Blippy Machines, Salami and Shoplifters!

Work is work. Actually, apart from the physical slog of slicing salami, I’m really enjoying it! Especially after last week. Victor (my boss) taught me how to order the dairy and frozen load. It was pretty cool – I got to use one of them blippy machines, you know the little handheld computer thingies they carry around in the supermarkets for ordering stock. I know it doesn’t seem like much, but it is to me (the ordering, not the toy). Basically, once I get used to doing the order I will be in control of that whole section on my own. Now, it’s not a huge dairy/frozen area we have, but it’s still a pretty big deal. What’s major is that he trusts me to do it. The only problem is, it adds a heavy responsibility to my already hectic workload. At least now I should be able to palm off some of the little duties to the others. Well, that’s what I’m hopin’ anyway.

I think things are going well there, although it’s hard to tell with Victor sometimes. He’s a little bit hard to read. But he keeps givin’ me more and more responsibilities, so I’m takin’ that as a good sign. A coupla weeks back he taught me how to do hosting, which is gonna be way too hard to explain. Basically it’s receiving all the updated data from the Foodworks group, downloading it onto our computer and reviewing all the price changes, promotions and specials etc. It’s done on a weekly basis.

The hardest thing is dealing with shoplifting. We get a LOT of it, and sometimes it’s pretty scary. Like there are three big, drunk guys in a group and us girls have to try and stop them. Mostly they come in when Victor is not there, and they know he’s not there. When he’s gone, I’m ‘sposed to be in charge. But I’m usually out the back and sometimes there’s only one other person working and they’re on the register. So, you can see the predicament.

The other thing is the supervising. I mean, we’ve been getting’ a lot of newbies in, and I’m kinda expected to show them what to do, even though I’ve only been there about four months and I’d be lucky to serve on the registers twice a week for ten minutes each time. The other girls who have been there longer help me out with that, ‘cause there are some things on the register I don’t even know how to do. Although I think I’ve just about covered most of it now. I also hate ‘giving orders’, or even worse, having to pick people up on their mistakes. I’m not cut out for supervising. But hey, that’s what I’m getting paid to do, so better do it, eh?

Other than those few things, work is fine. Just don’t come orderin’ any salami from my deli!

How to defend yourself against a man armed with a banana.

Right then, now that I have your attention...

Our weekly meetings/training sessions for St John started for the year a coupla weeks ago, so that has been keeping me busy. On top of the Monday night adults and Friday night cadet meetings I went in for a coupla Wednesday nights to help Leon do some electrical work on the hall, as we have been getting some renovations done. I was also sorting out cadet stuff and helping Ruth with stores for our new custom made cupboards, which look mighty spiffy. Tomorrow is our AGM, which should be a tonne of fun. Much voting and stuff will take place.

Cadets have been continuing with their boating badge, which has been great. Today a group of us went on the ferry from Queenscliffe to Sorrento. It’s the first time I’ve been on the ferry, and I wasn’t expecting it to be so big. I don’t know what I was thinking, but the only ferry I can remember goin’ on was the one in Goolwa. Remember that Mum, Dad and the rest of the mob? It was one of those tiny platform ferries that only fit about three cars on it and ran along some kinda cable. Can you imagine crossin’ the bay on one of them? *shakes fist at own stupidity*

Anyway, it was a good day. We only spent a short time in Sorrento, eating lunch and goin’ through some boating theory. I took a few photos cause I’m hopin’ to get a cadet newsletter happenin’ and thought some shots might be nice. I’m not sure if I’m allowed to post pics of the cadets on here, so I’ll just post some of these funky lookin’ fishin’ boats I saw at the Queenscliffe port. I’ve never seen squid boats like this before, well not that I can remember. I thought they were very interestin’ lookin’ with all the globes runnin' along the side. They would look mad all lit up. Hope you can see it clearly enough in the shot. For some reason, blogger is makin' my pics look blurry. If you want a better image, try going to flickr, by clickin' on the photos in the little flash square on the sidebar of my site.

I’ve been on a coupla duties the last few weeks. Did a stint at the huge lifesaving championships they have on here at the moment – Rescue 2006. I did a coupla hours at an open water swim they held at Eastern Beach, in Geelong. It’s an international competition, so there were lifesavers from South Africa, Japan, Egypt… even Scandinavia, only I can’t remember which country exactly. We had two of the cadets on duty that day too, so it worked well – we just got them to treat all the casualties. And they did an excellent job.

Also went out to Avalon Speedway last night after tennis, but unfortunately it got cancelled. So I missed arvo tea and drinks at the club afterwards – for nuthin’! Aw well, soon got over that as Ruth and I ordered pasta, came home and watched Farscape for the rest of the night! So, it turned out quite well, although I would have liked to spend the time with my team, drowning our sorrows after our defeat. Plus – free pool!

Next week I'll be helpin' Leon with more theory sessions on Wednesay night and might put in some hours at the Queen's Baton relay on Saturday and Meredith Motorbikes on the Sunday.

Go Team!

We made it to the Prelims! Last week we played in the Semi finals against Clifton Springs. We bet them in the first round and they bet us in the second round, so we were even. It turned out to be a pretty close day, but Newcomb ended up winning by nine games.

So, yesterday we played Grovedale, the losers of the other Semi. They ended up second on the ladder for the season (we ended up third). We had only played them in one round throughout the year, ‘cause the second round got washed out. It was a little bit weird, ‘cause we hadn’t faced them since right in the beginning of the season.

I was very nervous at the start of the mixed, and it didn’t help that the opposing boy was really good. Luckily, Peter and I were better! We won 6-4. It was so good to have that first set as a victory, ‘cause it gave us confidence for the rest of the day.

Unfortunately, we lost by three games in the end. It was so close, and the guys had a really tough battle, as Grovedale’s men were pretty strong. Us girls, however, did a super job and nailed all of our sets! We were pretty pleased with that. It was a good day of tennis and I think we did well to get where we did, considering we were missin’ two of our star players due to injuries and overseas travel! We were thinkin’ of ya Tan!

The downfall is, next week we have to umpire the grand final! Wish us luck…

After that my Saturdays will be freed up – although I’m sure that won’t last long, what with duties and other commitments. Now I just have to find some other form of physical exercise to do so I don’t turn into a blob over the next month and a bit. At least my elbow will get a little rest (apart from slicing salami at work). Hopefully, I’ll be able to get some more volleyball action with Laura’s team – The Caterpillars! I played for them last Tuesday and it was loads of fun. I will miss my tennis - bring on Winter comp!

Sorry there's no pic, I keep forgetting to get a team shot! Besides, you guys wouldn't wanna see me in my shorts... and that ratty hat!

Princess Dee's Shiny Shindig

Mike, Melz, Bec and Jackson at the BBQ.

There goes February. Crazy, hey? So where did I leave you guys last time? Ah… yes, I remember. Well Melz had a b’day – her 26th to be exact. She had a BBQ at the yacht club on Saturday 11th, which was a nice casual night. Damian came down from Sydney on the Friday mornin’ (don’t worry Damian I won’t mention how you missed your plane…again! Ooops… did I just type that?). I kept him up late the Friday night after I got home from Cadets. I swear, he must have been extremely tired ‘cause it was prolly the first time I’ve had a philosophical conversation with him where everythin’ he said actually made sense, and… I was able to argue back. I figure he was so exhausted he couldn’t be bothered trying to be cryptic to confuse me. Our discussion raised an interesting point, which I’ll come back to later, ‘cause this post is meant to be about Melz’s b’day.

So, to continue… Mum, Dad and Simon came down the Saturday night. It was good to have the whole family there – been a while since that were the case. Too bad Simon was dog-tired from cycling, playing cricket and NOT EATING! Pah! *shakes fist at Simon’s stupidity* I thought he would know better. Luckily we had enough food to feed him for a week! I don’t know how much Melz spent, but put it this way, we were eating cold snags, chicken and burgers for the rest of the week – and then there’s the leftovers in the freezer! And how could I forget the box of fruit Dad brought down!

Anyway, Melz seemed to have a good night. Unfortunately the camera battery died, right after I took two photos – so they’re all I’ve got. Bec has some more on her phone, but we won’t be able to get them until Melz’s phone gets fixed. Technology, eh?

Being the fantastic sister that I am, I got Melz… nothing! I didn’t even bake a cake, or cook tea or anything in fact. Thoughtful aren’t I? She did get some nice stuff off her mates – thank god for friends, she says. Actually, she’s meant to be choosin’ her pressie, it’s too gorram bad she’s so fussy! I mean, a wok is a wok, is it not?

Right now we are ‘sposed to be at the supermarket doin’ grocery shoppin’ so we can actually eat! (Melz may be able to survive on coke and toast, but I cannot!) I started writin’ this post because she said she wanted to finish the chapter in her book before we went. That was an hour ago and the chapter only had a bout four pages left. I thought I was the slow reader! ‘Xcuse me while I go give her a good boot up the a@#!

Oops! I forgot to mention that we went to the Rodeo last Saturday night and then out dancin’. Yes, I actually went out dancin’! Sadly, we missed the riding at the rodeo, ‘cause I was too busy drinking beers and playin’ pool at the tennis club. But we got to see one of the bands, and they weren’t half bad. Well, that’s comin’ from someone who has at least some appreciation of country rock music. I can’t speak for Melz, of course. If you wanna see the sexy pic of us two ready to head on over to the twist and shout, then you'll have to check it out in flickr, 'cause I've tried to post it here and it keeps goin' all blurry on me... which ain't entirely good lookin'.

An ode to mother.

I can think of one hundred and one better things to post than this, but decided there's nothing more fun than makin' a fool outta myself. Plus, I aim to please my mother. This is an example of a very bad poem that I wrote quite a few years ago, when we were experimenting with different forms of poetry in class. It's called a pantoum (I hope that's right), and it's s'posed to be repetitive (that comment was for you, Dad).

Um... what else can I say? I actually hate this poem, which makes it easier to share. However, Mum was complaining that I never write about her, so I'm disproving that theory (sort of... cause the poem is actually more about me, I think). Now she'll prolly complain that I said it was a bad poem. Anyway, just ignore this if you're not poetically inclined... I know it can be a very selfish thing, poetry, and all of mine def is, considering I only really write it for myself. So, consider yourselves lucky to be seein' this. Anyways, enuf verbal muck and on with the...

Mother, Did I Ever Learn To Walk?

Mother did I ever learn to walk?
It seems like I’ve been on my knees,
ever since I left your womb.
Mother did I ever take those first steps?

It seems like I’ve been on my knees -
I’ve crawled too far through life.
Mother did I ever take those first steps -
and fall with tears, into your arms?

I’ve crawled too far through life,
I want to fly back
and fall with tears, into your arms
and bundle off my fears.

I want to fly back
I want to be your baby girl again -
and bundle off my fears.
I never wanted to be weaned away.

I want to be your baby girl again.
Ever since I left your womb
I never wanted to be weaned away.

Mother did I ever learn to walk?

Saint Melz (aka Medelz, aka Dee, aka Demelza)

Well… what a weekend! I didn’t do much, for once. In fact, the whole point of this post is to shower my sister Melz with glowing praise for havin’ spoilt me over the two glorious days that were the fourth and fifth of February 2006.

To begin with, on Friday night she left the entire house to me while she went on a date! (Sorry Melz, I just had to let the whole world know… well everyone who reads this anyway.) That was great ‘cause I had full run of the internet (you’re asking… when don’t I?).

Saturday she cooked me pancakes with peaches, bananas and cream (sorry… no pics of those) for brunch, and we did our usual Saturday mornin’ bludge/bondin’ sesh (ie sit in front of TV watchin’ Rage). Then she drove me to Tennis and for all I knew returned to her little fanfic obsession on the innernet. Meanwhile I was slogging my arse off at tennis (lost 6-4 in the mixed, 7-5 in first ladies and won 7-6 in second ladies) thinking she’d be on the comp all day while the house festered. Alas, I was in for a pleasant surprise!

After the game I went back to the club, had a few drinks and played some pool with Leah and the boys. Later on Melz picked me up, all spry and chipper with a fresh carload full of shopping. She refused to tell me what she’d bought (knowing I would berate her for wasting her money). Anyway we got home and she was all excited (I swear, she should go on dates more often!). She’d cleaned the entire house (bar my room of course) and the courtyard, which I officially categorised as her job considering most of the mess is left by plants that she brings home from work looking all nice and shiny and within a few weeks are all grosse and corpsified.

But that’s not the end of it. To top it off she had organised ‘entrée’ in the courtyard, which included a platter of fresh grapes, Brie (another of those addictions of mine), salami (yet another), marinated octopus, Turkish bread and a glass of white… delish!

I had to make her wait about two hours before cooking the main, which was superb by the way (I may run out of adjectives by the end of this post). Now, I’m not usually a big fish person (because I’m too lazy to pick out the bones), but since livin’ with Melz I eat it more often, plus it’s a great source of protein and bla, bla – all that neat healthy stuff. The official title of the meal was ‘steamed Ocean Trout on a bed of hommus topped with rocket and homemade salsa!’ (Taste buds droolin’ much?) It was… well, like I said… I’ve run out of words. In a nutshell – yum! (Later, if youse are nice and comment, I might add the recipe! Manipulative little so and so ain’t I?)

On Sunday, Saint Melz and some of her crew took some ladies from Legacy (I think that’s a war widow’s society or something) out on the Yacht as part of a volunteer thing that the club had arranged. That took most of the mornin’. It was a beautiful day for it, not that I saw much, as I was holed up in my room writing stories and prolly chattin’ on MSN. After she returned, however, she sunbaked for a while and then proceeded to convince me that I should go to the pub with her and some of the crew from The Bookmaker (the yacht she sails on.)

Now, I’m not usually a big ‘goin’ out to the pub’ person either, but since livin’ with Melz… yarda, yarda – you get the picture. And she is very good at convincing people to do what she wants them to do (just ask her work colleagues). Actually, she bribed me! She agreed to review (read – tear to shreds) one of my drafts if I went out with her. So, like the sucker I am, I went along. Turned out, as it usually does, to be quite a fun afternoon. It was such a beautiful warm day, the beer went down waaaayy too easily, and the company was incredibly drunk and hence, hilarious.

My only regret was that a mild case of fuzzy beer head (read – typsiness) caused me to forget how effective the sun’s rays can be at 3pm on a February afternoon. However, aside from looking like an idiot (my purpose in life), I had a great time and I have to thank Melz for that, because without her cajoling I would have stayed in the house, banging my head against the computer screen screaming ‘I unclog my nose in your general direction, you son of a window dresser!’ and other obscenities.

Over the course of the arvo we went to two different pubs, Tim’s house for a BBQ and back to the pub to listen to a band. We also ‘celebrity spotted’ Magda Szubanski at ‘The Barking Dog’, which was pretty thrilling. And we got to see Murray (the pet Murray Cod). I was disappointed that I missed Murray’s feeding sesh tho, but aw hell – there’s always the Discovery Channel (only we don’t have PayTV – thank the ominous being overhead).

In the evening the two of us walked back to Melz’s car, which was parked at the first pub, and drove home to our nice, clean house. My saint of a sister then fulfilled her part of the bargain and edited my incredibly slow, dull story while I dozed in bed with a face cloth over by sunburnt forehead! Ya gotta love her! I do.

To finish off, I just wanna add that this coming wkend is gonna be mega. The whole fam is comin' to Geelong to celebrate Saint Melz's b'day (which is actually the day after Saint Valentine's day). She is havin' a big ole' BBQ at the Yacht Club on Saturday. Damian is even flyin' in for the occasion and hopefully Simon will be there too. Lookin' forward to it, no doubt there will be plenty to blog about next week!

PS - Excuse my photography, it doesn't do the meal, or Melz, any justice!

Nighters.

My Sky

Just sharin' my sky with ya'all.

This is what was up high, above my head tonight.

Ain't it stunnin'?

A shiny start to the wkend I'd say. Take it easy now, and 'ave a good one!

Cheers

PS - The first pic was taken around the same time as the second, by Ruth in Connewarre (near Barwon Heads). Thanks Ruth, for lettin' me post your shot.

Anakie Fires

Many of you may not know that last week (Oz day week) there were some serious bushfires raging not far from here in the Brisbane Ranges. I just wanna use this space to award kudos to the CFA and all the other volunteer organisations (including the Johnnies) that had a hand in containing the fires throughout the long, hot and smoky week.

The firies, Johnnies and Salvos worked twenty four hours a day in sweltering heat with no reward, bar the personal satisfaction of making a difference. Unfortunately, due to work, I was unable to help out with duties, but from what I’ve heard, thankfully, there wasn’t much action (although Ruth got some… action, I mean! *grins*).

It was good to see the smoke clear and the rain appear over the weekend. Actually, the rain reminded me of Oz day last year when we had that huge thunder/lightning storm that flooded the city and blocked off parts of the Melbourne highway as well as many other main roads. That was a lot of water! Ain’t it funny how the wheel turns?

To accompany this post I’m adding a link to St John Ambulance Victoria, just in case any of you are interested in joining, or hiring our services, or even buying a First Aid Kit (yes, I can get discounts!).