The Life And Times Of JB

Still here ...

2007-12-14T22:01:00.000+11:00

It's Friday night and I'm here. JB, are you crazy? Well, we all knew the answer to that one a long time ago. I was heartened by a couple of posts I received in reply to the previous thread, so I thought I'd just come by and say hi!

It's definitely been the festive season so far. Lots of drinking, sunbaking and playing golf. And it's not even Christmas! But that will soon be upon us and gone before we know it.

Just waiting for the cricket to finish before going to one of many Christmas parties, which reminds me - because I'm not as regular here as I used to be - that I should wish you all a merry Christmas and safe, happy and prosperous new year. Make every post a winner.

Never is a promise and you can't afford to lie ...

2007-12-04T21:22:00.000+11:00

Poignant subject line, I know. Great Fiona Apple song, too. Check it out.

I promised that normal transmission would resume shortly. It didn't. Aside from saying sorry, it's also me who feels remorseful that I've neglected what has been a fixture in the lives of many close to me in the last couple of years.

But I think the blog is dying a slow death and that, after 194 posts - including this one - comes the feeling it's almost time to pull up stumps.

I remember that in times past I would put a picture or two up here to mark an important moment in my life, like travelling. Well, I've been to Sydney three times this year and I haven't posted anything. My return trip to Hawaii has also sadly not been recorded in the annals of this here blog.

The blog might still have a place and it technically isn't going anywhere. It's right here, still, right? I might come back here now and again when I get some motivation but for those who hope of it being like the good ol' days will probably be disappointed. I'm disappointed, too.

I know I have got some loose ends - those Sydney trips, including the second instalment of my September to remember - that need tying up. They still might. Just not right now.

In summary, I'm feeling pretty good since changing jobs (but still with the esteemed broadsheet) and moving to Melbourne (but still calling Geelong home). I'm getting lots of comments and compliments on my appearance and people tell me I look happy. They're right. I am.

Normal transmission will resume shortly ...

2007-11-14T21:55:00.000+11:00

Sorry about the lack of updates as I approach two significant milestones (turning 30 and reaching 200 posts). It might be a little bit of filler, but this story, courtesy of Australian Associated Press - and related to the Cats - cheered me up yesterday. Don't worry, I didn't even contemplate getting a tattoo following the grand final win. Maybe it had something to do with not consuming 15 beers and walking into a tattoo parlour.

Anyway, there's more to come. I promise/hope. There's the September to remember (part two), the October to get over and the November to ... well, hopefully it will be one to remember too!

Tattoo mistake turns Cats fan's arm into gay icon
MELBOURNE, November 13 - A Geelong fan has been left with a disastrous permanent reminder of his AFL side's premiership triumph after a Thai tattooist inscribed his arm with the words ``Gay Premiers 2007''.
Instead of ``Day Premiers 2007'' as he wanted, hardcore Cats fan Neville found his message hopelessly lost in translation on a recent holiday to Phuket.
To make matters worse, the tattooist also managed to mistakenly ink Neville with the words ``left arm'' and ``right arm'' - but at least he got the correct arms.
``I gave them a piece of paper and wrote down `right arm', the new Geelong emblem they've got out now ... and Day Premiers 2007,'' Neville told Southern Cross Radio.
``On the left arm side I wrote `left arm' and the two grandkids names and Night Premiers 2006.
``When I first walked in he showed me the picture of the thing, and I just looked at the picture and didn't really take notice of the words.
``My son-in-law walked in halfway through it ... told me what happened, and I thought 'you're joking'.''
Neville, who admitting to having about ``15 cans of beer'' prior to having the tattoos done, said he paid $150 for the privilege of literally having a gay icon emblazoned on his arm forever.

A Scottish colleague called him a dumpling! And a Geelong fan to boot!

So sad but so true ...

2007-10-26T11:34:00.000+10:00

I needed a bit of a laugh when I received this forwarded e-mail from the man formerly known as KL (you will soon discover that I now - sometimes, old habits die hard - call him MVP after his efforts on grand final day). This list made my day (and made me laugh) and if you're from G-Town, then I'm sure you'll appreciate it too.

I've added my own personal commentary after each of the 45 entries. So, without any further adieu, you know you're from Geelong when ...

1. You were born at Baxter House.
(No, but Rogan Josh was.)
2. You still hang out with the same friends you had in high school.
(What's wrong with that?)
3. You can't go out without seeing someone you know.
(Again, what's wrong with that?)
4. You always end up at the Eureka every Saturday night.
(As a younger man, I may have done this.)
5. You used to always end up at the GH every Saturday night.
(Again, as a younger man, I may have done this.)
6. You remember the good old days at the Lyric.
(Again, again, I seem to be repeating myself.)
7. You have eaten food from Kev's take-away van on Gheringhap Street.
(Sadly, this Geelong experience has eluded me thus far. Kev and his take-away van weren't out on Gheringhap Street last Saturday night, so I'll say it may not happen.)
8. You have waited an hour for a taxi after a big night out then given up and walked home ... because nowhere in Geelong seems very far when you're drunk (or sober).
(I know the drill already, I just start walking. How else do I explain my athletic physique?)
9. You had schoolies in either Lorne or Torquay.
(Another experience to elude me, but then again, I wasn't much of a party animal in my formative high school years.)
10. You hung out at Barwon Valley Fun Park as a kid.
(It was because I wasn't a party animal that I may have hung out - and enjoyed - Barwon Valley Fun Park. Who doesn't love flying foxes?)
11. You have attended a Poppy Kettle festival.
(Yes.)
12. You have performed in a school play at GPAC.
(No. Not that I know of.)
13. You have been on a school excursion to Happy Hen's and Warrumbidgee Farm.
(Yes, although I think they spelt the name of the farm wrong. I tried to Google it.)
14. You have been on a school camp to Sovereign Hill.
(Yes, I caught gold for the first time. Sadly, it was the last time as well.)
15. You remember when Waurn Ponds was one giant paddock.
(Sadly, I do. Now it's a urban jungle.)
16. You claim Missy Higgins as "Geelong's Own" because she went to Grammar.
(I don't claim Missy Higgins as "Geelong's Own" because she went to Grammar.)
17. You generally think people who went to Grammar are wankers.
(Exactly.)
18. You were possibly a "Joey's Boy" or dated a "Joey's Boy".
(I hated Joey's because I went to the rival Catholic boy's school, Chanel. And similar to that beauty on the Jim Beam commercial, I like girls. Even when they don't like me. That way.)
19. You know someone who went to Chanel or Morongo.
(I just may have!)
20. You attended either Deakin or The Gordon at some point.
(I'm looking at my Deakin University diplomas now - they are sitting right next to the keyboard.)
21. You know several people who work at Target.
(Yes.)
22. You know someone who played for Falcons.
(Yes.)
23. You have a Geelong Football Club sticker on your car.
(If I owned a car, I would.)
24. You insist on still calling Skilled Stadium "Kardinia Park".
(Or KP.)
25. You regularly see footballers in your local supermarket and don't particularly care.
(Being a Geelong fan, I care. A lot.)
26. You know Lamby's is the place to be after a footy match at KP.
(See, they even called it KP! Lamby's rocks/rocked, especially on Sunday nights.)
27. You think Billy Brownless should be our mayor.
(Not particularly, but he would be better than John So or Geelong's actual mayor, whoever he/she is.)
28. You have a very strong opinion about Sam Newman.
(I reckon he's a great personality. Just not a great person.)
29. You have a very strong opinion about palm trees in Moorabool Street.
(Yes, we're not Southern California. On Saturday night, someone tried to set fire to one. And before you ask, it wasn't me.)
30. You think The Advertiser's a load of crap ... but you still read it every day.
(I don't think it's crap, I've got a number of friends who work there. And I did work experience there! If it's got Geelong footy news, then I'll read it.)
31. You can leave work at 5:15 and still miss "peak hour traffic".
(If I worked in Geelong, I probably would. But then again, I work in Melbourne. I just live in Geelong. For now.)
32. You have jumped off the tower at Eastern Beach and slid down the hill on a piece of cardboard.
(Good times.)
33. You remember when Village only had two cinemas and going to the old Pix on Elizabeth Street.
(Again, good times.)
34. You remember when Smorgy's opening was the biggest event in the town's history.
(I must have been sleeping when this happened. But I do remember waiting for 90 minutes with the Blog Family to get into Sizzler in the early '90s. Unbelievable.)
35. You remember when Club 4 Play was a creepy underground McDonald's.
(Yes, and thankfully I never went there. Club 4 Play, that is.)
36. You remember when OfficeWorks was World 4 Kids.
(I love the whole juxtaposition of Club 4 Play versus World 4 Kids. W4K wins every time.)
37. You remember when Brashes was a cool place to buy cassettes.
(So cool that they even spelt Brashs wrong. I bought U2's Rattle And Hum there. In 1989.)
38. You insist on still calling Westfield "Bay City Plaza".
(I do.)
39. You remember when Bay City Plaza car parking was free for the first two hours.
(What, it's not free anymore?)
40. You refer to "going shopping" as "going into town".
(I do. This is starting to sound like a wedding ceremony.)
41. You went on a Contiki tour and met several other people from Geelong.
(I did not. In fact, I was the only Victorian male on my European tour and the only Victorian female happened to be the niece of one of my fellow colleagues at the esteemed broadsheet. Small world.)
42. You know what "Buckets and Bouquets" are.
(I do. Bouquets to the person who created this list. Buckets to the long list of people who have knocked G-Town over the years.)
43. You know Geelong doesn't just rock. It K-Rocks.
(It does.)
44. You always refer to Geelong as "G-Town" when talking to Melbourne people (or any people really).
(Do I?)
45. You acknowledge Geelong's a hole ... but still get pissed off when Melbourne people call it "Sleepy Hollow"!
(Seriously, and if you haven't already gathered, I'm very proud of my home town. I reckon it's awesome so naturally I get a bit miffed when people knock the place.)

Can anyone out there think of five more to bring make this list a Top 50?

It's all just fantasy ...

2007-10-23T17:18:00.000+10:00

More about my September to remember in a later post for this past weekend was, aside from working at the esteemed broadsheet, spent crunching the numbers for the upcoming fantasy basketball season. While those last three words of that previous sentence are never going to get the girls, the same group of 10 guys have been getting together since the start of this decade with the ambition of wanting to be the best general manager in fantasy hoops. However, only three GMs (Special K, Shan Dogg and K-Lenko) have earnt this highest honour. I thought it was worth the opportunity to post a picture of all of the lads together as it only happens once a year and here's hoping my team, Unexplained Bacon, can take home the bacon come April 2008.

A September to remember (part one) ...

2007-10-17T08:09:00.000+10:00

It wasn't that long ago, but I imagine I'll be talking about September 2007 for years to come. Indeed, it was an exciting time, as both my teams - Geelong and Manly - descended deep into their respective football finals. Expectations were high and a big Hawaiian holiday was also on the horizon. I was in my element housesitting for K-Beezer and Cameroon who were also in their element, galavanting around Europe for a month.

There is no photographic evidence that I attended the first week of Geelong's finals campaign with Poppa Blog (who is also overseas) to see our Cats bounce the Kangaroos from the MCG in front of a big crowd on a Sunday afternoon. So I made sure that, following the team's week off, that the Canon was in my pocket for what was the biggest game of football I have ever been to, the preliminary final between Geelong and Collingwood on a Friday night, with more than 98,000 in attendance.

The day started off well when the Murf Man invited me to the Hotel Spencer for a Chicken Parmagiana (I believe that dish deserved capital letters). There were a couple of guests: one was a fellow writer from the esteemed broadsheet, and like Murf, a fellow Pies fan. But to even up the Heath Ledger, the other lunch guest was Mark Wilson, bass player from the band Jet. Mr Wilson and yours truly have a few of things in common, like growing up and barracking for Geelong and even going to the same primary school. So there you go. It's a small world.

The only bad thing that occurred was the amount of beer I consumed over the course of the afternoon. Upon leaving the pub with a few Coopers Pale Ales above my belt, I went to see Rogan Josh at his new inner-city abode before going to another fine drinking establishment, and in turn, getting to the game just before the singing of the national anthem.

The dynamic duo of K-Lenko and C-Bas joined me. The latter, a Western Bulldogs fan, joined us because he actually wanted to watch some good teams play when it counts, in September. More beer was consumed and despite what I said earlier - that I drank too much, hence missing key parts of the game - it may have helped time lapse much faster and I did learn from it the following week. Before you could say "Collingwood suck", Geelong had won a game that they didn't deserve to by a small margin of just five points.

So there it was, Geelong was off to a grand final and following the match between Manly and North Queensland the night after, so were the Sea Eagles. And I got tickets to both matches. As I said, it certainly was an exciting time.

To be continued.

Much mahalo ...

2007-10-12T08:03:00.000+10:00

I'm here at Kahalui airport and because I have nothing better to do than spend my hard earned on expensive Internet access I thought I'd give a shout-out to the loyal fans that are left. Just about ready to fly back to Honolulu for the final night - might even watch the Los Angeles Lakers - before heading home tomorrow morning to end what has been a great trip where I met a ton of great people. I might have also drank a ton of Bud Light and Cap'n Coke, but that's another story.

This morning I indulged in a favourite pastime - shopping - which reminds me I'll have to make the use of the remaining 15 minutes and 25 seconds here to check the bank balance. I just checked ... not good.

If there are any readers left I promise to return to Australia and start blogging again. For real. It might even help me fill in the few blanks that I have had on this trip. I thought the computer would allow me to upload some pictures but unfortunately it won't.

So I'll see you soon, down under or online. Cheers.

Tumbleweeds ...

2007-10-11T05:19:00.000+10:00

Regretting the extreme cost of an Internet connection here in Hawaii, but totally happy with the decision to come here. I'll post much more when I return to Oz broke but happy. Aloha and mahalo to you all!

Running like the Energizer bunny ...

2007-09-27T23:57:00.000+10:00

Trying to complete 1000 errands today prevented me from going to Geelong's final training session today, but it didn't stop a reported crowd of 5,000 turning up. I hope to make up for it tomorrow when I attend the grand final parade. Should be fun.

The start of the week was a bit anti-climatic. I found out I got tickets on Sunday night when plenty of others didn't and then turned up to the club on Monday to find out they were standing room only. In the words of Con The Fruiterer's wife, Marika: "I no complain." It was just a bit of let down, but then I think of the plenty of others, some of them my friends, and of their disappointment. So K-Lenko and I will be flying the flag on Saturday, standing and all. And I'm starting to get nervous. Although people are doing pretty well. I've been so impressed with the outward displays of pride and emotion. The main streets of Geelong were awash with blue and white, I kid you not. Sometimes I want to take 100 pictures. Or at least bottle it.

Today was my first day of three weeks off. So what did I do? Well, apart from missing Geelong training, going to the dentist, getting my hair cut, walking the dog and cleaning up, I signed a contract to buy a house. Not to live in, I'm just going to rent it out like the other one and see how it goes. But as a result I've left myself with bugger all cash for my upcoming trip to Hawaii. So therefore, the trip to the casino last night with the Rayman - back in town for a week from Scotland - made even less sense. Oh well.

Haven't heard from K-Beezer and Cameroon or Momma and Poppa Blog so I hope they are alright, jaunting around Europe - somewhere. My time housesitting for the younger of those two fine couples finishes up shortly and I must say, I've had a blast.

Anyway, it's off to bed for me. Tomorrow is the beginning of some huge days, I'm sure you'll agree. Wish me luck.

Spendy September (let's hope it's successful) ...

2007-09-23T23:44:00.000+10:00

The year was 1995 and I was an exchange student living in the good ol' US of A. My love affair with Septic Tanks started but something was missing. It was September and in my homeland both my favourite football teams - you should know them by now - were playing in their respective grand finals. And they lost. And I wasn't there to see them.

Fast forward to 2007 and there's a sense of deja vu. Geelong in the AFL and Manly in the NRL will attempt to avoid the repeating of history of 12 years ago. And they will have someone there who was absent last time. Which seems so so long ago.

And who is this mysterious person? Me! I got tickets. Just found out then that one my application to the ballot in the Geelong ballot was successful. This happen just a day after I snagged a ticket to see Manly play the following day. All I need now is an airline ticket! But I seriously feel bad for the many who have missed out on the Geelong ballot and I know a few of them personally. We'll be cheering for you!

I had intended to post about last Friday night, which ranks up there as one of my best days ever in the history of the world. Why? We'll you'll just have to stay tuned for that one, but I'll give you a hint. It involves a hot ticket, a football team, a member of a famous rock band, some good mates, a chicken parma and beer.

Yes, it was that good. And I have the pictures to prove it.

Tonia, this one goes out to you ...

2007-09-19T21:08:00.000+10:00

I'm still convinced that Facebook killed Blogger. And unfortunately for the latter, it was a slow, incremental and rather painful death. But perhaps Blogger hasn't been read its last rites. A friend of mine, let's call her Starbate, e-mailed me this afternoon and wrote: "Your fans are waiting to see if you’re going to say anything about the football." In fact, one of those fans, Tonia, had told said Starbate: "Can you ask JB to hurry up and update his blog, I'm trying to be a fan but everyday I keep seeing the same old story."

Maybe the dwindling readership have grown tired with coming to this here blog and seeing the same ol' stories. I don't know, because I don't hear from them like I did in the past. There was the District Attorney, Paraletic Paramedic, Cousin Slugg and Trent Croad's Thighs, just to name a few. But they, like yours truly, are now all members of Facebook Nation. It's called progress. But that doesn't mean I have to like it.

So, what has been happening in The Life And Times Of JB? Well, I'm housesitting for K-Beezer and Cameroon who are somewhere in Europe and will shortly be joined by the Blog Parents. But don't feel bad for me, because aside from getting free rent, I will be in Hawaii in less than two weeks time. In between that, I'm hoping to not go to one grand final but two. It just all depends on what Geelong and Manly do over the course of this weekend.

And finally, on the topic of football - in particular the Australian Rules variety - a work colleague, (via Facebook yesterday nonetheless) informed me that Googling the words "Geelong" and "keeping a lid on it" will list this here blog. "I was looking for a slightly more authoritative source of information but it was thrilling nonetheless," wrote Silky Dan. "You know you can link to your blog from Facebook? Just think how many people could access your observational nuggets then ... although, to be fair, I have installed such a link myself and have noticed no discernable uptick in blog traffic."

So there you had it, Blogger was pronounced dead but the defibrillators are doing their best. Please wait in the emergency room and hope for the best.

Take the quiz, hot shot ...

2007-09-03T22:35:00.000+10:00

Winding down here at work this evening and had a bit of a blast from the past. I took ninemsn's gangland quiz and found this picture accompanying question 19: "Carl Williams, pictured in red pullover, is seen being followed by the media down a Melbourne street. Which gangland figure was killed on this day?"

Well, Carl might have shed some kilos being inside and I've done the same on the outside, getting below 100 kilograms again - and getting 19 out of 20 on the quiz - is also due to a healthy diet combined with a great deal of exercise. This subbing is agreeing with me. Not sure about how Big Carl, Fat Tony or any other large people with first names are doing though.

When I went to Springfield ...

2007-08-28T22:14:00.000+10:00

OK, so I never actually went to one of many of the United States of America's cities called Springfield - the closest I have been to a Springfield is in Eugene, Oregon.

But on my travels on the World Wide Web this evening - they have the Internet on computers now - I found a website that uses your likeness from an existing picture and then "Simpsonizes" it.

So that's what I've done. OK, so it's been fairly quiet towards the latter end of this evening. A fair likeness I reckon. I'm off to the Kwik-E-Mart. Mmmm, donuts and unexplained bacon.

Random musings from the underground ...

2007-08-26T22:41:00.000+10:00

It's late Sunday night and I'm waiting for the all clear to head on home, which obviously means I'm at work. I did manage, however, to come in a bit late so I could get to K-Park with Poppa Blog for the Cats final game of the year - three quarters, actually - the top-of-the-table clash with Port Adelaide. And before that, I sat on the couch and watched Manly play the Warriors in New Zealand. I think Ice Cube, who will be in Melbourne next week funnily enough, would say: ''It was a good day."

Well, both games were played in front of crowds of around 25,000, and both my teams lost. But I'm excited that both are at the top end of their respective ladders and hopefully will feature very prominently next month. Sitting in the shade as the players ran around in the sun and on the green grass made me remember that I love September. To quote Better Than Ezra: ''Seems like it's always understood, this time of year."

180 degrees/180 posts (travelling in the same direction) ...

2007-08-20T22:11:00.000+10:00

At work on a very quiet evening like tonight gives me the opportunity to search the Internet mindlessly and dream about other places. That's not to say I'm not having fun - I'm into my third week of being a "sub" and am really enjoying it. It has given me the chance to witness the fitness (to quote Ron Burgundy, I look really good being near that elusive 100-kilogram mark) and to work on my golf game. Hitting the links helps me fill the void that has been left in my life by not meeting a quality woman but I was nearly about to give it up at Moonah Links yesterday.

Cameroon and Cousin Davis joined me on the ferry from Queenscliff to Sorrento for our excursion to Moonah Links, the so-called Home of Australian Golf. After an extended warm-up we strode to the first hole of the Legends Course. And a legend I wasn't. First hole and JB hooks it into the trees. Lost ball and a penalty of one stroke. So JB tees it up, again, and hooks it into the trees. Again. Lost ball and a penalty of one stroke. You get the drift. After I managed to get it off the tee (and in a playable area), I lost the ball in one of Moonah Links' 6,747,506 bunkers and was about to break my clubs. Except they're not my clubs, they're Poppa Blog's. And this is the first hole. In short, I took a 12 on that hole and tried to put it out of my mind. Off to the second hole ...

It got a little bit better after that but my day dramatically improve when I followed a few simple pointers from one of my playing partners that worked well. So well, in fact, that I was bursting out of my skin to play again, which I did at 8.30am - the advantages of beginning work in the afternoon. I started strongly, but then it shortly went to the schizen. But it's not going to happen overnight and I've got to be patient. I feel like I've made some real progress.

All I want to hear is that you're not mine ...

2007-08-16T16:25:00.000+10:00

Did Facebook kill Blogger? It doesn't have the same ring as whether video killed the radio star, does it? But when I received confirmation today that (Not So) Single Sarah joined the Facebook craze it had me thinking where is technology going to end? And does the blog end with it? I'm still a bit of a cynic of Facebook, but searching the profiles of various people while working the late night thing has kept things interesting. And believe me, I need to feel interested. And I found these pictures of myself from last year that I didn't know existed. That's a good thing.

Currently enjoying a day off after working six days straight. Must be some sort of record. Went to the gym today and looking forward to going out for pizza this evening with K-Beezer and Cameroon, the later who will be joining Cousin Davis and myself for a trip to Moonah Links via ferry on Sunday to lose some golf balls, let out some swear words in frustration and generally ruin a nice walk. Why do I like golf again? Probably because it's not like dating, that's why.

When all is not what it seems ...

2007-08-08T10:46:00.000+10:00

Work is going well and the afternoon shift allows me to tear it up at the gym in the morning. To indulge in a favourite pastime of mine, quoting Ron Burgundy, I will say that I look good, I mean, I look really good. Geelong and Manly keep winning and that warms the cockles of heart, but other things leave me feeling far from marvellous, much like Richie Benaud.

My tardiness on this here blog has left some pundits to suggest that it may be time to take the next step in the IT world and ''enter the realm'' of that social networking phenomenon known as Facebook. Well, I have dabbled my toes in the water in those confines - albeit with an alias name which I was later told destroys the whole point of thing. For instance, it would be impossible to find me. So, alas, I think it will still be the trusty blog for me, but considering I'm a bit too open with my feelings then maybe I should reconsider this too.

Ready, set, GO ...

2007-07-30T10:49:00.000+10:00

My excitement can't be contained in the world of sports at the moment. Geelong are the AFL's top cats, although the mantra of "keeping a lid on it" is one I preach daily. Like an evil lover, they have let me down on too many occasions. In the NRL, Manly are second on the ladder to my second favourite team, Melbourne Storm. Boston are top of the AL East in the baseball while the Steelers, who have enjoyed recent success, are ready to begin another season, although I'm sad to say my good mate, Premier Brax, has gone west and is working for another team.

But the purpose of this post is to put a picture of Greg Oden wearing a Blazers jersey on this here blog. I was ecstatic when Portland got the first pick before using it on this seven-foot manchild, who has the craggy face of a guy in his 40s even though he's still a teenager. Apologies to that other esteemed broadsheet, The Oregonian, for "borrowing" this picture (left) of a Blazers billboard for this post. Along with Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge, I have no doubt Oden will restore the faith of those associated with Rip City.

The adventures of good and bad ...

2007-07-24T10:22:00.000+10:00

Even at work, a change is as good as a holiday. Almost.

I had alluded to future developments in an earlier post - if that makes any sense - but as of yesterday I am no longer a reporter. Don't worry, I haven't been sacked by the esteemed broadsheet. Instead, I have decided to take a break from scribbling the various goings on of Melbourne's legal system.

The new challenge? Editing the stories of other people, my former peers, for a living. And working at night. OK, I might not have sold that too well to Blog Nation, but here's the good news: I'm finally moving to the sports section of the newspaper. When the opportunity came up I took it with both hands, like a strong contested mark by Cam Mooney. At the moment, I have my training wheels and L-plates firmly fitted and spending a couple of weeks in news before I jump across to sport, a department I have long wanted to work for. As long as journalism has been a pursuit.

There are good and bad things about the change. I'm going to list them, because there might be one day when I look back and say: "Why the hell did you do that for?" And then, I can come here, check out the list and respond: "Because it was a decision you weighed up heavily. You're from the Blog Family. You're pragmatic."

Good: More money, mainly because of the penalties I receive from working nights and weekends. Bad: Working nights and weekends? Am I crazy? Perhaps, but that's for another post. Good: What is crazy is waking up at 6.30am to go to work. It's nearly 11am and I'm still in my pyjamas. Writing about criminals, some of whom are crazy, is crazy. To them, I say goodbye and good riddance. Bad: No longer seeing my name in print. Yes, that does sound vain. Good: Having added responsibilities and the opportunity to develop my skills.

So the progress score has good beating bad by 3-2. In all honesty and seriousness, I had been toying with the decision for a while but as soon as I found out it was reality I wanted it to happen straight away. I felt like I had become stale and pigeon-holed, both of which weren't making me happy. I'm also confident that a change in career will bring about some positive changes in my life. Like going to the gym more and enjoying other leisurely things, like a nice glass of scotch and my dog, Baxter. Just kidding, although drinking and care for canines won't be difficult when I begin work at 3pm and finish around 11pm. I just believe that if it works out, it works out. If it doesn't, then I can try something else.

In light of the career and life change, bad grammar on this here blog will certainly no longer be tolerated. Neither will bad manners. But people just being their bad selves? Well, that's all good.

Javed (Me and Dad) ...

2007-07-11T21:26:00.000+10:00

It's a given that you have to get along with your folks if you're living with them - at 29 - and that rings true here. My Mum is the best cook in the world but the topic of this post goes out to my Dad, who goes by the moniker of Poppa Blog (pictured right, with yours truly) in these parts. He's been a real ally lately in the mean old world of real estate and it's sensational having him in my corner fighting the good fight against the industry's bad people. There's plenty of them to go around.

Which leads me to think that despite my various backgrounds firstly in sales (I was once my KMart store's "Customer Service Person Of The Year") and now in communications (more on those developments in a later post) I would still have absolutely no career in real estate. While it has been a path I have considered pursuing - as Paul McCartney would call "times of trouble" - in short, I am the following: too ethical, too honest, too fair, too considerate and too nice. Maybe too modest as well.

So this post goes out to, as Atomic Bombie put it yesterday "The Orb Of Real Estate". Too bad there's not plenty of them to go around as well.

An ode to inner-city living ...

2007-07-08T17:52:00.000+10:00

This image brings back memories for me, just as I imagine it would for the British Slugg and the DA from the OG. I put it up here to serve as a reminder of the good times that were had living in South Melbourne and as inspiration for looking at a (small and modest) place to buy. Poppa Blog and I ventured up the road yesterday to look at several likely prospects and, in turn, discovered the grotty, unscrupulous and sometimes downright unethical world of real estate in Melbourne and the people who make a good - but far from honest - living from the industry they serve. Apparently my late grandfather called them "starvation agents" and after yesterday's events, he wasn't far from the truth.

And with this post, I'm back. Sort of.

Sleeping ...

2007-07-05T19:18:00.000+10:00

I've been on hiatus and considering my blogging options over the past few weeks. A self-indulgent time has been since the establishment of this here blog in mid-2005 but I'm wondering if it's time to pull up stumps.

Some might say "hooray", some might say "boo hoo" and some might say "ho hum". Maybe I might leave the blog as is and write whenever necessary but without the frequency of past posts. As always, input is welcome.

Thank you and good night!

Berry sick is how the kids felt ...

2007-06-16T16:01:00.000+10:00

What's up with the Children Of The Blog Family all coming down with a mystery illness this week despite all living in separate residences and having no interaction, save for a chicken dinner on Sunday night? K-Beezer was ill nearly all week, Rogan Josh left work early yesterday having a similar complaint while I was so drained I nearly fell asleep at the esteemed broadsheet. While some may joke that's standard practice, let the truth be known I went to bed at 7.30pm last night and slept through to the corresponding time this morning, rising only to get a hair cut, to scam some medication from the Beez herself, head to the bank, look at some golf clubs before finally buying some consumables with "good bacteria".

First the flu from a few weeks back and now this. I'd much prefer to blog about my travels quite frankly. Hopefully I'm going to break the 60-minute mark at The Age Run To The G tomorrow and then see the Cats play (and win) at K-Park. It just all depends on how I feel. And with that, I hope that anyone reading this is well, too.

You're too Bombay to been seen in a Hyundai ...

2007-06-14T21:48:00.000+10:00

Reminiscing over holiday snaps, I remembered about forgetting to post the final picture of my American car hire adventures, as I did in Hawaii with Barry Buick and Florida with Christine Chevrolet. With that introduction I formally introduce to Harry Hyundai who helped me cover California. It's been a slow news week.

All dressed up then, now nowhere to go ...

2007-06-09T20:31:00.000+10:00

This is a tale of two Saturday nights. I'm on the computer updating my blog now and yes, I know, that sounds like so sad being a Saturday night! Earlier I was serenaded by the beautiful Carla Bruni, whose latest release "No Promises" is wonderful as is "The Crane Wife" by The Decemberists. The contents of both albums and some other ditties pushes my iPod song count to more than 8,000 tracks. 8,032 to be exact. I had fish and chips, I watched footy on the television and soon I will be going to bed.

Last night was spent belatedly celebrating the Murf Man's birthday, but just in a grander fashion than last time. The camera took the night off after a busy evening enjoying the Melbourne Storm game about this time last week. Yes, Molly was there, as was Bracksy but Russell Crowe failed to make an appearance to support his beloved Bunnies as they lost 26-10.

CA, Murf Man and yours truly were in Collingwood last evening but I think that other dude from last week might be across the Tasman. Both were great nights and you'll just have to take it from me. I was at "home" by 3.30am this morning ready to fight another day. After saying farewell to Murf Man and The Jeweller, I had an awesome day looking at some golf clubs and taking in the Sneakers exhibition at the NGV. So here's to the long weekend - see the monarchy does give us something after all - as I look forward to Sydney.