Shadow Breeze

Social drinks

noreply@blogger.com (Richard van der Draay) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 10:35:00 +0000

Spent a great night out celebrating a friend's birthday yesterday. Many laughs, chats, joking and horsing around. Thought I'd take a break today and just 'hang' at home, taking it easy. Just watching the box. There's a few good shows on so I don't mind. Can't be propping up the bar every night, now can I?

Custom T-shirts

noreply@blogger.com (Richard van der Draay) — Fri, 29 May 2009 08:34:00 +0000

Most everyone likes to look cool or at least look good. And, the good news is that now you can with custom T-shirts. Check out the T-shirt printing from CustomYourShirt.com. Have a look for yourself.

Tense

noreply@blogger.com (Richard van der Draay) — Wed, 27 May 2009 04:49:00 +0000

Somewhat tense days, these weeks. I'm waiting to find out about a job application and it seems to take forever, making me be a bit on edge. Also, a bit of turmoil in the amorous regions of my strange life, ups and downs. I feel I could do with some good news, a spark of hope somewhere. I'll keep my eyes open for any promising omens. Luctor et emergo..

Domain

noreply@blogger.com (Richard van der Draay) — Wed, 13 May 2009 05:31:00 +0000

Yes, the old blogging thing, eh. I've been messing about with domain names again. I am trying to get a domain for this darn blog right here but so far it doesn't seem to be working properly. And there is not much support in place to deal with any queries. So, I'll just keep tinkering away in the vain hope that all will fall into place soon. Here's hoping..

Anzac Day

noreply@blogger.com (Richard van der Draay) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 11:04:00 +0000

Went into town today to see the big Anzac Day parade. It was very moving to see the old veterans march by, some of them still stepping quite militarily and all very proud as far as I could see. It was also interesting to see the Vietnam veterans. In contrast to Britain, Australia was involved in that controversial conflict. The crowds had turned out in record numbers, including an awful lot of young people, which was heartening to see.

Scribbling

noreply@blogger.com (Richard van der Draay) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 02:00:00 +0000

May have some transcribing work to do soon. Fingers crossed indeed. It has always been my dream to sustain myself my writing whether it be pure creative writing (ideally) or journalism or translating or proofreading. Perhaps I can do all of the above and earn a crust in the process? Now, that would be a fine thing, to be sure.

Meanwhile, I'm wondering if I should get myself an ergonomic mouse. I find that after a few hours' work on the 'puter I feel a strain in my wrist and lower arm. Don't want to end up an IT casualty, after all.

Also, I will be doing some project work for a friend who is slightly snowed under at the moment. Have to keep those grey cells ticking over, don't you know?

Jobs

noreply@blogger.com (Richard van der Draay) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 02:16:00 +0000

Once more I find myself looking for a job. It's a bit disheartening but I'll just have to hang in there. I think my c.v. is alright enough and I'm willing to put in 'an honest day's work for an honest day's pay', so why shouldn't I find a job. Ideally, I'd work at home and try to make a living writing and translating but at the moment that type of endeavour emains a bit tentative and elusive. Oh well..

Slow and sleepy

noreply@blogger.com (Richard van der Draay) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 13:03:00 +0000

The music festival this arvo was pretty good although the weather was a tad on the dodgy side. Saw a great folk-type band that played some Irish inspired music and also saw fit to launch the odd Serbian war cry. Not sure what that was all about. There was also a great Aboriginal singer/song writer Kerianne Cox who really connected well with the audience. She sang a lovely song about coming home that went down very well with yours truly. She has a powerful but very smooth voice and her songs were very well crafted.

Following her were a load of oafs and philistines from the Blue Mountains (their description); comical, off-beat a-capella band of blokes. By that time it started raining properly so we headed home for coffee. Enjoyable afternoon.

Music

noreply@blogger.com (Richard van der Draay) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 02:37:00 +0000

Today, a Sunday in autumn, I am due to put in an appearance at a local music festival. All morning I've been seeing large trucks carrying portaloos and other festival paraphernalia towards Birchgrove Park where the annual festival is held. Unfortunately, it has also been raining with a vengeance and there is a strong wind. So, either I or my companion for this arvo may well cry off and 'give it a miss'. Would be a shame as it's supposed to be a good music festival and, moreover, it's free.

People around here really seem to love their music. There are pubs that have live music, there are the big venues for the big stars, and almost every gathering of some kind has some sort of musical entertainment thrown in. One thing I didn't realise before was how big country and western music is in Australia. I suppose it makes sense with the whole outback culture; the buckaroos, the stations and so on, but I just wasn't aware of it. Having grown up in Europe I tended to regard country music as a bit naff but recently I was at a friend's house and we had a few drinks after which she played a few old country albums. Vinyl, you know, and it was wonderful. White blues, I suppose. There were some immortal lyrics sung by strong crystal-clear voices. Just fantastic. So there you go. Never judge an lp by its cover.

Making money

noreply@blogger.com (Richard van der Draay) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 14:13:00 +0000

Money makes the world go round. Indeed, that is the age old adage, isn’t it? Certainly, we all need money as we all have bills to pay, that much is certain. For most people earning money will take the form of a nine to five job, pursuing some type of career in some field of endeavour or other. Barring that, playing the lottery may be a remote hope of earning enough money in one fell swoop that it would enable one to achieve financial independence.

If you happen to be looking for a system to make money then you may well want to check out the excellent Maverick Money Makers Elite Coaching Club where you will find a truly great money making system.

This is a sponsored post. P

View from a tower

noreply@blogger.com (Richard van der Draay) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 03:31:00 +0000

View from the building on Williams Street where I used to work until recently. You can see Darlinghurst stretching away there nicely. Haven't explored the area in any great detail yet but I think Oxford Street may have more of a buzz going on. Ah well. Time moves on and takes no prisoners, that much we all know. Tempus fugit and all that, eh? Still, never mind. Don't sweat the small stuff, isn't that the trusted advice?

Puppy nonsense

noreply@blogger.com (Richard van der Draay) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 10:11:00 +0000

Of course, everything remotely connected to US president Obama is being lapped up so I shouldn't be surprised at the recent media frenzy over the new White House doggy. The puns were a-plenty in the reports from the various news outlets. They couldn't get enough of it. Puppy dog story, Obama, family pictures; sheer national bliss for the Americans. They certainly like their schmaltz, that much is certain.

Still, it makes for better PR than Bush's many moronic gaffes and Cheney's homodical hunting tendencies. Read the puppy's lips: Many more chunks!

Politics

noreply@blogger.com (Richard van der Draay) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 04:57:00 +0000

I am not big on politics but my friends here seem obsessed with it. Personally, I don't have many illusions regarding the trustworthiness or lack thereof of politicians in general. I prefer to focus the mind on arts and spiritual matters although I realise that you can't do without politics entirely. Down here, corruption on the political stage seems to be a very popular talking point. Pfff...politics..who needs it?

Lovely dumplings...

noreply@blogger.com (Richard van der Draay) — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 05:06:00 +0000

Enjoyed some lovely, beautiful, gorgeous, bliss-inducing, intoxicating Dim Sum yesterday. Found this little restaurant near Broadway (in Sydney, that is) and went there last night after seeing Slumdog Millionaire. The atmos was nice, the staff knowledgeable and friendly and the bill was not at all prohibitive. 'I vill be back!'

Bikie wars

noreply@blogger.com (Richard van der Draay) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 21:32:00 +0000

The various biker gangs here in Sydney are embroiled in a turf war or some sort of conflict over something. There have been bombings, drive-by shootings and the other day a gang member was bludgeoned to death with a bollard in broad daylight at Sydney airport. It seems to be a real problem in this country. Some pundits say that the bikes are just an after-though and these groups should really be considered to be criminal gangs first and foremost.

I remember a similar thing happening in the town where I grew up. There was a large building, an old warehouse, where a gang called 'The Black Harleys' had their headquarters. All manner of untoward activities went on here but the police were too scared and intimidated to interfere in any substantial way. Certainly, when you would come across a gang member in the town you would make sure you kept out of the way. I sort of associate gang membership with hapless and sometimes deprived youths. But when you see these bikie gang members a lot of them are not that young, really. Old enough to know better? Still, nice mopeds..

4WD tyres in Australia

noreply@blogger.com (Richard van der Draay) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:23:00 +0000

Living in Australia I have grown accustomed to seeing an endless variety of 4WD vehicles. Obviously, the rugged terrain in many country areas over here would warrant using a sturdy and powerful terrain vehicle. Even where I live, in inner city Sydney, I see people driving their much loved 4WD cars all the time. Every now and then I leave the confines of the metropolis with a friend with such a car and we visit the Blue Mountains on a day’s outing.

It’s always great to go off road for a bit and forget all about the city. I just came across a great site with a 4wd Wheels & Tyres Buying Guide. You should really check out this site if you need tyres for your 4WD. Buy 4wd Tyres are based in all the major Australian cities. Their site is very handy with a buying guide, tips and advice and much more.

This is a sponsored post. P

Feeling groovy

noreply@blogger.com (Richard van der Draay) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 08:02:00 +0000

Had a nice day at work and I'm feeling quite good. Need to start exercising a bit more, though, so there is room for improvement, which is not a bad state in which to find one's self. Nobody's perfect, after all. But, I'm not too shabby at the moment and I am enjoying my life right now. That's quite something, isn't it?

Chinese yum

noreply@blogger.com (Richard van der Draay) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 06:02:00 +0000

Tonight, a friend and I shall be partaking in a nice meal at our local Chinese restaurant. Inevitably, I shall be ordering some nice dumplings for starters, followed by a choice from their excellent menu. A nice bottle of red will be part of the evening and no doubt some nice conversation. It's not such a bad life, all things considered. Onwards und upwards, okay?

Culture fix

noreply@blogger.com (Richard van der Draay) — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 05:33:00 +0000

Bit of a lovely poncey cultural day today with watching ABC's or rather the BBC's The Art of Spain, simply wonderful. Then there was a short doco about the abbey at Maria Laach in Germany. I spent a few summers camping at the nearby lakeside but never got round to visiting the abbey myself. And now, there is a programme on about antiquities and the dodgy trade therein. Lovely stuff..

Niche com

noreply@blogger.com (Richard van der Draay) — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 23:41:00 +0000

Just watched an American sitcom that featured exclusively Mexican people in it. It was called George Lopez, I think. It was sort of mildly amusing in that American way where just as you start enjoying a few of the gags the mood changes and the moralistic lesson and a dose of schmaltz sets in which ruins it completely.

Good day at work

noreply@blogger.com (Richard van der Draay) — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 09:09:00 +0000

Did two hearings today and I think that both went well. Luckily, they were only short ones so I had time to tidy up my log notes. Perhaps I should mention that I work as a court monitor. That might make more sense. Today, there were some robust union guys in the court and one of them was quite chatty and funny. The job so far is really good fun and I am learning a lot about the legal system. Watch this space!

Hot autumn

noreply@blogger.com (Richard van der Draay) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 01:23:00 +0000

If I'm right, and I may well be, then today is the first day of Autumn here in Oz. I have to say it feels just as warm, really. Friends tell me that I won't notice any real difference in the temperature yet so that must be right. Oh well. Another trip down to the pool may be in order soon. I won't be going swimming in the ocean or the harbour, though. The reports on shark attacks are coming in quick and fast. Almost every week someone else gets nibbled or bitten in half. Apparently, there are more fish around the shores and these draw in the sharks looking to feed. A nice touch was last week's programming on telly of the film shocker Jaws. You have to admire the programming genius responsible for that one..

Shopping day

noreply@blogger.com (Richard van der Draay) — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 04:48:00 +0000

Got up early, quick as a flash. Got myself down to the local caff for a quick spot of breakkie and then headed into the city to buy myself a suit. A suit for work. If the suit fits, right? Truth is I have been coasting along in my newish job in a shirt and tie (and some trousers) but I really do need a good suit. So, I got one at a major department store for a pretty good price. Of course, the trouser legs were too long, what am I? A sartorial giraffe? Honestly..But a nice abruptish Asian lady pinned up the hem and next Tuesday I will be able to collect my altered suit trousers. Hooray! So, all in all it was a favourable shopping day. Shopping...phew...

The best golfing experience

noreply@blogger.com (Richard van der Draay) — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 16:38:00 +0000

Golf if one of the noblest sporting pursuits, that goes without saying. I have only once experienced the pleasure and joy of a great game of golf. I remember being on a lovely golf course, breathing in the clean, fresh air and getting to grips with the basics of this fabulous sport. I do like a good game of golf or some other sports and it is always good to get outdoors and get out and about doing what you like.

I heard about some great ancient golf courses up in Scotland but have never seen any in real life. I would love to see St. Andrews, for instance, the home of this old beautiful game. Perhaps one day I will get to see it for myself. I am sure it would be wonderful to actually be there.

However, did you know that there is a fabulous way to enjoy a golfing holiday or Golf Reisen
in beautiful Germany. This golf club can offer you everything and more to do with the golf sport. This great German golf portal can arrange all your needs with the sport of golf. Check out this great golfing site and you will see what I mean.

This golf website offers golf courses from children through to more advanced levels and wonderful options for a Golfurlaub, a golfing holiday. The golf shop carries all the major brands so you will be spoilt for choice for sure.

. I have always loved the mountains and scenery of Germany. Lovely hills and mountainous terrain, wooded areas, pure clean air and everywhere you look you will find an amazing view to delight you. A golf course in this wonderful German location must be really something special. What better way to enjoy yourself than to spend some quality time on Golfreisen , a golf trip, I ask you? Seems to me like a great thing to do, for sure.

This is a sponsored post. PP

Markets

noreply@blogger.com (Richard van der Draay) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 04:02:00 +0000

There are quite a few different markets here in Sydney. There are arty-farty markets where you can spend your money on overpriced crafty-dafty trinketry, there are fun markets with lots of old furniture and quaint curiosa. There is a huge fresh fruit and vegetables market. That's one thing we didn't really have in Bristol; a really good market where it's fun to just wander around and have a browse. So, there you go; a brief report on markets.