Analogies Involving Tequila

9 months since my last post. And just to clarify, i have not fathered any children in that time.

I just needed a quick ramble before passing out - drunk and at 6.15am - in my very comfortable and supportive new mattress.

My ramble concerns 'selling yourself short'. What I learned was the following:

Selling yourself short is like that tequila shot you have at the end of a night of partying. You know you could easily have it. You also know it's a bad idea, but you do it anyway because you are completely blinded to how silly it is because of everything that is going on around you. It also is the main cause behind feeling so awful the next morning. NOTE: This analogy is strictly about women.

Sidebar: That analogy would've made sense to you too if you were as drunk as I currently am. Don't judge me. I see that look on your face.

Returning to my original point about selling yourself short and it's close family resemblance to tequila...

I think the point that I've been trying to get across is that selling yourself short is essentially showing no confidence, faith or appreciation for your own talents and abilities. And if YOU can't see the good in yourself, how can you expect others to...?

None of them will ever know how much it hurt when they didn't call or visit while I was alone, at home, in pain.

Stones and Pockets

It's night.

He strolls slowly. He kicks a stone along the cobbled street. It's cold outside. He can see the air exhaling from his mouth with every purposeful breath.

He catches up to the tumbling stone and kicks it again.

Despite the night chill, he wears just jeans and a t-shirt. His hands are in his pockets. He can sense the frustration, the hurt, the humiliation welling up inside him. He feels consumed by it, like the sensation of jumping into water. It surrounds him, confuses him, and offers no escape route.

He kicks the stone.

The moment runs through his head from start to finish on constant repeat. How could he be so foolish? How could he have bought such lies? How could he have shown such faith?

The stone dribbles onwards.

The shadows from the street lamps momentarily hide him from view. He re-appears underneath the next lamp, hands still in pockets. Head still down. Breath still steady. Pace still constant.

He ponders further. Was it his fault? How could it be? Is this the right solution? Is he doing the right thing?

He looks up and sees her standing there. Waiting. Her red dress sits tightly on the curves of her hips. Her arms are folded to protect herself from the cold. She shivers, and looks into his eyes. His breath falters, but he walks towards her still.

They stand opposite each other, shivering now not from cold, but from raw energy. She unfolds her arms and places her palms on his cheeks. She leans in, and they kiss. Her left arm wanders around his neck and pulls him closer. He embraces her around the waist and holds her tightly. The passion is electrifying. The street is empty. And so their love continues.

He opens his eyes. The mirage disappears. She is gone.

He puts his hands back in his pockets.

He kicks the stone forwards.

He walks.

Life Update

OK. So it has been over two months since my last post. I'm terribly sorry. I'm a bad person, yada yada yada, etc. etc.

So a brief update before I start posting again.

Things on my to-do list that I have accomplished:

-Girlfriend..............................check (almost 3 months and counting)
-Employment.........................check (kids sportscoach, grade 1-4)
-Still at uni..............................check (and with good marks!)
-Eternal happiness................working on it (don't judge me, it's harder than it sounds. i'd like to see you try)

So that's me in a nutshell over the past two months.

Now, back to writing...

P.S. It's good to be back

Live. Love. Learn.

My new life motto. Starting as of now. Amazingly enough, I am managing to do all 3 at once.

I am definitely living my life right now. University parties and functions are flowing thick and fast at this point. No to mention all the separate birthday parties and big nights out with friends.

I am definitely loving right now. New starts with special people. New friends. New appreciations for what is important to me. I'm starting to realise exactly what and who I love. An important step in my life.

Learning......... Everybody is constantly learning. Whether it's voluntary or not, every day we will learn some basic lesson. I also happen to be doing the more difficult form of learning - studying. Hoorah! But it's for the best. I think I'm finally getting my head around that now :)

On the note of living and new life mottos. I have a new motto for when I go out and party. It is quite simply:

Suck it up. Back it up.

Translation: Stop whining and have another one!

I think we can all learn a lesson from me and live by these inspired, helpful and rather insightful maxims.

Happy living!!!

Human Basics

What is it to show respect?
What is it to show you care?
What is it to be fair?

Since childhood, we are instilled with a basic values system by which we govern our actions and live our lives. But how is it, that in a society that puts such emphasis and being "a good person", individuals can go so far astray. I'm not talking about the extremes such as theft, abuse or even murder. I'm talking about every day situations - such as treating those you "care about" the way one would treat somebody you "care about". How can somebody instill such hope, faith and joy into another human and then strip it away a moment later? How can a person speak words of passion and love, and by their actions deem them to be hollow and without meaning?

I don't understand. Shouldn't the norm be that when a person's feelings are at stake, then showing respect and being fair be the only correct course of action?

I recently experienced what it is to be let down by somebody you thought better of. Frankly, it sucks. It's that simple. And while you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that at some point you will be let down by those closest to you, nothing can ever prepare you for the feeling of finality that accompanies it. And nothing will ever prepare you for the disappointment - and at times anger - you will feel in those people. Try as you may, you won't ever forget.

It's sad.

I wish it weren't so.
A lot.
And often.

I'm sorry...

Broken Skin

It penetrates his very being. It courses through his body, spreading through every inch like a poison. A fire in his mind. A thunderstorm in his heart. A hurricane in his soul. He struggles to move. His limbs are heavy. His skin begins to crack. He is - for the first time - experiencing the sensation of emptiness. Nothingness. The spark is extinguished. The twinkle disappears. The cool breeze surrounds him. The sun's rays suddenly carry no warmth. His eyes betray him. So he leaves. Without a fight.

He simply leaves.
He is forced to leave.

There is no good reason for any of this.


He wonders, "It's not fair."
He responds, "Life's not fair. Let it go."

And eventually, he did...

Roger

Roger walked in and sat.

"I hate this couch. It symbolises all that is bad. It is misery, pain and anger - with a hint of confusion. I think I can taste a bit of getting ripped off too. It's pretty comfortable though. Does it come in a light blue?"

Sophie smiled and swept her dark hair to one side. She crossed her legs over and stared over at Roger, deep in thought. But said nothing.

Time passed. The stand-off continued.

Light peered in from under the lowered window shades. The room was all but bare. Two black couches faced each other. The air-conditioner hummed and purred, but to little effect. There were no paintings, no tables. Nothing friendly. But Sophie.

Roger stood, paced for 10 seconds, and sat back down. He took off his glasses and ran his hand through his hair.

"What can i say?"
"What do you want to say?" came the reply.

Roger couldn't help but smile.

"You're useless. I'd have as much fun talking to my apple."
The minutes passed.

Silence consumed the room like air. They breathed it. Deep, slow breaths.

Sophie made the move, "Change the circumstances. Go back one year. Before everything. Were you happy?"
"No."
"And now?"
"No."

"Can you see yourself being happy?
No. "Depends".

"Interesting".
"Well spotted Sherlock."

"What would make you happy?"
"You know."
"Anything else? Not money, fame, fortune? Sex, drugs, rock 'n' roll? A lamborghini. World peace?"
"No. Although I wouldn't turn down the car if you're offering..."

Sophie looked Roger up and down. She had known him for years. But he had changed somehow. Not visibly. He had discovered something. Someone.

"You're depressed", she commented. "But I thought you told me what you uncovered was an incredible thing."
"That's the irony of love. It warms your heart, but often it burns it. You know how to tell a man is in love? His mood swings are bigger than a woman's."
"What a lovely sentiment."
"I love her."
"So do something."
"I did. That's the problem. That's why we met, remember?"
"True."

Roger looked at his shoes. Sophie examined them too.

"You only live once. Jump in head first and hope you land in water."
"Thanks, Sophie. But if there is one thing I've learnt from our sessions, it's that you undoubtedly did not listen to your Psychology lecturer."

"See you next week?
"12pm Monday suit you?"
"Absolutely."

Roger paused at the door. He placed a finger on the handle, turned, "I hate her. But only for the next 5 minutes. You see my mood swings? I'm in love."

And he left.

For the first time in my life I have nothing to say.

And quite frankly, I'm terrified.

Global Warming - PLEASE READ

OK, so we've all heard a billion arguments about global warming. A lot of us are even getting a bit sick of going around in circles. But this video blows all arguments out of the water. I haven't been able to find a flaw in it. To be perfectly honest, it's really scary. So please, take the time to watch this video. Really listen to what he is saying, and try and do your part.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDsIFspVzfI

Pass this video on if you can!

The Step

I'm in a desert. The sky is blank, staring down at me with its piercing blue eyes. It offers no help, no solice from the blazing heat that consumes me. I walk through the sand. It's heat surrounds my toes as I wiggle them to gain grip on the steep dunes. I wonder when this will end. When will I find the oasis that brings with it the juices of life? When will I find the oasis that brings with it reinvigoration of the soul?

I am now on my hands and knees. I crawl towards the top of the dune. Every breath becomes a struggle. My anger rises. My temper flares. My patience expires. As the sun rises to its peak, it stares down and judges. In a fit of madness, I throw sand in its direction and curse it. Why does it punish me? Why does it judge me?

I make it to the top of the dune. I stand. Slowly. Purposefully. Defiantly. A cool breeze dances around my ankles. And as I survey the view, I realise that I am no longer in a desert. I am in a sandbox. I calmly step out, and smile at the feeling of wet grass on the bottom of my feet. So I remove my other foot from the sandbox. I take a few more steps, and with each step my anger fades. My temper subsides. My patience restores itself. I am not in an oasis. I am somewhere far more permanent.

But then I wonder, "Why did I wait so long to realise it was merely a sandbox? Why didn't I step out earlier, rather than prolong my own suffering and torment?"

It was only a step... And in this new place, I look at the sun once more, but this time I thank it for the lovely tan.

A Progression Of Thoughts

This is where I want to be.

This is where I am.


This is how I want to be.


This is how I'm afraid I'll end up.


This is what I want to do.


This is what I'm doing.


This is how I want to be. Now and forever.


This is my greatest fear.

Tunnels and Lights

There is always light at the end of the tunnel. No matter how bad things seem. It's there. There is no use in denying it. In fact, you will save a lot of time and effort by accepting the inevitability that the light is there, and that it will come. Now move on accordingly.



Note: For those of you who wish to discredit this point of view, unfortunately you can't. This is simply because I had this epiphany in the shower. And only true, real and important epiphanies happen in showers. In fact, I'm pretty sure that Einstein figured out "e=mc²" while having a refreshing bath.

Moscow

Cars battle for pole position on busy streets. No indicators, no warning. The rich and the poor can be distinguished simply by looking at the colour of the car (and the symbol puts it beyond doubt). The black BMW's, sleek Mercedes and powerful luxury 4WD's transfer the elite and super wealthy of Moscow in style. They know they can't be touched, and they drive like it. The poor know that they can't touch the rich, and they drive like it. They live in fear of scratching the perfect paint jobs, fear of having to pay the insurance, fear of watching their last rubles disappear into a bank account that is bursting at the seam.

The city itself is not that beautiful. Old, run-down buildings fill the gaps between restored masterpieces. Yet the history that channels through every cobblestone and every brick evens-out the arrogance. It's culture makes its sinful ways forgivable. It's strength makes the weakest of people seem like spartan warriors, even if it is only in spirit. It's enough to change even the most resolved and uptight of men, and the most level-headed women. Money, it turns out, is everything. All else follows. Especially in Moscow.

If money is the devil, then Moscow must be hell.

Then why don't I want to leave? Have I too been influenced by its powerful methods of persuasion? Or does a part of me secretly want the lifestyle that could exist only in a damned haven like Moscow?

I don't know. But if the the US has the American Dream, then Moscow has the Universal Dream.

I Still Call Australia Home

I've been to cities that never close down,
from New York to Rio and old London town,
but no matter how far or how wide I roam,
I still call Australia home.

I'm always travelling, I love being free,
and so I keep leaving the sun and the sea,
but my heart lies waiting over the foam,
I still call Australia home.

All the sons and daughters spinning 'round the world,
away from their family and friends,
but as the world gets older and colder,
it's good to know where your journey ends.

Someday we'll all be together once more,
when all of the ships come back to the shore,
Ill realise something I've always known,
I still call Australia home.

But no matter how far or wide I roam,
I still call Australia, I still call Australia, I still call Australia home.
but no matter how far or wide I roam,
I still call Australia I still call Australia, I still call Australia home.



This song was written by Peter Allen. It touches every Aussie all over the world, no matter where they are. I still have to stop myself from crying whenever I hear this song. This country is incredible. And while there may be more exciting cities, bigger cities, brighter cities.... there is nowhere I'd rather be.

If you are an Australian and are reading this, download this song. Then close your eyes, and think of home. It will come easily. And when you are done, try hard not to feel patriotic. You will find it is impossible. I will always call Australia home. Always.

Everything Is Illuminated

The movie "Everything Is Illuminated" is a touching movie about Jonathan's search for his grandfather's past. A comedy at times, and a drama that brings you to your knees the next, it is hard not to get engrossed in this film. This was just one scene that stood out for me, and had me laughing out loud hours later. It was just the epitomy of the Russian thought process: meat, vodka and other Russians... that is the meaning of life.

(Because Alex can't say the name Jonathan, he calls him Jonfen instead)
Jonfen: "I'm a vegetarian."
Alex: "What does this mean?"
Jonfen: "It means i don't eat any meat."
Alex: "But why?"
Jonfen: "I just don't."
Alex: "What about steak?"
Jonfen: "No."
Alex: "Chickens?"
Jonfen: "No."
Alex: "And the sausage?"
Jonfen: "No."
Alex (in Russian): "Grandfather, he says he does not eat meat."
Grandfather (in Russian): "Is he sick?"
Alex (in Russian): "No."
Grandfather (in Russian): "What about sausage?"

From left to right: Alex, Jonathan (or Jonfen), Grandfather

The Drama, The Hype, The Gossip

Paris Hilton is stupid. Fact. Paris Hilton will do anything for attention. Fact. Paris Hilton saw G-d in her jail cell and apparently the Almighty One sent her there to teach her a lesson. Fiction. Unless the G-d was seriously bored and wanted to play a joke on the world's current talking point, there is no reason for Him to speak to her.

Let's look at this from a historical perspective, by creating a short list of people that G-d has spoken to in the past:
Abraham
Joshua
Moses
Isaac

Notice a pattern? These people believed. They didn't release sex tapes because they thought it was cool, they didn't get drunk and break the terms of their driving probation, but most of all, they didn't have a good old sob when shit didn't go their way to get people to feel sorry for them. If we had to create a list of people that G-d wouldn't talk to, then Paris Hilton would be in the Top 3. Joining her would be Saddam Hussein and Mel Gibson.


I'm confused at what all the fuss is about? Oh no! A celebrity doing something stupid! How shocking! It's not like they're human or anything!

I will give it to Paris though, she used her celebrity status nicely to get herself out of prison. Not that we didn't see it coming. If Paris cries, then she expects everybody to cry with her. There was a poll on one of Australia's news channels as to whether or not Paris should have been let out of prison. 83% of people said that she shouldn't be let out. What were the other 17% thinking? Prison is not meant to be a happy place!!!!!!! You are not supposed to enjoy prison! If you endanger people's lives by driving drunk when your license has already been suspended then you have to expect that you are going to be put behind bars for at least a week. Am I being too harsh? Sorry. I guess I just had the impression that our society was based on sets of rules that supposedly helped it run smoothly. While some of the rules are questionable, and some of them aren't strictly enforced, basic rules like not being allowed to handle a 1 tonne moving piece of metal travelling at 60 miles per hour on a public road with hundreds of lives at stake seems like one that should be strictly monitored.

Lets review the obvious points of the case:
Points against Paris:
She's annoying
She's dumb
She committed a crime that deserved punishment

Points for Paris:
She saw G-d
Attempt to use money and being a "celebrity" to get her out of prison

Sorry G-d, but not even you can swing things into her favor.

Travel - A Holiday Through Time

That familiar feeling rushes through your body as you sit writing your report for work or university at 3.30am. That familiar feeling that comes when you're feeling low, feeling frustrated, feeling angry, feeling tired. "I need a holiday". Most people get it once a month or so. I get it approximately every 48 minutes, give or take 20 seconds.

But not the type where you're constantly on-the-go, 10 hour tours filled with walking and learning. I long for the holidays where you do nothing. Bask in the sun on the beach. Watch sea gulls try and fly against the wind. Drink coconut milk from a freshly opened coconut. Swim in the ocean. Then sit in the sun some more. You know the ones...

But then I got to thinking. What if instead of traveling to a destination in our world. Imagine traveling to a destination during a different time period. For example, to be there at the opening of the first Heineken brewery. Maybe they were giving out freebies...???

People could go back to the olden days. See the dinosaurs. Watch the parting of the Red Sea (with popcorn of course). Attend an Elvis concert. See Britney Spears when she was attractive. The list continues...

Anyone remember this?

Just the overall coolness of the idea made me jittery with glee. A chance to regain my dignity from all the times that I lost it. This would take several vacations. But a good investment nevertheless.

It would provide a way to see the world like never before.

A lot of people never post responses on other people's blogs. But if you have read this, please write where you would go and why. Doesn't matter who you are, if we've met or not, where you live. I'm interested. Spill your thoughts. In this case, the world really is your oyster. Happy travels!!!

Goldfish

Sitting in my International Business lecture, I can't help but wonder, do goldfish really have 3 second memories?

International Business discusses globalization, free trade, and the impact multi national companies have on a global scale.

One of the arguments against globalization is that it harms the environment. Billion-dollar companies like Nike couldn't give a shit if they over-pollute a creek in central China, nor could they care if that river happens to be the water source for thousands of people. As long as their clothes and shoes are produced cheaply and sold for ridiculous profits.

The polluted rivers, lakes, seas and oceans contain some of the most important organisms in the world. The balance of life and death in the murky depths is drawn with a very fine line. Any disruption could be catastrophic.

So the place where goldfish live is being polluted daily beyond belief. Could this mean - and this is a crazy, out-there theory that is bullshit but helps tie this story together - that we are possibly responsible for them having a 3 second memory? Who knows? We don't. And I'm betting neither do the goldfish, chances are they don't remember...

(No goldfish were harmed in the writing of this story)

Very Well...

OK, so I haven't written a post in a while. I'm a terrible human being, I'm going to hell, etc. etc. The point is, that while a meaningful method of expressing myself has failed to present itself over the past month or so, I have been busy planning my trip to "Lets not fail macroeconomics" land. Its impossible to get a visa, not to mention the vaccinations..... I needed three against boredom alone.

However, it will be pleasing to those of you who have been following my lack of progress that I have in fact made some progress. Feel free to ignore this blatant contradiction and read on for an explanation.

While most people feel that I have done nothing to improve my circumstances, I am inclined to disagree. I know a lot more about the subjects that I am studying. I am more than capable of passing. If you remain cynical, keep it to yourself. In my world, everything is peachy, especially peaches.