The Rat

Updates

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 10:51:02 GMT

I've managed to secure a room mate for Swancon. The same person as last year has got back to me about it and this is now organised.

I've been and seen a Gastroenterologist and a Rhuematologist about my health. They've sent me for all sorts of tests and hopefully there will be some kind of results that are helpful from this.

My first results have come back saying I'm B12 deficient, which means getting injections

I still have a day getting MRI, XRays and Ultrasounds done to come, and a seperate day getting tubes shoved into me from both ends. While these are the tests most likely to find things, they are also the tests that I least want to find things.

Work have been fantastic about my health. Centerlink still suck, but at least they let me go straight back onto my pension without too much hassle.

There is only 6 days left until I get all my hair shaved off my head and face (not the eyebrows though) as part of World's Greatest Shave. Sponsor me here. Come along to the BBQ event that Jenny and Cory are hosting and see us get shaved.

I think that's about all for now

Swancon

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:46:53 GMT

I will be going to swancon this year, and I will be staying at the hotel for all 4 nights.

I have booked a room and am looking for a room-mate.
If anyone knows someone that is going and needs a room, point them in my direction.

Oh, and it's one of the superior rooms, as they were all out of the standard ones apparently...

Damn

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:46:03 GMT

and things had been going along so nicely too.

Monday I didn't so much wake up as stumble out of bed and by the time I'd done the coupld of morning things I have to do, I was dead and heading for bed again. I ended up napping on the couch while praising 10HD Sport for showing the NFC and AFC Championship matches back to back. They were both good games too which helped.

It still hurt to do anything so that's pretty much where I stayed all day.

Today I wake and the first thing I notice is that it's 9:30am. The next thing I notice is that I'm tired and need to go to sleep.

WTF! I normally have at least some energy to get up and do things.

Who stole my spoons?

Worlds Greatest Shave

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 23:04:55 GMT

So, I've registered to shave my hair off as part of the worlds greatest shave. If you don't know about it, it's a fundraising event for the Leukaemia Foundation where members of the public raise money by shaving their head or colouring their hair.

My Profile Page has all the details that you need to make an online donation to the cause. It requires a credit card transaction, but if you aren't happy with doing that, just let me know and I'll arrange to get the money off you and I'll pay using my card.

Info from their spiel
Every hour of every day, at least one person in Australia is diagnosed with leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma.
- Every two hours, someone loses their life to blood cancer.
Please help me raise as much as I can for the Leukaemia Foundation. Their vital work provides patients with practical support during their long and tough treatment, as well as funding important research.

Thanks for your support!

Matthew

My personal experiences with leukaemia are from all my stays in the Adelaide Children's Hospital. I was always put into the same ward as the kids with terminal illnesses. Leukaemia was just one of the many that I got to meet patients that were younger than I was that were battling for their life. Many of them didn't make it back then, though with money the research has been done to increase the chances of survival, improve the ability to diagnose the disease early, and to prolong the life of those with it. More money is needed, and will be needed until the final breakthrough of a cure or other means of rendering the disease ineffective.

So please, even if it's just a couple of bucks, or the loose change from the back of the couch for the last year. put it all together and sponsor me.

New Year

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 13:27:15 GMT

Well, another year down, and I'm not quite sure what I think about it.

I did have a really nice quiet evening with a couple of good friends.
We did see in the new year, and had a good time.
My health issue(s) from November and December seem to have settled down at least, though they haven't gone away completely which is anoying.
My motivation to work is vastly diminished from this time last year, though I think that is largely due to my health and moving house that I like to take some time dealing with rather than not liking work. Having to go in to work and not deal with my health and house seem to be making it drag out longer than normal though which I don't like.

As of tomorrow (or maybe the 6th...) I am no longer on a salary and will be getting an hourly rate equivalent to that of what I was getting. Basically if I work the hours I should work under my salary conditions, I'll earn the same under my hourly rate conditions. I don't like it for job security, but it was a trade off with my deteriorating health. My boss is quite understanding, especially given I'm currently around -60hours in my leave bank. that's a week and a half of working without pay to make it back up, but we're going to be able to split that over Dec/Jan/Feb so it doesn't hurt too bad.

I struggled alot last year, especially towards the end of it. I'm working on plans for this not to happen again this year, including my list of things I want to do this year. Hopefully one of the successful ones is to be less of a hermit/recluse and actually get out there and see my friends and interact with people again. Would make a nice change over the last years efforts.

Moving House

Sat, 20 Dec 2008 12:16:11 GMT

Today was Moving Day.

We went and signed the lease without a problem, and have the details to pay rent for the future.
Friends and family arrived between 930 and 1030 and provided much assistance in packing boxes and cars, lifting stuff, driving, unpacking cars at the new house and generally being great help. Special thanks to Cam, Ken and Mel, Rob and Leece for coming round and making this a mostly single day workload, and actually even possible.

The first trip also saw the worst injury, with a twisted ankle and knee with most a large amount of skin removed from below it. Hope you're feeling better Cam.

So far we haven't found anything has broken, though we are missing a piece from the tv cabinet door to allow it to stay on, and 2 of the little plastic nipples that the glass in the same cabinet sit on to stop it sitting straight on the metal supports. They maybe on the floor here, or in the vehicle they travelled in.

We are now planning the attack for day 2 - The cleanup begins.

Any who wish to drop in at 115 Sackville Tce are quite welcome. There is much cleaning tasks to be achieved over the next week, and a lot less time than in a normal week thanks to work and Christmas goings on that we just aren't going to miss cos they only come round once a year.

The spa will be running to soak the weary bones, and generally relax between doing things.

I hope to be humanish tomorrow still :)

Help us move - Get fed

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 11:10:48 GMT

This saturday we are moving house from Doubleview to Stirling.

We have a car and trailer, we have other cars for smaller stuff and boxes, but what we really lack is Able bodies.

So what I'm asking is if anyone wants to help us with moving furniture and boxes it would be greatly appreciated.

Also, there will be pizza for any that turn up.

If you don't know my phone number or address, email me and I'll let you know what they are.

email is ratticus@msquared.com.au

Sick of all this

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 06:22:32 GMT

So we have to find a house

We've been looking for about a month now, and have now had 6 knockbacks.
We've tried offering above the asking rate.
We've tried getting in first and before advertised.

We just can't seem to get any place that will actually suit our needs.

Things would probably be a hell of a lot easier without the 2 cats though. Even though we've been renting with them in 3 properties for over 3 years now, and have never had a problem with them, they seem to be the best excuse we get for not being given a place.

The stress of having to move before the end of this year, coupled with whatever is wrong with my body that's been giving me all the pain i've been living with for the last few weeks is really driving me over the edge, and I can just see me ending up in hospital from it if things don't start smoothing out quickly.

One of the worst downsides of this is if I physically can't work, I can't look for houses either, but that wouldn't matter since if I can't work we can't afford one anyway so are even more stuffed than we currently are.

So far since getting back to find we have 60 days (um, 55 by the time we got it...) to move out by 31/12/08 I've missed over 10 days of work due to being incapable of actually getting to work, and if I was there, I'd be too drugged to be able to do anything useful anyway, or I'd be asleep. I've managed to get out and see around about 20 houses, and we've applied for at least 7 or 8 of them. We've been knocked back for all of them.

So, I've got a new christmas list.

For Christmas, I want:
- a 3x1 house, for $350/wk. Pets allowed. Must be within a reasonable distance Main St Osborne Park where I work. If I'm going to have to spend more than 45 mins driving each way to and from work, there is no way I'll last out 6 months of working.. My body just won't take that sort of punishment. It would also mean that Belinda would need to be taking even longer to get to her work which will drive her nuts.
- To know what the fuck is wrong with me and get some treatment for it.

There are only 2 things on my list cos right at the moment, nothing else actually means anything to me. If I don't have a house, then I don't really need my job. Without my health, I won't have a job either, so won't be able to afford said house.

So, now that we are down to 19 days left in this place, Things are getting a little closer than I'd have liked.

Things to be discarded by us that you might want

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 15:51:28 GMT

Claim them, organise a time to pick 'em up and come grab 'em!! They'll go to Freecycle or op-shops otherwise.

19 inch CRT monitor

~~Exercise bike~~

Random toiletries

A dead candle (i.e. a big chunk of white wax)

An old but reasonable pair of sneakers - size 9 I think (could be 10) ladies

There are also 3 bookcases that need to be disposed of.

There is likely to be more stuff also.

After significant absence, here's a meme

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 05:13:41 GMT

1. Heard a kookaburra in person
2. Slept under the stars
3. Seen a koala - But not sure that I've seen one in the wild. Quite likely though given the amount I've travelled around the countryside with my family.
4. Visited Melbourne
5. Watched a summer thunderstorm
6. Worn a pair of thongs - to work even!
7. Been to Uluru (Ayer's Rock)
8. Visited Cape York
9. Held a snake
10. Sang along with Khe San
11. Drank VB
12. Visited Sydney
13. Have seen a shark
14. Have used Aussie slang naturally in a conversation
15. Had an actual conversation with an indigenous Australian (aboriginal)
16. Eaten hot chips from the bag at the beach
17. Walked/climbed over the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
18. Used an outside dunny, and checked under the seat before sitting down
19. Seen Chloe in Young & Jackson's
20. Slept on an overnight train or bus
21. Been to Sydney's Mardi Gras
22. Have gone bush-bashing
23. Taken a sickie
24. Been to see a game of Aussie Rules football
25. Have seen wild camels
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Had a Tim Tam Slam
28. Ridden in a tram in Melbourne
29. Been at an ANZAC day Dawn Service
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset - sunrise AND sunset that are consecutive. both ways round.
31. Held a wombat
32. Been on a roadtrip of 800km or more
33. Seen the Great Australian Bight in person
34. Had a really bad sunburn
35. Visited an aboriginal community
36. Seen a redback spider
37. Have watched Paul Hogan
38. Seen Blue Poles in person
39. Wandered barefoot in the bush/outback
40. Eaten Vegemite - Only way I know that it's awful stuff
41. Thrown a boomerang
42. Seen the Kimberley
43. Given a hitch-hiker a lift - and gotten a lift as a hitch-hiker
44. Been to Perth
45. Have tried Lemon, Lime and Bitters
46. Tried playing a didgeridoo - Failed. Miserably.
47. Seen dinosaur footprints
48. Eaten Tim Tams
49. Been to Darwin
50. Touched a kangaroo
51. Visted the Great Barrier Reef
52. Listened to Kevin Bloody Wilson
53. Killed a Cane Toad
54. Gone to a drive-in theatre
55. Have read and own books by Australian authors
56. Visited Adelaide - Born there. Still visit family there regularly.
57. Know the story behind "Eternity"
58. Been camping
59. Visited Brisbane
60. Been in an outback pub
61. Know what the term "Waltzing Matilda" actually means
62. Gone whale watching.
63. Listened to Slim Dusty
64. Own five or more Australian movies or TV series
65. Sang along to Down Under
66. Have stopped specifically to look at a historic marker by the side of the road
67. Eaten a 4'n'20 pie
68. Surfed at Bondi
69. Watched the cricket on Boxing Day
70. Visited Hobart
71. Eaten kangaroo - One of my favourite meats
72. Seen a quokka
73. Visited Canberra
74. Visited rainforests
75. Used a Victa lawnmower
76. Travelled on a tram in Adelaide
78. Used a Hills hoist - swung on, broken, and even hung clothes from one
79. Visited the Olgas
80. Used native Australian plants in cooking
81. Visited the snow
82. Chosen a side in Holden VS Ford
83. Visited the desert
84. Been water skiing
85. Read The Phantom
86. Visited Parliament House
87. Gone spotlighting or pig-shooting
88. Crossed the Nullarbor - Car, Bus, Train, Plane. Had breakdowns in both Bus and Train on different trips. Done at least 20 crossings
89. Avoided swimming in areas because of crocodiles
90. Listened to AC/DC.
91. Called someone a dag
92. Voted in a Federal Election
93. Have been swimming and stayed between the flags - I'm sure it was purely accidental, but sometimes that's where the convenient space is
94. Had a possum in your roof
95. Visited the outback
96. Travelled over corrugated roads.
97. Hit a kangaroo while driving
98. Been well outside any mobile phone coverage - even since they were fairly widespread devices.
99. Seen an emu
100. Have woken to the smell of bushfires - repeatedly. Ash Wednesday was the worst though. We lived at the base of Black Hill Conservation Park at the time and I still remember watching the flames come over the hill.

Sizzler Evening

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 12:22:21 GMT

So last night we went to Sizzler with a 25% off voucher. A table of 10 of us ate and chatted and created art.

My phone was the only camera there, so the few photos aren't the best, but they are photos of our table mostly so quality isn't the most important thing anyway.

Another weekend in Perth

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 06:17:25 GMT

Last weekend was my third weekend in a row in Perth. The previous 2 were for interviews. This time the purpose was house hunting.
We drove past around 30 locations, and went inside at 4 of them.

The first place was REALLY cheap and REALLY good comparitively.
by really cheap, I mean over $50/wk less than anything else we looked at!
The downside of that is of course there were around 30 application forms taken on the day. Ours was filled in and delivered this morning.
Now we wait.

There were 2 or 3 other places that we were really interested in also, however thanks to the crappy application process that means you lose the 1 week rent if you get offered the place and turn it down, we can't really afford to apply for more than one place at a time. (not to mention that even if we did get the money back, we don't really have 4 or 5 weeks rent just lying around...)

We also had the pleasure of experiencing a Steamboat dinner with Bek, Josh & kids, Jared, and Steve. It was a great evening. Nice and relaxing.

Unfortunatelly my shoulder which has been playing up lately doesn't seem to have improved from the massage, as nice as it was.

My contract for my job arrived today, and it's now filled in and awaiting me to post it back to work.

Woohoo!

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 01:44:22 GMT

Pending paperwork, I am now employed. I start in a month on a 3 month trial at miClub Services.

That is all

Interview

Tue, 12 Jun 2007 06:15:24 GMT

Well, it seems that my interview was good enough. I'm one of 3 applicants that have got through to have a second interview with the bosses.

I really want this job too, so I'm hoping that helps :)

In response to my last post

Thu, 07 Jun 2007 02:36:27 GMT

The guy called me back!

Sure he took until 1030 the next day to do it, but that's not too bad given it's only about an hour and a half of business hours last night and the same this morning.

It's a bucketload better than their usual lack of return call, and now i have an interview on saturday and contact details for him.

Frustration

Wed, 06 Jun 2007 07:33:47 GMT

Why, even when it's listed as the least prefered method of communication, do job agencies insist on using a mobile as the first point of contact?
I live in the country where the ability to use my mobile is intermittent at best, and the number is there more for completeness than anything else.
I list my homeline. I list my email. Neither are EVER contacted first.

The next issue is when they do call me on the mobile, and i do actually get the call to connect, After I tell them the issue with connection quality on the mobile and try to set up an alternate call on a stable line (like me calling them on the landline, or them calling me) They never call back?
Oh, and they always call with callID turned off so when the mobile drops out, I can't even call them back to continue the conversation!

I hope the guy I was just talking to (I missed his name and where he was from thanks to the horrible connection quality) realises what happened and still emails me as he was in the middle of saying he would when it dropped out. We were working out a time for an interview over this weekend, so I really hope their stupidity and my phone signal don't cost me the chance at a job.

More on moving

Thu, 11 Jan 2007 01:16:06 GMT

well, organising goes well. 1 car load of my stuff is in Narrogin already.
most of the stuff I listed in my previous post has either sold or been arranged to be dealt with.

The bikes are the only thing not moving, which doesn't suprise me much.

I've got a splinted finger currently thanks to the bougainvillea thorn that struck it while doing a little cleaning up outside.
The knuckle is swollen alot, but the doc just reckons it's a foreign body in it that'll disolve, and he gave me a tetanus shot cos it seems i've been healthy recently :)

Moving

Thu, 04 Jan 2007 12:41:39 GMT

Well, some of you might know already but I guess I should at least announce it here.

I'm moving from Perth to Narrogin to live with gemfyre, though I have a couple of weeks to organise things this time. Hopefully that helps...

Tomorrow I take my first carload of stuff down. It's mostly stuff that is non essential and could live in storage easially. books, videos, and the start of the game stuff.

dabear, If Rick's brother isn't ready to take the lounge, I know someone that will look after it for you.

We also have some furnashings that we're not wanting to move:
There is:

buffet cabinet

TV cabinet (with old woodgrain telly from the 70s)

Outdoor swingseat

3 bikes

Big Washing Machine

If you are interested in any of them, make an offer, or ask for more details. Photos can probably be found/made.

It's going to be an interesting year...

Travel

Mon, 20 Nov 2006 08:51:48 GMT

Some of the prices both Virgin and Qantas are charging for flights from perth to adelaide and adelaide to perth are more than rediculous.
They get as low as $170, but are usually around $225-250.
I expected them to be in this range, or a bit over, but I didn't expect every flight in the 5 days before christmas to be over $300 (most over $350) and some over $450!
Many of these are sold out also, making it seem strange to me that people actually pay that much.

I'm going on the 17th, as the fare was 'only' $279, and the shifts of work i miss because of this don't add up to the increased cost of the ticket from perth, let alone any change in the price on the way back.
I'm returning on the 31st, as it's the cheapest flight between the 26th and the 9th, which were the absolute boundaries for my return. I miss no shifts at work for this, and I get a price that was in my actual budget range! $239. so all up, $518. This is less than the cheapest Virgin flight on one day (22/12) at $520 one way. I'm not sure but it may not have been the base economy level as those flights were pretty full up and it wasn't showing prices for all categories sometimes. Qantas however were listing prices of up to $810.10 for a economy (super saver) one way perth to adelaide!

Can we all say Price Hike?

So, I got my tickets at a price I'm happy with, but would have prefered to fly a bit later and return a bit later maybe.

And I'm flying Virgin in case anyone is wondering

Just cos LJ can't take 47609 character comments

Mon, 06 Nov 2006 13:54:02 GMT

(Click here to post your own answers for this meme.)

✓ I miss somebody right now. (hugs)	✓ I don't watch much TV these days. (just the sport, and not all of it even)	× I own lots of books. (I define 'lots' as more than my bookcase holds, and it's not full yet)
× I wear glasses or contact lenses. (I used to wear glasses)	✓ I love to play video games.	✓ I've tried marijuana.
✓ I've watched porn movies.	✓ I have been the psycho-ex in a past relationship.	✓ I believe honesty is usually the best policy. (Always. Even when being honest isn't good, being dishonest is going to be worse)
✓ I curse sometimes.	× I have changed a lot mentally over the last year.	× I carry my knife/razor everywhere with me.

* * * * *

✓ I have broken someone's bones.	✓ I have a secret that I am ashamed to reveal. (Pretty sure everyone has)	× I hate the rain.
✓ I'm paranoid at times. (But they usually are out to get me anyway)	× I would get plastic surgery if it were 100% safe, free of cost, and scar-free.	✓ I need/want money right now. (money money money)
✓ I love sushi.	× I talk really, really fast.	× I have fresh breath in the morning. (Yeah right, like ANYONE does)
× I have long hair.	× I have lost money in Las Vegas.	✓ I have at least one sibling. (1 of each)
✓ I was born in a country outside of the U.S. (Most of us were)	✓ I have worn fake hair/fingernails/eyelashes in the past.	× I couldn't survive without Caller I.D.
✓ I like the way that I look. (If I didn't, I'd change it)	× I have lied to a good friend in the last 6 months. (don't think so...)	× I am usually pessimistic.
× I have a lot of mood swings.	✓ I think prostitution should be legalized. (So long as it's controlled, and only consenting adults are involved, where's the problem?)	× I slept with a roommate.
× I have a hidden talent.	× I'm always hyper no matter how much sugar I have. (hahaha, I can be so lathargic it's not funny)	✓ I have a lot of friends. (well, I have more than fit in my bookcase...)
✓ I have pecked someone of the same sex.	✓ I enjoy talking on the phone. (I enjoy talking...)	× I practically live in sweatpants or PJ pants.
✓ I love to shop and/or window shop. (Yeah, strange I know, but I do like to shop)	× I'm obsessed with my Xanga or Livejournal. (hrm, I have a Livejournal... not really an obsession though)	× I'm completely embarrassed to be seen with my mother.
✓ I have a mobile phone.	× I have passed out drunk in the past 6 months. (I don't remember the last time i passed out, but I think i've been drunk or close to it in the last 6 months)	✓ I've rejected someone before.
✓ I currently like/love someone.	× I have no idea what I want to do for the rest of my life. (I've known what I want to do since 1984)	× I want to have children in the future. (undecided. maybe?)
× I have changed a diaper before.	✓ I've called the cops on a friend before. (what? you think i'm nice? They hadn't even done anything)	× I'm not allergic to anything. (walnuts, and a whole bunch of much milder things that just make me ill)
✓ I have a lot to learn. (Everyone has a lot to learn)	× I am shy around the opposite sex.	✓ I'm online 24/7, even as an away message. (I'm always an away message, but I'm sometimes here)
× I have at least 5 away messages saved.	✓ I have tried alcohol or drugs before. (No longer do recreational drugs, asides from alcohol)	✓ I have made a move on a friend's significant other or crush in the past. (Worked out just as you'd expect. Yay for learning experiences)
× I own the "South Park" movie. (I've never seen it, and am glad of this fact)	× I have avoided assignments at work/school to be on Xanga or Livejournal. (Probably been reading LJ when I should have been working i guess, but not actively avoiding)	✓ I enjoy some country music. (Is there a genre of music that is ALL crap?)
× I would die for my best friends.	× I'm obsessive, and often a perfectionist.	× I have used my sexuality to advance my career.
× I think Halloween is awesome because you get free candy.	✓ I have dated a close friend's ex. (yay for learning...)	✓ I am happy at this moment.
× I'm obsessed with guys.	× Democrat.	× Republican.
× I don't even know what I am.	× I am punk rockish.	× I go for older guys/girls, not younger.
× I study for tests most of the time.	× I tie my shoelaces differently from anyone I've ever met.	× I can work on a car.
× I love my job(s). (I used to, but recent new employees have made it more than just the customers that make it suck)	✓ I am comfortable with who I am right now. (Could do with proper employment though)	× I have more than just my ears pierced.
✓ I walk barefoot wherever I can.	✓ I have jumped off a bridge. (Sure, it wasn't a big bridge, but you couldn't cross the gully without it)	× I love sea turtles.
× I spend ridiculous amounts of money on makeup.	✓ I plan on achieving a major goal/dream. (Seems pretty pointless to have a goal you don't plan on achieving)	× I am proficient on a musical instrument.
× I hate office jobs. (Not sure, never had one)	✓ I went to college out of state. (well, I moved state to go to uni, but then the uni was in the same state as me...)	× I am adopted.
✓ I am a pyro. (mmm, fire. stupid shoulders)	× I have thrown up from crying too much.	× I have been intentionally hurt by people that I loved.
× I fall for the worst people. (I have fallen for some pretty bad people, but I can always find worse)	× I adore bright colours.	× I usually like covers better than originals. (very very very rarely is a cover better than the original)
✓ I hate chain theme restaurants like Applebees and TGIFridays.	✓ I can pick up things with my toes.	× I can't whistle.
× I have ridden/owned a horse. (I still want to learn to ride a horse though. Couldn't when I was younger even though I had the opportunity)	✓ I still have every journal I've ever written in. (I think I've got pretty much everything personal I've ever written still.)	× I talk in my sleep. (Like I can answer this, I'm asleep at the time!)
× I've often thought that I was born in the wrong century.	× I try to forget things by drowning them out with loads of distractions. (I don't need to TRY to forget things, that just happens)	× I wear a toe ring.
× I have a tattoo.	✓ I can't stand at LEAST one person that I work with. (I'm not even going to start. It's a whole journal of it's own)	✓ I am a caffeine junkie. (still trying to cut down on the coke. down to under 2L most days)
× I am completely tree-huggy spiritual, and I'm not ashamed at all.	× If I knew I would get away with it, I would commit at least one murder. (doubtful. I think everyone has a right to live)	× I will collect anything, and the more nonsensical, the better.
✓ I enjoy a nice glass of wine with dinner. (can we replace glass with bottle?)	× I'm an artist.	✓ I am ambidextrous.
× I sleep with so many stuffed animals, I can hardly fit on my bed.	× If it weren't for having to see other people naked, I'd live in a nudist colony. (like anyone want's to see me naked)	✓ I have terrible teeth. (working on it. well over $10k worth of work done so far)
× I hate my toes.	✓ I did this meme even though I wasn't tagged by the person who took it before me.	✓ I have more friends on the internet than in real life.
× I have lived in either three different states or countries. (2, though probably will be more at some point.)	× I am extremely flexible. (I used to be. I could do the splits both ways when I was 18)	× I love hugs more than kisses. (really depends how I feel)
× I want to own my own business. (Not a goal of mine, but would do it if I needed to)	× I smoke. (only if i'm on fire)	× I spend way too much time on the computer than on anything else. (I spend alot of time at the computer, gex spends all his time ON the computer)
× Nobody has ever said I'm normal. (I'm sure some people have called me normal, just not recently)	✓ Sad movies, games, and the like can cause a trickle of tears every now and then. (movies certainly can)	× I am proficient in the use of many types of firearms and combat weapons. (I've fired a few different guns, but wouldn't call it proficient in them. knives aren't combat weapons as such...)
✓ I like the way women look in stylized men's suits. (I like the way SOME women look in stylized men's suits)	✓ I don't like it when people are unpleased or seem unpleased with me. (I like to keep people happy, or at least confused...)	✓ I have been described as a dreamer or likely to have my head up in the clouds.
✓ I have played strip poker with someone else before.	✓ I have had emotional problems for which I have sought professional help. (Not so much sought, but forcibly recieved and am greatful for)	✓ I believe in ghosts and the paranormal. (I can't explain some things in any other way)
× I can't stand being alone. (I hate being lonely, but you don't have to be lonely when you're alone, just as you can be lonely when you are with some people)	× I have at least one obsession at any given time. (probably...)	× I weigh myself, pee/poo, and then weigh myself again.
× I consistently spend way too much money on obsessions-of-the-moment. (once, maybe twice. not consistently)	✓ I'm a judgmental asshole. (and what's more, I know it)	× I'm a HUGE drama-queen.
✓ I have travelled on more than one continent. (America and Europe, as well as Australia where I live)	× I sometimes wish my father would just disappear. (used to have issues with my family, now i just wish they'd be less demanding)	× I need people to tell me I'm good at something in order to feel that I am.
× I am a Libertarian.	× I can speak more than one language. (used to be able to, now i just know a bunch of words in a bunch of languages)	× I can fall asleep even if the whole room is as noisy as it can be. (No, but if i'm asleep it isn't going to wake me up if i fall into a noisy room)
× I would rather read than watch TV. (really depends how i feel, but generally I seem to watch tv more than read)	× I like reading fact more than fiction.	✓ I have pulled an all-nighter on an assignment I was given a month to do. (I've done back to back all nighters for assignments due on consecutive days. Both had over a month to do)
✓ I have no piercings.	✓ I have spent the night in a train station or other public place.	× I have been so upset over my physical gender that I cried.
× I once spent Christmas completely alone because there was a miscommunication on which parent was supposed to have me that night.	✓ There have been times when I have wondered "Why was I born?" and may/may not have cried over it. (Not in a long time now, but when I was younger and sicker I had issues like this)	× I like most animals better than most people.
× I own a collection of retro games consoles.	× The thought of physical exercise makes me shiver.	× I have hit someone with a dead fish.
× I am compulsively honest.	× I was born with a congenital birth defect that has never been repaired.	✓ I have danced topless in front of dozens of complete strangers. (but then I'm a guy...)
× I have gone from wishing I was a girl to revelling in being a boy to feeling like a girl again in the span of five minutes, and not cared a whit for my actual sex.	× I am unashamedly bisexual, and have different motivations for my desires for different genders.	× I sometimes won't sleep a whole night or eat a whole day because I forget to. (I have been known to realise I haven't eaten breakfast even though it's now late in the evening. I don't so much forget to sleep as just don't for no good reason)
× I find it impossible to get to sleep without some kind of music on.	× I dislike milk.	× I obsessively wash my hands.
✓ I always carry something significant around with me.	× Sometimes I'd rather wear a wig in day-to-day life than use my own hair.	× I've pushed myself to become more self-aware and thereby more aware of others.
× Even though I live on my own I still cry sometimes because I miss my mother.	× I hand wrote all the HTML tags in this document. (Now why would I do that when it's being done for me? I could though)	✓ I've liked something which a majority of people claimed was either bad or weird. (why else am i in the 'weird' group...)
✓ I have been clinically dead for a brief period of time. (Not so much fun really)	× Instead of feeling sympathy/empathy with people and their problems, I simply become annoyed. (I feel sympathy/empathy initially, but just keep going on about the same (often non-existent) problem and I'll start telling you about my life and give you something to complain about.)	× I participate/have participated in auto drag races and won.
× I do not 'get' most comedy acts.	✓ I don't think strippers are money-greedy or slutty for dancing.	✓ I don't like to chew gum. (I do occasionally have some, but not often)
× I am obsessed with history/historical things and can't wait for someone to build a time machine so I can be the first to use it. (not so much obsessed, but certainly curious/interested in)	× I can never remember for the life of me where I parked the car.	× I had the TEEN ANGST thing going for at least 2-3 years. (serious depression is NOT teen angst)
✓ I wish people would be more empathic and honest with each other. (might solve a few world issues if they were)	× I play Dungeons and Dragons weekly. (used to. still would if there was a game going at a time i was free)	✓ I love to sing. (I generally suck at it, but that isn't my problem)
× I want to live in my mother's basement when I grow up.	✓ I have a custom-built computer. (regularly upgraded with individual parts)	× I want to create a certain someone's babies, even though there's a 0% possiblity of ever achieving it.
× I would be in a relationship with one of my pets if they were human.	✓ I've gone skinny-dipping.	✓ I've performed in three plays. (and that's not counting the ones that were done during high school drama)
✓ I enjoy burritos. (mmm, food)	× I'm Irish and loving it.	× I have a thing for redheads. (No more than any other hair colour)
× I am a twin!	× Most of the times, I'd rather do something intellectual instead of doing something generically 'fun'.	✓ Once I set out to finish something, I always stay at it until it is completed before I move on to something else. (25 semesters to finish a 6 semester degree. yeah, I'm more than just slightly stubborn)
× I wish there were a way to erase past mistakes. (No regrets. I've done some things that were stupid, but I learn from my mistakes)	× I sleep more than 12 hours a day.	× I wish I could be prouder of what I've accomplished, but it's never enough.
× I need more time to myself. (hrm, more time to myself would be kinda hard to get)	× I wish I was more open-minded. (I'm sure a sea breeze in my mind is kinda open enough)	× I hope that I go really prematurely grey. (I just want to go grey before i go bald)
✓ I download songs from the internet.	× I've just reenacted chapter 58 of Death Note with my best friend.	✓ I say random things to freak people out. (I say random things JUST to freak people out)
× I'm still a little mad about the ending of Death Note.	✓ I love playing Truth or Dare.	× I love listening to slow music, but I hate singing to it.
✓ Music helps me remember that I am not alone.	✓ Playing my favorite sport makes me temporarily forget my problems. (being able to play sport makes me forget that there is anything else going on anywhere)	✓ I think this survey is particularly long.
× I prefer my LJ friends to my real-life ones.	× I can only hate someone that I love. (I try not to hate anyone)	× I've ordered an extra two shots of espresso to an Americano at Starbucks.

Reinstallation

Fri, 04 Aug 2006 05:33:37 GMT

No, this is no where near as fun as I thought. I put it off for over a year, and it's still not fun

Hopefully the issues I'm currently having with slow internet are related to the USB port that is currently having large amounts of data pushed through it constantly, and not some anoying settings that I don't remember.

I do however finally have directx9.0c installed :)

as a break we're cooking lunchfast - bacon, eggs and stuff

Hey cool!

Sun, 09 Jul 2006 17:14:36 GMT

Results are up!

I passed!

well, not only did I pass, but I got a D in the unit I was worried about failing!
I somehow only got a C in the other unit though, which was quite bizzare since i got a D and a HD for the assignments. must have really sucked in the exam.

and with that, my uni should be over and i just have to work out the finer points of getting that bit of paper from them.

damn, failed will roll...

Tue, 27 Jun 2006 08:04:53 GMT

I escaped from the Dungeon of Firvulag!

I killed Riverstar the leprechaun.

I looted the Amulet of Dabear, the Armour of Programming, the Armour of Tigernic, the Armour of Feathersoul, the Sword of Rpg, the Amulet of Games, the Dagger of Bowling, the Shield of Samashahdi, the Sceptre of Games, a Figurine of Devinjay, the Crown of Leemur and 63 gold pieces.

Score: 263

Explore the Dungeon of Firvulag and try to beat this score,
or enter your username to generate and explore your own dungeon...

(official) Party Announcement!

Fri, 23 Jun 2006 11:48:50 GMT

rather than the announcement that was vague and tacked on the bottom of the last entry.

I'm now pretty much free all the time, so I'm wanting to catch up with all you people, and what better way to do it than a Birthday party?

I couldn't think of a better way either, and since my birthday conveniently falls early in July it isn't that far away either.
To make things even more fun, Josh also has a birthday around the same time, so is joining in with the party reasons for double the birthday goodness

So, I present you with the "I'm not 30 yet dammit (and neither am I)" party

I'm hoping for a fine day, so i can fire up the bbq and have an outside thing again with Bocce, cricket, soccer and other outside fun, but if the unseasonally fine weather we have been having is indeed gone, then there is plenty of inside room where boardgaming and dvd watching could take place, as well as the usual drinking, nibbling and socialising that happens at parties

When: 30th of June
Where: my place, if you don't know where I live, email me
Time: 11am onwards
What: BBQ lunch with either outdoors in the sunshine stuff or inside games and dvds, depending on the weather.
Provided: There will be a carton provided by each of the birthday boys and some softies
Bring: Any meats or non-meats you want to maybe cook and eat. any other drinks you will want. A salads would be nice too as I'm not sure what we'll have. Pretty much if you want to ensure that it's here, bring it, or ring first!

RSVP If you are definitelly bringing a salad, reply and tell me so we dont end up with 5 of the same salad :)

My life as a hermit

Thu, 22 Jun 2006 07:12:40 GMT

Over the last couple of months I've been pretty wrapped up in my study, doing not alot else other than study related stuff and working to afford to live.

So, things i've done, in summary

I've completed the last 2 units I need for my degree, including one D and one HD for assignments

I've continued to work 3 shifts a week at Bell's Kitchen as a driver

I've managed to survive without much in the way of alcohol

I've returned to being dependant upon caffienated beverages

gemfyre and I have settled well in our house

I've continued playing battrick and hattrick

I've looked at a few other games of the same type as them

With shadowshifter's other half we've partially developed some software for battrick

I've continued to go to board gaming days, though playing once or twice a month is hardly enough for me

I'm now pretty much free all the time, so I'm wanting to catch up with all you people, and what better way to do it than a Birthday party?

I couldn't think of a better way either, and since my birthday conveniently falls early in July it isn't that far away either.

So, I present you with the "I'm not 30 yet dammit" party

Details updated in the more recent entry

I'm hoping for a fine day, so i can fire up the bbq and have an outside thing again, but if the unseasonally fine weather we have been having is indeed gone, then there is plenty of inside room where boardgaming and dvd watching could take place, as well as the usual drinking, nibbling and socialising that happens at parties