Monday, May 28, 2007

spin spin spin

Oh boy...
I took a spin class this afternoon. The best way I can describe this class: sweat dripping off you, sore legs and red faced while riding a bike.
Ha!
Really, its amazing... You get on and at first its all going well, can handle it, right, here I am, taking a spin class... ok, now they say to crank up the pressure, so its like your going up a hill... ok, can handle that. Full now, really going up a hill. And then they make you stand up..
Now, I don't know why, but I have never really got the whole standing up while riding a bike. Never mastered properly... So, it was quite a feat. And I am quite impressed that I managed to do it without falling off my bike, or stopping. Okay, so that isn't to say that I didn't have a break every now and then... Its unbelievable how hard you have to work in this class. I knew it would be hard, don't get me wrong, but still, to have sweat dripping off you, is just quite astonishing. Ok, so its not very pretty, but at least everyone else in the class is doing the exact same thing, dripping. Even the instructor, and he's the INSTRUCTOR! Hah!
Very happy to see everyone else red faced and dripping, its like a kinship!
The best thing about the class, is the music. They choose music that has a good beat, and you kind of just tune out and concentrate on that beat and pedal to it. Sounds strange, to be riding a bike to music, but it works really well. My favourite one was when they played Black Eyed Peas: Pump It. You had to do this really fast sprint during the chorus. I got my legs going so fast that I thought they were going to fly off!!
Managed to get through the class, legs were feeling a little weak after it though. Shaky. Walking down stairs was a little difficult.. you know that scene in Bridget Jones, when she gets off the bike and her legs give out. Haha, that was what I was thinking when I was walking down stairs.. oh christ, my legs are going to give out!! But they got me home alright.. done some more stretches just now. I hope I'm not so sore tomorrow that I can't walk.
I had planned to go to another class tomorrow during lunch... But I think you have to pace yourself with these spin classes. Maybe Thursday night instead... although thats when a dance class was on that I wanted to try out... (see what I mean about trying to decide which class to do, VERY DIFFICULT)
Ride baby ride!

Saturday, May 26, 2007

namaste

Yoga class last night was just what I needed to wind down from the week... It was great.
They turn off the lights, so its nice and dark and you can really relax. I have never done a proper Yoga class like that, always thought about it but never actually went. I like it. Will definitely schedule some more in.. :)
Something I just found out:
Hatha Yoga came from the words "ha" which means "sun" and "tha" which means "moon". It is often translated as the branch of Yoga that brings union of the pairs of opposites referring to the positive (sun) and negative (moon) currents in the system.
Just perfect!

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

earthed

I just finished my first class at the gym I joined.
Yes, you read right. I joined a g-y-m! WOAH! Never thought that would happen... But, this isn't your standard run of the (tread)mill gym... oh no. Its much much cooler. Because it offers a variety of classes, all sorts, such as Bellydancing, Dancing, NIA, Pilates, Yoga, Skip, Ride, and all sorts of other ones.
So, tonight, I tried out a NIA class. What is NIA you ask? Well it stands for Neuromuscular Integrative Action. Uh-huh. Sounds technical.. but its not. Its a form of expressive dance, an expressive body-mind movement and lifestyle practice, embracing fitness and health.. is how they describe it. Sounds a little intimidating..but its actually really fun. You have steps, but basically anything goes. The music gets you moving, and you just let go... Hah. And its quite surprising at how much it gets you going. And smiling!
So first class is a success!
Tomorrow I have an assessment. Yes, I have to meet with a trainer and they will have a look at my level of fitness and goals etc. The form you fill out at the start, when you join the gym, has a section where you are meant to circle your goals. Things like: increase endurance, increase tone, increase flexibility etc. etc. Well I looked along that list, thought, well yeah, that would be a plus, but they aren't really goals as such. I mainly just want to mix things up a bit. *shrug*
The most difficult thing is choosing which class to do!! Hah. I sat here last night with the timetable planning everything I could do. This class is on at that time, oh but that is when that class is on.. oh, I have to choose one!?! TOO HARD.
Friday, I have decided to try a yoga class.
Monday, I have planned to try out a spin/ride class. Thats the bike class I was really wanting to do. I peaked in through the window tonight as I left my class, they turn the lights out in there, so its nice and dark. They were working pretty hard! Lookin' forward to it actually... Is that insane? haha..

Monday, May 21, 2007

stopped in my tracks

What a lovely start to the week.
I got stranded on a train this morning. Well, not stranded... more stuck. Boarded my normal train, going to work quite happily, when there was this strange *pop* sound. "Hmm.. that was not normal..." After using the train system for 7 years, you get to know the sounds of the trains... that pop was definitely not right. Then we just start slowing down... and eventually stop.
Okay, so we're stopped, on the tracks between Brunswick Street and Central Station. Central station is my stop... a little frustrating. We sit there for a few minutes, and then the lights go out. Darkness. But at least the airconditioning is on. Not for long. The airconditioning turns off. Hmm.. this is not going to be pretty.
So, here we all are. A peak hour train, chock-a-block full of commuters on their way to work. We all pull out our mobiles and start calling and texting through to various workplaces. "Stuck on a train, will be late." 5 minutes pass... Then the airconditioning starts again. We all sigh in relief. At least we can breathe. Another 5 minutes, sitting in darkness. Some random puffs from the train, and then there is an announcement.
"Passengers, this train has a fault and we will be moving as soon as we can."
Well, duh!
Another 10 minutes tick by... people start getting anxious. Can see them looking around nervously, like they are about to press the emergency button and get out and walk. Another announcement.
"This train has broken down, and we will be moving on as soon as another train comes along to push us through to Central Station. Should be about 5 to 10 minutes. We apologise for any inconvencience caused."
That is repeated a few thousand times, obviously Queensland Rail want to cover their backs for the train's decision to break down.
Then finally a very big *bump*. Ah, that must be the train behind us... Slowly slowly we get pushed through to the next train. Reminds me of Thomas the Tank Engine! Hehehe.. when they have trains that break down, and Thomas comes along and pushes them through... Good ol' Thomas!
So, I get to Central, which normally takes me 10 minutes from my station, and this morning has taken about 45 minutes!
Gotta love Mondays!

Friday, May 18, 2007

booty

My first pair of boots!

Booty-ful yes?

I really wanted a pair of boots this year. So, I went out and found these today... cheered me up. Was feeling a little stressed out and over worked and worried, but buying shoes helps. I never used to be one of those "shoe" stereotype women.. but seems I have turned into one, slightly. ;) I like shoes. They are quite nice... heh. And these boots are super sweet!
So, just a little stressed, I have a slight issue with a students visa that I was helping with his extension, friend of a friend... long story, hopefully he won't be booted (hah) out of the country. Taking two days in Noosa was great, however, I seem to be working for both schools now, Brisbane and Noosa. Just until they get their heads around the new system anyway. Plus, have to catch up with everything here in Brisbane... so working flat out! Thinking all the time of everything I need to do... busy busy bee.
Missing Marcel like crazy. At least when he was here I could see him and take some time out from work. Being together helped a lot... And, he has gone north north again, to Cooktown! His team and another team (that are the two top teams) went up there to work for 10 days. And it looks like I won't be able to talk to him either... can't get through to his mobile. Must be terrible phone coverage up there. *sigh* So I will miss him a lot more now.
I am planning to take a holiday in the first week of June. If I can... I might visit him up there, not in Cooktown, but when he goes south again to Proserpine, I might go to Airlie Beach for a week! Beach in winter... :)

I want to put my boots on now... I looooooooooOOOve them! ;)

Monday, May 14, 2007

earth intruders

We are the earth intruders we are the sharp shooters
^The song I have stuck in my head today^

Saw the video clip on the weekend, and now I have it playing in my head. Its got a catchy little beat. We are the earth intruders... do do DO do do do

Monday monday... start of the week. Long week this week, well, 5 days. Its long, compared to the 4 day weeks we have had recently. I'm heading up to Noosa tomorrow and Wednesday. Going to the Noosa campus to help them out with setting up a new database. Hopefully it will all go smoothly. Have to help them set it all up and get everything working properly, merges working, categories set up, etc. etc. Get to stay in a hotel up there as well, company paid! Don't think its a really fancy one or close to the beach or anything, but still, might be nice...

Got lots of things I would like to start/do these days. Have been thinking, I might start a proper budget budget, strict. Shopping money, bill money etc. etc. I have sort of, kind of, always did have one, but I didn't actually write it down and set aside money for it... I might try it, see if that can get me back on the saving train...
Thinking I might start going to a spin class once or twice a week. If I can find a good one. Apparently in the new gym in the city they have the room painted with a streetscape of Rio De Janeiro! So I want to check that out. And it would be something different.. fun. Hard, but fun! I will try and get around to having a look at that this week, let you know if I go. The problem is, going to a gym... :/ Hmm.. you know what I mean?
Keep seeing all these great winter-ish clothes around lately. Not that we can really call it cold over here in Brisbane... but I want to add a few new wintery things to my wardrobe... wintery warm things. Maybe a pair of boots, some new work clothes. I'm so sick of wearing the same work clothes all the time. Yes its practical, but not very exciting! And there are all these great jackets and little jumpers and long sleeve tops...boots *rubs hands with glee*

Heh.. yes.. feeling like i want to change some things. Just start doing some new things, and update things a little too. Is it still spring? Ah yes, maybe thats what it is... spring cleaning... ;)

Wednesday, May 09, 2007

grumble

Whats wrong?

I don't know, just grumbly... got sprung with extra work today. Have to train people with the new system, which isn't hard to do, its just extra work that I don't feel like doing. Also tired of this job... tired of doing all this.
Tired of being apart.
Bored too. I have things I could do, like study or cleaning or other things... but buggered if I could be bothered.

I just feel grumbly.
Grumble grumble work grumble grumble study grumble grumble distance grumble grumble bored grumble grumble me

Tuesday, May 08, 2007

sarina

Back from the sticks!
Well, Mackay... what can I say... a little boring. But maybe thats because I spent most of the time there in Mackay bored and waiting around.
But the weekend was good. I actually stayed in a little town south of Mackay, called Sarina. Its next to the beach... well its a small beach. There are lots of industrial lots around there. Not sure, coal maybe (?), and fishing trawlers... At least I think they were fishing trawlers. So, it wasn't the most beautiful, but there was a beach!
Its quite a little multicultural community. The whole Eucalyptus planting gang are staying in a caravan park, Australians, New Zealanders, French, Swedish, Italians, Brazilians, Colombians... Very interesting mix. They all work 9 hour shifts, one beginning at 2am or 3am, depending on how hard they want to work and how much money they want to earn, until midday, and the other group work from midday to 9pm. Planting planting planting... all for wood.
They come back from work COVERED in mud and exhausted. They were pushing for me to go out for a shift with them.. heh.. maybe next time... ;)
I even had a full day with Marcel! I didn't expect it, he was meant to be working the whole time, but the tractor broke down on Sunday. Which was great because we got to spend the whole day together... :)
The teams will finish in that area in a week or so, and then they will move on. I think the next place is Cooktown, or somewhere... Might get a chance to see that part of Queensland too!
We're both concentrating on work to get through these weeks apart. Hopefully, it will pass quickly!

Looking forward to the next visit already!

Friday, May 04, 2007

forests

Please be happy for me, I have never been so happy in my life.
I've never done anything thoughtlessly, this included. I know its hard to think of what may be in the future, but I have never had this feeling before...
We both feel this is everlasting. It is early to say that, but I can't explain the connection without the cynics stepping up and saying something cynical... heh

*love*

If my life should take this turn, I would like you to be confident in my choice... and happy for me. There is nothing more that I could ask for.

Wednesday, May 02, 2007

northward bound

So I'm heading north... Northward bound... Up to Mackay! Why? Well, Marcel has headed up there to work on a farm, he is planting Eucalypts. Not sure what they would be planting them for, wood purposes or envirnomental purposes, but anyway, thats what he's doing at the moment. Marcel first went to Innisfail, to work on a banana farm, much to my amusment... and now has found this job in Mackay, which he started this morning. They start working from 3am! Work until midday, and have the afternoon off.
So, I've decided to go up there and visit him for the weekend. These weeks without him have been terrible, and its a perfect oportunity to go up and say hi!
I can't remember if I've ever been to Mackay... maybe when I was young? But, I am looking forward to it... not sure if its the prospect of getting away for the weekend, or just seeing Marcel again...hehe. Plus I believe there are some beautiful beaches up there, so I'll check them out. :)

Its been lonely without him around... and its a little unsettling to have to deal with distance again. Not my ideal... However, it has given me a great opportunity to get back into my TESOL course. I'm working my way through it, trying to build up my confidence to tackle some practical lessons here at work. The Director of Studies would love to have me teaching here... so, that is positive, just have to work up the courage to step inside the classroom as a t-e-a-c-h-e-r.
Its all well and good doing the front desk and occassionally helping students with English questions, but actually teaching an entire lesson, no, wait TWO lessons.. that turns me into a teeny tiny shy girl and I start to freak out about boring lessons, not being able to answer questions, getting too embarrassed and freezing up.. etc. etc. etc.
*deep breath*

One day, soonish, maybe, possibly.... :}

Have to finish the other side of the course before I start the teaching part anyway, so that gives me some time... hehehe

Sunday, April 22, 2007

belated post

So, as you all know, I went to Sydney and Melbourne over Easter. Finally I have got some photos from the trip... Had a great time down there, never been to Sydney before, so was pretty exciting to not only see the Opera House, but touch it! Felt like climbing it actually.. very tempting!!



The bridge... it was bigger than I thought, I was quite surprised. We even saw some people climbing it, actually they were climbing down. We walked right under it...



Here is a picture looking over to Luna Park, from Observatory Hill (or something). Not a bad view eh?



Bondi Beach! Couldn't visit Sydney without heading out there, even though it was FREEZING cold and windy and rainy... we still got there!



And then to Melbourne. Here is a little picture of St Kilda beach. We had perfect weather in Melbourne, not cold at all, and sunny! Spent the day at St Kilda soaking up the sunshine.



This picture isn't so great, its of the fire show outside the casino at Southbank. Its so cool! Basically its these big spires, that on the hour they spurt fire! heh.. is the easiest way I can describe it.. its brilliant. You can really feel the heat too.. gets really hot standing underneath them.



Flying home, beautiful clouds...



Tourists...


Who's this guy? Well, meet my boyfriend, Marcel. :)

Thursday, April 05, 2007

happy easter!


Easter Tree Hangers
Originally uploaded by Vintage Pleasure.
Well, I'm off to Sydney and Melbourne for the weekend! I fly out today, going to Sydney until Saturday night, and then flying to Melbourne and staying there until Monday... Looking forward to having a looooooong weekend! Wishing you all sweet tasting, yummy smelling (hot cross buns baking in the oven), chocolate hunting, egg-citing easters! LOVE YOU ALL!!!

Friday, March 23, 2007

good morning charlie

Just call me the fourth Charlie's Angel!

Ok, so I had my hair done today, cut and colour and blow dry. Hehe... I ask for them to blow dry my hair in loose curls, and lately Troy (my hairdresser) has been giving me this MANE of a style.. its very Charlie's Angels! (actually, in the picture you can't really see, but just after it was done it was big). Its kinda fun, I feel like running around in high pants and pulling out a gun and chasing down villians with a 70's soundtrack... ;)

I think it's quite hilarious, when you go to the hairdresser and you have to do the little small talk. Explain how your life has been in the past few weeks since you've last seen them, tell them all about your exciting plans... try and sum up everything in the space of a haircut. I particularly think its quite hilarious when they ask: "Are you going out tonight?"
Ah... now, if you say, yes that you will be, you can bet a million dollars the next line that comes out of the hairdresser's mouth will be: "Well, at least your hair will look good."
*ahem*
So, are you saying that the rest of me will not, or even worse, that I don't look good now??
:/ hmm... Yes, it happens every single time... Well at least your hair will look good... That has got to be the worst "innocent" put down I have ever heard. I wonder if they actually realise what it is they are actually saying?
Actually, you know, the next time they say that to me, I will ask them.. do you realise that you have just told me that I don't look good, and the only thing that does look good is (will be) my hair when you are done with it?
Heh, I bet that will put them in their places!
Muwahahah... Oh I can be evil sometimes!
You must remind me in May.. That is the next booking... Hehehe

Friday, March 16, 2007

top of the mornin' to ya


HAPPY ST PATRICK'S DAY!

Wednesday, February 28, 2007

seachange

I've been thinking recently, about a change of scenery. There is plan to open a new English school on the Sunshine Coast, and they (my bosses) have propositioned a move up there if it goes ahead. The area they are looking at is around Alexandra Headlands and Maroochydore, and the school would be really fun. They are looking to target the 18-25 backpacker market, Europeans. The school itself would be a school that would focus mainly on conversation skills, with no textbook. So a real hands-on school, where students would go out around the coast and have classes on the beach, learn practical skills. The idea is pretty radical for the English School scene, and we think it would be a bit of a front runner for the whole market.
They have asked if I would be interested in moving up there to run the Registrations, as they would want to staff it with people that are experienced... and I have been playing with the idea today. It would be a nice change of scenery to head up there. Live by the beach, different atmosphere from the city life. Hmm, yes it sounds quite nice.
You know, I realised the other day, I've lived in Brisbane for 7 years now!! Hah! Thats such a long time. Maybe it is the right time to think about heading somewhere new.
Actually, a lot of different ideas having been flying around in my mind... possible changes. Moving house, moving towns/cities, moving countries... (thinking about that European Passport I have lying around, or Canada...) Hmm.. yeah, feeling the need for a change at the moment. Well, not really, just thinking, dreaming, wondering about different paths.
A seachange would be quite nice, living by the ocean, trying out the beach lifestyle. And it would be close to E! That would be good... :)
I'd have to get a car and a license though... I could try the public transport, but if I seriously considered it, definitely would need some form of transportation. On the other hand, could maybe ride everywhere...
Ahh... very interesting......

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

all possibilities

Oh theres a hope left, theres a dream still in my heart...


[ NeverLand ]
Originally uploaded by TaaJ.

Monday, February 19, 2007

back to it

Well, after my five day weekend, you can only imagine how difficult it was to come to work this morning. Especially because we are so busy lately.
Our school is full. We're not accepting any more enrolments until the end of April! Classes are bursting at the seams and we have no room for students in our classes. It's good for the school, but means we (the staff) have to do a lot of apologising to the students for the overcrowding and try to suck up to them all the time... *groan* I hate doing that.
You may have noticed I haven't been around much lately... I have a new group of Brazilian friends. They are keeping me entertained, and I have been spending a lot of time with them lately.
So I'm sorry for being slack... I will endeavour to keep in touch more often.
But things are still good. I am very happy lately, apart from work being so busy, but my social life outside of work has definitely been making up for that! :)

Will write more soon!

Monday, February 12, 2007

somethings in the water

I can feel something a changin' 'round here...

Yeah, somethings going down here at work. We've all noticed it... Normally, we have had a pretty good relationship with our bosses (my workmates and I), and these days, we've all noticed that they have started cracking the whip. We all feel like we're under surveillance, or something... Its really strange, because our bosses have usually been really great with that sort of thing. We have a pretty relaxed workplace when I think of it.. but that is beginning to change.
Hmm.. its not good.
Its begining to cause cracks in the walls, people have started to think about moving on... Not the best thing, because I love the people I work with, and this job, and I couldn't imagine it being the same if people left.
But, I'm hoping that this mood lifts, and we can get back to the way it was before...

I'm actually taking a little holiday this week. Going to have Wednesday, Thursday and Friday off! Woo hoo!!
Yes, I am looking forward to that A LOT! Shall be really good... Not sure what I'll do yet. Just take some time out I think.

Ahh... Just one more day to go, and then I have a l-o-n-g weekend! Hurrah!

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

exuberant

I've decided 2007 will be my year. Liz 2007 will embrace life, have fun, enjoy herself, be happy and go wherever life takes her.
Been living up to it so far.. Its been good. A very lively start to the year so far.
Heh... ;)

It is my year though, its the Chinese year of the pig; I was born in the year of the pig, so it makes sense doesn't it? This is what it says about my horoscopes this year: look forward to a year in which to really shine, either personally or professionally
Yes, it is going to be my year!

---
In other news, everyone has said how great our mangoes are! Thanks Mum for sending the tray, I brought them into work and let my workmates fight over them. Very delicious apparently, someone even said that they were the best mangoes they had ever eaten... *applause all round*

And apparently I cook a mean vegetarian lasagne... Even affirmed carnivores that have probably never sat down to a meal without meat, ate every last morsel of my vegetarian spinach and mushroom lasagne. Yes, I was incredibly stunned... *another round of applause*

:)

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

stupid brain

I had to come into work early this morning, 7:30 start. So that I could open the school early for a group of students. So, last night, I sat down and looked up the train time and figured it all out. Set my alarm and went to bed early so that I could get enough sleep.
My alarm went off, I pulled myself out of bed, skipped, ate breakfast, showered, got out of the shower, looked at my watch and my jaw dropped in shock... It was only 5:45!! And the train I had planned to catch was the 7:05! Damn! I had miscalculated... set my alarm an hour too early.
Hahahah
What a dolt!

So, now I keep thinking it should be an hour later than it is... 4:01 instead of 3:01.

And the hands of the clock seem to be stuck... This afternoon shall drag, I just know it.
:/

P.S: Check out my new glasses!!