Frenchman's Bay

Here are some shots I took of a beach my Mum and I went to one afternoon in Western Australia. Frenchman's Bay. We had a picnic and walked up and down the beach. Beautiful.






I used to go snorkelling at this beach a lot, and found the prettiest shells for craft work.

C'est la vie

Disappointment. I received an email letting me know the bag isn't being made anymore! Nuts! But its a positive in regard to my yearly budget. Its the year of saving for me. I'm horrified by my spending habits and am making a big effort to cut back. I even returned a pair of jeans the other day. I already own almost 10 pairs of jeans that fit nicely. They might fit perfectly into my boots... but they aren't necessary.

I don't believe in New Year Resolutions. But at the beginning of the year I become suspiciously organised and write a list of things I want to do in the year. I often have ideas but never follow through on them. My husband and I have been talking a lot in regards to our goals, and along with budgeting we are closer to being able to achieve our goals. Those aside, there are little hobbies and interests I'd like to pursue. I know everyone is busy, but often I get so caught up with "busy-ness" that I don't get to actively pursue any personal hobbies and try something new. I mean, I do some things I love. Like bikeriding often, going to the beach most days, playing piano, reading books etc. (that sounds like a lot now I think about it) - but I'd like to try something new and different.

Here is my list. I'd like to do at least one of these things this year:-

Take up pilates
Take a sewing course
Learn french

"He who is brave is free".

Bag Lady

My black one is looking old and dodgy, so I need a new one. Here's the two I'm thinking of... and I'm not sure which out of the two I prefer...





I know they look very similar. But I'm leaning towards the first.

Reader Request

Professional Synopsis. Everything is illuminuated. Spoiler Alert!!!

My friend Dr Sub wanted to know more about Everything is Illuminated. I don't know if that means more of my opinions on this brilliant movie, or a synopsis. I think I've made it pretty clear how much I enjoyed this movie, so here is the rundown.

J.S.Foer is the young, moody, quiet, quirky and intelligent writer. He collects things to “remember” or so he doesn’t “forget” – at the beginning of the movie you are given a glimpse of his room which has ziplock bags all over it with “memories” inside. He is an American of Jewish descent, and wants to know more about his family and heritage. He travels to Ukraine and meets up with Alex (who speaks poor English, but is the interpreter) and Alex’s grandpa. These two characters are not without their quirks also. One of my favourite lines (from Alex) “Many girls want to be carnal with me... because I'm such a premium dancer!”. Alex is confident, cocky, stylish (in his own 1990's way) and a confused young man. His grandpa a sad, grumpy old man.

Alex & Grandpa get paid to take Jonathan to Odessa. Along with them is Grandpa’s crazy dog. They go on this journey and learn about their history, heritage, the Grandpa revisits his youth and Alex & JS.Foer become good friends. Jonathan collects things along the way and puts them in plastic Ziploc bags. That is my brief and rather humble synopsis.



Might I also add that Elijah Wood is a premium actor :)

I want to ride my bicycle... I want to ride my bike

This morning was delightful. I woke up and it was a sunny morning here in California. So, I decided to ride my bike to work. I love to get a little exercise in before work, before I sit at a cubicle for the next 4 hours until my lunch break. I'm an outdoors person through & through yet have always had desk jobs. Go figure. Some exercise before work breaks it up a bit and makes the morning seem worthwhile. I did another one of my favourite things - grabbing a decaf coffee half an hour after I arrived on the job. I've always loved the coffee run. And I'm loving American coffee. With milk of course. I'm not that American. America fails in the making of a good cappuccino though. I'm reminded of this every time I go home to Oz. I guess each country has their specialty. In Australia you can get one of the best cappuccino's you'll ever taste. Strong, dark and handsome;)Its a big call I know. America - filtered coffee with a kick. England - you won't get a better cuppa tea than in the UK. There is this british shop around the corner from my work, and I always go there for PG Tips teabags. PG Tips is a good strong tea.

My husband and I watched "Everything is Illuminated". I love how J.S.Foer incorporates quirky key sayings into his novels. I'd love to say everything is "premium" - just like Alex in Everything is Illuminated. And "I have heavy boots" when I'm feeling down, as did Oskar (Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close). I plan on dropping them from time to time and getting a kick out of people looking at me dazed and confused.

Last night we visited with our friends who have so much quirk you can poke a stick at it. We laughed so hard I thought the landlord would kick us out. We watched The Office & 30 Rock. I have to say - In my humble opinion, the American version of the Office has way surpassed that of the British version. I watched a couple episodes of the british version, and found it crude, vulgar and felt like it wasn't really going anywhere. I enjoy how the American version seems to be be getting funnier as time goes on. And applaud the writers in the way they have developed the characters. What I'm wondering is when Pam & Jim will set a date?!



The said coats below ebayed for astronomical prices. One of them for almost $250. Sheeeeesh!

Glamour

Here are two faux fur coats I was hoping to win on ebay. The first is now $90+ and the second was at $26 this morning and just skyrocketed up to $81. I will have to admire from afar. But they are so beautiful and glamorous.

She was Mine Too...

Cloudstreet is the name of the book I'm reading. I tried reading it back in... about 2002. My friend gave me a copy of it and I got half way through, without really appreciating the book. Years later, and the second time around - I'm enjoying it a lot. I love all the australian-isms in the book.

I'm at work right now. And its a nice day so far. Today I woke up without a sore throat. I'm so happy to be feeling "normal" again! Its a beautiful day here, so am planning on going for a run down at the beach and a bikeride after work.

A few months back we saw an Irish duo (from the movie "Once") live. They were very good. What I enjoyed more was the backup band: Wine & Iron. I'm listening to them right now...

I don't think I mentioned, I was very excited to eat curry in Australia. But Perth indian food disappointed me in a great way. So much so, I'm feeling a bit "over" indian food. I like my own curry's. I'm looking forward to going to Sydney soon (in May!) and going to my favourite Indian restaurants. I'm actually making a Korma tonight with lentils!

Ever seen "Rushmore"? I watched it for the first time the other night and thoroughly enjoyed it. What a great movie. In a few weeks I'm going to a party with the theme "Wes Anderson characters". Interesting eh?! So, I'm going as Max, from Rushmore. I bought some black glasses and a red beret from ebay yesterday.