Although this holiday was fun, here's my bitchy post for today.
Up at oh-dark-hundred (5:30am) after a restless night of being unable to breathe through my nose.
Thank goodness for Simon, who got up so early and drove me to the airport, instead of leaving me shivering at the station. Checked in and had some very nice chai latte (the one with actual leaves with frothy milk poured through it).
Everything was going well until the flight. We were subjected to pretty bad turbulence, three times the obligatory number of screaming children, mucus stuck in my inner ear bit that sent shooting pains whenever I tilted my head (as well as a muffled hearing - thank goodness that's gone). In addition, I was seated next to a young lady who took up her seat, and quite a bit of mine. I'm not exaggerating. She had to get a seatbelt extension, and when my tray lowered down, it had to squeeze past her. When the turbulence started, I have to admit that I thought "If we crash to the right I'll be okay, but if we hit the left, life is going to be painful". I do feel sorry for the girl, but having spent 2 hours of my life contorting myself so that I wasn't getting up close and personal with her, I thought that I deserved a bit of sympathy.
Back at home now, still with a cold, but I have a nice warm gown and humidifier so things are looking up.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Not worth mentioniong - 10th July 2009
I won't bother you with details of today. Suffice it to say that I felt sick, kept to my bed and watched a lot of bad shows on foxtel. Since I've been lying on the couch, I appear to have picked up some hairs from Jackson that have taken to appearing in my food at dinner. Even when I haven't actually been eating on the couch, no-one else gets them in their dinner but me.
Suspicious...
Suspicious...
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Not quite what the doctor ordered - 9th July 2009
Okay, so I was an idiot. I should have listened to Michelle and stayed in bed. However the prospect of meeting Stephen and Nicky at the station and walking to Paddy's market seemed like a good idea at the time. Unfortunately I felt like death warmed over, and was slightly incoherent. When your brain feels like it's full of cotton-wool, it's hard to be sociable.
After calling Michelle to let her know how I was going, I realised how stupid I'd been.
After calling Michelle to let her know how I was going, I realised how stupid I'd been.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Things are looking...neutral - 8th July 009
The Bad News
I woke up feeling worse than yesterday. My throat was even more sore (I couldn't talk without it hurting) and I still had that evil post-nasal drip. The weather was also very nasty today with lots of wind, cold and pouring rain.
The Good News
The people I stayed with last time (Nic Hersch's family) have two doctors in the house! Literally, as Michelle kindly let me come to her place on her day off from work. Simon was happy to take me, for which I am also very thankful. Since it WAS pouring rain outside, I didn't feel like I was wasting the rest of the day, which was spent mainly on the couch - thank goodness for Foxtel and books!
The Better News
I'm feeling a bit better this evening due to the fact that this evil illness I have, is apparently bacterial. Michelle put me on to antibiotics, and since I don't have a virus, I expect to feel a lot better in the morning.
Stephen is feeling a bit under the weather, but I'm hoping that we'll both be good to go to the markets tomorrow.
I woke up feeling worse than yesterday. My throat was even more sore (I couldn't talk without it hurting) and I still had that evil post-nasal drip. The weather was also very nasty today with lots of wind, cold and pouring rain.
The Good News
The people I stayed with last time (Nic Hersch's family) have two doctors in the house! Literally, as Michelle kindly let me come to her place on her day off from work. Simon was happy to take me, for which I am also very thankful. Since it WAS pouring rain outside, I didn't feel like I was wasting the rest of the day, which was spent mainly on the couch - thank goodness for Foxtel and books!
The Better News
I'm feeling a bit better this evening due to the fact that this evil illness I have, is apparently bacterial. Michelle put me on to antibiotics, and since I don't have a virus, I expect to feel a lot better in the morning.
Stephen is feeling a bit under the weather, but I'm hoping that we'll both be good to go to the markets tomorrow.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Sick - 7th July 2009
It turns out that yesterday's headache was a prelude to a cold. I've got a lovely post-nasal drip, dizzyness and sore throat. I spent most of the day in bed, or on the couch watching TV so there's nothing much to report.
With a good night's sleep, hopefully I'll be up and about tomorrow. Geocaching might get a bit muddy!
With a good night's sleep, hopefully I'll be up and about tomorrow. Geocaching might get a bit muddy!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Public Transport - 6th July 2009
I'm going to make this brief since I have a terrible headache. I'll dot-point for now so that I won't forget anything.
1. Up at 9am to talk to Stephen about geocaching today. The problem was that we had no transport since Leora had the car, and Nicky wasn't feeling well. In addition, we had no GPS (backup plan was to steal one from Stephen's dad, but we didn't end up doing it).
2. Got back on the couch and watched America's Next Top Model for a bit, whilst eating a kosher salami and lettuce sandwich. Since it's really hard to get the stuff in Adelaide, this was rather enjoyable.
3. Off to the shops with Simon to load up on groceries and chicken for dinner. I plan to make a chicken satay pastry thingy or a roast chicken later in the week.
4. Dropped off at Gordon station, almost missing the train. I managed to get on it, but in my rush, I had accidentally taken the one going in the opposite direction to the city. Hopped off at the next stop and waited around 5 minutes to get the one back. Off at Town Hall station to switch to Newtown line. More waiting. I love my ipod touch - having e-books whilst travelling is fantastic since I get sick if I try to read on moving transport.
5. Arrive at Newtown at 3pm, absolutely starving. Went into the "Sogo Espresso" cafe and had a fritata which was dry and tasteless - I was too hungry so I ate it anyway.
Accidentally went the wrong way down King Street and started feeling uncomfortable when the amount of people around dropped. FYI, Newtown is the equivalent of Salisbury - not the best part of town, however it has too many second-hand bookstores on the same road for me to ignore.
6. Spent until 5:30pm walking up and down King Street and browsing in the bookstores. Got two books, $5 and $8 respectively. Stopped off at T2 to pick up some tea as a thank-you present, and was treated to tasting a variety of teas. Grabbed some "chocolate chip" chai tea (no chocolate actually involved) and was presented with some hot tea to go on my way from the lovely shop assistants.
7. Back to the train in the near-dark. This time took the right connections, and was glad to have dragged my beanie, coat and gloves with me - despite the fact that they'd dislocated my arms and back for the most part of the day (that stuff is HEAVY!).
8. Picked up at Gordon station by Simon, had chicken drumsticks and potato mash for dinner, then watched Masterchef with Chloe. Am currently eating a strawberry yoghurt at the computer (it's 8:50pm) with plans to head to bed shortly.
Tomorrow it's lunch with Kat, and then I think I'll take the rest of the day off, since that seems the only way I'll keep my brain from melting. Am having a really great time though!
TTYL
Amy
1. Up at 9am to talk to Stephen about geocaching today. The problem was that we had no transport since Leora had the car, and Nicky wasn't feeling well. In addition, we had no GPS (backup plan was to steal one from Stephen's dad, but we didn't end up doing it).
2. Got back on the couch and watched America's Next Top Model for a bit, whilst eating a kosher salami and lettuce sandwich. Since it's really hard to get the stuff in Adelaide, this was rather enjoyable.
3. Off to the shops with Simon to load up on groceries and chicken for dinner. I plan to make a chicken satay pastry thingy or a roast chicken later in the week.
4. Dropped off at Gordon station, almost missing the train. I managed to get on it, but in my rush, I had accidentally taken the one going in the opposite direction to the city. Hopped off at the next stop and waited around 5 minutes to get the one back. Off at Town Hall station to switch to Newtown line. More waiting. I love my ipod touch - having e-books whilst travelling is fantastic since I get sick if I try to read on moving transport.
5. Arrive at Newtown at 3pm, absolutely starving. Went into the "Sogo Espresso" cafe and had a fritata which was dry and tasteless - I was too hungry so I ate it anyway.
Accidentally went the wrong way down King Street and started feeling uncomfortable when the amount of people around dropped. FYI, Newtown is the equivalent of Salisbury - not the best part of town, however it has too many second-hand bookstores on the same road for me to ignore.
6. Spent until 5:30pm walking up and down King Street and browsing in the bookstores. Got two books, $5 and $8 respectively. Stopped off at T2 to pick up some tea as a thank-you present, and was treated to tasting a variety of teas. Grabbed some "chocolate chip" chai tea (no chocolate actually involved) and was presented with some hot tea to go on my way from the lovely shop assistants.
7. Back to the train in the near-dark. This time took the right connections, and was glad to have dragged my beanie, coat and gloves with me - despite the fact that they'd dislocated my arms and back for the most part of the day (that stuff is HEAVY!).
8. Picked up at Gordon station by Simon, had chicken drumsticks and potato mash for dinner, then watched Masterchef with Chloe. Am currently eating a strawberry yoghurt at the computer (it's 8:50pm) with plans to head to bed shortly.
Tomorrow it's lunch with Kat, and then I think I'll take the rest of the day off, since that seems the only way I'll keep my brain from melting. Am having a really great time though!
TTYL
Amy
Sunday, July 5, 2009
First day - 5th July 2009
I woke up at 8:45pm after heading to bed last night at 10:40pm. I was going to wait up for Simon and Leora to come back from their housewarming party in order to discuss transport, but decided that they'd leave me a note or something. Since I was up before they left, I was given the use of Leora's car, and her GPS (something I was very glad to have).
As I said before, I don't want to drive much, so transport today was mostly via train - however I needed to get to Gordon station in order to begin my travels. Note to self. When you use a GPS, LISTEN TO IT. I ended up going in circles because I saw a station, parked and JUST missed the train, before realising that it was the wrong station. So, back to the car (this time listening to the GPS) and down to the Gordon Station commuter car-park. This time I waited four minutes for the train, and got to Hornsby on time to jump the next train to Pennant Hill.
Why Pennant Hill? I hear you ask. Well today was my day to meet Stephen and his girlfriend Nicky - whom I'd only previously spoken to on the internet. I am quite happy to say that yes, they aren't crazy axe-murderers (although Nicky does carry a sturdy shovel that her grandmother gave to her in the boot of her car).
When I arrived, they were running a bit late, so I perused the small strip of shops nearby. Unfortunately the second-hand bookshop was closed, but there was a Library at the end of the road, so I was able to sit down and have a read while I waited.
We wandered over to The Insomnia Cafe for lunch at about 3pm. Apparently it used to be open until 1am, but now shuts at 11pm (not very insomniac if you ask me!). The food was very nice, and very generous. I had some bruschetta, a hamburger (good quality!) and some punjab chai tea (at least I think that's what it was called).
Feeling comfortably full, we popped down to a local nature reserve and walked up and down some paths (concrete since I didn't have bush-bashing clothes). There was a gorgeous clearing that someone had turned into an amphitheater-style area, with logs set at different levels up the side of the hill, and the remains of a bushfire in the middle. Stephen has a photo that he'll send to me (or can put in the comments here perhaps). On our way back to the car, we saw that someone had dropped both a bicycle, and then later on a shopping trolley off a steep part of the hill that we were climbing. I really hope that the drivers hadn't been on or in the moving vehicles.
After the amble, it was starting to get dark so I hopped back on the train and headed for home. I'm glad I'd thought to bring my jumper as it gets cold FAST here. This morning I was nice and warm, but by 4:30pm I was freezing. Luckily the trains are heated.
The plans for tomorrow are to go geocaching with Stephen and Nicky, then meet up again on Thursday to go to Paddy's Market since we didn't get a chance to go today (basically because got back into bed at 10am after breakfast and didn't get up until 11:30am).
I've organised to see Kathryn on Tuesday in North Sydney, and am hoping to catch up with my friend Shoba in Newtown where I can peruse the 5-or-so second-hand bookstores in the area. I must remember to set myself a budget like I did last time.
It's 6:53pm at the moment, so I'm going to sign off and start looking for geocaching locations for tomorrow. After that, I believe it's lamb sausages for dinner, and then I'll try and get Burn Notice on the TV for the cousins.
As I said before, I don't want to drive much, so transport today was mostly via train - however I needed to get to Gordon station in order to begin my travels. Note to self. When you use a GPS, LISTEN TO IT. I ended up going in circles because I saw a station, parked and JUST missed the train, before realising that it was the wrong station. So, back to the car (this time listening to the GPS) and down to the Gordon Station commuter car-park. This time I waited four minutes for the train, and got to Hornsby on time to jump the next train to Pennant Hill.
Why Pennant Hill? I hear you ask. Well today was my day to meet Stephen and his girlfriend Nicky - whom I'd only previously spoken to on the internet. I am quite happy to say that yes, they aren't crazy axe-murderers (although Nicky does carry a sturdy shovel that her grandmother gave to her in the boot of her car).
When I arrived, they were running a bit late, so I perused the small strip of shops nearby. Unfortunately the second-hand bookshop was closed, but there was a Library at the end of the road, so I was able to sit down and have a read while I waited.
We wandered over to The Insomnia Cafe for lunch at about 3pm. Apparently it used to be open until 1am, but now shuts at 11pm (not very insomniac if you ask me!). The food was very nice, and very generous. I had some bruschetta, a hamburger (good quality!) and some punjab chai tea (at least I think that's what it was called).
Feeling comfortably full, we popped down to a local nature reserve and walked up and down some paths (concrete since I didn't have bush-bashing clothes). There was a gorgeous clearing that someone had turned into an amphitheater-style area, with logs set at different levels up the side of the hill, and the remains of a bushfire in the middle. Stephen has a photo that he'll send to me (or can put in the comments here perhaps). On our way back to the car, we saw that someone had dropped both a bicycle, and then later on a shopping trolley off a steep part of the hill that we were climbing. I really hope that the drivers hadn't been on or in the moving vehicles.
After the amble, it was starting to get dark so I hopped back on the train and headed for home. I'm glad I'd thought to bring my jumper as it gets cold FAST here. This morning I was nice and warm, but by 4:30pm I was freezing. Luckily the trains are heated.
The plans for tomorrow are to go geocaching with Stephen and Nicky, then meet up again on Thursday to go to Paddy's Market since we didn't get a chance to go today (basically because got back into bed at 10am after breakfast and didn't get up until 11:30am).
I've organised to see Kathryn on Tuesday in North Sydney, and am hoping to catch up with my friend Shoba in Newtown where I can peruse the 5-or-so second-hand bookstores in the area. I must remember to set myself a budget like I did last time.
It's 6:53pm at the moment, so I'm going to sign off and start looking for geocaching locations for tomorrow. After that, I believe it's lamb sausages for dinner, and then I'll try and get Burn Notice on the TV for the cousins.
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