Shannon Noll and motorshow

Today, my partner and I went to the motorshow in the city. The motorshow was held at the exhibition center. It’s this huge center, that has all of these fantastic cars. There are vintage ones, and of course the newer model cars that have either just come out, or are popular. There were car brands I didn’t know, and car brands I was very familiar with. This was the first time I’d ever attended a motorshow. It was quite interesting, being I’m not all that keen on cars. I have a few favorite cars, but I’m not in dire need to look at others.

My partner, on the other hand, is a big fan of cars, loves looking at them, and loves to drool over cars she can’t have. There is this new car Aurion that is going to replace the Avalon here in Australia. Since my partner works at Toyota, she was curious to see what cars were out on display, and she had only seen the Aurion via pictures. The Avalon hasn’t sold well here in Australia, but I reckon this new car, will have a quite of bit of success. Ironically, there wasn’t the new camry on display. We were both looking forward to checking out the new camry. My partner has seen it at work, but hasn’t actually had a good look at it. I was hoping to see it, because she’s been talking constantly about it.

We managed to look at quite a few cars, including the Mazda 3. We’re hoping, that if this job goes past the probation, that we’ll be able to take out a loan so I can buy the Mazda 3. It’s a very nice car, cute, definitely can see myself driving in it. And of course, there was the Saab convertible that I’m a HUGE fan of. The car that “Bette” had in the L Word, THAT’S the car I’d love to have. But for the time being, I was admiring from afar.

While we were walking around, looking for my partner’s mum and her partner, my partner was looking around. She noticed someone who resembled Shannon Noll. FYI, Shannon Noll was the runner up for the first season of Australian Idol. She thought it was him, because of his distintive facial hair. She noticed a woman with bleached blonde hair, and knew that it had to of been him. His wife, she’s the one that’s got the bleached blonde look going on. My partner said “Shannon….” He turned around, and she asked him if we could have our picture taken with him. He was very nice and cordial about it all. And he looks exactly like he does in his pictures. He's taller than I expected, but has the very distinct voice. His wife took the picture, and that was that. So yet again, I’ve been able to meet another celebrity. I’ve met quite a few since being in Australia, though it wasn’t all this year. FYI, the picture at the beginning of my blog, is of course Shannon Noll. I didn’t post the picture that we had taken, because 1) I don’t do pictures online and 2) I’m all about privacy. But my partner was excited, not excited like a 12 year old, but excited that we got to meet Shannon Noll.

-current mood-HUNGRY and TIRED...seems to be a common occurence, the combination.

Entry with no purpose

This entry is a “no purpose” entry. It’s only 9:40pm, I’m tired, just got in from my niece’s birthday party..and I just want to go to bed. But I thought I’d take a quick moment to post. Thank goodness it’s Friday. It’s been a busy week, a tiring week, and I’m glad to finally be able to relax. I know I’ll sleep well tomorrow. But I know I will want to sleep in till late. But I don’t want to make a habit of it, otherwise it’ll be hard for me to wake up on Monday morning. I’ll try to get up at a reasonable time.

Now that it’s Friday, I’ll finally be able to see my partner. I haven’t seen her all week. Just the early morning kiss on the cheek to let her know that I’m off to work. I sent her a text message earlier this week, asking her if she wanted me to send a picture of myself, so she remembered what I looked like. I’m not liking this schedule one bit. But there isn’t much I can do about it. I know it’s only for a couple of months, but I hate not being able to see my partner during the week. She probably enjoys it ::smirks::

-current mood-TIRED, and I'm just on my way to bed. Not even checking my emails.

In front of a computer...

I find it quite funny, and maybe sometimes annoying, with the fact that all day (well, not quite yet) I am sitting in front of a computer screen. Most of my work, will consist of processing paperwork, which is inputed into a computer. All this time, I thought I’d never spend enough time on a computer, now that’s pretty much what my day consists of. I haven’t tried to surf the web, just because it’s my first week there. I’m not game enough to, for the simple fact, that I know that everything is monitored. Not that I'd be looking at inappropriate stuff, but still...it's a bit invasive, knowing it's monitored. I have a work email address, but it’s only going to be reserved for work people. I know I can surf the web, to certain sites, I’ve seen people do it. But I’m too scared to do anything.

But I have to laugh, because I spend all day on the computer, and then I come home to write in my blog, which then takes time on the computer as well. If I catch up with mates, it’s great, but I don’t have a lot of time. Right now, I feel flat out. I have a few emails to catch up on (Rainey and Laani, I’ll get to you soon, I promise) but just haven’t had enough energy to do so. Please don’t feel bad if it feels like I’m neglecting. That is SO NOT my intention. I hope to catch up on emails and such this weekend. But I just find it funny and ironic, that I spend all day in front of a computer, then I come home, and probably spend at least 30-45 minutes checking my emails.

I remember at my last job, I was able to check my emails and do all sorts of stuff online. I’m sure things were still monitored, but there was so much free range at my last job. I spent so much time online. Now, I’m too afraid to. So I guess what I’m trying to say is…if I’m hard to reach, it’s not because I’m being neglectful or a jerk..it’s just that my eyes need time to adjust to life beyond the computer screen. I have bad enough eyes as it is, and I can just see it now..when I’m 80, I’m not going to be able to see a THING. OR, I’ll have really really thick glasses. I do still make time to write in my blog, but sometimes, that’s the only thing I do.

-current mood-HUNGRY, and TIRED

Midsumma Update

Someone asked me how Midsumma was so I thought I’d give a bit of an update. The weather was great, couldn’t have asked for a better day to have the pride march. We got there about 4:00, did a little walking around, at Albert Park. We were able to find the rainbow pride bracelets I’d been looking for, and I bought two of them. After that, we walked back to where the end of the parade/march was going to be. We waited for about 40 minutes, before it started. And of course, “dykes on bikes” was first…it was great hearing those motorcycles and just seeing the happy faces of all the dykes.

The march itself was good. I thought last years was more interesting. Maybe that’s because we saw my partner’s ex, in the parade. But last year just seemed more fun and exciting. Maybe too, it was because last year it was our first time going, so everythin waas new. But there were 79 “entries” I believe, and there were a few hillarious people out there. I was standing next to an older lady, whom, I think this was her first march. Every single thing that happened, she would giggle uncontrollably. There was a time, where two scantily clad, very tan men were walking and jumping around. They walked near us, and the lady was all like “woo hooo, oohhhh” and then she’d laugh like she was 12 years old. She was busy taking pictures, and giggling. I was starting to get annoyed, and was going to ask to switch places with my partner, but thought “nah, I’ll tough it out.” By the end of the march, I was about ready to put a sock in this woman’s mouth!!

After the march, we went to Wagga Mama for dinner. It’s a GREAT Japanese restaurant in the city. We went last year because they were putting on a buy one, get one free dinner special for the pride march. This year we decided to go, even though there were not any specials. But it was like 27 (81 F) out, and I decided to order a “soup.” How reasonable was that of me??? I wanted miso soup, so instead of buying it as a side dish, I ordered one big miso soup bowl with noodles and other jazzy stuff. The meal was delicious, and I of course, had to eat the picked radishes off my partner’s salad. I can’t get enough of pickled radishes. I haven’t been able to find them in the grocery store yet, but maybe I’m not looking hard enough.

But overall, the day went well. No dramas, no meeting the “ex” unexpectedly (thank god, says my partner..lol) and it was nice to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. And of course, to enjoy other people who are part of the gay and lesbian community.

-current mood-SORE SHOULDERS at the moment. Who wants to give me a massage...::smirks::

Chicken alfredo pasta recipe

I made this GREAT chicken alfredo pasta a few nights ago. I thought I’d share my recipe. It’s a mixture of seeing something on tv, adding my own ingredients, and searching online for the alfredo sauce itself. I’m a HUGE fan of white sauce in pasta, but it’s not very popular here in Australia. I’d KILL for a night at the Olive Garden. They have Italian restaurants here in Australia, but nothing ever beats the Olive Garden, and of course their amazing garlic and cheese rolls. Oh wait, is that Red Lobster?? Anyhooo, I can’t wait to go back home to have an “American” cooked meal. But until then, if you like alfredo sauce, try this recipe. Depending on how much you like garlic, and spice, you can of course change the amount.

Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Ingredients
3 chicken breast fillets
2-3 cups broccoli
1 cup mushrooms, chopped
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
3-4 cloves of garlic, crushed
Red pepper flakes, or 2-3 red chili’s
1 package pasta of your choice

1) Cook pasta as package says.

2) Cut chicken breast fillets into cubes. Cook in frying pan. Add basil leaves, garlic, and red pepper flakes (or red chili’s) once chicken is cooked. Add mushrooms, and sauté for a few minutes. Set aside.

3) Steam broccoli until cooked. Cook well enough to where you can mash them with a potato masher. Set aside.

4) Drain pasta, add mashed broccoli, and chicken mixture in with pasta.

Ingredients for Alfredo Sauce
¼ cup butter or margarine
1 cup heavy or thickened cream
1 clove of garlic, or ¼ tsp. garlic salt
1 ½ cups fresh grated parmesan cheese

Melt butter on medium-low heat. Add the cream, and simmer for 5 minutes. Add garlic and cheese, and wisk quickly until thickened. Sauce should be thick and creamy, but not too thick, and not too watery. Use your own judgement for when you think the sauce is ready. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Pour alfredo sauce over chicken pasta and mix well. Or you can serve the pasta separately and add the alfredo sauce individually over the top.

Bon Appetite!

-current mood-OKAY, had a more eventful day at work but still a bit intimidated.

First day of work

When I went to bed last night, I went to bed thinking that today was going to be an easy day. Wouldn't have been even a "day" had I not woken up at 2:30 this morning, and realized I didn't turn the alarm ON. Anyway, in the paperwork I was given, it was made to “seem” like all I’d be doing was a 1.5 hour orientation. Then after that, I’d probably get sent home. I wasn’t quite sure, so I went ahead and made a lunch for me. And a good thing I did. I ended up staying till 4:30. And by the way, I’m STARVING right now, so this post is going to be pretty quick ::winking::

I got up at 6:10 this morning, left at 6:45 to head to the train station. Got there plenty of time. In truth, I could have made the earlier train ride into the city. But I didn’t want to get to work TOO early. I decided to validate my train ticket just so I’d be ready for the train. The machine took my ticket, but it never returned. I didn’t know what to do really, so luckily there was a young man (teenage boy) that was sitting near me. I told him what was going on, and asked him if he could just watch the machine. I had no idea what the machine was going to do, and I didn’t want no one to be there, if the machine decided to spit out my ticket. It was a full months fare worth, and it’s not cheap. So I went upstairs to the customer service counter (lucky the station I go to, is a premium station) and they were able to give me a “replacement” ticket for the day. They said they’d have to get a technician to come out and find my ticket. Around 9:15, my phone rang and it was them, telling me my ticket had been found. I picked it up on my way home this evening. But let’s just hope tomorrow, the machine doesn’t decide to have a mind of it’s own.

So, the first 1.5 hours was just a brief introduction to the company. Along with that, we had a little training on fire safety and all that fun jazzy stuff. After that, R and I (R is also a newcomer) met with J, who will be training us for 5 weeks. The full training takes about 9-10 weeks, but J will be with us pretty extensively. We spent the first ½ hour or so (it was around 11:15 by now) going through our outlook, to “accept” these invites for trainings. It took a little while for me to figure everything out. But I went and had lunch, then I went back to what I was doing. I managed to figure it out, have 5 of my 9 trainings confirmed already…and then just did some reading. I read some more information about the company itself, and everything it has to offer. Might I say, it’s a VERY diverse company, but at the same time, it’s kind of like a “one stop shop” type of place. R and I did some reading of two cases that are actually now ready. We of course, won’t be ready for this for 3 months, but it was interesting to read about the individual, how they came about to be appointed by the tribunal, and what is to happen now.

I think the only thing I’m worried about, and of course, stressed out about…is the performance evaluation. We have one at 5 weeks, and 10 weeks, then finally when the 3 month probationary period is over, that’s when it’s decided whether someone gets to stay or not. But we have these evaluations 4 times a year, and I was doing some reading about it…it’s pretty intense!!! After each year’s evaluation, if you get a good enough “score” then you get a pay rise. But I’m just worried about actually passing the 3 month probationary period. This job is completely new to me, but it’s kind of scary, that it is. Even though I’m doing this training, I feel so out of the loop. I feel like I’ve lost a few of my “smarts” and just hope that I can make it. I know it’s only the first day, but I’m already overwhelmed.

-current mood-BLOODY hungry and I know I'll sleep like a baby tonight.

Midsumma Melbourne

Later on today (it’s almost mid-afternoon) my partner and I are going to the Midsumma Melbourne festival. It’s a festival, from what I can gather, that goes from January to February. It of course, revolves around the gay and lesbian community. It’s pretty much the equivalent to “pride” that happens in the states in June. We went last year, to the Victorian Pride march and had a great time. Aside from sitting next to some drama dykes, and seeing my partner’s ex girlfriend (the one that treated her like crap), it was all around a nice march and festival. There’s music, food, and of course great booths to go into. Not many freebies, but it was just nice to go to a place that we both felt comfortable.

Personally for me, I love going to these sorts of activities. I’m out and proud, and am not afraid to show it. My partner, on the other hand, is a bit more reserved. But she got right into the march, and was actually affectionate. We would walk down the street, and I’d grab her hand, she wouldn’t feel umcomfortable or try to push my hand away. My partner usually feels uncomfortable when I even put my hand on her back, like a mini hug. She hates the attention being directed toward her, and she knows, no matter what, if I grab her hand or give her a hug, it will do just that. But at pride festivals, my partner feels most at ease and isn’t afraid to “show me off.”

I think pride festivals are one of the best places to people watch. I love seeing all the different couples. I know, in every day life, if you’d call it that, you see male/female couples and think “they’re so different.” But when you see same sex couples (sorry, I’m focusing on same sex couples) it just has a whole new meaning. I think when I saw a same sex couple, I just feel “different” because I know they’ve probably gone through some of the same struggles I have. I like to “watch” couples, but not in a creepy sort of way. It just somehow, makes me feel more “connected” when I see same sex couples holding hands or laughing and being all happy. I also love seeing older same sex couples. Not because I don’t think older people can be in relationships…::Duhhhh:: But it’s just nice to see older same sex couples. I have no idea how long they’ve been together, but it gives me a sense of “that’s how I want to be when I’m that age.”

My partner and I don’t go to many gay and lesbian themed events, but pride is something we both enjoy. There isn’t the “drama” atmosphere, though scenes have been made. But it’s just a nice time for us to be together, to enjoy each other, and to of course people watch. We’re both famous for people watching. Not because we wish we were with other people, but because we both find other people so facinating. Not to mention, one of my favorite restaurants is near the pride festival, so hopefully we’ll be going there afterwards!!

-current mood-DREADING TONIGHT, thinking I'm not going to be able to get to sleep early, though I NEED to.