What a weird day.

I have to get my car repaired after I scraped the passenger side door on a concrete pillar at my parking space.

 I had become very annoyed with my insurance company because it was so difficult to get onto them by either phone or online to lodge the claim. This has not been the case previously.  I was so incensed that after I finally (three days later!) got to lodge the claim I sent an angry note via the feedback facility.  It turns out they had moved to a national call centre. No wonder it took so long. Anyway they responded to my feedback with great apologies and hurried through all the necessary extras such as organising a hire car. They also explained that they were taking back the answering service because of the negative feedback over poor service. Yeah!!! 

In the throws of organising this process and talking to them about my complaint I had several phone calls, the phone went flat, I needed the bathroom, the electrician was trying to contact me. On the phone, off the phone, on the phone, pull over and park, get home more phone calls. Ridiculous. 

Yesterday I enticed a friend to come to Pilates with me. It was a great session and afterwards we went our separate ways. Within a few minutes ( enough time to put my slippers on) she rang and said we were invited up to 807, directly above my place but two floors up, for drinks. It was such a nice impromptu get together with some other residents too. About an hour and half later I returned to have dinner proper.  That is one of the nicest aspects of living here. The ability to just be spontaneous because we all live in the same complex. 

I have converted all my lights to LED down lights to save money and energy. The last electricity bill was $ 300 for the quarter which isn't too bad but all savings  are important.  They are a fraction cooler in light tone but I am very happy and it only cost me the price of converting the dimmer switch. It is a government scheme and the lights are free.

The family are back from Japan today so I am excited to see them on the weekend.

I had a great time at art on Monday and feel really pleased with my pastel face. I let my inhibitions go and was very quick. It was exhilarating.

 I spent a couple of hours at the city library looking through art books for images to paint for our next class. The pho copier was broken and there was a queue at the other so I decided I would have to lug them home but I remembered the student lounge at CAE near seniors art store and they have a copier. What a relief. I was able to copy the pictures and then return the heavy books to the library; an excellent solution.

Golden day after a wet and miserable week

Today I spent lunching with friends at their new home at Dromana, a town on the edge of Port Phillip Bay south-east of Melbourne. The view over the bay was transfixing with little sail boats darting around over a tranquil azure sea. Gorgeous. This was one of the magic May days you get here. It was a treat after a wet and windy week.

Stormy weather engulfing the citySunset on a gorgeous day

The week has been intense for other reasons,  with hours of work for the accreditation program and meetings about the library course. I feel like I have been working full time. I have been out a couple of times this week too for dinner and an author talk. It was Steve Tolz and he was a very engaging speaker. I am keen to read his next book Quicksand. To top it off I scratched the car door on my infamous concrete pillar.  

I tried to lodge an insurance claim four times since Friday and I have not been able to get through.  Funny thing the horoscope predicted a lot of frustration  for Friday! That was spot on. Makes you wonder sometimes.  Just when I embark on an economy drive I seem to incur more expenses.  Then I popped in to see Irene and her new extension and knocked red wine over the arm and side of her beige fabric couch. I felt absolutely terrible. It will need special cleaning. I was really distressed. I felt like I was some jinxed person.  Fortunately Irene was very forgiving. A friendship is more important than a couch. I feel a little less terrible. 

I have been thinking about Michel and Monique, my French friends who are walking the Via de la Plata this May and I have looked eagerly for an email every day this week. I was really excited to receive one today. They are walking into Salamanca tomorrow. It has been cold. When I checked my notes we had experienced the same cold weather too. I had developed bronchitis though I hadn't realised that was what was troubling me. They are finding the walk tough. They will be over halfway now so I hope that will inspire them. I remember feeling a bit tired about this stage. I was sick of living out of my backpack and being cold. When I re read my notes I remember so vividly and it is a challenge to keep moving day after day. The walking became tougher again because the terrain was starting to climb steadily as we moved into Galicia. I remember feeling quite cold a lot unless I was walking fast.  The wind was bitterly cold even though the days were sunny. Following Michel and Monique's experience even though the emails are in frequent is unsettling but also interesting. I feel like it is a validation of my own effort somehow. It makes me remember I really did that walk.

This week I have loved my painting and drawing class and pushed the creative barriers with pastels. Scared witless really. I am intrigued by the fear that consumes me sometimes when I am painting.  The worst that can happen is a failed piece of art but it is important to me to not mess it up. It is good to be on the edge of fear, failure, self doubt, self knowledge because it is exhilarating when you succeed.

 My first pastel. All those colours were scary to use on his face and yet they worked. 

The last revelation this week was a film called the Economics of Happiness. It is a few years old I think but raised some interesting concepts  about growth, globalisation, and measuring the true cost of everything. I felt there was a lot of sense to their point of view. I will try and see it again and explore the ideas more thoroughly. 

Life is good for me, busy yet interesting. I have also managed to meditate everyday bar one in my Mindful May challenge. That is a small achievement too. 

Mixed feelings

I have had a week or so of very mixed feelings. I have had a friend staying with me for nearly a fortnight while some renovations were taking place at her home. It was fun and we had lots of interesting conversations, particularly over breakfast. Her husband came for the weekends so it was a bit of a party atmosphere. My regular gym visits went by the board and we just went downstairs to the complex gym.  It was okay but nowhere as intense as I usually workout. I didn't realise how much I miss that extra effort. 

Also I have found myself much more work focused and the mind has finally settled into that sort of groove you get when you are working. It has made preparing the lectures a lot easier although now I am nearly at the end of the semester. I will try to keep the groove because I am going to teach next semester. 

I still feel the pull of other interests and the limitations of time to do them all. It is so much easier to commit to work rather than personal pleasures like painting and drawing or walking or writing. That old work ethic and the fact I am getting paid pushes work as a priority. Do I feel retired? Not really. When I had no work it was a different feeling altogether.   Do I miss working? I have attended a few functions with colleagues and found them enjoyable but the best part is NOT being involved in the politics or the goals etc.;  teaching has been fun and if I am really honest it makes me feel younger somehow. 

I feel the years creeping up on me. Many of my friends are past the 65 marker and that seems like a significant age. These are the fast times! I don't feel older but the public perception is that you are when you hit your sixties. It is a feeling that I want to resist. I am only as old as I feel. No age, no numbers.  It is as if working makes you more relevant. What does that say about my ego? Some work to do on myself yet obviously. 

I said farewell to my little man, Ziggy on Tuesday. He and his parents are taking a holiday in Japan for two weeks but I felt quite anxious about him going away. I don't know what came over me. I even checked the flight tracker for goodness sake!  I was giving him a cuddle before I went home and we were rocking backwards and forwards when he reached up and kissed me so gently. My heart felt like bursting.  Such a contrast to the lunch time trek to the market for some lunch and he refused to walk, so I humped in on my hip and then later on the way back I piggy backed him. We stopped to look at the budgies and the finches at the pet stand. They were very pretty colours and singing their songs. That delighted him.

Ziggy has been told by his dad (who studied Japanese at high school)  that he needs to bow and say Konichiwah and Arigato. He was so cute when he was saying those words and doing his little bow. Two and a half and he is as conversant with pomegranates and different cultures as many twenty five year olds. His great grandmother calls him a child of the universe and I think he is too.  We live in a country far from most others yet he is being exposed to all sorts of cultural influences at such an early age. 

 

I have been struggling with my painting but today when I took in my landscape my teacher Dorothy was really pleased with how I had continued with it. One of the other students also gave me encouragements. I felt so happy.

Painting in progress

 Today I selected a rather difficult subject of three young women playing instruments. We will see how that develops. Watercolours require such patience, an attribute that doesn't come naturally to me.  

I have been appreciating the beauty of the autumn colours that I can see appearing all around. These older suburbs have the huge European trees that change into glorious colours of yellow and red and brown.  But you will also see gorgeous camellias with pink frothy flowers and dark glossy leaves. It is a feast for the eyes. The sunsets are magnificent and my apartment gives me a stunning opportunity to observe the daily differences.

The painters came back unexpectedly to finalise the repairs from the water leak. The painter was so thorough he decided to paint the whole wall so the patch would not be noticeable.  That was a bonus as I had a few marks on the wall. I had to put the paintings back on the wall by myself. I ended up standing on the side board because I just couldn't get the wire back on the hooks. Thank goodness they made furniture solid at the turn of the century!

I have picked up my Spanish again and practise about 20 minutes daily, brain training 15 minutes daily and also meditating for the  Mindful in May challenge. I wonder if that is making me a bit unsettled? I am hoping that I will be able to develop a sustainable habit. I have meditated successfully off and on for many years but never have I been able to establish a regular pattern like going to the gym.

Magic Magnetic Island

Last weekend I flew to,Townsville, the gateway to  Far North Queensland for another destination birthday celebration. (Last year it was Hong Kong)  I met cousin Eileen and my brother-in-law Gary who were sharing an apartment with me overnight. We also caught up with an extended branch of the Leong family, Joe and JUdy and their daughter and family friends who knew the Leong family in Hong Kong.  It was a delightful afternoon going through old family photos, an amazing and detailed family tree and learning more about the Chinese in Townsville. 

Joe's father had established a general store in Townsville in the early 1920s. And  the business had survived until the 1970s.  JUdy was born in Townsville but still spoke Chinese. They have had a good life here and love Townsville. Joe told us that after he graduated in medicine from Queensland University he returned to Townsville and a hospital of 10 staff. Pretty small town in those days.

We went to the Jupiters Casino for the seafood buffet dinner which was excellent and we all indulged in  delicious seafood, oysters in particular! Joe at 81 and a slight fellow piled his plate high.  

Next morning was Anzac Day and while our intention was to go to the dawn service, the 5 am start and end of week tiredness as well as the journey,( from Melbourne it took 4.hours plus 45 minutes stopover) we all slept in.  

It has been a special ANZAC day because it is 100 years since the first. Much has gone into the commemoration around the country and in Gallipoli, The Western Front in France and other significant sights of battle. All the shows and reflections on the event has been very interesting and informative. War is such a waste of lives. 

 The cenotaph with wreaths

 Two stone fish.  Find number 2.

We explored the main streets of Townsville and the aquarium before catching the ferry across to Magnetic island. Townsville is very clean and the buildings in the CBD seemed well cared for. 

The strand 

As soon as I landed On Magnetic I felt a calm come over me. It is a very laid back unspoiled island. I haven't been here since a teenager but it doesn't seem to have changed all that much. The house we are staying in is at Horseshoe bay on the top of the island so we need a taxi. The local bus only meets the passenger ferry and we came over on the car ferry courtesy of Gary's cycling friend who managers it  I am falling in love with the island. It might be the granite boulders and the bush which are quite different to most other Queensland islands. 

The house is large where we are staying and has been influenced by Balinese architecture. I like it very much and it works well for a large party. The design of the bathrooms and no separate toilet leaves a bit to be desired but small niggles in the scheme of things. We are having soup and Chinese dumplings for tea tonight. This requires many hands which is a great icebreaker.  Over vodka tonics we chat, wrap and get to know each other. There are several friends and family I haven't met from cousin Barbara's maternal side of the family. We end up with 200 dumplings and delicious soup. 

      view from the balcony and dinner on the verandah looking out to sea.  The next day we swam at Arcadia beach, in crystal clear water, wandered the market at Horseshoe bay and had the big celebratory lunch at the Barefoot Restaurant and Gallery. Fabulous quality food.  

 The birthday girl and daughter and the whole gang below 

Later in the afternoon Gary, Roger, and Eileen and I went bushwalking to Radical Bay. We hoped to spot a Koala for Eileen but  alas that was not to be..

My departure on Monday was an early flight but the passenger hydrofoil is like a commuter ferry and I was easily able to connect by taxi to the airport.  Home to Melbourne by 3:00 pm in time for book club that night.  I am missing the tranquility of Magnetic Island and may try to winter they're next year. Or in the future. 

Now I have to start focusing on saving as I seem to have way too many bills. Working part-time and retirement haven't quite been balanced with my expenditure. It is an adjustment yet to be fine tuned. Another lesson  I need to learn.

Back in Melbourne but just for a quick stop.

Returning from KL  and I had a couple of days to get up to speed with my lecture program. I always feel like I am chasing my tail. I have had a break from minding Ziggy which was helpful but I did miss him.  I am relived to know there are only a few more lectures in this subject to go before the end of term.  I feel like I have actually got my head working or rather in work mode. It has taken a good six months to get back to that state. Is that good? I don't know but is easier to actually work when you are in that state of thinking. I am enrolled in art classes again and feel a little frustrated that I am not actually getting the time to practice my watercolours but will just go with what I am doing and not fret. 

The time will come. 

Coming back to Melbourne I have really noticed the change in colour of the trees. I went away while they were green and now they are shades of orange and red. It is glorious to see the colours. Autumn in Melbourne is really quite spectacular. The sunsets are beautiful too. 

 My view at sunset

I am happy to be here for awhile now except for a brief weekend planned in Far North Queensland on Magnetic Island. There are things to be done and going away just postpones everything. 

Also I feel like I have been spending money like water so I am very glad of the work. 

I had a voucher for a cruise two for one which was running out. I had to book something or lose it. I am not entirely sure it really was a bargain but they assured me that I had to be able to save a minimum of $500 before it could be used.  Anyway I had promised to take my Mum on another cruise so I booked one sailing around New Zealand for 13 days. I am sure it will be very pleasant and this one is supposed to be a little more up-market than our last to Noumea. I am still not convinced about cruising but it suits Mum at 91. I should be lucky to be so well at the same age! Anyway it is a treat for her and a chance to spend time together, no cooking and cleaning.  It takes Mum away on a holiday which she really doesn't get to do very often.

I feel like my life has got somewhat frantic again though I don't feel stretched like I used to.

The flowering gums near the station are alive with Loikeets.  Hard to catch the agile birds. Can you see a green face? It gave me such a feeling of joy to see these cheeky birds so close to home. We are fortunate to have so many fabulous birds in Australia and even within our urban landscape.

Kuala Lumpur

Cousin Eileen and I decided to visit Malacca and overnight so we can really enjoy the town.  Driving was hair raising to say the least..  Malaysian drivers only know full speed and breaking on your tail.  The road was quite good but the driving was crazy. Despite the excitement we arrived safely at our hotel Jonkers at the less touristy end of the old town. It had a car park which was essential. Not many hotels in the world heritage listed part do. They are old terrace houses converted into small hotels. Ours was pleasant and beds good, bathroom good but windows small.

We explored the old part after grabbing lunch in a genuine old Chinese restaurant. Very home cooking style and nothing flash in decor. We  checked out the Chinese temple, Mosque and the Catholic Church.

I was amused by the paper houses and cars until Eileen put me staight about their purpose. They are for burning so the departed would be comfortable in their heavenly life. Even sneakers and Louis Vuitton bags! Heaven is going to be just like here.

 

We had cocktails at the Geographic Cafe a haunt of famous writers in the thirties, and ate Portuguese influenced food for dinner. Malacca has such an interesting history with colonisation by the Portuguese, the Dutch , the English and unofficially by the Chinese. They actually have a statue of a great Chinese explorer Cheng Ho who sailed across the Pacific, to Australia, and Africa before all the Europeans. The museum was very interesting but the  explanations in English were pretty bad.
I found it very charming and bought some dragon fly earrings to remember it by. I came here with Peter when we were in our late twenties - a lifetime ago

. I always remembered the market with its spices and goat legs standing by the wooden butcher blocks. We didn't visit a fresh food market this time.
Back to KL the next day with more erratic drivers. A party at Eileen's friends home then a day around KL where we visited a mosque again, and happened on a ceremony at the Hindu temple which was very noisy but fascinating.  Kl reminded me of Brisbane in its luxuriant  tropical foliage but the town seems very shabby and disorganised. The footpaths are broken and grubby it seemed in comparison to Malaka. We had a very pleasant dinner in a trendy western style strip of shops near Eileen's place. This area seems very upmarket and bustling.
Next day we have noodles for breakfast and then it is off to the train station and the airport for my flight home.  The train ride was interesting because I met a New Zealander who is based in KL with his girlfriend but who does voluntary work in Sri Lanka. Bryn has since sent me some information in case I would like to do some work with them.
The flight home was fabulous with empty seats around me to sleep across. Air Asia staff were pleasant but not as well trained as the other airlines I travel with though I suspect there is not as many staff. They actually were running down the aisles!

Post wedding

After the wedding we had a couple of days more relaxing before leaving for home. We packed in a trip to the marine park for snorkelling and the big Buddhas in Chaweng. Finally I suvpccumbed to a handbag which I purchased  from the night market after some good bargaining.  We were all very relaxed after the big event. 

Angie and I went up for a blessing from the monk. We had no idea what he was saying but we were liberally sprinkled with holy water.  He was quite serious so I would have liked to know what he was saying. The temples were beautiful and incredibly elaborate. This one had the stories of Buddha painted around the ceiling and walls.

Soon it was time to leave Koh Samui for Kuala Lumpur.  The airport departure was much nicer than the arrival terminal.

 The gang in departure lounge.

My connection to KL was quite close,.only a couple of hours but when I checked in they were reassuring. However the plane was 're-timed' a euphemism for late. I thought well this is going to be a close call. I might be overnighting in Singapore!

Bangkok Air were very helpful by putting me into a seat close to the front and prioritised my luggage. When we finally took off nearly an hour later I was resigned to getting the next connection available.   When we arrived in Singapore I was off that plane and through immigration in a blink. In my enthusiasm I overshot the baggage area and found myself on the outside without my luggage! I did a quick about turn and re-entered the baggage area only to set off the alarms. I was directed by a guard to go to information for help. I couldn't go back through the exit. I felt so stupid but apparently it happens more often than you think. I was given a pass and told to go through the staff entrance. By now I am starting to get really anxious.  The guards made me wait while they finished their discussion, which didn't seem like work. They were too smiley to each other. When they let me through the gate I was subjected to a personal security check before they took my passport and directed me to the carousel that would deliver my bag. I had calmed myself when I realised my bag hadn't come out yet so I couldn't do anything anyway. Bangkok Air were fantastic as my bag was the second out. 

More security checks then it was back into the Departure area to check in with Air Asia. I had checked in online in Koh Samui so it was just a bag drop. Fortunately I got a counter that had no other oassengers( they were all at the departure lounge obviously!) and they accepted the bag and sent me off to immigration, security again and then I was running to the gate D36 all the way down the end of the terminal. When I got there I had ten minutes to spare and I was still on the original flight.  Wow Singapore Airport is very well run. Immigration and security and baggage are super efficient. 

It was great to be on the flight as scheduled. When I arrived in KL though it was a long barren walk out to the baggage pick up and  no bureau de change in sight. I found the train ticket office quickly but decided I would forget the cash until later because the bureau was way over in the corner. The airport has this huge shopping mall at the entrance and I was so confused I couldn't find the station. When I finally stumbled on it a train was waiting. There were no expresses at this late hour but it wasn't much longer.  Eileen was quick to come and pick me up. It was good to be there after my little drama. We shared a whiskey on the balcony and made plans for the next couple of days. It was a very good whiskey!