I got to my economics exam about an hour early and had nothing to do... So I decided rather than study (I knew I was screwed regardless of whether I did or not) I would do something kinda enjoyable - write creatively! Yes, that is my definition of fun. And yes, that quite possibly makes me weird... :) Anyway, this is what I came up with in about 20 minutes - keep in mind I haven't written properly for quite I while - enjoy! Or don't enjoy... whatever!
I begged for the sun to emerge from behind the clouds and bathe the grassy lawn where I sat with warmth. In the sun's absense the wind always seemed to become fiercer and more chilling. The contrast between the two states - warmth and coldness - was shocking but also rewarding. No matter how briefly the sun broke through the clouds, the relief and the delightful feeling made putting up with the conditions worthwhile.
People were scattered about the grassy area outside Caufield Racecourse rather sparsely, as it was still a good 45 minutes before 2.30pm when the exams commenced. Rather than studying most people appeared to be just sitting around, sprawled out on the grass. Some were chatting with their friends, whilst others who were by themselves were drinking a coffee or snacking on some food. Birds were chirping away in trees that looked about 500 years old, the true inhabitants of this area, allowing us humans to temporarily occupy their land.
Two birds darted past me to my right - a much smaller bird was relentlessly harrassing a big black raven, and getting the upper hand. I don't know what the raven did to deserve being tormented, but it was an inspiring sight to see - the little guy fearlessly taking it out on his much larger adversary, ignoring the risks to himself for the sake of protecting what was most important to him.
The clouds had given the sun a break, because the now more numerous grass-loungers were enjoying an extended period of uninterrupted sunlight to bask in. As 2:30 loomed, a more nervous chit-chat had developed, and a slightly anxious energy was filling the air. I wasn't phased. The outcome of this exam wouldn't count for anything. The only reason I was here was because of the fact that I hate not doing well and achieving good results. It's in my nature to try.
I look up and see some girl I don't recognise waving at me. It took me a little while to realise she was actually waving at me and not just in my general direction. I tentatively wave back, feeling foolish. I look back down at my note book to spare any further awkwardness.
The sun and wind began working in tandem, so I felt cold and warm at the same time. It was kind of a reflection of how I was feeling about the task at hand. Happy for what it symbolised, but sad for my most likely lacklustre performance.
Looking around again, I start to recognise a few familiar faces, although the girl who had waved at me was now gone. I got a few nods and smiles of recognition from some of the people in my tutorial as they walked past, and I acknowledged them similarly. The majority of people were now clustered around the entrance to the exam venue. I could see a few people bustling around anxiously, asking last minute questions of their friends, and double checking that their pens hadn't mysteriously disappeared in the last ten seconds.
I took a final swig from my water bottle, got to my feet, and went over to join them.
Not very action packed I know, and it's not exactly the subject on which I want to write, but I figure it was a good test of my writing abilities. And hey, that's pretty much unedited and written in 20 minutes... Imagine if I actually put some thought into it! :)
Dale.
10/30/2006
10/26/2006
Adjustments! You better like em....
I don't know how closely you've been paying attention to The Daley News but lately you might have noticed that there have been some changes to the little additional bits that are sometimes more interesting that my actual blog posts. Wow.. long sentence!
Anyway, I really didn't give you a chance to say goodbye to the sections Word of the Day (which I'm sure your vocabularies all benefitted from immensely :P), Stupidest Thing I've Done Lately (I've decided to limit my public humiliation for now), and (the sometimes not so) Amusing Junk Mail, but I figure none of you will be devastated by the loss of these things. And don't pretend to be.. I'm not that stupid anymore!
In their place I've decided to keep people up to date on stuff I've been doing or the things that have been happening in my life, that aren't quite post-worthy on their own. And for some comedy value I've introduced Not So Great Pick Up Lines! After a few weeks maybe people can vote on their favourite.
Oh and if anyone tries one of them out you HAVE TO let me know how it goes. I'll definitely mention it on here if you do. :)
Dale.
10/22/2006
Daley News Star - Luke T
Yes, I have a lot of friends called Luke!
The first thing I think of when I think of Luke T is energy and enthusiasm. I have no idea where he gets it from, but every time I see him he’s always pumped up about something, even when there’s nothing really to get excited about. Luke was originally a friend of my friends that I only started to get to know towards the end of year 11. He’s one of those people who make an immediate impression on you. He always finds something to laugh about and doesn’t exclude anyone – he’ll make an effort to make sure that he talks to everyone in the group.
Luke is an insanely good middle to long distance runner. He goes to a lot of cross country and athletics events and always manages to do extremely well. I think he came top 20 in some national cross country event earlier this year! He also umpires during the footy season, and I’m sure he does a hell of a lot better job than I do.
When Luke’s around things are pretty much guaranteed to be interesting, because you never know what he’ll say or do next. For example, if we’re going somewhere and need two cars he might spontaneously decide to climb out of one and jump into the other if we’re stopped at traffic lights, even when they’re about to change! He tried to convince me to do it but I was only brave enough to go from the backseat to the front seat of the same car. :)
Yesterday in a myspace comment he kindly reminded me that my name was Dale, you know, in case I’d forgotten.
In addition to all the above characteristics Luke’s also a really genuine guy.
“Helloo, my name is Mr. Burns – I believe you have a package for me.”
10/19/2006
Daley News Star - Luke R!
The first time I met Luke was on orientation day for Year 7 at
Around about the start of Year 8, I changed friendship circles and started hanging out with the same group of people he did. We had a few classes together, caught the same bus to school, and went to movies and parties with our group of friends, so we got to know each other reasonably well. I definitely considered him a good friend by that stage.
The thing with Luke is he’s always been a kind of benchmark for me to compare how I was going at school. No matter how hard I tried, he’d always just beat in a test or exam, or even a set of tennis, and that would perpetually piss me off (I have a teeny weeny competitive streak) but make me work harder at improving myself at the same time. And although I left Highvale for my last three years of high school, the moment I found out my ENTER score I was itching to know what he got. Not surprisingly he beat me, (he got 94.95, and I got 94.90 – Argh! So close!) but I think it was an appropriate outcome. And of course being his friend I was happy for him for doing so well...
At the end of Year 12 I decided to go to schoolies with my Highvale friends, Luke included. I think Luke made it his personal mission to get me completely smashed at least three times (because apparently I never got drunk enough!). I can’t remember if he was successful… maybe that means he was. :P Anyway, during that week Luke and I spent a few drunken nights on the foreshore at Lorne trying to win over this group of three girls (thankfully we liked different ones!). I can’t remember the name of the girl I liked now, only that she looked like a combination of Ashlee Simpson and Paris Hilton. It was all a lot of fun, despite not being very successful. :)
This year, we ended up getting into the same university, and several mornings a week he drives me there. Thank you Luke! I hate buses... I’m glad we ended up at the same uni, because we’ve gotten pretty close again. He invited me to play seniors competition tennis on Monday nights for his team this year too, which has been mostly good fun. We finally won our first doubles set together the other week. Go us!
Luke always seems so relaxed, yet in control at the same time. Anyone will tell you he’s very easy to be around. I’m really glad I’ve been able to have him as a friend for all this time. I hope next year when I move to a different uni things don’t change too much.
I’ll leave you with a question he asked me recently when driving to uni one day – “Why are some traffic lights skinny (cut off at the sides) and others aren’t? Who decides these things?” Good questions Luke, good questions. :)
If you have anything else (preferably nice) to say about Luke, say it now or forever hold your peace! I think that’s how it goes…
10/17/2006
When was the last time you were in the news?
Sorry for not blogging for a while. My mind has been elsewhere lately. Although I've almost got my thoughts in order - just have a few more questions to answer and a few more answers to deal with - so it shouldn't be long before I get back into the swing of things!
Also, I've had a few ideas about future posts. Inspired by something someone wrote about me, I'm thinking I may do a series of posts dedicated to the people closest to me, and those who have made an impression on me. While this may partially be an attempt to lure more people into the clutches of my blog ("will he write about me next??"), I think it's also important that I do do it; show some appreciation for the people in my life.
I don't have a set list of who I will and won't write about - although if you've commented before I may do one on however much I know about you - and I won't write anything overly revealing or embarrassing if anyone's worried about that. Who knows, this idea may never even come to fruition! *impressed at my own use of 'fruition' in a sentence* :)
So stay tuned - next time you come back here you may be propelled to stardom by The Daley News! :P
Daley Vitamin Intake.
Also, I've had a few ideas about future posts. Inspired by something someone wrote about me, I'm thinking I may do a series of posts dedicated to the people closest to me, and those who have made an impression on me. While this may partially be an attempt to lure more people into the clutches of my blog ("will he write about me next??"), I think it's also important that I do do it; show some appreciation for the people in my life.
I don't have a set list of who I will and won't write about - although if you've commented before I may do one on however much I know about you - and I won't write anything overly revealing or embarrassing if anyone's worried about that. Who knows, this idea may never even come to fruition! *impressed at my own use of 'fruition' in a sentence* :)
So stay tuned - next time you come back here you may be propelled to stardom by The Daley News! :P
Daley Vitamin Intake.
10/11/2006
Looking Back... Memories from my 18th.
I only have a few vivid memories of my 18th birthday, although that's probably because I didn't have a party; I opted for money instead, which I think now was a mistake, but oh well! I have three memories in particular that are really special to me. And here they are!
To set the scene, I had just gotten back from a 3-day school trip to the AIS for PE about day or so before my actual birthday, and I was going out with Hayley at the time (had been seeing her for about 6 months by that stage). Anyway, the day of my birthday I had to go to school because I had a freaking accounting SAC to do!! Wasn't very happy about this, but it was out of my control. Although my accounting teacher did love me (he was my economics teacher too), and I reckon I could possibly have done something about it if I'd had a word in his ear, but decided that it wasn't worth it. From memory I think I did well on the SAC.. but I'm not entirely sure. But that's not important so it doesn't matter!
At the end of the day, I walked home from school, came home and chucked my bag down and took my shoes off. Mum asked how my day was and then suspiciously kept hinting that I go up to my room - "Go and... open your window to let some fresh air in Dale" or "Go and... hang up your blazer Dale". So I walked up the stairs slowly, wondering what the hell she was on (she has been known to light incense candles and drink herbal teas), but then my mind went elsewhere. Until I walked into my room! Stacks of blue and white helium balloons practically covered my entire roof, which made me go "woah...". And then, all of a sudden, my wardrobe burst open and Hayley sprang out at me, which made me go "WOAH!!". I was very surprised (and a tiny bit scared - issues with things jumping out of places at me lol) and it took me a while to get my breath and truly realise what was going on. I remember hugging and kissing her after a little and I think Mark & Mum were watching the whole thing smiling... well Mum was probably smiling, Mark may have vomitted once or twice. The balloons stayed in my room (even after they lost their floating abilities) for about two weeks. Anyway, Hayley gave me multiple presents, including a cool wallet that I still use today, and spent the rest of the afternoon with me (I think we went for a walk at some stage too). I think that this was such a special moment to me because someone really went out of their way to surprise me, and make me feel really loved. It was such a grand gesture in terms of what else I'd experienced from someone outside my family. And it made me realise how lucky I was that someone cared about me that much, and how wonderful life can be when you're surrounded by those who love you.
Another special memory was my dad's speech at the big family gathering we had in honour of my birthday (also at our house). It was really moving, because I always knew that he loved and thought highly of me, but to hear him say it out loud in front of the majority of my relatives was really touching. I got a bit emotional and hugged him while he was still talking... :)
The last one happened on the day after my birthday in Indonesian class at school. I got to class a little late, only to find that Bu (Mrs) Cook was the only one in the room. I was wondering where everyone else could have been (although there were only about 8 people in our class) when the door opened and they all walked in, singing happy birthday (in english :P). Tamara walked in last of all, and she was holding a birthday cake that she'd made herself at home. This also really made me feel great.. it wasn't often that I was baked for by people from school! It was just so unexpected (nothing like that had really happened on anyone else's birthday in my other classes) and yeah. I think I was smiling (with cake in my teeth) for the rest of the day. Positively beaming!
So thats it. I hope I have more wonderful surprises like those in the future. And that you too have had special moments like those!
Dale.
To set the scene, I had just gotten back from a 3-day school trip to the AIS for PE about day or so before my actual birthday, and I was going out with Hayley at the time (had been seeing her for about 6 months by that stage). Anyway, the day of my birthday I had to go to school because I had a freaking accounting SAC to do!! Wasn't very happy about this, but it was out of my control. Although my accounting teacher did love me (he was my economics teacher too), and I reckon I could possibly have done something about it if I'd had a word in his ear, but decided that it wasn't worth it. From memory I think I did well on the SAC.. but I'm not entirely sure. But that's not important so it doesn't matter!
At the end of the day, I walked home from school, came home and chucked my bag down and took my shoes off. Mum asked how my day was and then suspiciously kept hinting that I go up to my room - "Go and... open your window to let some fresh air in Dale" or "Go and... hang up your blazer Dale". So I walked up the stairs slowly, wondering what the hell she was on (she has been known to light incense candles and drink herbal teas), but then my mind went elsewhere. Until I walked into my room! Stacks of blue and white helium balloons practically covered my entire roof, which made me go "woah...". And then, all of a sudden, my wardrobe burst open and Hayley sprang out at me, which made me go "WOAH!!". I was very surprised (and a tiny bit scared - issues with things jumping out of places at me lol) and it took me a while to get my breath and truly realise what was going on. I remember hugging and kissing her after a little and I think Mark & Mum were watching the whole thing smiling... well Mum was probably smiling, Mark may have vomitted once or twice. The balloons stayed in my room (even after they lost their floating abilities) for about two weeks. Anyway, Hayley gave me multiple presents, including a cool wallet that I still use today, and spent the rest of the afternoon with me (I think we went for a walk at some stage too). I think that this was such a special moment to me because someone really went out of their way to surprise me, and make me feel really loved. It was such a grand gesture in terms of what else I'd experienced from someone outside my family. And it made me realise how lucky I was that someone cared about me that much, and how wonderful life can be when you're surrounded by those who love you.
Another special memory was my dad's speech at the big family gathering we had in honour of my birthday (also at our house). It was really moving, because I always knew that he loved and thought highly of me, but to hear him say it out loud in front of the majority of my relatives was really touching. I got a bit emotional and hugged him while he was still talking... :)
The last one happened on the day after my birthday in Indonesian class at school. I got to class a little late, only to find that Bu (Mrs) Cook was the only one in the room. I was wondering where everyone else could have been (although there were only about 8 people in our class) when the door opened and they all walked in, singing happy birthday (in english :P). Tamara walked in last of all, and she was holding a birthday cake that she'd made herself at home. This also really made me feel great.. it wasn't often that I was baked for by people from school! It was just so unexpected (nothing like that had really happened on anyone else's birthday in my other classes) and yeah. I think I was smiling (with cake in my teeth) for the rest of the day. Positively beaming!
So thats it. I hope I have more wonderful surprises like those in the future. And that you too have had special moments like those!
Dale.
10/09/2006
My Firsts
The ban is over!
I haven't posted lately because I had been banned from the internet by mum and dad. It came about because I got home a bit later than they would have liked one night. So for a week I wasn't allowed access to the internet at home (or have use of the car). Admittedly, I snuck on a few times - hope mum doesn't read this! - and also I went on at uni, so I wasn't completely cold turkey but it was still a little hard nonetheless! Some of you might be thinking "But he's 19.. shouldn't he just tell his parents to get 'stuffed'?" Well, I'm still not an adult in their eyes, and maybe not even a young adult. I'm hoping they'll realise that I am soon. Maybe when I get a proper job. Hopefully...
The past few days have produced a few firsts for me:
So those are my firsts! And now I'm going for a run. Mondays are my day off from uni so I've pretty much been slacking off all day.. need to do something to wake up and release any pent up frustrations/emotions or whatever. Running is therapeutic! Wonder if I'll get beeped by any cars today... :)
Dale.
I haven't posted lately because I had been banned from the internet by mum and dad. It came about because I got home a bit later than they would have liked one night. So for a week I wasn't allowed access to the internet at home (or have use of the car). Admittedly, I snuck on a few times - hope mum doesn't read this! - and also I went on at uni, so I wasn't completely cold turkey but it was still a little hard nonetheless! Some of you might be thinking "But he's 19.. shouldn't he just tell his parents to get 'stuffed'?" Well, I'm still not an adult in their eyes, and maybe not even a young adult. I'm hoping they'll realise that I am soon. Maybe when I get a proper job. Hopefully...
The past few days have produced a few firsts for me:
- I had my first ever Boost juice on Friday afternoon! "Passion Mango" I think it was called. I don't know why it's taken me so long to get one, it was pretty damn tasty!
I even kept the cool green cup in my room for a day to commemorate my first Boost purchase. Initially my room started to smell like tropical fruits which was nice, but then I think it kinda went bad because my room began to smell like a less desirable odour... So I threw it out. Thanks to Kiel for encouraging the inaugural Boost Juice buy (was with him at Knox at the time), I shall be returning there again soon. Need to figure out what my favourite flavour is! I think Passion Mango will be hard to beat though. *drools all over keyboard*
- On that same journey to Knox - I say journey because I walked there, as it was a really beautiful day and I was feeling strangely energetic - I bought one of those colourful rubber Livestrong wristband thingemo's. I'd always wanted one because my non-watch wrist has always looked a bit naked. Anyway, I had seen a lot of clothes that I really liked but decided to save what little money I have, when at one of the service counters I happened upon
the wristband. Seeing that it was pink momentarily made me hesitant to buy it, but seeing that it was in support of breast cancer awareness dashed my reservations. Plus I thought it'd be cool to be a bit "metro" for once. :) Pretty much ever since I got it I've been wearing it. I only take it off when I have to shower or go to bed.. It's so cool! Plus I'm kind of promoting a good cause. Next time you see me no doubt you'll see the wristband. Something for you to look forward to! :P
- My last first happened last night (Sunday night). I went and saw Panic! at the disco play live at The Palace in St Kilda. This is a first for a number of reasons; one, I'd never been inside The Palace; two, I'd never seen Panic play live; three, I'd never seen any well-known band play live in concert! There were five of us who went - Sean who drove, Jamie, Ian, Luke, and me - and we didn't have too much trouble finding it (I know my way around St Kilda pretty well now, but don't read anything into that!). We printed off directions from whereis.com just in case, but they didn't make sense (left from punt rd onto commercial road for 26m, then left back onto punt rd??) so I threw caution to the wind and told Sean to go the way that I thought was right.. and it was for once! Anyway, it was freezing when we got there, and the line was massive, so we just camped out in the car and waited until the
line got a lot smaller - we weren't gonna risk turning to ice and missing the concert! :P Eventually we ventured out into Antarctica and braved the conditions while waiting in line. We got into The Palace at about 8.50, and Something with Numbers was just finishing off. It was already pretty packed in the main room considering they were only a support act. Kisschasey played for about half an hour from 9.30 (including some new songs from an album that they're currently putting together!). The fact that they were new was kinda more exciting than the fact that I was getting to hear them... I'm not a giant Kisschasey fan (I'm probably spelling their name wrong too which would give that away). Panic came out at 10.45, played most of the songs from the album, did a really good job of them, I jumped around a little, sang a lot, got pushed around a bit, didn't lose a shoe, and had an ok time on the whole. I'm not sure if concerts are my thing. Guess I'll need to go to another one to find out!
So those are my firsts! And now I'm going for a run. Mondays are my day off from uni so I've pretty much been slacking off all day.. need to do something to wake up and release any pent up frustrations/emotions or whatever. Running is therapeutic! Wonder if I'll get beeped by any cars today... :)
Dale.
10/04/2006
Yesterday!
Yesterday, Tuesday, was a good day. It was one of those days after which you go... 'I really needed a day like that'. I mean, nothing incredibly special happened, but it was just a really nice day on the whole.
A good place to start would be Monday night.. Not technically part of yesterday, but meh! I play tennis on Monday nights for Wantirna tennis club (think I've mentioned it before), and this time we were playing against Bayswater North. Luke picked me up and drove us there - I'm no stranger to his car since he gives me lifts to uni several days a week, thanks Luke - but we had a bit of trouble finding it. The lights were out and it was really dark, and when we pulled into what looked like the carpark, got out and walked around, became very confused and a little scared (the place looked like some kind of abandoned hunting lodge that you see in all those "psycho killer on the loose" type movies) we decided we must have been in the wrong place. But we weren't! It was just on the other side of the ominious looking buildings, which we figured out when another car pulled up (thankfully no axe-wielding murderer inside) and we asked them where the hell the tennis courts were.
Anyway, we eventually got round to playing us some tennis - oh Vanessa got lost too, so we're not geographically challenged if that's what you were thinking! - but we were down a player so only got to play two sets each instead of three. I won both my sets and played a lot better than I had for a long time. Overall we lost though, but only because of the three sets we had to forfeit.
Ok, Tuesday morning, first day back at uni after the midsemester break, so I had to get up at 8am. This was a little bit of a struggle. But I did it, showered, dressed, ate and had my brain functioning within the hour. Luke came at 9.30ish and drove me to uni. Got to uni at about 10:01 and had an hour to waste until my first lecture at 11.00, so I met up with Praveen in the science library. Caught up with what he'd been doing, "did you watch the grand final?" etc, etc, and then somehow we decided to go to Maccas and get something to eat. (This involved me skipping my lecture but that wasn't such a hard choice to make. After all it was only accounting, and I'm not even doing this course next year!!)
Sitting in the drive-thru McFlurrys were decided upon - he had Oreo I had m&m - and we went back to uni and ate them as we walked around in the freaking awesome weather that's decided to arrive all of a sudden. Anyway, he went off to play indoor cricket at about 12.30, and I went and found a computer lab. That was when I did yesterday's blog, and left a myspace comment here and there. I was supposed to have a lecture at 1:00 but got carried away with my blogging and whatnot (and I'm really not that motivated by Business & Economic Statistics either) so I kinda skipped that too. At 2:00 I had a tutorial test in economics. Yes.. I went to a class yesterday. :P The test went ok I think, it was the last one for the semester thank God. I'm passing all my subjects still, but if I could've fast forwarded in time from highschool me and seen that in the future I'd be skipping a lot of classes like this, I think I'd be pretty damn shocked. I was a bit of a goody-goody back then. I guess now I'm... what? A rebel? :)
After my tutorial test I merrily headed off on my way home. But on the way I stopped off at Vermont South shopping centre to drop my resume in at Blockbuster. Still looking for a job! Anyway, as I was about to go in I heard someone running up behind me, so I turned around and got into that karate kid stance in case it was an attacker (not really) and saw that it was Jamie H from my primary school and first high school! He and Jonny were at Subway eating footlongs - which I'm still yet to do *creates list of things to achieve* - so I went and sat with them for about half an hour. I hadn't seen either of them for quite a while (maybe not since my trip away to Blairgowrie with them during the break between semesters), but it didn't seem like that at all. We got on heaps good. Lol, yep, there goes any credibility this post had! "heaps good"... I mean come on Dale! Anyway, it was good to see them again, and they mentioned catching up on the weekend at some stage, so that put me in a good mood.
Next, I bussed it to Knox for more resume handing out and some gymming. But before I could do any of that, I ran into Simon from my second high school just outside Coles. Hadn't seen him for a long time either, so it was interesting catching up on what he'd been up to. We had indo together, and were on the school tennis team together, so we had been pretty close. He also mentioned catching up on the weekend with some other people from school... I could be in for a busy few days! So I went to the gym, without a sweat towel (since I came straight from uni) so I was walking around the gym trying to act as if I wasn't doing anything wrong, but that probably meant that I was looking more suspicious than I normally would have been, cos I can't act at all when I'm doing something I shouldn't be. Several sore muscles later I went and put a resume in at EB games, and tried at Virgin Megastore and Angus & Robertson (the book shop) where they said to apply online. Going to hand resumes in slighty sweaty, walking painfully, and a little red in the face may not have been the smartest thing I've done. But at least I did it. :)
That night at home Dad, Mum, Mark and I had a family game of Buzz, the quiz show game with the buzzers on playstation 2. And I won!!! Woo! All thanks to me recognising that Alice Deejay "better off alone" song before anyone else did. I hadn't won for AGES so I was pretty rapt. I admit that there was a small victory dance involved, but hey, why not! The night ended on a great note too, with a phone call from the person I've been seeing for the past few weeks now. I speak to them most days, and I always look forward to our conversations... they can go anywhere, no matter where we start at or what direction I think they'll go. Yep, this boyo is in serious like. Hopped into bed, watched an episode of the simpsons, and then slowly drifted off to sleep. Feeling content about how the day had panned out.
Dale.
A good place to start would be Monday night.. Not technically part of yesterday, but meh! I play tennis on Monday nights for Wantirna tennis club (think I've mentioned it before), and this time we were playing against Bayswater North. Luke picked me up and drove us there - I'm no stranger to his car since he gives me lifts to uni several days a week, thanks Luke - but we had a bit of trouble finding it. The lights were out and it was really dark, and when we pulled into what looked like the carpark, got out and walked around, became very confused and a little scared (the place looked like some kind of abandoned hunting lodge that you see in all those "psycho killer on the loose" type movies) we decided we must have been in the wrong place. But we weren't! It was just on the other side of the ominious looking buildings, which we figured out when another car pulled up (thankfully no axe-wielding murderer inside) and we asked them where the hell the tennis courts were.
Anyway, we eventually got round to playing us some tennis - oh Vanessa got lost too, so we're not geographically challenged if that's what you were thinking! - but we were down a player so only got to play two sets each instead of three. I won both my sets and played a lot better than I had for a long time. Overall we lost though, but only because of the three sets we had to forfeit.
Ok, Tuesday morning, first day back at uni after the midsemester break, so I had to get up at 8am. This was a little bit of a struggle. But I did it, showered, dressed, ate and had my brain functioning within the hour. Luke came at 9.30ish and drove me to uni. Got to uni at about 10:01 and had an hour to waste until my first lecture at 11.00, so I met up with Praveen in the science library. Caught up with what he'd been doing, "did you watch the grand final?" etc, etc, and then somehow we decided to go to Maccas and get something to eat. (This involved me skipping my lecture but that wasn't such a hard choice to make. After all it was only accounting, and I'm not even doing this course next year!!)
Sitting in the drive-thru McFlurrys were decided upon - he had Oreo I had m&m - and we went back to uni and ate them as we walked around in the freaking awesome weather that's decided to arrive all of a sudden. Anyway, he went off to play indoor cricket at about 12.30, and I went and found a computer lab. That was when I did yesterday's blog, and left a myspace comment here and there. I was supposed to have a lecture at 1:00 but got carried away with my blogging and whatnot (and I'm really not that motivated by Business & Economic Statistics either) so I kinda skipped that too. At 2:00 I had a tutorial test in economics. Yes.. I went to a class yesterday. :P The test went ok I think, it was the last one for the semester thank God. I'm passing all my subjects still, but if I could've fast forwarded in time from highschool me and seen that in the future I'd be skipping a lot of classes like this, I think I'd be pretty damn shocked. I was a bit of a goody-goody back then. I guess now I'm... what? A rebel? :)
After my tutorial test I merrily headed off on my way home. But on the way I stopped off at Vermont South shopping centre to drop my resume in at Blockbuster. Still looking for a job! Anyway, as I was about to go in I heard someone running up behind me, so I turned around and got into that karate kid stance in case it was an attacker (not really) and saw that it was Jamie H from my primary school and first high school! He and Jonny were at Subway eating footlongs - which I'm still yet to do *creates list of things to achieve* - so I went and sat with them for about half an hour. I hadn't seen either of them for quite a while (maybe not since my trip away to Blairgowrie with them during the break between semesters), but it didn't seem like that at all. We got on heaps good. Lol, yep, there goes any credibility this post had! "heaps good"... I mean come on Dale! Anyway, it was good to see them again, and they mentioned catching up on the weekend at some stage, so that put me in a good mood.
Next, I bussed it to Knox for more resume handing out and some gymming. But before I could do any of that, I ran into Simon from my second high school just outside Coles. Hadn't seen him for a long time either, so it was interesting catching up on what he'd been up to. We had indo together, and were on the school tennis team together, so we had been pretty close. He also mentioned catching up on the weekend with some other people from school... I could be in for a busy few days! So I went to the gym, without a sweat towel (since I came straight from uni) so I was walking around the gym trying to act as if I wasn't doing anything wrong, but that probably meant that I was looking more suspicious than I normally would have been, cos I can't act at all when I'm doing something I shouldn't be. Several sore muscles later I went and put a resume in at EB games, and tried at Virgin Megastore and Angus & Robertson (the book shop) where they said to apply online. Going to hand resumes in slighty sweaty, walking painfully, and a little red in the face may not have been the smartest thing I've done. But at least I did it. :)
That night at home Dad, Mum, Mark and I had a family game of Buzz, the quiz show game with the buzzers on playstation 2. And I won!!! Woo! All thanks to me recognising that Alice Deejay "better off alone" song before anyone else did. I hadn't won for AGES so I was pretty rapt. I admit that there was a small victory dance involved, but hey, why not! The night ended on a great note too, with a phone call from the person I've been seeing for the past few weeks now. I speak to them most days, and I always look forward to our conversations... they can go anywhere, no matter where we start at or what direction I think they'll go. Yep, this boyo is in serious like. Hopped into bed, watched an episode of the simpsons, and then slowly drifted off to sleep. Feeling content about how the day had panned out.
Dale.
10/03/2006
Big Moments In Life
Just a thought or two... or three...
I can't say there have been that many big moments in my life. By big I guess I mean dramatic or life changing - moments that influence the way that a person turns out, or shape people's ideals and the foundations of what they value. Sure there have been events that have altered my perspective on things, but nothing really major yet. Well nothing that stands out at least right now. Although looking back in a decade or so I may think differently about it.
I know that in real life there isn't any dramatic background music or confronting cinematography to accompany such moments as there are on tv or in movies, but I think that a big moment in life should feel as if there were. That's what being alive is all about. Emotions and feelings and all that jazz. Isn't it?
I guess meeting people for the first time who you eventually become close to could classify as a big moment, in that they have a significant impact on your life and how you live it. In which case I have had a few big moments. For friends and those who become more than friends. I've been really lucky that I've been able to meet such genuine, good people. My life is full of them, and sometimes I guess I don't appreciate it (and them!).
Dale
Waiting for a big moment & Starting to appreciate people more.
I can't say there have been that many big moments in my life. By big I guess I mean dramatic or life changing - moments that influence the way that a person turns out, or shape people's ideals and the foundations of what they value. Sure there have been events that have altered my perspective on things, but nothing really major yet. Well nothing that stands out at least right now. Although looking back in a decade or so I may think differently about it.
I know that in real life there isn't any dramatic background music or confronting cinematography to accompany such moments as there are on tv or in movies, but I think that a big moment in life should feel as if there were. That's what being alive is all about. Emotions and feelings and all that jazz. Isn't it?
I guess meeting people for the first time who you eventually become close to could classify as a big moment, in that they have a significant impact on your life and how you live it. In which case I have had a few big moments. For friends and those who become more than friends. I've been really lucky that I've been able to meet such genuine, good people. My life is full of them, and sometimes I guess I don't appreciate it (and them!).
Dale
Waiting for a big moment & Starting to appreciate people more.
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