I said brr it's cold in here........

Five days into summer and I'm wearing boots, stockings and a God damn cardigan!

What is going on?! Global warming where are you and what have you done with the sunshine and humid weather us Aussies have grown accustomed to over the last century?

I suppose I shouldn't complain too loudly because I'm certainly not missing the flies or sticky, sleepless nights.

Oh christmas tree

Here is our christmas tree. It may be two days late but it's finally up. Now I just need to purchase some gifts to put underneath. My oh my where has the year gone......

Our patio

This is our patio all ready for summer drinks, hijinks and bbqs.

I'm Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!

Well it has been almost a year since my last post, so what would be a better way to commemorate the occassion than by posting a blog.

Here is an update on what has happened over the last year.

- We finally have a front yard and more recently a patio and concrete out the back (Rome wasn't built in a day guys!)
- I have another pet bunny named Smokey-Joe El Diablo who was cute and cuddly at first but has recently turned pure evil.
- My hair is back to being blonde.
- My awesome friend Katie left the loop to travel the world (I miss you Katie!)
- Bec and Andy had a beautiful little girl name Zoe Madeline.
- Brett and Katie moved into their house.
- We had a pet bird but he died last week.
- All of our mates flew over to NZ for the GO-trains wedding and we all had an awesome time.
- I am loving my job here at the paper although sometimes I want to tear my hair out (deadlines anyone).
- We bought a brand new car, a black 08 Subaru Liberty.
- My sister Carrie was slandered in the West Australian newspaper.
- I joined the South West Sport Centre in a bid to become fit and look hot, so far I have been very committed.

Hmmm, that is all that springs to mind at the moment.
I will endeavour to put up regular posts but my PC at home is a Piece of Crap so it may be a long time between drinks.
Here are some holiday snaps from NZ.....

More Europe Photos....

I hate computers especially mine...

I love technology yet at the same time despise it, namely because it is so easy and common for things to go wrong. My computer is such an example. It is slow, annoying and won't let me download photos from my camera!!!! I just want to add my pics to Facebook is it really that much to ask? I think not. Does anyone else feel like crying,screaming and throwing things (the P.C) when there is a technological breakdown?

Europe Pics...

Au revoir, Sayonara, Arrivederci, See you later, GOODBYE!!!



I'm off to Perth in a moment, then catching a plane to London at 12.40 tomorrow and then I'll be making my over to France on Saturday. Oh what a life! I'm feeling a mix of emotions at the moment, I'm nervous, excited, sad, unsure, happy, anxious and everything else in between. It may only be for 5 weeks, but I realised today that 5 weeks is quite a long time especially for someone like me. This will be the longest I have ever spent away from G and my family, so I imagine there will be few tears.

I think I'm organised it is difficult deciding what to bring and what not to bring. I figure if I need something I'll just buy it while I'm over there. Anyway, I doubt I'll have time to update but when I'm back I'm certain there will be lot to tell. Take care everyone and I'll miss you all, oh except Holly and Lanz because I'll be seeing you soon woo hoo!

10 reasons why I don't like the Dockers

1-Jeff Farmer, alcohol problem my arse you've got an anger problem
2-Josh Carr, leave Benny alone!
3-Their name, ooh how scary a wharfie
4-Their song, "heave ho way to go" hmm
5-Their guernsey, it's purple for crying out loud with an anchor
6-They're an embarrassment to the AFL, they haven't even won a premiership
7-Chris Connolly, oops that right he sucked so bad they had to give him the "heave ho"
8-The supporters, booing the best players in the universe (Chris Judd and Ben Cousins) and spitting on their own coach
9-Their consistency to play inconsistently
10-They suck

Whoever said money can't buy happiness LIED!!!

to be continued....

My collage...

I heart Hoodies...
Hoodies are my favorite item of clothing at the moment and today after much searching I finally located a plain black one to purchase. Thanks Bonds! Hoodies are fabulous because they are warm, comfy, they have pockets to keep your hands warm and if it is raining outside you can pop on the hood and save your hairstyle from being ruined. My favorite hoodie is my blue one I bought in Melbourne, which I unfortunately left at Bec's house last time I was in Perth. Another favorite is my light grey one with dark grey stars all over it. I think G is looking his absolute hottest when he is wearing his plain black hoodie. Hoodies rock!

Lee-Maree Gallo, 25 years old, Cadet Journalist

Yes that's correct I got the job at the Bunbury Mail as their brand new Cadet Journalist! How exciting, I don't properly start until I get back from my trip and then it's back to full time work for this chick. I'm going to have to buy a whole new work wardrobe too as I don't have any office type clothing. Yay, I will finally at the ripe old age of 25 be starting my career.

The end...

I was planning on posting about Harry Potter and what I thought of the final book but have decided against it because it would be way too loooooooooong! I also do no want to spoil it for those who have not had the chance to read it. I will however say this, it was fantastic, J.K did not disappoint, she tied up all the loose ends and explained everything perfectly. The epilogue was a bit too contrite for my liking and did appear to be tacked on to the end at the last minute, but other than that it was wonderful. I am just sad that there will be no more adventures concerning Harry, Ron and Hermione.

Please take note...

On the 21st of July something wonderous will occur, it will be a one time only event that will take the world by storm. There will be global chaos and pandemonium all around, followed by relief, joy and appreciation. Yes, I am talking about the release of J.K Rowling's 7th and final installment of Harry Potter. Unfortunately I am working on this day and then going out for a work do later on that evening. However I have completely cleared my schedule for the following day so I can resume and finish reading this piece of literary genius that will no doubt go down in history as one of the classic novels of our time. I wish to inform you all that if ANYONE completes the book before me or hears how the tale ends and then tells me, I will be forced to bludgeon you with said book. I will be in lockdown mode until the final word is read.

Just to clear things up a little continued....
(please see www.rainbowblogstar.blogspot.com)

1- If you want a STRONG or STRONGER coffee then you need to have an extra shot, there is no other way to make a STRONG or STRONGER coffee. It is not a matter of adding another teaspoon of coffee.

2-Latte's are not a COOL drink, your friends are not impressed and neither is your barista. A latte just contains more milk because it is in a glass and please do not EVER ask for a "cafe latte" because that is not what it is called!

3-Why bother having a coffee if you are asking for decaf? I don't get it, I really don't.

4-Asking for your coffee to be extra hot actually means that you are requesting BURNT milk.

5-There is no such thing as a half shot.

Hmm, this is my first ever work related post I have realised and now that I'm on a roll.....Working in customer service sux, it sux so much sometimes I want to cry. Why I hear you ask? Well let me explain...no how about I just let you know, how you, can make my job just that little bit better.

1-If I ask you how you are or how is your day going, please answer or at least give a smile. Looking at me like I just told you I have gonorrhea does not make my day any better or my mood for that matter.

2-Please place the money in my hand when paying and not on the counter, otherwise I will do the same to you when I hand back your change.

3-Place your orders at the counter, do not demand I get you a cappuccino when my arms are full of dirty plates otherwise you will end up wearing them.

4-Please do not push in front of other customers who have been waiting longer than you, I can see what's going on.

5-If we have run out of chilled water then DEAL WITH IT, please refrain from badgering me whilst it is the middle of a lunch rush just for a glass of water.

6-We have not forgot your order, we rarely, if ever, forget orders. Unfortunately nacho's, burgers, foccacia's and coffees all take time to make. It is not Macca's.

7-Please do not sit at the one uncleared table in the whole cafe when there are another ten clean and cleared ones.

8-Don't forget the magic word....please. A thankyou would be lovely too.

9-Gluten free does not mean fat free it is for people who have a gluten intolerance

10-Stop saying "oh I can't eat dairy, wheat, tomato, blah, blah ,blah" because you can!!! Unless you are allergic or intolerant you can eat whatever you want, who are you trying to kid with your diet? If you were that serious you wouldn't be eating out to begin with.

11-Eating a large plate of pumpkin bake with potato and pasta salad is not "being healthy". You are actually eating a plate of fatty carbs, have a green salad or sandwich instead.

12-Say no to plastic bags! If you can carry it with your hands then you do not need a bag.

Do not get me wrong I have met some lovely people through my work, especially the regulars whom are all kind, friendly people but oh my there are some real nasty, horrible, self-absorbed wankers out there too. So dear readers please next time you are being served by someone somewhere smile, use your manners and give a thought to what kind of day they might be having.

Our study

I finally got of my arse and bought a bookshelf yesterday, which I may add, I assembled by myself. So now at long last our study is organised and my books are no longer sitting in a pile on the floor. I always thought I would have had the house finished by now in terms of making it a home but I have barely begun! I've decided that it is my goal to add something each week, whether it be a painting, ornament, rug or whatever. I bought an elephant statue just a moment ago and he is now residing in the corner by the pool table, I will be picking up a giraffe statue on Friday. I am also in the middle of putting together a huge collage to put on one of the study walls. I think finding artwork is the most difficult because I know what I want in my head but it probably doesn't even exist, I'm thinking of just buying some canvas and seeing what I can come up with. Ha ha wish me luck!

THE BEST BAND IN THE WORLD!!!!

Yes, that's right I am talking about none other than The Smashing Pumpkins whom if you were living under a rock and didn't know have reformed. They are currently touring (leaving out Australia boo hoo) and have a new album due out soon. I have just watched the film clip for their new single 'tarantula' and am very impressed, it kicks arse just like the rest of their music. 'Doomsday Clock' another track of the album is also a guaranteed hit.Unfortunately James Iha, like D'arcy, is no longer a Pumpkin, two new members have taken their place. Melissa Auf De Maur (D'arcy's replacement) is also no longer with the band. The newbies are Jeff Schroeder and Ginger Reyes thus making Billy and Jimmy Chamberlain the only original members.

Check out http://www.smashingpumpkins.com/ or www.myspace.com/smashingpumpkins to see for yourself, why they are the best band in the world.

F**K OFF!!!

Ok, it's not very often that I get so fired up about something that I feel the need to blog about it, especially when it comes to reality TV. Hmm although I did complain about Dean Geyer's inclusion in Australian Idol anyway.....Will somebody please put the housemates and Big Brother viewers out of our misery and get rid of the ugliest, dumbest most annoying woman ever to grace our television screens!!! Yes, I am talking about Michelle. Oh my God I have never been so infuriated by another human being (on TV) in my life. I often try and find at least one good point about somebody I don't like or seem to get along with but with this bitch I can't find one, not one. I can't even look at her. All she does is bitch, backstab, whinge, complain and look like a fat ugly little troll. Please for the love of God let her be evicted....

*I am sorry if anyone is upset by the above rant and I promise I won't be this mean or negative again, I just needed to let it out. I will return to my happy, positive self next post.*

100 posts, lets take a trip down memory lane...

This is my 100th post and looking back quite a lot has happened since my very first post. G and I have built and moved into our very first house, we bought a pet bunny whom we love very much, I have finally finished my uni degree after 4 and a 1/2 years, I've been to Melbourne, I've booked a trip overseas, I've joined the gym, coloured and cut my hair numerous times, made new friends and have had too many good times to mention. So overall I'm very pleased with what has been going on in my life. I am so glad that I started this blog, not only is it somewhat like a personal diary but it allows absent friends to know what's been going on in my world and vice versa. Ooh how I love technology. To mark this occasion I have included a pic of my two lovely sisters, Carrie and Ashleigh, and I who I feel have grown so much more closer over the past few months, it was taken last night.

What I am loving right now...

Grapefruit juice, so very tart and so very refreshing

Soup, I'm eating some now as I type

Knowing that I will miss out on 5 weeks of winter in exchange for a European summer, YIPEE!

The internet, breaking geographical boundaries so everyone can keep in touch

Snuggling on the too small couch with G, although I don't think he loves it nearly as much!

Watching Gurnsie eat snow peas and beans, his face is the cutest thing on earth

Re-reading the Harry Potter series in anticipation for the release of the final installment Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Sleep will not come to this tired body now and peace will not come to this lonely heart...-Billy Corgan-

I have been an insomniac on and off my whole life, at this point in time it's at the on stage. The most annoying part of my insomnia is that it is my own fault and I am my own worst enemy. I think too much and stress myself out with stuff that I shouldn't even be concerned about. It is so annoying, I'll be close to falling asleep on the couch but as soon as my head hits that pillow and the lights are out it seems another light is switched on somewhere inside my brain. Aaaargh it drives me insane. Over the years I've tried all the little tricks and remedies imaginable (eg warm bath, hot drink, valerian tablets, counting sheep) none of them work, I think I need to find a remote control that pauses my thoughts at bed time. If anyone knows where I may be able to purchase such a device then please do let me know.

I love Alfred Gurns

I'd like to take this opportunity to announce....................

that I'm going to Europe!!!! Yay, finally. On the 16th of August I will be leaving Perth for London where I will embark on a 29 day Contiki tour around Europe. I will then be back in London on the 16th of September, where (hopefully if anyone will have me) I will be staying until the 2nd of October. I am going with Helen from work who is only 18 and was going by herself but now I've come along and crashed her party ha ha! I didn't tell anyone of my plans just incase they fell through but thankfully they haven't and the deposit has been paid. So Holly, Lanz and Dover you better be prepared because I'm coming over and I'm expecting good times to be had oh and there better be somewhere I can watch the footy grand final. GO WEST COAST!!! I can't wait I'm so excited, then when I get back I can focus on getting a career and settling down. Well that's the plan anyway.

CWS Commercial: Say no to dirt

How funny is this ad!

Bandwagon jumper...

Ok, well I don't know anyone else who is a fan but I still know I'm jumping on to some kind of Amy Winehouse bandwagon somewhere in the world. Hey, I can't start trends all of the time! Let's just forget about her skeletal frame, poor fashion sense, missing tooth and bad make up for a second because this chick can sing. I especially like the song 'You know I'm no good' which is sampled by GhostFaceKilla also on one of his tracks.

I am (un) officially a university graduate!

Finally after 4 and a 1/2 years of hard work and dedication (yeah right) I am finished. I think I deserve a pat on the back. Now it's time to get a real job.

*Thanks to G, Bec and my family for putting up with my whingeing and whining every time I had an assignment due.*

Only 1000 words to go....

and then I am done with university life. Pity that I am tired and that my arse is going numb and that I'm easily distracted. However, I have told myself I am not allowed to go to sleep until it is complete.

You and I and the blueberry sky forever......

(please refer to www.rainbowblogstar.blogspot.com before continuing)

Who remembers and knows all the lyrics to 'Apple Eyes' by those kooky, crazy Aussie one hit wonders known as Swoop? I do and I'm sure you do to. If you haven't already checked out Carrie's post regarding this matter then I suggest you do as the following may not make much sense, or perhaps you could view it as a history lesson or maybe even a trip down memory lane ...


-Swoop released 'Apple Eyes' in 1995


-Came in at number 32 in Triple J's hottest 100


-Featured on the first ever Home and Away soundtrack in 1996


-Released such notable tracks as, 'Rock Dog', 'Do it', 'Neighbourhood Freak' and who could forget 'Everything I do from now is going to be Funky'.


-There were 7 members including one female


-Were once described as "ground-breaking"

'Apple Eyes'

Get on the A train

Get on the right track

If you got a problem tell meI can fix that

And if you got the rigging baby

I got the boat

And if you got a castle

Well you know I got the moat (it's alright)

If you need some lower level

I'll be your elevator

If you want a sure glide

And if you need some time baby I got foreverI got your stuff ain't that enough?

Apple eyes drinking strawberry wine together

You and I and a blueberry sky forever

Now if you're feeling hot

On account of the sun

I got the body lotion if you wanna get some

And if you want some money

Ha I got a gold mine

And if you need direction I'm a one way sign(That's alright)

If you need a new kind of rhythmI got a lemon bass that plays in apricot time

Sagittarius or Leo or Libran

I'll be your zodiac on a different star trackChorus (x2)

Hit it Girl

I Think I love You

OhhhhhhApple eyes drinking strawberry wine together

You Got A Problem I Can Fix That

You and I and a blueberry sky foreverI got the body lotion if you wanna get some lotion, babe

Apple eyes drinking strawberry wine togetherTogether, Together, Together, Together, You and I and a blueberry sky forever

Forever.

Ah the memories.....


http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/hottest100/history/1995.htm

No pain no gain...

Yesterday I did what some may call crazy, I, along with my sister Ashleigh, made my way over to the back beach for an hour long bootcamp training session. It was torturous, it was hard work but most of all it was fun. We did what seemed like 1000 push ups, we ran, we ran with tyres, we army crawled/rolled, we did sit ups, we ran some more, we did another 1000 push ups and then we stretched our sore and tired muscles. We were working so hard I didn't even realise the sun had come up! Ash and I were invited to participate by Cody as it was 'bring a friend' day, it's where they try and convince people to join for the next 4 week round. Well I'm convinced, even though I am paying for it today. It actually hurts to laugh! So if any of you hear about bootcamp starting near by I highly recommend it.

Food, food glorious food...

I love food. I love cooking it, smelling it. buying it and I especially love eating it. Tonight I made tandoori lamb cutlets which I placed on a bed of cous cous topped with sweet corn, avocado, coriander and lime salsa and coriander yogurt stuffed potatoes. It was delish, I took a pic so you can all salivate and admire my culinary genius. Unfortunately I have ugly plates so they do not do the meal justice *sigh*.

One more week...

That is all I have left to go with my tertiary education, this time next week I will be a university graduate with a Bachelor of Creative Industries majoring in communications and culture. I know some of you may be scratching your head wondering a degree in what?! Basically it's an arts degree (aka useless) which covers topics such as literature, art history, film, web design, media, modernism, post-modernism and communication skills. I have also studied photography, philosophy and theatre. I have loved learning about all of the above, however it is common knowledge that I am the world's laziest student. I'm only going to pass with average marks but alas that is my own doing and who looks at results anyway.........NO ONE!!! My next goal is to get as much work experience as I can, I'd prefer a job but living in W(ait) A(while) inhibits my employment chances. A job in Bunbury is practically impossible. I'm going to begin by asking my editor at Rip-in if he can give me some more work, even if it's just taking pics for the social pages.

Pics from the weekend...(not many I forgot to take them!)

I've joined the gym!

Yes indeed I have, not content with the inevitable piling on of the winter pounds I, along with my mother, signed up for a 12 month membership with Curves today. It's not like your average gym, there are no men, no mirrors and no cardio machines and each session is only 30 minutes long. Sounds strange I know but I'm willing to give it a go. My workmate, Al has been going and she is looking fantastic so it definitely works. Instead of measuring weight loss they focus on lost centimetres but I'm just there to tone up really and to get fit. However, I was very surprised at my body fat percentage and it was not a pleasant surprise!!! Apparently body fat percentage is not as dependant on your size as I thought. So look out everybody come summertime I'll be looking hot to trot ha ha.

Happy Birthday Becky Boo!!!!















Today is Bec's birthday, she is my best friend in the whole universe. You could say we are BFF. Here are 10 reasons why I love her.



1-she listens to everything I have to say (puts up with my whingeing!)

2-she is always there for me

3-she loves talking about food as much as I do

4-she is fiery and not afraid to voice her opinion

5-she is so small she can fit in my pocket

6-she appreciates the Italian way of life

7-she is absolutely gorgeous

8-she doesn't mind if I kick her out of my house (ha ha)

9-she is my partner in crime against all the boys in our life

10-she loves me for who I am




HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO A WONDERFUL FRIEND, I'm so very lucky to have you. I'm almost certain my nonno and your nonna are responsible for our friendship. See you in 2 days, so we can do it all again xoxo

Book Review- Life of Pi Yann Martel

Life of Pi, tells the story of a 16 year old boy who finds himself stranded on a lifeboat after the ship he is on, sinks to the bottom of the Pacific ocean. Orphaned and alone with only a hyena, an orang-utan and a tiger for company, Pi must fight for survival until he is rescued. Eventually his journey comes to an end 227 days later on the shores of Mexico. Captivated by his tale of survival, his rescuers ask him what happened, Pi tells them. However, they are dissatisfied with his version of events so Pi offers them an alternative (and somewhat slightly barbaric) story, he then asks them which story they prefer. They choose the first and highly unbelievable version rather than the second realistic, yet 'morally' wrong version.

This technique also allows the reader to ask themselves the same question. It forces the reader to choose and to take a look at their own morals, values and beliefs. This a constant throughout the text as there are numerous references to God, religion and faith. Pi, is constantly questioning his own beliefs and morals, and in the beginning wonders why he can't be Muslim, Christian and Hindu, "I just want to love God", he exclaims to his father.

Although this is a slow and often tedious read, it is important not to take this book at face value. It is more than just an adventure story, Martel is forever challenging the reader to question themselves, their reality and their beliefs.

It is important to note that the novel was awarded the MAN BOOKER prize in 2002 and was nominated for many other literary awards also.

To be honest I probably would have stopped reading after the first few chapters had my librarian not kindly told me to persevere with it. I'm glad I listened to her.

Book rating- ***

I'm hungry and frustrated

to be continued.....

Birthday Pics (sorry Bec)!