The digital age

It's been great getting out of Sydney for a while but now I'm back, still with a couple of weeks holidays up my sleeve.
Among the things I got up to was, wait for it, attending a 6-year-old's birthday party. And I can safely say I don't want to be in a room with that many kids for a while. It's quite amazing how much noise they can make. Perhaps I'm just getting old.
Speaking of getting older, I was given a digital camera for my birthday (which is not for a few days yet) by the family. So I have been dragged further into the digital age but at least it allows me to post photos that I take and such.
I took a few good ones of the nephew (who was rather naughty while I was home) which I am happy with and since it has been about 3 years between new photos it is a long time coming.
Now I'm into the third week of my break I think I have begun to relax properly and that's awesome. With Easter coming up and of course the dreaded GST birthday (that's 33 for those who don't know: 30 plus 10 per cent) coming up, roughly at the same time, the week ahead should be a good one.

Neighbours

I'm sure it is a big city thing, you know very little about the people who live nearby or in the same complex.
People seem to like to keep to themselves, admittedly I like to do that from time to time, but surely it is counter productive.
This came to light today. I arrived home around lunch time from a trip into the city for acupuncture and shopping to be greeted by four fire trucks, an ambulance and a police car and their occupants.
The reason: there was a fire in one of the apartments. Immediately I was concerned it could have been mine but was told otherwise by one of the firemen at the front of our driveway on the way in. I'm a little ashamed to say I still know nothing about the people whose lives have been severely disrupted by fire in their unit. I don't know their names, I wouldn't know anything about them.
Out of the many units in my complex I know the occupants of two of them and I have been here four years. How bad is that? I think I need to get to know a little bit about the people around me.

Down time

Not a lot to say at the moment, it has been a good first week off.
I haven't done an awful lot, aside from a trip to the city on Wednesday for a racing lunch at Star City (very nice), which is cool with me.
It appears like a big weekend ahead so that will be interesting....

Sixth year in Tree Hill

Whether or not the US writers strike had anything to do with it, it's great news that One Tree Hill has been confirmed for next season, its sixth year.
In season five, of which I have watched six episodes, they took the risk of skipping over the traditional college years and into new ground and picked up four years after the end of season 4.

So far it has worked and is just as addictive as ever.

Now if only Channel 10 would wake up to themselves and realise what a cracking show it is. But it is probably too late for OTH now, they only got half way through season 2 before dumping it after not giving it a chance.

Incidentally, when I was returning Disturbia to the video store OTH was playing and I asked the guy behind the counter as to why, and he said because it's the best show and he watches it whenever he is working there!

Numb

Wow, wow, wow, wow.
OK, straight up I have to say this movie could have been a bit better but the performance of Matthew Perry in Numb was unbelievable.
Perry, best known as Chandler in Friends, plays Hudson, a screenwriter who suffers from a depersonalisation disorder.
He floats through life in a daze, feeling detatched from the world and from people. He spends his days sleeping, watching the 24 hour golf channel (because green is an appealing colour and people whisper all the time) and his idea of a buzz comes from shoplifting.
He sees therapist after therapist and gets nowhere. I found a scene where he is given a counter to number his negative thoughts (which he clicks many, many times) quite amusng and sad at the same time.
There looks like light at the end of the tunnel when he meets Sara, an attractive but odd woman and the only person Hudson feels remotely normal around.
His problem now is that he wants her to save him. But the only person who can save Hudson is himself.
Say what you like about Matthew Perry but he is just amazing in this movie and the voice overs give you insight into how he struggles with life. As I said, the movie overall could have been a shade better, there was a lot of potential there, but it was saved by a career best performance from Perry, head and shoulders above any other film role I have seen him in.
Had I seen this at the movies I'd give it about 7 out of 10, but as far as performance goes it's a 10. Brilliant.

Movie day

With predictions of rain (that didn't eventuate) I hired a couple of movies to watch today and had a damn good time.
First up is Disturbia, the very smart thriller starring Shia LeBeouf (left) as a teen who, under house arrest, takes to spying on the neighbourhood and believes a serial killer lives among them.
I missed this at the movies and it was a bad miss because this is outstanding. Admittedly it does take a little while to warm up but it is not only enjoyable it has some great suspense. If you haven't seen it do yourself a favour.

My second film was one out of left-field. A movie that I hadn't heard of but that read well as I was browsing the aisles.

Called Big Eden it was definitely a surprise. There is no one of any huge note in the cast but it focuses on Henry Hart (Arye Gross), a New York artist who goes home to Big Eden (his home town) to look after his grandfather after he has a stroke.

The town is a warm, caring community and I think this puts Henry off kilter a bit. As he stays in the town he rekindles friendships and and old crush and comes to be relied upon by the locals.

All the while he's not comfortable in his skin. He can't let people in and there's a touching scene where his grandfather says `There are so many people here who want to pour love over you if only you would let them'.

Apparently this came out in 2000. It was an excellent film, surprising and warm.

A couple of other quotes struck me (though the context may help more):

- There's so few nice surprises in life. Seems to me that it'd be kind of a shame to squander one of them, don't ya think?

- Listen, you know what they say when you get lost in the woods? If you stay put, stay in one place and don't wander, they'll find you. And I was just hoping you'd let yourself be found this time. I was hoping you'd let us find you. But you keep wandering and we can't.

When you watch a couple of movies that engross or enlighten you it is time well spent. That's what I reckon anway.

Touch My Body

No, it's not an invitation.
It's Mariah Carey's new song, Touch My Body, and it isn't bad.
As a long time fan (I have all her albums and have seen her in concert) I have to say that she is a great singer but whoever is advising her really ought to tell her to put some clothes back on.
I always found her more appealing back in the `wholesome' days where she always looked stunning but managed not to flash everything for the world to see. It may well be too late to go back now, having already sold the farm as it were, but I really don't see the need to be half naked in video clips.
Her songs are very good, mostly, and she didn't need to strip to be successful earlier on. For someone who has always professed a faith, and quite a few of her songs reflect that, it seems a bit hypocritical to be flaunting herself.
Concentrate on the music Mariah, that's my view. She's a beautiful woman and she shouldn't be degrading herself like she is.
My favourite Mariah songs are Hero, My Saving Grace, We Belong Together, Close My Eyes, Through The Rain, Make It Happen, Anytime You Need A Friend and Music Box.

March off

I'm happy to say that day 2 of my holidays is going well.
Sure, I haven't done much and I slept in after staying up late but I don't have to go to work tomorrow so it doesn't matter!
I'm certainly not counting, but with 28 more days off before I have to go back it's great not to be thinking too much about work.
I haven't had this much time off under good circumstances ever so it's a good feeling. Party on.

Rambo

What you see is what you get.
Some 20 years after the last outing, Sylvester Stallone dusts off Rambo for a blood filled romp through troubled Burma.
I can't really elaborate more on the film as the story is pretty simple, Rambo unwillingly helps a bunch of missionaries reach the troubled country and then gets drawn into the conflict.
The body count is astronomical as is the use of the tomato sauce.
I have to say I thought this was much better than I was expecting. It's not Shakespeare but Stallone does send Rambo off much in the same way as he did Rocky Balboa last year.
While Rocky was a much, much better film in all ways, Rambo is what you'd expect from his character.
A 6 out of 10 and it's definitely a big screen job with a bunch of guys.

Three years earlier

It's kind of fitting that the One Tree Hill episode I watched tonight, I Forgot to Remember to Forget, was essentially a flashback episode to events that happend three years earlier. (About a year after the end of season 4).
It's appropriate because I've been thinking alot about the last three years and the journey I have been on. I almost feel like I've been living in my own nightmare for three years and I just woke up. While bordering on over-dramatic, that's not far from the truth. There have been great moments but some of it seems like a bad dream, and I just couldn't get out of it.
Since the events of the past week I have begun to feel differently. I do at times have one eye over my shoulder but that's better than two.
I still have a way to go.
Anyway, season 5 of OTH has been going along great. It seems Lucas (he's the guy in the picture, the central character) isn't over his high school love but is in some decent denial about it. I was watching the special feaures on season 4's box set and there was a quote from one of the producers that stood out: ``we're never going to be a big show, but we'll be someone's favourite show''. Very true. This is a series that has heart, soul and a sense of humour.
I can't wait to watch the next one.....

Do I feel lucky?

I started thinking about this shortly after my doctor yesterday told me I was one of the lucky ones, that is, of the patients he has in my situation.
Over the last few years I have definitely felt unlucky, or unfortunate, and not appreciated that while there is something to deal with it is manageable.
So, the results of the tests I had last week were outstanding, surprising and confusing.
The fact that the condition has gone into `full remission' is awesome and I have to say it has taken a decent weight off my shoulders. This doesn't mean I should cease being vigilant as there is still the possibility, in fact likelihood, that it could return. But it means I need to start feeling fortunate and therefore more relaxed about it.
It was more surprising to the doctor, though I am also surprised, but I was also hopeful when I had the tests that things would be no worse as I felt I had done everything possible (aside from excessive worry) that I could.
Why is it confusing? When I came out of hospital (day stay) last week with the preliminary result which was similarly great, it all felt surreal. There was no evidence of the problem in the test that was done, the last time I had it (3 years ago) there was pretty decent evidence.
While it's great to be given an all clear for now I am puzzled because I don't know how to process it, something that has been an incredible burden isn't there, or at least isn't around at the moment, and I'm not used to that.
I do need to keep in mind that cases of this never reappearing are rare, so I can't all of a sudden be reckless plus I've become accustomed to a healthy lifestyle.
So I really need to realise that I am fortunate, lucky, whatever adjective is appropriate, and begin moving forward. But it's great news and I'm looking forward to it sinking in.

Season 5

After a slowish start, season 5 of One Tree is startingto get pretty good. It's a brave move sending them past the college days but it looks like it is going to work.
Even better, season 5 has been confirmed as having 18 episodes. That's down from the original 22 but with the writers' strike knocking out a lot of time just over three quarters of a season isn't bad.
I'm only four episodes into season 5 but it's in that groove where I just want more.

A different side

Tonight was a special night.
Yeah it's Sunday and Sunday means church but this time it wasn't your run of the mill church event.
I had the pleasure of witnessing my friend Andrew (it sounds weird referring to you as that mate!) take over ministerial duties at his new church.
His is a smallish congregation, from what I could gather, but one that has embraced him enthusiastically and I am sure one that will thrive.
What was especially great was to see him present a part of himself to the congregation by way of symbols, however dubious the Collingwood flag might be, and I think that says a lot about how he intends to serve that church.
Another great thing was to see the ``minister'' side to my friend. It's a side that has always been there, present in any even half-serious conversation, but it was different to see it in action.
Well done mate, and looking forward to the Botany open!

Another great song....

I alluded to this song about a year go and it was remiss of me not to have posted a link so the uninitiated could hear.
The song is We Belong Together by Gavin Degraw. It is a touch raw sounding but sensitive and beautiful. It will get your mind thinking good thoughts and leave you with a smile.
I first heard it on a episode of One Tree Hill (where else) and it struck me then and it gets better with each listen. My only frustration is that you can't seem to get it anywhere - it's not on iTunes and unless there was a Tristan & Isolde soundtrack (which I also can't find on iTunes) I'm not likely to get my hand on it.
If you happen to have this song on CD, please let me know!

Preliminary results

I got back from my hospital visit a couple of hours ago and feel pretty good.
The results of my test were, I must admit, a lot better than I was hoping for and even surprised my doctor.
I still have a bit of bloating and stomach action going on from the procedure but it's so far so good. I'll get the full results of a couple of samples taken in a week or two but the doc didn't suggest that there was any huge rush and wasn't expecting anything major.
So I will cross that bridge later.
It's a bit surreal actually, given the result sheet I have. Praise God.

I am Lucas!

Which One Tree Hill Character Are You?

Created by BuddyTV

Celebrating watching the end of One Tree Hill season 4 last night was great and it was an awesome ending. So I took the quiz, as you do, and I am Lucas which is a good result.

Everybody's Changing

This is a great song, it's by English band Keane.
It was in my head all day yesterday (I reckon I heard it while watching One Tree Hill recently) and took me a while to work out what song it was.
I'm planning to buy the album ASAP.

Here's an explanation from the band as to what the song is about:
``Everybody's Changing is a song about something I think a lot of people will experience, which is when people's lives start going different ways and you're sitting there, thinking my friends are doing this, what I am I doing? What do I do with my life? I think things like that are quite common to people and are probably more important than a lot of things that people write songs about. I mean, we haven't written any songs about politics. I think things like your friends, communication and love affect peoples lives more on a daily basis than who's in charge of the budget.''

Have a listen, it's an awesome track.

Discoveries

In the coming week I will probably find out why I haven't been myself in the last week or so.
There will likely be good news or not so good news as I have been booked in for a procedure that you can read about by clicking the link if you want to.
Despite not really wanting to do it, I know it is the best way to work out what is going on and treat it appropriately if required.
I don't really feel comfortable discussing the ins and outs of it here, most of you who read this blog would know what I'm talking about and if you want to know more feel free to email or call.
Regardless, by Wednesday night I am going to be in a much better position as to where I stand and where I head.
I will be praying for good news and I hope you will too.

The unexplained

It's been a rough week so far.
The thing is I can't put my finger on why, exactly what has caused me to feel so off this week.
To say I have experienced a bit of a rollercoaster would be fairly accurate. I think (and hope) I am coming out of it a bit now.
Monday and Tuesday were particularly tough, I just didn't feel like being at work or doing anything really but I somehow managed to be reasonably productive.
Hopefully tomorrow will be better again.
The good thing is that with all this cooler weather sleeping has been a lot easier than it would normally be in the middle of summer.
I don't think the problem is physical, though it has physical manifestations.
The problem is that I tend to worry too much, my mum says I have always been like that and while it's not really clear to me she'd be right as I have only noticed it in recent times.

Understand...I do not

Trying to bring myself up from what seems to have been a mid-level panic episode this morning.
There's no reason for it, that I can understand anyway, aside from feeling reasonably tired (largely due to waking up about 10 times in the early hours of Saturday morning) after a hectic period lately.
It's clear I don't react to this situation at all well. That could well be the understatement of this blog to date.
I have started trying out some meditation and am hopeful that will be beneficial.
The good thing is that I don't feel ill at all, just a bit edgy. I've had a massage today and that was excellent (recently they've been a bit ordinary at the place I go to) and am planning perhaps a relaxing bath or at least a longish shower this evening.
Now that's something to look forward to.