist (which, in case you haven't noticed, is the title i'm going by these days).
Friday night wasn't too arduous. The Lovely Samantha threw together a satisfyingly simple pumpkin soup which went very nicely with the rabbit stew Parramatta tried to serve up in the footy. But, they just couldn't finish off those wascally wabbits. An unconvincing draw.
I spent the majority of Saturday shopping, Photoshopping that is. Vignetting, cropping, colour correcting, sharpening followed by much ctrl-z'ing. Like i said, progress is slow.
Saturday night was a chance to get out of the house, dine with friends then be entertained by others on stage for their debut pub gig. By all reports The Consorts put on a good show. Trouble is they'd asked me to take photos for them and whenever i do that, i don't really concentrate on anything else.
Sunday was more shopping followed by a brunch time stroll through the Marrickville markets. I indulged in a fried chorizo, bacon and egg roll which sent my tastebuds straight to heaven and my heart into cardiac failure. The afternoon involved a guilt trip to my Nonna's place where i was reminded how bad a grandson i was for not visiting sooner.
That night Shalome and her binary man (on again, off again) came over and played perfect dinner guests. They pretended to like the food, convincingly feigned interest and even keeping a straight face when i asked if they'd like any more.
see ya,
Minas.
I've been working on putting together a portfolio of photos to take around to prospective employers. I only need a dozen strong shots but, after a week of culling and re-working I'm only one photo closer to that dream. At this rate, it should be ready just in time for the Christmas rush. But, there are two universal laws in this world which should never be broken. Never wake a sleeping baby, and never rush an artist (which, in case you haven't noticed, is the title i'm going by these days).
Friday night wasn't too arduous. The Lovely Samantha threw together a satisfyingly simple pumpkin soup which went very nicely with the rabbit stew Parramatta tried to serve up in the footy. But, they just couldn't finish off those wascally wabbits. An unconvincing draw.
I spent the majority of Saturday shopping, Photoshopping that is. Vignetting, cropping, colour correcting, sharpening followed by much ctrl-z'ing. Like i said, progress is slow.Saturday night was a chance to get out of the house, dine with friends then be entertained by others on stage for their debut pub gig. By all reports The Consorts put on a good show. Trouble is they'd asked me to take photos for them and whenever i do that, i don't really concentrate on anything else.
Sunday was more shopping followed by a brunch time stroll through the Marrickville markets. I indulged in a fried chorizo, bacon and egg roll which sent my tastebuds straight to heaven and my heart into cardiac failure. The afternoon involved a guilt trip to my Nonna's place where i was reminded how bad a grandson i was for not visiting sooner.
That night Shalome and her binary man (on again, off again) came over and played perfect dinner guests. They pretended to like the food, convincingly feigned interest and even keeping a straight face when i asked if they'd like any more.
see ya,
Minas.
Monday, 18 May 2009
Roll out the Red Meat
I'm back.
After a trying month in India abstaining from beer and broads, it was time to set things right. So, upon returning home it was straight to the kitchen to put one away. I vaguely remember a beer at some stage too.
Friday and Saturday were spent in the sweltering heat of Delhi. It's so hot this time of year that your chai actually gets hotter as you let it stand. I checked myself into a sauna just to escape the heat. Suffice to say I didn't move around much. I opted instead to hang about at the train station to soak up the sights, sounds and smells. I took a couple of pics which i'm happy with so the several kilos of sweat sacrificed in the process were not lost in vain.
My Cathay Pacific flight home had the most impressive in-flight entertainment system I've ever seen. I could choose from umpteen movies (new releases, art house, classics), documentaries, TV shows, the list goes on. I'm hooked on this series called "The Deadliest Catch" which follows these Alaskan crab fishermen through their season in the Bearing sea. F*&k me if they're not the toughest bunch of knuckle heads going round. I also had the entire middle row to myself which is basically the equivalent of an upgrade so big smiles all round.
But the biggest smiles of all were seen as I walked through the door and the most beautiful family in the world wrapped me in their arms, and in a heartbeat making me the happiest man on the planet.
see ya,
Minas.
After a trying month in India abstaining from beer and broads, it was time to set things right. So, upon returning home it was straight to the kitchen to put one away. I vaguely remember a beer at some stage too.
Friday and Saturday were spent in the sweltering heat of Delhi. It's so hot this time of year that your chai actually gets hotter as you let it stand. I checked myself into a sauna just to escape the heat. Suffice to say I didn't move around much. I opted instead to hang about at the train station to soak up the sights, sounds and smells. I took a couple of pics which i'm happy with so the several kilos of sweat sacrificed in the process were not lost in vain.
My Cathay Pacific flight home had the most impressive in-flight entertainment system I've ever seen. I could choose from umpteen movies (new releases, art house, classics), documentaries, TV shows, the list goes on. I'm hooked on this series called "The Deadliest Catch" which follows these Alaskan crab fishermen through their season in the Bearing sea. F*&k me if they're not the toughest bunch of knuckle heads going round. I also had the entire middle row to myself which is basically the equivalent of an upgrade so big smiles all round.
But the biggest smiles of all were seen as I walked through the door and the most beautiful family in the world wrapped me in their arms, and in a heartbeat making me the happiest man on the planet. see ya,
Minas.
Tuesday, 21 April 2009
Going...going...gone (almost)
Hey Kids;
Another long weekend here. Technically it started on friday but the reality is that it kicked off right when the previous one ended Cha ching!
Friday night was again a footy double header. Enough said.
On Saturday, having just taken receipt of a brand spanking new le chasseur, i unleashed the francophile in me. Considering it was also Greek Easter and i was supposed to be fasting (no dairy, alcohol or meat), my gastronomic feast of Soupe a l'Oignon au Fromage et Boeuf A La Bourguignonne was kept a secret. Come midnight though, i was back to my pious best for the mass and symbolic "breaking of the fast" family meal that followed. "Not feeling too well" was the reason i gave for having just one serving of traditional avgolemo (chicken soup) but it was met with skeptical stares from my devout Greek aunties.
Sunday was more breaking of the fast, this time at a meat lovers paradise in Bondi Junction. My steak alone weighed a ton, never mind those of my uncles (who had actually fasted for the week and were ravenous for red meat).
So, today's the day kids - i'm off to India. Please make an effort to pop in on The Lovely Samantha if you're in town - she'd love the company.
see ya,
Minas.
Another long weekend here. Technically it started on friday but the reality is that it kicked off right when the previous one ended Cha ching!
Friday night was again a footy double header. Enough said.
On Saturday, having just taken receipt of a brand spanking new le chasseur, i unleashed the francophile in me. Considering it was also Greek Easter and i was supposed to be fasting (no dairy, alcohol or meat), my gastronomic feast of Soupe a l'Oignon au Fromage et Boeuf A La Bourguignonne was kept a secret. Come midnight though, i was back to my pious best for the mass and symbolic "breaking of the fast" family meal that followed. "Not feeling too well" was the reason i gave for having just one serving of traditional avgolemo (chicken soup) but it was met with skeptical stares from my devout Greek aunties.
Sunday was more breaking of the fast, this time at a meat lovers paradise in Bondi Junction. My steak alone weighed a ton, never mind those of my uncles (who had actually fasted for the week and were ravenous for red meat).
So, today's the day kids - i'm off to India. Please make an effort to pop in on The Lovely Samantha if you're in town - she'd love the company.see ya,
Minas.
Wednesday, 15 April 2009
One week till India.
Hey gang;
A bit blase but I'd forgotten it was a long weekend. Since finishing up, it all seems to be one big long weekend.
Bodhi has had conjunctivitis and The Lovely Samantha has been feeling anything but with a sore throat so you can imagine the house-bound thrills we got up to this weekend. Friday night was spent watching the footy. I love Friday night footy. Whoever decided to broadcast two games back to back should be given a logie.
I've been waking early to take some pictures in a nearby wetlands rehabilitation area. The locals and council fixed up the area and while it is tiny, it does attract some interesting bugs which i've been attempting to capture. I've had this idea for ages to do an exhibition but have never had a common theme that seems to be required of an exhibition, so this could be a go-er. Like most of my ideas though it'll probably go in the "too hard" basket but watch this space just in case.
On Monday I popped by my grandmother's place to clean her windows, reset the clocks and all the other things a good grandson does. Everytime i call her she complains about life and whenever i go over there she lists the latest body parts to have given up on her. We also visited Sam's great uncle and aunty who are just as old and just as broken down but are far better at getting old gracefully than my Nonna. Oh well, c'est la vie.
Just one week and i'll be off on my next big long weekend to India.
see ya,
Minas.
A bit blase but I'd forgotten it was a long weekend. Since finishing up, it all seems to be one big long weekend.
Bodhi has had conjunctivitis and The Lovely Samantha has been feeling anything but with a sore throat so you can imagine the house-bound thrills we got up to this weekend. Friday night was spent watching the footy. I love Friday night footy. Whoever decided to broadcast two games back to back should be given a logie.
I've been waking early to take some pictures in a nearby wetlands rehabilitation area. The locals and council fixed up the area and while it is tiny, it does attract some interesting bugs which i've been attempting to capture. I've had this idea for ages to do an exhibition but have never had a common theme that seems to be required of an exhibition, so this could be a go-er. Like most of my ideas though it'll probably go in the "too hard" basket but watch this space just in case.On Monday I popped by my grandmother's place to clean her windows, reset the clocks and all the other things a good grandson does. Everytime i call her she complains about life and whenever i go over there she lists the latest body parts to have given up on her. We also visited Sam's great uncle and aunty who are just as old and just as broken down but are far better at getting old gracefully than my Nonna. Oh well, c'est la vie.
Just one week and i'll be off on my next big long weekend to India.
see ya,
Minas.
Monday, 6 April 2009
Another one bites the dust
Hey Gang;
My contract officially ended on Tuesday and while i didn't take up the extension on offer i did agree to see out the week to complete my handover. Unlike the previous times I've quit work for something new, this time "new" will not be spelt I.T.
Friday night was spent with friends sharing a slap up meal and a few bottles of plonk to toast new beginnings.
I've been trying to put a list together of the kind of careers i'd like to pursue but the list was just too long. So i tried a different tack - making a list of jobs that (without sounding arrogant) are probably beneath someone of my experience. Surprisingly there were only a few: Washing the dishes and cleaning the bathroom. Judging by the expression on her face, respecting my professional integrity doesn't rate to highly on The Lovely Samantha's priority list. I vacuumed on Saturday.
Saturday was also Bodhi's friend's birthday. Hari is Bodhi's age and lives just across the road so we hung about for a fair while. I struck up a conversation with Hari's retired granddad. Turns out his hobby is furniture making so i boastingly offered to show him the desk I'd made for Sam. He indulged me and at least gave me the impression that he was impressed...that was before he pointed out various pieces dotted throughout Hari's house which I'd previously mistaken for 19th century French antiques but were in fact his. "Awe" was a word that sprang to mind, "Humbled" was another.
Sunday was spent with Bodhi riding the bike between a Christening and party in the park. The Lovely Samantha was yet again fleecing unsuspecting customers at her market stall.
So there you have it. A man of leisure...again. Two weeks and then i'm off to India.
see ya,
Minas.
My contract officially ended on Tuesday and while i didn't take up the extension on offer i did agree to see out the week to complete my handover. Unlike the previous times I've quit work for something new, this time "new" will not be spelt I.T.
Friday night was spent with friends sharing a slap up meal and a few bottles of plonk to toast new beginnings.
I've been trying to put a list together of the kind of careers i'd like to pursue but the list was just too long. So i tried a different tack - making a list of jobs that (without sounding arrogant) are probably beneath someone of my experience. Surprisingly there were only a few: Washing the dishes and cleaning the bathroom. Judging by the expression on her face, respecting my professional integrity doesn't rate to highly on The Lovely Samantha's priority list. I vacuumed on Saturday.
Saturday was also Bodhi's friend's birthday. Hari is Bodhi's age and lives just across the road so we hung about for a fair while. I struck up a conversation with Hari's retired granddad. Turns out his hobby is furniture making so i boastingly offered to show him the desk I'd made for Sam. He indulged me and at least gave me the impression that he was impressed...that was before he pointed out various pieces dotted throughout Hari's house which I'd previously mistaken for 19th century French antiques but were in fact his. "Awe" was a word that sprang to mind, "Humbled" was another.
Sunday was spent with Bodhi riding the bike between a Christening and party in the park. The Lovely Samantha was yet again fleecing unsuspecting customers at her market stall.
So there you have it. A man of leisure...again. Two weeks and then i'm off to India.
see ya,
Minas.
Monday, 30 March 2009
Monday 30th March '09
The Lovely Samantha picked me up early on Friday to beat the traffic to an area NW of Sydney called Wheeny Creek. No mobile coverage laid the perfect tarp for a camping weekend of grit, grime, grunge and all. If I’d known how much equipment our friends were going to buy, I’d have bought shares in the camping store. Still, I wasn’t complaining as it was all put to good use.The kids were in typical terrible-two states which made it a far more demanding weekend than anticipated. With a creek, an open fire and gas cook tops to touch, they were on temptation island. Tieing them on a leash has never sounded more appealing. Sam packed her “I-dont-like-camping” frown which she brought out from time to time, but the weather couldn’t have been better so the frown didn’t last long.
Goannas came to visit, snatched food and left. Kookaburra’s sang, and the sounds of the bush were everywhere for the kids to soak up. However, the legendary ghost of Wheeny Creek was a noted absence, no doubt warded off by the pastey white glow of city-slickers frolicking in the creek.
When it came time to leave, I had our camp site cleared within the hour but It took a small army to pack up the McKerlie’s palatial spread. We were all on the road and asleep by mid afternoon. Home in time to watch the Dragons beat the Sharks.
Earlier last week we went along to the AGM for Bodhi’s daycare. Quiet descended when the call came to form the new committee so yours truly has volunteered for the position of Committee Convener (chairperson) for 2009. Upon returning home, Sam and I gave this committee thingamejig a crack. It’s a good thing the chairperson has the deciding vote as my first ever motion (to henceforth be addressed by my new title) would have otherwise ended in a 1-1 deadlock.
Chairman Min.
Monday, 16 March 2009
Monday 16th March '09
Hey Gang;
Friday had me in two minds. A friend’s birthday dinner clashed with the NRL season double header kick-off (pardon the pun). As any good mate should, I opted for the dinner and didn’t realize the time until I stumbled into bed the wrong side of midnight. Come the next morning though, when I read how close the games were (Storm 17 –Dragons 16, Broncos 19 – Cowboys 18), I was ruing our broken PVR (a VCR without tapes).
The Lovely Samantha had been planning a market day for a while and Saturday turned out to be that day. Which would have been fine…if I not for all the wines the night before. I’m such a light weight these days it’s almost a waste of a designated driver. Anyway, Bodhi kindly looked after me and nursed me back to the land of the living. The proceeds from the market were put to good use at a local sushi restaurant.
I got up early on Sunday morning to take some photos at a nearby wetlands rejuvenation park. Creepy crawlies aplenty, especially spiders (or as Bodhi calls them, Incy Wincies). The other highlight of the day (aside from neighbours over for dinner) was a trip to Bunnings. There's something about those green and red super centers. They have a strangely calming influence on me, transforming me into a nomadic handyman wandering the aisles in a zen-like trance. As I got home though, the calm rapidly abated and the red mist descended upon discovering that the storage cabinet I bought had been designed by complete muppets.
Two weeks to go till my contract finishes. Woohoo!
See ya,
Minas.
Friday had me in two minds. A friend’s birthday dinner clashed with the NRL season double header kick-off (pardon the pun). As any good mate should, I opted for the dinner and didn’t realize the time until I stumbled into bed the wrong side of midnight. Come the next morning though, when I read how close the games were (Storm 17 –Dragons 16, Broncos 19 – Cowboys 18), I was ruing our broken PVR (a VCR without tapes).
The Lovely Samantha had been planning a market day for a while and Saturday turned out to be that day. Which would have been fine…if I not for all the wines the night before. I’m such a light weight these days it’s almost a waste of a designated driver. Anyway, Bodhi kindly looked after me and nursed me back to the land of the living. The proceeds from the market were put to good use at a local sushi restaurant.
I got up early on Sunday morning to take some photos at a nearby wetlands rejuvenation park. Creepy crawlies aplenty, especially spiders (or as Bodhi calls them, Incy Wincies). The other highlight of the day (aside from neighbours over for dinner) was a trip to Bunnings. There's something about those green and red super centers. They have a strangely calming influence on me, transforming me into a nomadic handyman wandering the aisles in a zen-like trance. As I got home though, the calm rapidly abated and the red mist descended upon discovering that the storage cabinet I bought had been designed by complete muppets.
Two weeks to go till my contract finishes. Woohoo!
See ya,
Minas.
Sunday, 8 March 2009
Monday 9th March '09
I was supposed to be visiting a client on the mine site this week but a little cyclone off the Queensland coast has decided that my travel should be put on hold. Who am i to argue with that?
The three of us had a family night in on Friday. Bodhi went to bed at the usual time while The Lovely Samantha and I stayed up and watched Guy Ritchie’s “RocknRolla”. There were flashes of brilliance but sadly it was too long and just didn’t have the same energy as his previous masterpieces.
Saturday started with a trip to my uncle’s surgery for some vaccinations for my upcoming India trip (did i mention i've handed in my notice at work...again?). Blood tests, Tetanus, Typhoid and Diphtheria jabs left my shoulders feeling like they’d just hosted a high school dead-arm convention. Back home for a spontaneous lunch with friends where i could hardly lift my arms but was a very pleasant affair none the less. I must make a point to organise more spontaneous visits in future.
Saturday evening was mardi gras so we donned our rosy colored glasses and took Bodhi in to see the parade. I sat him atop my shoulders where he had an uninterrupted view over heads while i just watched the back of one. He witnessed first hand the power of dykes on bikes the glitter of sequins, balloons and all the other colours and sounds of the festival which he absolutely loved. Pink singlets and tiaras will be de rigueur for the next week i think.
On Sunday we sat through five hours of round trip traffic to take Bodhi to the Zig Zag railway in Lithgow. Two steam engines are in operation, one of which is painted Thomas-the-tank-engine blue which had our little man’s eyes the size of saucers while his grin stretched from ear to ear. I was standing right beside the engine taking photos just as it vented its excess steam and it's without a doubt the loudest sound I’ve ever heard…or will ever hear again for that matter.
See ya,
Minas.
The three of us had a family night in on Friday. Bodhi went to bed at the usual time while The Lovely Samantha and I stayed up and watched Guy Ritchie’s “RocknRolla”. There were flashes of brilliance but sadly it was too long and just didn’t have the same energy as his previous masterpieces.
Saturday started with a trip to my uncle’s surgery for some vaccinations for my upcoming India trip (did i mention i've handed in my notice at work...again?). Blood tests, Tetanus, Typhoid and Diphtheria jabs left my shoulders feeling like they’d just hosted a high school dead-arm convention. Back home for a spontaneous lunch with friends where i could hardly lift my arms but was a very pleasant affair none the less. I must make a point to organise more spontaneous visits in future.
Saturday evening was mardi gras so we donned our rosy colored glasses and took Bodhi in to see the parade. I sat him atop my shoulders where he had an uninterrupted view over heads while i just watched the back of one. He witnessed first hand the power of dykes on bikes the glitter of sequins, balloons and all the other colours and sounds of the festival which he absolutely loved. Pink singlets and tiaras will be de rigueur for the next week i think.
On Sunday we sat through five hours of round trip traffic to take Bodhi to the Zig Zag railway in Lithgow. Two steam engines are in operation, one of which is painted Thomas-the-tank-engine blue which had our little man’s eyes the size of saucers while his grin stretched from ear to ear. I was standing right beside the engine taking photos just as it vented its excess steam and it's without a doubt the loudest sound I’ve ever heard…or will ever hear again for that matter.
See ya,
Minas.
Monday, 2 March 2009
Monday 2nd March '09
Hey Gang;
The inner tube on my bike burst so I started Friday afternoon changing tires. It’s the third one in a short space of time so I’ve honed it down to a 10 minute turnaround. Sadly though, it was a precursor to another bubble of mine bursting – that of my dream job. I’ve technically jumped the gun by saying that I didn’t get the Hamilton Island caretaker gig (the shortlist is announced tomorrow), but my alter ego would have been contacted to do schizophrenic testing by now if I was being considered. They say you should learn from your mistakes and what I’ll take from this one is that they must have been after someone far less humorous, intelligent and much less attractive than myself. I wonder if the McClaren pit crew are looking for a new wheel man?
Saturday was a nice enough day but we spent it lounging around the house reading the paper from cover to cover (except the Drive section which always goes straight in the recycle bin). The afternoon and evening were spent at the McKerlie’s house warming/daughter’s birthday party. We were literally the last ones standing at 11:30pm and to our surprise, Bodhi was still dancing. Sugar will do that to you although he's probably also inherited his mother’s partying stamina as I would have pulled the pin a few hours earlier.
Sunday was basically taken up with a family BBQ at my uncle’s place on the George’s river. Stunning views from the balcony, but exposed to the wind. My grandmother was as caustic as ever, my grandfather asleep within the hour but the rest of us were in fine form and shared a few laughs.
A late afternoon bike ride around Blackwattle bay then home to watch the Tropfest short film finalists, most of which left me scratching my head wondering just one thing….why?
See ya,
Minas.
The inner tube on my bike burst so I started Friday afternoon changing tires. It’s the third one in a short space of time so I’ve honed it down to a 10 minute turnaround. Sadly though, it was a precursor to another bubble of mine bursting – that of my dream job. I’ve technically jumped the gun by saying that I didn’t get the Hamilton Island caretaker gig (the shortlist is announced tomorrow), but my alter ego would have been contacted to do schizophrenic testing by now if I was being considered. They say you should learn from your mistakes and what I’ll take from this one is that they must have been after someone far less humorous, intelligent and much less attractive than myself. I wonder if the McClaren pit crew are looking for a new wheel man?
Saturday was a nice enough day but we spent it lounging around the house reading the paper from cover to cover (except the Drive section which always goes straight in the recycle bin). The afternoon and evening were spent at the McKerlie’s house warming/daughter’s birthday party. We were literally the last ones standing at 11:30pm and to our surprise, Bodhi was still dancing. Sugar will do that to you although he's probably also inherited his mother’s partying stamina as I would have pulled the pin a few hours earlier.
Sunday was basically taken up with a family BBQ at my uncle’s place on the George’s river. Stunning views from the balcony, but exposed to the wind. My grandmother was as caustic as ever, my grandfather asleep within the hour but the rest of us were in fine form and shared a few laughs.
A late afternoon bike ride around Blackwattle bay then home to watch the Tropfest short film finalists, most of which left me scratching my head wondering just one thing….why?
See ya,
Minas.
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