Ninjagrover: Blue Furry Death

090807 Day 1

2010-01-07T20:53:00.003+09:30

Heh heh. Looking at my notes I must have been pretty wiped out after travelling for nearly 20 hrs. I think I wrote this on the train from the Airport to Tokyo.

Sing - Tokyo managed to get some sleep on the plane. Impossible on Tiger.

Tokyo - Hot and humid.

Got through customs, heaps of people. (Well durr, what was I expecting)

JR (Japan Rail) Train - went the long way around the Yamanote line (a line that loops around Tokyo).

Disembark train. The First Challenge: Make it to the Ryokan before 1am (they have a curfew).

Noodle Place. (WTF?)

A very telling list of my first impressions that stayed with me for those first 24 hours. Looking back I do have some additional memories that I'll share.

Starting out on Tiger made much of the rest of the trip really hard. Those uncomfortable 4 hours seemed to really take quite a bit of energy out of everyone. Arriving in the discount terminal, we had to make our way to customs, this involved a half hour walk dragging our suitcase through 34ºC heat and humidity at 3am. Yippie.

After getting through customs, we had about 3 hours to kill, so we took the opportunity to grab something to eat. But the only thing that was open was a place that had the greasiest stir-fry rice and chicken that I have had the misfortune to purchase, but I was hungry and had some anyway. Bleah.

We then made our way to the bigger terminal (Terminal 1 I think) to check into our Singapore Airlines flight. That terminal is amazing. The rows of checking terminals for each airline meant that we were only in line for a couple of minutes and then check in was done and dusted!! Compared to Darwin it felt a little too fast.

So after waiting another 50 minutes we finally boarded our second flight. Let me tell you the international economy of Singapore is one of the nicest I've flown in. Lots of room, your own entertainment screen, your seat can incline really far back and your headrest can be angled around so you can rest your head against it. Bliss...

Arrival. It's amazing the culture shock right off the bat when you land in Narita. The walk to Customs is along this huge walkway with numerous sections of magic carpet, yet it still took about 15-20 mins of walking. It goes on and on...

Took another 30 minutes in line to get through customs, but went through okay. We then had to take the express train to Tokyo to get to our accommodation. Now we have been traveling for nearly 20 hours at this point, the express train took 50 mins (the information from the operator's webpage said 20 minutes ¬.¬).

Then we had to navigate our way to accommodation, the Kimi Ryokan. By now it is 8:00pm, it's as hot and sweaty as a Devils' testicle, and we were all pretty beat by this stage that I was just longing for a shower and then sleep.

But thanks to the guidance of Billy we made it and then we all just crashed to see what the next day would bring.

Argh!!

Oh Happy Day!!

2009-10-29T11:10:00.003+09:30

When I first got my practice jien, the first wet season it went through, a part of the guard warped and separated from the blade. This is because it was made in a very cold, low humidity and it is now in the exact opposite. So Sifu arranged to get it sent back to his friend who made it to get another one fixed.

Fast forward to a year -year and a half later, I finally got it back.

The reason was that get guy fixing it had one of those unexpected massive heart attacks and passed away. So Sifu had to wait until he went over to Alaska to visit before he could really get my sword and the rest of his back and send them back home.

But I have my sword back, just needed to glue the new guard plate back on and let it sit in clamps for a couple of days.

I had been using one of Sifu's swords in the mean time, although I gave that back yesterday. And I have to say that my forms feel really different now. I suppose it's just a matter of getting used to the feel of the sword (the weight, grip etc) again.

So yeah, very happy at the moment to have my sword back. I'll post a pic when I get home ^.^

Currently Reading: The Dwarves by Marcus Heitz

Nearly Didn't Happen

2009-10-21T13:38:00.003+09:30

I've been training with Sifu now for around two years.

In that time I have acquired some skills with the Jien (Chinese Straight Sword), including two forms (Liang yi Jien and San Tsai Jien), techniques and some drills (good forearm strength!).

Last night Sifu said as that I was (virtually) the only student who consistently serious about the jien, said that he would start teaching me Kun Wu Jien. He showed me the first 6 or so movements and I have to say I love the feeling and expression of the form already. It's a fairly long form at around 45 movements long. So while it will take a while to learn (and then years to master), it shouldn't take as long as Lian Yi Jien. As that was the first form I learnt and had to learn a great many steps and sword techniques just to be able to perform it.

I've seen a youtube video of Adam Hsu performing Kun Wu Jian and that is just incredible to watch.

Looking forward to the next couple months of sword classes :)

Currently Reading: The Dwarves by Marcus Heitz

Push - Push back

2009-10-13T15:39:00.003+09:30

I've just been going through some of my posts (fixing the many, many spelling errors :sweatdrop:) and I came across this post last year.

I use to follow the 100 pushups before I realised how much it was overtraining my arms and stopped. But on a whim I decided to do a quick exhaustion test (ie keep doing push ups until you can't to anymore).

My score? 30. The last one (see link), I managed to complete 28. So in the year and a half I have been seriously focused on kung fu has helped me keep up the strength in my arms and shoulders. Cool.

We don't train push ups because they set muscle strength in a limited range of motion. For practicioners of kung fu, we need to have a greater range of motion. If we did train in push-ups it would be counterproductive.

All Good Things Must End?

2009-10-12T15:52:00.005+09:30

It's a bit sad, but my second job is coming to an end today. I'm picking up my last paycheck tonight.

The store just isn't making enough warrant keeping me on for the couple of shifts that I do. While it's a bit unfortunate, I'm not that upset because the job isn't worth that much to me anymore.

When the previous manager was running it, I was making around $300-350 a week extra in my pocket (mind you I did put in a quite a few hours to get paid so well). But with the new manager I was lucky to get $150 a week (the hours got cut right down).

So while the job was very good for me in the sense that it paid for my trips to Japan and New Zealand, I'm not sad to be leaving it. I was starting to looking for another job closer to town anyway.

Now I just need a replacement so that I can keep saving for Europe. I'm thinking of finding some work in a restaurant bar or something like in hospitality the hourly rates are quite good ^.^

Here's to hoping...

- Grover

Nuts

2009-10-12T15:34:00.003+09:30

Yeah so it's been a little while again. Time seems to be very slippery of late.

Didn't get the job, but came second in the interviews which isn't too bad I suppose. Makes a pleasant change from the couple of shocking interview performances I've had previously.

But I am currently applying for a Project Officer job with Weed Management that sounds right up my alley. All dealing with stuff that I've had experience in before. I'm just spending a bit of time getting the application as perfect as I can to ensure that I'll get an intervew.

Here's to hoping...

- Grover

GAH!! The wait = Torture

2009-08-13T14:56:00.003+09:30

I'm waiting to hear about a job I had an interview for last Thursday. Really hope I get it. Would love to be a permanent AO4.

The chairperson said they hoped to have an decision made by Friday, so hopefully I'll hear tomorrow whether I'll need to go back to Police or not.

Hope not, would be nice to go over to Europe on a 4's salary rather than a 3's.

- Grover.

Movin' Right Along...

2009-08-10T23:50:00.003+09:30

Heh, my brother-in-law finally gave me one of his old bikes to cycle to work.

I only live 2kms away from where I work, so it's ideal for me to be able to ride back and forth around town.

In fact I can ride quicker than what it takes me to drive to the carpark then walk to work.

So, I'm not using fuel during the week, I'm also saving at least $12 a week on parking fees (I know that it's not very expensive but that's still $600 a year).

However the greatest thing I should save money on is how much I spend on lunchs and drinks and snacks throughout the day. By eating lunch at home instead of buying lunch so that should save nearly $100 or so a week. Quite shocking when you think about it.

Another benefit is that I can more easily fit in some Baji practice into my day. Whereas before I was struggling to fit it into my day.

I'm able to get it done in around 20-25 minutes, then have a shower,lunch, then head back to work.

It makes for a busy day, but at one filled with lots of positives!! ^.^

- Grover.

Done and done

2009-07-26T10:56:00.002+09:30

Finally seen to have mobile gmail working from my phone. Happy days!

Enables me to check my emails without having to turn on a computer.

Oh well enough laying around. I've got to finish a job application.

- Grover.

Japan 2007.

2009-05-25T09:20:00.001+09:30

Okay, now that I've got NZ out of the way, I think it's time for me to put in all I can remember about the Japan trip. I do have a diary that I kept for the first two weeks, though the last two will have to be dredged up from my memory...

- Grover.

Planning for UK/Europe 2010.

2009-05-07T16:06:00.000+09:30

Well I've hardly finished putting up all the entries from New Zealand 2008 and I'm already planning a trip to UK/Europe in 2010.

It appears I've been well and truly bitten by the travel bug.

I've been careful when taken recreation leave for the last couple of years so that I could build up the maxium credit (I'm actually two days in excess of the maximum). Plus I have Long Service due around the middle March nex year.

I have been thinking of what to do with my long service ever since I had accrued 7 years worth pf service in 2007. Nothing definate, but just keeping it in the back of my mind that I'll have three months with which to do something.

Then at the start of the year, Mum mentioned that my great Aunt in England is turning 80 and that she and Dad (along with half a dozen other family members), are planning to travel over for it and visit the UK for a month in 2010 and would I be interested in coming along.

I said of course immediately yes. Then that got me thinking. If I stay longer and use recreation leave until my long service accural date then I would be able to take my long service as well.

So the plan at the moment is as follows.

18 Jan 10 - Fly to England

19/01-18/02/10 - Looking at Wales, Ireland, Lakes district, London.

19/02/10 - Wave goodbye to family as they going back home.

20-28/02/10 - Scotland

March - 1st wk of April France and Spain.

2nd - 3 wk of April - France again, Hungary, Chech Rp

4th wk of April - France again.

May - Denmark/Sweden/Norway

June - Netherlands/Belgium/Tour de Mont Blanc

July - Italy-Austria

August - France

September - France/England fly home.

It's a bit of a strange itinerary I know, but that's because I might be meeting up with a friend and do Italy-France together.

Although it's all subject to change ^.^

- Grover

Weathers, they are a changing.

2009-04-29T09:19:00.001+09:30

So it's two days away from the official start of the Dry season (what we call our winter), and already there has been a big change towards cooler temperatures.

No joke, it's as if someone has flicked a switch to make it cooler, the change has been that sudden.

Everyone is now talking about how low the humidity is, and how cool it was last night. It got down to 21°C, with humidity hanging around 50%. This is down from 26-27, and humidity can remain over 70%

Although to give this a perspective, we spend most of the year in hot to very hot conditions. With humidity from high to very high. So any time the weather conditions change like this it's very noticeable.

So you can understand how we get so excited for the Dry season. It the best time of year and everyone longs for the dry season to arrive. I'll start to see people wearing old, worn jumpers about town soon. You can tell that they have been in storage since last year. They are really out of date fashion too, because people keep them for years because they only get used a couple of months every year. Then get stored again.

It's just amusing to see everyone so excited and talking about it. You can tell the seasons in Darwin by the conversations that go around the office.

- Grover

NZ Holiday 2008

2009-03-03T17:10:00.003+09:30

Finally found my diary that I kept from when I went to NZ last year.

I'll start posting the day by day entries, then refile them on the day.

Start [Here]

- Grover

Slinking in to the New Year...

2009-01-25T23:59:00.003+09:30

Ah yeah, happy new year and all that jazz...

Slunk into new year without too much fuss or fanfare.

Looked after my Sister and Brother-In-Law's place while they went and visited Mum and Dad.

Started up at training at Mantis, Tai Chi and Jian again.

Heh, actually last Thursday after training, Sifu, took me aside after the lesson just to let me know about about some of the disciple stuff and what he will be teaching as a disciple. And Sifu told me he is unsure what to teach me first.

To explain, Sifu is quite traditional in the sense that although Sifu knows a LOT of styles, he will only teach some of it to disciples. This, from what I can gather is what he knows of Ba ji, Pi qua and Bha gua. These are some very nasty styles. Don't get me wrong, if you came to him and showed you were really sincere about wanting to train, he would probably teach you. But this would also probably be the basics. The higher level things he would leave until you became a desciple.

Same with Tai chi. He has got quite a few forms, but will only teach the second one once you have been training with him for many, many years. He says it would be a waste of time. You would need those years getting the energy right.

Anyway anyway anyway.

Apparently he is unsure what to teach me is that with my body type (stocky), I should be a ba ji or a ba gua (short powerful strikes), but I am also good at some of the flowing movements of pi qua.

We'll sort it in the end I suppose.

Oh yes, also found out what the style of Mantis Sifu is teaching me. It is called: Cha Chui [cha chew-wei]. Smashing Fist. It's the signature move of the form.

It's about 5-6 months until Sifu Wong comes out over from Alaska. Really looking forward to that.

Sifu is also going to be doing another couple of seminars next month. One on San T'sai Jien, or Three Powers Sword. This time teaching the other side of the form. One on a mantis form, and one on Qi gung. I'll probably go to the first two.

- Grover.

Damn Flu.

2008-12-09T00:49:00.001+09:30

Sigh.

It's 10 to 1 am, Tuesday morning. And I have just been woken up by because the painkiller that I took before I went to bed have worn off, so woke myself up with a very painful coughing fit. Of all the symptoms you can get with a cold, the one I hate the most is a sore throat.

So now I am just waiting for more painkillers to take effect so I can go back to sleep. Going to doctor's in the morning, the last thing I want is for this to move down to my chest.

But at least the temperature tonight is much cooler than last night, we must of had rain nearby. It actually feels cool (if you can count a minimum of 24 degrees C as being cool).

- Grover.

--
"I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by." - Douglas Adams

Merry Old England.

2008-11-21T17:05:00.002+09:30

In Janurary 2010 one of my great Aunt's is turning 80. It looks like that quite a few of my relations are going to be heading over there to celebrate. My Grandad, an Aunt and Uncle, a Cousin, maybe another Cousin with her children, my Mum. I've been thinking of going as well and making it a UK/Europe trip as well.

Points for:

- Thankyou in person for all the presents that said Aunt sent that I never got around to thank her for.
- There is a LOT of family over there that I have never met.
- Easy to see Europe if I'm already going to England.

Points against:

- Expensive, especially if the dollar remains low against the pound.
- Need to save a lot of money to make trip worth while. Compounded by above.
- Need lots of leave.

Havn't made up my mind but if I do it would mean saving from now until Nov/Dec 2009. No holidays until then either.

One thing that would work out quite well is that I've got Long Service with the NT Government due in March 2010, so I could possibly use that along with my Recreation Leave to make a good go of it.

I might even get a friend who runs a cafe in town to teach me how to be a barrista so I could maybe work every now and then to top up spending money while I'm over there.

I was looking at my leave entitlements and if I get approval to carry everything over to 2010 (instead of having to use 30 rec days by end of 2009), I could go from 01 Jan to somewhere around the middle of August 2010. That's 7.5 months at full pay. Could probably stretch that out to 9 or so months if I took the Long Service leave at half pay. Of course that would be conditional with approval from workplace. But it's a very tempting idea no?
- Grover

Praying Mantis Roaring Tiger

2008-11-19T16:19:00.002+09:30

Since Sifu declared his intention to make me a disciple when his teacher comes out to Australia next year, Sifu has started teaching me a style of Mantis. I think a little bit of it is because Sifu Wong is very experienced with a number of Mantis styles and Sifu Wong is almost certianly going to be teaching some mantis stuff during his visit.

I think the style of Mantis that I am learning is Chi Hsing Tang Lang or 7-star Preying Mantis. I only know a couple of movments as Sifu only started teaching me on Tuesday. Sifu said that he chose to teach me this style because he thinks it suits my tempermanent and body style (which is interesting because I am carrying at least 15kg of extra weight from when I was a fit young whipper snapper of 19). I also think he preferres to have people doing different things at any one time.

For example, Tuedays class had people doing Chen style Taiji Quan, Ba Ji and Preying Mantis. Some of us were just starting, some of us have many years of experience with other disciplines. It does seem to give the impression that each persons journey is just that; A individual journey helped by Sifu. About the only drawback it that you get a limited time with Sifu to help you as he goes around the class.

When I compare it to my Tae Kwon Do experience, it seems to make more sense. Looking back on TKD, every student was on the same journey to the same destination. People may have started at different times but on the whole it was the same journey for everybody.

When Sifu was sounding me out about becomming a disciple, he first asked me where I thought I might like to head towards in respect to my martial arts. I think he was considering me but wasn't sure until I responded that I might like to go towards something a little more harder and taking training more seriously (I was/am studying Yang style tai chi at that point). So I think that Sifu has thought about that and looked about what he knows and wants to pass on and said: "Here, this style would be a good place for you to start with." and started teaching me this particular style.

That won't be all that he will teach me. He's not going to say: "No, I will only teach you this style and nothing else". He has said that if a style isn't working for you he will teach me something else that does. He did say that he will probably teach us as much as he can in the one style first before moving on to another.

I'm very fortunate to be studying under someone who has so many styles squirreled under their belt. Then you add weapons to that and I only count myself lucky to have Sifu here in the same Town as I am.

When you consider Sifu is from Alaska it is pretty extraordinary. I'll have to get him to tell me the story of how he and his family came to live in Darwin. I'm sure it's a good one.

- Grover.

Movember: Week 1

2008-11-08T11:28:00.002+09:30

Hi All.

This year I am participating in Movember. In which you grow a mo for the month and get sponsorship and then have a party at the end. It's in support of men's cancer and depression, so it's all for a good cause.

If anyone wants to donate towards it, you can go here.

I don't think I'll keep it after the month is up though. It makes me look a lot older than what I am...

Behold the beast that is me:

- Grover

It's a new car!!

2008-11-06T11:22:00.001+09:30

After a long period of procrastination (over a year in fact), I finally got my self a new car.

It's a 2007 VW Golf GT.

Metalic Blue
1.4 TSI Engine
6 speed sequential gear box.
5 door

It's very sweet. Great ride. Handles extremely well. It was a demonstration model in the car yard. It's only done 7000 kms, and for that they knocked $8500 off the price.

I've had it for 2 days and I've already done nearly 200kms in the thing.

I like it because it sort of goes under the radar a bit. It's not like the Impreza or a Mini which stand out like dogs balls. But when you look closely the styling makes it look a lot bigger than what it actually is (especially it's very nice rear).

Plus having that TSI engine can make it a lot of fun if you want it to. If not, just put it in drive and treat it like a nomal auto.

I'm very impressed so far with it.

Will post some pics when I'm more organised (ha! I hear you say).

Some good news

2008-10-03T16:06:00.001+09:30

Yeah yeah, little happening in the way of updates. As usual.

Shall be remied by this post!

I am back at work and this week has been so hetic with preparing the budget for the year. But that's what this big boy position is all about I suppose.

I kept a journal of my time and virtually made an entry for each day while I was in NZ. I'll gradually post them here, don't hold your breath because 20 odd posts ain't going to happen quickly...

I am still waiting for the position I'm currently sitting in to be advertised so I can apply for it which if I get would be very nice indeed. I like earning a bit more money. Starting to recover from holiday, just need to pay off credit card now...

I sorta slipped off doing the 100 push ups thing, but I did a exhaustion test and managed to put out 30 after 5 weeks of inactivity so things are not so bad. I'll start week three of program next week. There is a site that allows people who are following the program to list their achievements and track how well they are going. It's at:

http://www.pushupslogger.com/

My profile is: ninjagrover. Although nothing will show up until I put an entry of an actual workout, not the exhaustion test. Strange.

Also, changed a shift so my Tuesdays are now free to attend the sword class with my instructor.

Another bit of news regarding my training.

Last night after training, my instructor asked me where I thought I was going with training and where I would like to go. I answered that I thought I would like to study a hard style (mantis).

Kevin thought that was fine, then he asked me with his master coming out to Australia, what I thought about perhaps becomming a deciple to his master's school next. All formal and infront of his master...

ZOMFGBBQ!!!!

Totally stoaked as Kevin wouldn't ask anybody to become one of his diciple. He has a couple of criteria that he uses and apparently he thinks well enough of me to become a desciple.

I'll have to ask what's involved and what would be expected of me as Kevin is quite traditional in this aspect of his martial arts, and this wouldn't be a undertaking to be taken lightly.

Wow.

NZ Rundown

2008-09-20T12:20:00.000+09:30

After finally putting all the details in my blog nearly 7 months after the fact makes it sound a little bit actual factual. But trust me I had a really good time on this trip. Got to see snow for the first time. Saw some of the most amazing scenery you could imagine with the Milford Sound being the highlight. But a lot of the north island is really pretty. You get tired from taking your camera out and when presented with yet another perfect vista you start to think "Nah, I've got plenty already."

And I think we travelled well together. Although I don't think Bill wants to be anywhere near my room in any future trips (I apparently snore loud enough to cause vibrations in his bed, or at lest Bill claims he could "feel" it in his bed, a bit of a princess and the pea if you ask me but anyway). But we didn't get on each others' nerves too much, which when you consider how much close contact we had (ie sharing rooms, all in the same car for three weeks). It could easily get old very quickly.

So yes, great holiday, would go back in a heartbeat.

Now I just need to post my diary from 2007 when we went to Japan. I found it again the other day.

NZ 18/09/08

2008-09-18T12:10:00.001+09:30

Last day in NZ.

Today was a much colder day than yesterday with the rain and all...which closed the Adrenlin Forest ¬.¬

Had a look at a kids science centre, but then the movie theater opened so we watched Taken with Liam Nielson instead. Very good non-stop action movie.

Checked into the flight, through customs, witing for plane to board. Hope the flight doesn't get delayed from the rain.

Once we reach Brisbane I'll wave Bill and Baz goodbye and catch another plane to Townsville.

20:00

Arrived in Brisbane feeling good. The combination of afternoon and good individual inflight entertainment helped a great deal. Bill and Baz have run off the the Virgin Blue lounge. So see ya at home guys. Bastards.

On board QF978 now waiting to taxi to runway. Looking forward to going out to the reef tomorrow. Then on to see Mum and Dad on Saturday...

NZ 17/09/08

2008-09-17T12:03:00.000+09:30

Last full day in NZ.

We had a look around the Antartic Centre. They fed some penguins, rode inside a vehicle they use in Antartica. That was pretty crazy. When they went through a pit of muddy water, apparently there is a slight leak somewhere near my seat and jeans got a bit wet ¬.¬

We also went into the storm room which is kept at -8°C. They then stimulate a storm with winds up to 50km/h. The wind factor reduces the temperature to -25°C!! Fricken Freezing!! I tell you, my nose and cheaks really stung. Glad it only lasted a couple of minutes.

The Restruant tram was very nice. The loop isn't all that big, and the food was quite good. Not the smoothest ride, but maybe that's just because I haven't ridden many trams before...

We had a quick look around the casino, Bill reckons that he lost $800 on the pokies (really $4.00).

Packing suitcase, going to visit Adrenlin Forest tomorrow before heading out to the Airport. They've got Rope walkways and flying foxes and such. Looks like a lot of fun.

Next: last day in NZ

NZ 16/09/08

2008-09-16T11:51:00.000+09:30

Christchurch

Easy start to the day. Passes Lake Tekeo and had a take some photos. The water was sky blue. Very different. Wonder what makes it that colour.

Baz chickened out of driving us through the city to the hotel and switched with me before we drove into the City itself.

After a 5hr drive and checking into the hotel (which doesn't have aircon - very bizarre to this tropical boy) we had a look around some of teh street and the Botanic Gardens (the latter of which was really good - got some good photos).

It's interesting that Auckland reminds me so much of Melbourne it isn't funny, and Christchurch reminds me of Adelaide it's amazing. Especially the suburbs. Major Deja vu.

We watched Tropic Thunder which I found pretty funny. Then we had dinner in a Irish Pub (of which there are many) which was good.

We've got a rest day tomorrow to catch up. Will probably go and see the Antartic Center or something the there is the Tram dinner.

Next: Christchurch

NZ 15/09/08

2008-09-15T11:44:00.001+09:30

Today is the last day in Queenstown. We spent the day snowboarding at the Remarkables. Not a bad day all in all. The snow was a bit slushy, and the wheather got cold when the wind picked up.

Took a couple of big falls today, so am thankful I hired a crash helmet and Billy recommended that I buy wrist-guards. They got put to some heavy use today.

Have the most fantastic bruise on the back of my right knee. See if I can find the photo. It was right where the chair lift bar would sit behind the knee. Very sore.

Ugh, need to do laundry tonight and get some souvenirs for family.

Lick has the best Gelato I have ever tasted. Their mint choc chip is to die for.

Long day drive tomorrow to Christchurch.

Before I sign off for the day a stocktake from my first time snowboarding:

Learnt this trip:

Standing up, heelside, toeside and very wide and slow interchange, small jumps.

At the cost of:

1. Several stacks (both forwards and backwards. I would say that forwards is the worse than backwards). 1 very impressive bruise on back of Right knee, accompanying sorness with same.

2. Mid back, general soreness.

3. Left ankle, sore from nearly twisting it going arse over tit comming off a chair lift.

4. Back deltoid of Right shoulder, sore from fall. Turning ability compromised!

5. Sternocleidomastoids (both sides), sore from head hitting snow hard during particularly hard fall.

6. Slight headache if I move my head too quickly.

Worth it? Hell YES!! I had so much fun this last week. Can't wait 'till I can do it again.

Tomorrow: Christchurch.

NZ 14/09/08

2008-09-14T23:29:00.001+09:30

Big day trip out to the Milford Sound, or more accurately, Fjord.

We stopped as a couple of places (wanaka) during the 6 hr trip. Then we went on a boat cruise down the Fjord to the sea and back again. Some of the most amazing scenery I've seen so far whilst in NZ. Although it was a bit hard to take photos with my camera because of a light drizzel. But was able to use the wide angle to take some nice photos.

On the way there we saw a rare parrot. Yay.

Also, it was only when the bus promptly went past our accommodation, that we learnt that we were on the wrong bus company. Although we are blaming the bus driver for that one. Baz showed him the booking voucher and Val (the driver) said "Yep, hop on." So we did >.<

If you are anywhere near Queenstown and have a day spare, it's worth the visit. On the day we went there was a lot of cloud cover and rain, but that made it look very ephemeral. Very cool.

Next: Queenstown.

NZ 13/09/08

2008-09-13T13:05:00.000+09:30

Today seems to have turned into a rest day. Might go out for a walk in a bit and stretch the legs, might take some photos too.

<Later> We went for a drive and we nearly ran out of fuel going up to Wanaka. What we thought were little towns were just names of places alongside a lake. So we had to double back to the last town to get some fuel. >.<

Baz bunje'd from the AJ Hackett bridge and I filmed it (badly) for him.

Had dinner by the lake in Wanaka as the sun set it went behind the mountains. But my camera's batteries were flat, Bill took some so might post those.

The temperature really dropped quickly when the sun went. That sort of killed any further desire to look around, and we headed back to Queenstown.

Off to the Milford Sound tomorrow. Early start ¬.¬

Off to bed now...ugh. Tired.

NZ 12/09/08

2008-09-12T13:00:00.000+09:30

Third Day.

Also at the Remarkables. Fantastic day. Perfect weather for snowboarding. We could actually see where we are going. Could only ski for a little more than half the day before my knee began to hurt too much after I came off a chair lift badly a couple of times. Which was annoying because previously to that I was having a lot of fun and was boarding really well. I was still sticking to the beginners' slopes and some easy intermediate, as the rest are just too steep and rough for me.

I'll post some pictures later...

Tomorrow: Queenstown.

NZ 11/09/08

2008-09-11T12:55:00.000+09:30

Second day!

We went to the Remarkables today. Very odd compared to yesterday. It's a higher mountain, plus the weather was really cold. At the lodge it was -2ºC and up at the highest slopes it was probably -5º. Then on top of that we had a lot of cloud cover, wind and even snow. I think we got at least 10-15 cm of snowfall that day. Amazing. You remember all those text books in high school that show snowflake crystals. Well, you could see then when they landed on your clothes. For someone who had never previously seen snow it was amazing.

Apparently the snow is better on this day, although I found it difficult to board today because it was white on white on white.

Because I'm travelling down a bit faster today I took a couple of big falls. Nearly did my knee and ankle twice today ¬.¬

Tomorrow: Also Remarkables!

NZ 10/09/08

2008-09-10T12:44:00.000+09:30

Whee! I love snowboarding!!

First day! Up at Coronet Peak today. Billy spend 2 hrs teaching me heel and toe side balance on the snowboard on the beginners slope. Then I spent another 1.5 hrs practising near the magic carpet.

After that I went up the beginners slope and then later some intermediate slopes. The snow was really slushy, which Bill and Baz disliked. But I think it made it easier to learn. Really fun day.

Matt: your snow gear works great!!

At the end of the day, calves were sore as hell from doing a lot of work they don't normally do.

Tomorrow will be interesting!

Tomorrow: Remarkables

NZ 09/09/08

2008-09-09T12:38:00.002+09:30

Today was spent driving up to Queenstown where we are going to spend the next 7 days. Really beautiful scenery. Exactly what New Zealand is famous for. We stopped at several photo opp places along. It was the best day of driving so far of the trip. Will have to go through and post some photos because that's all I've written in my diary for today!!

Tomorrow: snowboarding!

NZ 08/09/08

2008-09-08T21:37:00.000+09:30

Fox Glacier.

It's funny, my handwriting from my travel diary for this day is so messy I must have been really tired when I wrote it...no joke looks like chicken scrawl (more so than usual).

On to diary:

I seem to have gotten the windest roads so far on this trip. Not that I minded. The scenery was really fantastic and we go to the tour company with 40 minutes to spare.

We got geared up (socks, boots, jackets, overjeans, gloves, beanie), then headed out.

Now first off, no where do you read in the brochure that you have to hike for 1.5 hrs up a very steep hillside (which includes 600 steps [reminder of Mt Fuji guys?]), but we did. So with all the gear you are now wearing quite a bit of stuff designed to keep heat in, so I at least started to sweat while the air temperature is struggling to hit 11ºC. Apparently the local weather god heard my silent prayer and decided to send a little drizzle our way. Fantastic.

The glacier was different to what I expected. I had imagined to be a fairly solid block of ice, but it's sort of like you get a big pile of crushed windscreen glass and packed it together. A benefit of the overcast sky was that it brought out the blue colour in the ice. Our guide said that if the sun was out all we would see is white. So that's cool. Not sure if it is making up for my hands which are starting to feel cold with all the moisture soaking into the gloves.

We then travelled up the glacier and had a look in a couple of the moulans (holes in the ice formed by water). Pretty cool (later in the day, one of the people out on the tour fellover in one and dislocated a shoulder - Baz said, put some ice on it. You're a bad, bad man Baz).

The weather then took a turn for the worse and then started to rain for real. Gloves got soaked, as did our boots. But feet managed to keep the water in the boots warm. So all in all it was a hard, wet, cold day out on the ice. But looking back it was a great experience. Definetly recommend to anyone who is thinking about it.

I will say I haven't appreciated hot water as much as I did later that night back at the hotel.

Although on that, it took us no joke 15 minutes to find our hotel in that town. The town literally has one street. When we found it, we discovered it was closed for renovations and we had instructions that the owners had made an arrangement with another hotel across the street. The one we passes three time looking for the first one.

NZ 07/09/08

2008-09-07T21:11:00.000+09:30

Sometime in the evening.

We have declared the cover of Baz's rain coat cover lost. A brief ceremony was held.

Father's day today. I'll see if I can get through to make a call later this evening.

It was a bit of a long day today. We all got muddy for no good reason. Yes we are all looking at you Barry. ¬.¬

On the way we stopped and had a look at the Pancake rocks and blow holes. Was a little bit different than the mental picture my imagination made up but took some good pictures. There were baby seals!! Cute.

Tonight we are staying in Greymouth, a little country town. It's only a motel, but so far it's the nicest place we have stayed in yet...

Another early start tomorrow, off to spend the day on Fox Glacier!

Tomorrow: Fox Glacier.

NZ 06/09/08

2008-09-06T20:30:00.000+09:30

1935 Saturday

We got to the ferry after some confusion about which wharf complex the ferry terminals are located on (the harbour seems to have 3 separate complexes for shipping and the like). Finally we got there with about 20mins spare. And we all breathed a sigh of relief.

The Interislander is pretty big. Has 5 decks including two cinemas.

Oh and this was just hilarious, and I made fun of Bill the rest of the trip was when we went to put some of our backpaks into the lockers.

Now, 95% of the blame rests with Bill, I may accept 5%, but that's only because I trusted that Bill knew what he was talking about.

Bill thought from previous experience with locker systems that someone had not paid for (or else the time limit had expired) a locker that had a laptop in it. So Bill pulled out the other stuff and put in his some of mine and Baz's stuff as well. Then I closed the door, and I heard a metallic 'click', then I tried to open it it wouldn't open. Then after actually reading the instructions printed in easy to read big letter, we concluded that the guy had in fact paid for the locker, he just forgot to lock it. So now we have our snacks, road maps and souvenirs in a lockerto which we don't know the combination to...

Anyway, we decided to worry about that at the end of the trip, and had a look around the ferry.

We have 'heavy' seas today with swells topping out at 4m high. Apparently they get as high as 8 metres...

It's 5ºC outside, blowing a gale, and to complete the trifecta, it's raining. Yay.

NZ 05/09/08

2008-09-05T18:48:00.000+09:30

1535 Wellington

As predicted, a long drive to Wellington. 0800 start. 4ºC. Whakapapa looked amazing. Took some photos, hope they look okay.

The drive got a bit tedious after the second hour.

We arrived in Wellington around midday and it's cold,and blustery! If the weather holds tomorrows ferry ride should be interesting.

We had a walk around the wharfs and like and I'll post some of the pics that demonstrate just how cold it was. We could see the beginnings of waves in the marina from the wind!

We are going to clean out the car and get it ready to drop off at the rental office tomorrow before we hop on the ferry.

The accommodation is a bit of a joke but oh well.

Tomorrow: Nelson

NZ 04/09/08

2008-09-04T20:03:00.000+09:30

1950 Tongario

A nice easy start to the day, but we had a few kilometres to travel today. First we had to go back to Rotorua, then onwards for another hour to Lake Taupo. We stopped at Lake Huka and Huka Falls on the way. Took some photos of the falls because a very large amount of water flows through a narrow channel. The water is so clean. But too cold for this tropical boy to consider swimming in.

We kayacked on Lake Taupo like we planned. The water temperature was 10ºC and the air was around 15. We were afraid that the weather would turn bad, but it cleared up to turn into a really nice day. 3 other Aussies also kayacked on the same day. AJ's from the Airforce. But they made good company.

Although we had thought that the carvings were hundreds of years old, but it turns out they are only 15. Very impressive though. They did it to help preserve the skill of stone carving.

Afterwards we went to a hot spring pools which was just the thing after a day spent on the water.

Another 1·5 drive (which nobody wanted to do because we all just wanted to sleep), landed us in our hotel for the night Chateau Tongario. It's about 5ºC outside atm. But the room is so stuffy we've opened a couple of windows while we went to dinner.

Bax thinks the pollen from the pine forrests were setting off major sneezing fits. Max of 4 in one set so far.

Too cold to go walking around, not much to see anyway. Been a long day. Got another long drive tomorrow.

Tomorrow: Wellington.

NZ 03/09/08

2008-09-03T18:30:00.000+09:30

1740 Ohope

Hi All.

We had a bit of an earlyish start to the day (0630). We drove to Whatakane, where we were dut to go out to White Island, but that was cancelled as the seas were too rough apparently...

So instead we caught up with Barry's Nanna in Ohope. She is such an old dear.Then we had a round of golf at the course near the beach. It was a nice, fun afternoon. We had some drizzle which made it chilly for a bit, the sun came out again so it warmed back to 15ºC in no time! Even had to take my jacket off.

We did offer to take Baz's Nanna out to dinner but she refused in that polite stubborn way of the elderly. So she cooked up a nice dinner with home grown veggies that was really good.

Tomorrow we are off to Lake Taupo for some kyacking to some rock carvings. Hope the weather holds for it, no desire to be out on the lake in the rain...

Tomorrow: Lake Taupo.

NZ 02/09/08

2008-09-02T18:07:00.000+09:30

1615 Rotorua

The thermal areas are about a 20min drive out of Rotorua. There are lots of mudpools. Got a photo that looks really funny out of one of them. Looks like a mud man is bursting up from below. We saw the Lady Cook geyser erupt. yay. Then had a look at the rest of the park which took roughly 3 hours. Took some interesting photos. It was fairly cold all day. It rained while the geyser was doing it's thing. And again, Barry wants me to write: "We think here is where the cover for his raincoat got lost".

We had lunch in an Irish pub back in town. I think I had the Guiness soup. Really good warm food.

Then we went up the skyway gondala and kart. We went on the Sky Swing. I bought the video. It's quite hilarious. I'll have to see if I can upload it somewhere and post a link (don't hold your breath). Our reactions are hilarious, I really enjoyed it, Bill almost as much as me, Barry was a bit more subdued, I must say. Though the death grip on the handle would have done Bruce Lee proud.

We then luged 6 times. It's fairly fun, though a bit tricky to handle as the kart only has three wheels. And the brakes shouldn't be called brakes, or perhaps they should because they were obviously broken...

Off to the Cultural Display tonight then over to White Island tomorrow.

Tomorrow: White Island

2130

Just came back from the NZ Culture dinner. We had quite a fun night. Billy got to be the Chief of Our Village (Our bus, our name was Whoweare, I managed to mangle this into the much more humorous Whoarewe). Bill was selected to pick up the Peace Offering (a leafy twig). We didn't get to ask much of the performers before we were hearded to the stage performance which wasn't bad, but not long enough really.

Met a couple of nice Americans, Nate (they do exist), though this was offset by this particularly loud, obnoxious american woman from NY city. Typical americal. Don't care if you are jet lagged. Some semblance of manners should still be retained. Anyway we tried to have as little to to with her and had a good conversation with Nate. Forgot to get his email, oh well. Got a video of Bill doing the haka. Funny. Although he did get the hand shakey bit down pretty well.

Our driver was a riot, made us sing songs on the way back to our accommodation. Bill, Baz, remember "She'll be Comming around the moutain"?.

NZ 01/09/08

2008-09-01T20:51:00.000+09:30

0700 Auckland

A 0730 start today. Made it onto the motor way after only two wrong turns!!

Once we got out of Auckland proper there were some really amazing views. Then we hit a fog bay. It got really thick at times with visibility cut down to less than 50 meters. Don't see that very often in Darwin. Though it cleared up after 20 minutes of driving. The outside temperature got as low as 8ºC. We travelled 260km in about 3 hours before arriving in Waitomo to go and see the glow worms in a caving system. Amazing. A lot of fun, worth braving the freezing waters to get through it.

Travelled another 1.5hrs to get to Rotorua. Mmmm lovely sulphur! Reminded me of the seaweed that use to wash up on the beaches down in Victor Harbour in South Australia it would then start to rot if not swept away again.

That night in Rotorua, we had a buffet dinner that distinguishes itself by being the worst meal I've had in a long time. It was like a twilight zone, you could recognise what the foods were meant to be, but everything did not taste as it should. Bleah.

Bit wiped out today. Did a lot of travel and the caves was pretty tiring (you would be too walking for 3 hours in a wetsuit and gumboots).

Tomorrow we are off to see the thermal areas, the skyway lookout, a cultural display and dinner.

Tomorrow: Rotorua.

NZ 31/08/08

2008-08-31T16:15:00.000+09:30

1600 Auckland

Barry made me write this: "Thanks for resetting my watch". So there you go.

Hope you're happy.

Okay, today we went and visited Rangitoto Island. The Volcano rim is 198m high. We visited teh light house on the other side of the island. Then we went up to the rim. All in all a good three hour hike.

Oh! Catching the 9:15 ferry over, it was into the wind. Which was freezing! Made me wish that my gloves weren't in my suitcase! The temperature was around 15ºC which made for a nice walk. Got some great views of the scenery on the island and of the city from the lookout. Although soon after getting to the top my camera's batteries went flat any my spare set were in the hotel room.

Also finally got International roaming turned on my mobile. Yay! Can make calls now.

We are going to Orbit the revolving restaurant on the sky tower later this evening. It should be nice.

And Barry has just discovered that he bought a women's size glove. That's all that needs to be said there I think.

2100 Auckland

Dinner was very nice. A very reasonably prices 3 course meal. Views are great, though they do impart a mild feeling on nausea.

Tomorrow: Waitomo - Rotoroua

NZ 30/08/08

2008-08-30T17:17:00.000+09:30

1700 Auckland

Well we arrived okay. The Jetstar flight wasn't too bad. I've had better, but I've had much worse. I'm looking at you Tiger...

The Air NZ plane was smaller than what it was supposed to be. Again, not bad. More comfortable than the Jetstar flight. We arrived 30 minutes early, must of had some good tailwinds!

Brisbane Airport is okay if a little confusing. Coming from Darwin, it seems amazing that you have to catch a train to get to the international terminal. O.o Auckland airport is quite nice.

With our hire car (we went with budget), we got upgraded from a station wagon to a brand new Toyota Prado. It had done only 17 km on the clock when I drove it out of the lot. It's frickken huge. Very comfortable. It even has a aux in for an ipod so that should keep Billy happy.

We are just having a rest for a bit before going out before having an early night to recover.

Tomorrow: Auckland

Kia Ora Everyone

2008-08-30T14:35:00.000+09:30

Hi All.

Arrived in NZ okay, if not a little tired.

Auckland reminds me of Melbourne a great deal. Very nice weather.

Went to Rangitoto Island today. Had a good walk around. About 4 hrs in all. Going to Orbit the revolving restaurant tonight. Should be nice. In fact I have about an hour to go before I have to leave so this post'll be pretty brief.

We've done a quick shop for snacks for the road trip tomorrow down to Waitomo Caves in the morning then on to Rotorua in the afternoon. Probably about 5 hrs of driving all up.

And can you think we can find a 3.5" to 3.5" jack so we can plug our ipod/s into cd player? Rare as hen's teeth apparently...õ.o very strange.

So to was sunscreen. Hard to find. But that's may be there is very little of the body that gets exposed to the sun here on a regular basis.

Uhh, I'm keeping a better diary this time so I will probably post or edit more later.

But for now, immensely enjoying myself.

- Grover.

Countdown begins

2008-08-25T23:53:00.000+09:30

Okay. On holidays, but still have 4 and a bit days until we leave for NZ.

I'm doing some housekeeping like doing washing, pack up some stuff that I'm not using. Tomorrow or the next I'll do a big clean.

For the Trip we just need to finalise what we are doing in between Picton and Nelson. I've found a place where we can do some stuff [here].

Looking good. Getting excited...

Tomorrow I'll also look at changing some money into NZ dollars. We're currently getting around $1.22 NZ for every AUD $. Not bad, not bad at all...

- Grover

3·5 Days and counting.

2008-08-18T17:21:00.001+09:30

Last week of work before I go on holidays. And Thursday is my last day for the week.

Woot woot!

Then I've got the next week off at home to take it easy in the nice dry season that we are currently having. As well as anything more that needs to be done for holiday.

But before that, it looks like this week at work is just goint to be pure bedlam.

Hopefully I have seen the last of the acquittals for this quarter which I thought I had finished on Friday. But Today was a total wright off for anything else I need to get done before I leave.

I still need to journal a hits load of personnel to their correct cost centres. A big job. Probably all day Tuesday. Then on Wednesday have a three hour training thing in the morning, so that just leaves the afternoon and Thursday to finish up the rest of my work and train a co-worker in some reports that need to happen while I'm away.

Sweet Jesus Monkey Christ!

This holiday had better be worth it...

Yes, I'm complaing about my holiday already...22 hours of work to go.

- Grover

Umm, Lost count?

2008-08-15T17:16:00.001+09:30

Okay.

The biggest problem so far from week 3 is that it is very easy to lose count after 20 or so push-ups. I just did set two of day 3, and I'm noty sure if I just did 22 (as per the guide) or 27. I count in multiple of five to try and make it sound easier. Ie 20 is just four sets of 5. But if you lose count you think "Hmm, mayde should do a couple more just in case".

Set three here I go...

- Grover

Dark Knight

2008-08-14T16:33:00.001+09:30

Had this saved as a draft for some reason...

As many people have said, I'll repeat with an emphatic Wow!!

This movie has gone into my top 10 of all time.

There are some very well acted parts, Bale is back, mostly as Bruce Wayne. Which is okay because I found Bale's acting as Batman endlessly amusing. It looks like he is trying to do a "Magnum" look or something.

We needed to see more of Michael Cains' Alfred. More sarcasm would have been nice.

Gary Oldman is better as the poor policeman trying to keep the peace against the rising tide.

Morgan Freeman is as great as ever, reprising his role as Lucius Fox.

But the stage is set, and mostly occupied by Health Ledger's Joker.

What an amazing character this is. The performance by Ledger is nothing short of mesmerising. From the introduction (and that rather shocking magic trick), to his last line, sparkles with brillance.

It pains me more than I can say that he's dead and we will never see this Joker ever again.

If you have been under a rock and haven't seen this movie. Go tonight!

- Grover

Week 3 Day 2 Complete!!

2008-08-13T12:05:00.002+09:30

Take that body!

Just completed day 2 of week 3 and managed a maximum of 29. Not bad at all if I say so myself. 109 push ups. Amazes me that when I started this challenge not so long ago I was flat out finishing week 1, day 1. Mind you those last 4 of the last set were very difficult.

It's amazing how much you recover from a rest day. It's apparent that the rest days are just as important (perhaps even more so) as the actual exercise itself.

- Grover.

Week 3 - Again.

2008-08-13T11:35:00.001+09:30

Okay, here's to me attempting week 3 again of the 100 push up challenge.

I'l post on how I go...

- Grover.

Push Back - Fall Over

2008-08-07T13:59:00.001+09:30

Looks like I will have to redo week three.

A couple of things this week have conspired against me.

Main problem is that I gave blood this week, and any attempt at doing the number required was making me feel very strange indeed. Day one was fine, even did a max of 30, but I'll have to take it easy to get over my donation.

Will continue with the program, but will do two week threes.

- Grover

Avatar.

2008-08-06T23:36:00.001+09:30

This week I finished watching Avatar.

It's strange, as it made me feel really nostalgic about my childhood, watching all those long running cartoons on a Saturday morning.

But it's well written, a nice mix of characters, some good fights and some good humour. My favourite moment is when Sokka is recovering some feeling in his body during a fight, and he says "Hey, I think I'm getting some feeling back." Only to have some of the wall fall on top of him. The pain-filled "ow" making perfect comedy timing.

Azula's descent into madness was a little too quick, and Aang was extremely lucky to get his charkra fixed in the big battle.

But yeah, good fun and the story runs smoothly with only a couple of episodes of filler.

- Grover

The System - It works!

2008-08-05T09:16:00.001+09:30

Just been advised that my parcel of NZ clothes has arrived.

Sweet. Will pick up after work.

Only took about a week or so. Mind you, would want it to take very long after spending $70 in postage.

Also had to get it delivered to a friend's address, as UPS don't post to PO Boxes, and my residential address is not secure...

Oh well, is here and I have enough time to check suitability and order another something else if needs be.

- Grover.

Japan 07

2008-08-03T00:53:00.003+09:30

Okay, not sure how well this is going to work, but here I go:

Post is a slide show of some of the photos from Japan Trip. I have put a link to the page in the random links over on the right.

Handy eh?

- Grover

Push - Push Back

2008-08-02T18:40:00.001+09:30

Quick note:

Did exhaustion test for push ups today.

Completed 28!! On the first test I managed 21...That's just a little bit of wow right there.

Bit apprehensive as from what I've read on other people's blogs who are also taking the challenge; the next two weeks are not easy. But will try best to keep with it.

- Grover

Nose is Happy

2008-08-02T18:29:00.002+09:30

I love perfumes and smelling good. I have 5 that I use regularly.

These are:

Green Irish Tweed by Creed
Body Kouros by YSL
Higher Energy by Dior
Ed Hardy by Christian Audigier
Cool Water by Davidoff

Thanks to eBay, I now can add these to my collection:

Millesime Imperial by Creed
Men by Vera Wang
Safari by Ralph Laurent

I have learnt that Creed perfumes are very different from mainstream perfume houses. Very different, but very nice.

Safari is an old favourite, I just haven't had it for a couple of years.

Vera Wang is new to me. Very nice.

I can retire Cool Water to a friend as I have the superior Green Irish Tweed, which smells 10 times better.

The Imperial, at first smelling, I thought the fragrance would not last long on the skin. But on the first day, it lasted all day and into the evening! It's base is fairly floral, but it's not girly at all.

- Grover.

Push Ups Week 2

2008-08-01T15:41:00.001+09:30

Well, just completed week 2 of One Hundred Push Ups training program.

Must be doing okay because the last set call for a maximum of at least 15 and I did 20 so, Improvement!

I have to do another exhaustion test on the weekend to determine which column I have to follow for weeks 3 and 4.

If I do more than 26 push ups then on day 3 of week 3 the total I would have to do would be 121!

Keeping that scary thought in mind it will be a challenge to work towards...

- Grover.

Push It Good

2008-07-31T11:46:00.001+09:30

Still continuing with week 2 of push-up program.

It's not exactly easy, but the increase is within my capability apparently.

If you look at the first day of week one, the total number of push ups was 34, and yesterday I did a total of 66, so that's a big improvement already.

- Grover

Thar She Blows

2008-07-31T10:41:00.003+09:30

Eh he.

Oh Noes! We shaped our broadband plan this month!!

My flatmate and I download all shows in stead of watching TV. I download around 10+GB a month of anime, and my flatmate downloads a bit from a private tracker that has all series produced by the BBC. Throw in youTube, messaging, Digg, I-Am-Bored and Kwoff, we usually download around 40GB a month.

So far this month we have hit 63GB, and we have been shaped down to dial up speeds.

The Horror!!

Especially interesting is that we downloaded 14GB alone on the 29th.

Another 24 hours before the speed get reset...

- Grover

Funny Site

2008-07-30T11:09:00.002+09:30

Heh.

Blog here, of some one who is counting down 1000 awesome things.

Some interesting thought processes at work mixed with some good humour.

972 things to go.

Although I do wonder what the # 1 most awesome thing will be...

- Grover

Not Having Fun!!

2008-07-23T14:14:00.003+09:30

Ugh. Push ups.

A total of 5 sets with the following repetitions:

12-12-10-10-10

Head is slightly spinning.

Here's a tip for all you young, fit kids: Don't allow yourself to get unfit. Problem solved.

- Grover.

Wax On, Wax Off

2008-07-22T14:04:00.002+09:30

Got my back waxed yesterday.

I did it now so that I can get it done again before I head to NZ.

It had been a little while since I had last had it done so it smarted a bit. Especially the hair that's down the middle of my back. You just hope that the sadist, sorry, beauty therapist rips the strips off quickly.

Feels funny to have my shirt right against my skin again. I had forgotten what that's like. Weird.

- Grover

Just kill Me...

2008-07-21T23:09:00.002+09:30

Okay just did first day of Push Ups. Sets of 10/10/8/6 then did a maximum of 11.

Feel a little bit light headed, but will recover. But good god I have six weeks of this? He he I might have to challenge Billy at the end. See how many he can do.

Just need to cut down on amount of food I seem to be consuming these days and any [ahem] sugary drinks.

It's also a little frustrating in that I used to be able to one handed push-ups no problem.

But sensible weight loss is dedication and determination.

- Grover.

Exercise: It's good for you.

2008-07-21T15:35:00.003+09:30

Okay tested myself for push-ups yesterday. Managed to do 21. Which means that today I get to do two sets of 10, one of 8, one of 6 and try for maximum (at least 7).

Yay. Lucky me.

Oh, have to tell you about training last Thursday.

Finally got to a training session with my teacher (I can't call him sifu yet, he is very traditional about things like that) after two weeks off sick.

It was the first lesson back so I suppose I should know better than to go too hard too soon. But I haven't learnt that lesson yet, and it doesn't look like I will start anytime soon.

Anyway. Arrived late - forgot the class now starts at 6 not 6:15. So, straight into stances. They all have names, which I can't remember. But suffice to say, they are not easy to hold. And if they ever feel easy then you are not doing them right.

Anyways, I was doing them and putting a lot of effort into them and the last Maboo I went down to nearly as low as teacher, mostly managed to hold it, then when we finished, you straighten to a standing position.

And all sounds suddenly faded as my sense of hearing went. It felt as though all the blood in my body was in my head and I could feel this prickling sensation going up to the top of my scalp. And I remember a part of my brain thinking "That's it. I'm having a brain aneurysm, I'm going to die." But then decided that sitting down while I was able to was the best idea, I was able to breath better and the feelings of imminent death subsided. It took me about 10 minutes
to get back to normal. But it was actually scary for a moment to two.

Fun times.

- Grover

Speak of the Devil.

2008-07-21T08:52:00.002+09:30

He he.

The quote of the day on my desk calendar is:

"Do not speak of a rhinoceros if there is no tree nearby" - African (Zulu) Proverb.

Sound advice...

- Grover.

More - See!!

2008-07-19T00:47:00.002+09:30

Ah tired.

Friday night - well Saturday morning. As you may have noticed that I changed the title of blog as it contains things beyond (and before) my trip to Japan in 2007. Plus the thought of Grover as a ninja is amusing to me.

Must buy a good jacket for NZ. I don't have anything that will keep me warm in sub 10 degree temperatures.

Here is what I was thinking of getting: Link

Looks good, able to pair it up with other clothes for extra warmth, or it will be okay on it's own.

In other news:

AUD$1.00 = NZD$1.27

So it is like everything is on a 30% sale. Woot!

Heh, been reading some Japan blogs of other people. Brings back memories. I would like to go back some time. See more of Hakone and Hokkaido. But there is so much of the world that I want to see, another trip to Japan will have to wait.

Currently Reading: No Humans Involved.

Sooo, fitness drive?

2008-07-17T16:50:00.002+09:30

Yes, yes, get ready for another spate of sporadic posts...

In line with recognition that my weight is creeping up towards 100Kg again. I am having to think about doing something about.

I was a part of the goNT drive program which lasted for 8 weeks (and ended about two weeks ago). Although some of the exercises were hard to get to (start times were at 5pm), as well as some of them being unsuitable for me (one class, called "Body Attack" turned out to be too much for some of my joints to handle). As well as getting really busy working my second job trying to save some money for the New Zealand trip, that the last 3 weeks sort of fell into a big steaming pile of the mush.

But I am eating better, flatmate cooks a mean veggie soup which we use as a simple meal; usually as a small dinner.

Found a exercise program that should enable you to do 100 push ups in 6 weeks. Linky here. It seems rather straight forward, and would tie in rather well as I have 6 WEEKS UNTIL I LEAVE FOR NEW ZEALAND!!

If I tie in some regular long walks, less coke, some crunches, squats and lunges I might be in a better place by the time we are due to go skiing. As well as fitting into all the medium Threadless T's I now own...

And speaking of NZ, we have paid for Airfares, accommodation, car hire and ferry transfer through a travel agent. We will try to get the activites/tours we want to go on squared away by end of July. We'll see how we will go with that...

I am also going to visit Mum and Dad in Queensland before heading back to Darwin. Go out to the Reef, that sort of thing...

Need to buy some good cold weather stuff for NZ as the top average temperature we can expect will be around 11ºC... Brr that's cold for this tropical boy.

More to follow...

- Grover
Currently Reading: The Lies of Locke Lamora.

Storm Pics

2008-03-18T21:39:00.003+09:30

It'll make all Mexicans jealous but here are some more storm pics from Darwin

Storm from work balcony a week before last:

More of the same storm front:

This storm continued more to the right across the harbour, but building blocked view...virtually 180 degrees of horizon was filled by this storm.

Currently Reading: Broken
Mood: Normal

XBox

2008-03-18T20:46:00.002+09:30

Added some shared items from my google reader. Expect a lot of comics (I mainly use it to keep track of all the webcomics I read but other stuff will appear in there as well.

Bought a couple of 360 games recently. Have been playing them on and off.

First one was Eternal Sonata. It's a cute little RPG based on a Dream that Chopin is having. Free roam, turn based battle system. You do different attacks depending on if you are standing in light or shadow. Very cute. Hard core RPG fans would probably hate it, but I'm sorta new to RPG games so I like it.

JV Jones Fortress of Grey Ice. If you like fantasy, you may like this book. Author has also did the Baker's Boy. Excellent read.

Currently Reading: Broken
Mood: Normal

Storm Pic

2008-03-11T23:46:00.003+09:30

Hi All.

Just a quick pic of a that I took while on my way to my sisters and brother-in-law's:

Took the photo about 15mins too late, but I was driving and this was the first chance that I got to stop where the view was still okay.

Currently Reading: Fortress of Grey Ice
Mood: Normal

I'm not lazy. Honest!

2008-01-30T23:18:00.001+09:30

Wow. So much for my declaration to continue blogging.

In case you are all wondering the pillow is doing a great job of supporting my head while I sleep.

The monsoons are a week or two away and we have been getting a lot of rain. We even had our first cyclone for the season. Yay. A category 2 and was a big wind and lots of rain.

I have been reading a great deal lately. A sample:

Eric
Moving Pictures
Reaper Man
Witches Abroad
Command Decision
Stormed Fortress
The Coming of Conan
Confessor

There is talk with the friends that I went to Japan with to go to New Zealand for a skiing holiday. I was looking at fares to NZ. Really cheap. $150 to get from Sydney to Christchurch and back. Cheap.

I have also been attacking the 20GB folder of photos from Japan trip. I'll see about updating some of the Japan posts with some of the pictures of where we went, what we did.

And I must post about the Horror house in Fuji Q land.

Later!

Currently Reading: The Charmed Sphere
Mood: Normal

Pillow Talk

2007-11-11T21:25:00.001+09:30

Hi All.

Yes, all in the name in blogging, I am about to post about my pillow.

I sleep on my side in a 'recovery' position you see in safety posters (get pain in the small of my back if I sleep on my back). Because of this I need a good high pillow that offers lots of support. After going through quite a few pillows over the year I have come across what may be the perfect pillow for me.

It' s latex and cost about $70. Moulded to have a slight concave depression in the middle and on the side so you shoulder fits in nicely. Very comfortable. Feels a little strange because it doesn't feel like foam. It's as if a foam pillow and a rubber mat had an illegitimate chlld.

Have had great nights sleep so far.

Haloz

2007-11-11T12:26:00.001+09:30

Hi All.

Yes, I'm a bit behind the times but finished Halo 3 last night.

First thought was that it was a bit short and a bit too easy. In the first halo, it took me a while to complete it even while on Normal. But that maybe just because I'm a lot better at it than I was when I played the first game. But Halo 2 wasn't easy on normal so go figure. Good to see the Brutes were toned down a tad. They were a f*cking pain in the arse in H2. Also just realising it now, I didn't find 1 plasma beam rifle. Maybe the Halo gods heard our prayers for a change (no jackals with plasma rifles or at least not as many).

Story wise 1 & 2 were more cohesive. 3 seems to lose it self a bit. But I do miss having to kill the elites. But I suppose the new and improved flood made up for it.

The spider flood looked to be a late addition. Their movement looked out of place with the rest of the flood characters. I found it interesting how the take over of human npc took about 5 seconds. When I first had one left he got an infection form, I just assumed that he would die, so wasn't really paying much attention to him. Then I noticed a flood combat form coming at me. So have to watch out for that. Also that previously "killed" flood can be reanimated if a new infection form attaches itself to the killed form. Very sneaky. I kept wondering why I was getting more flood attacking me from behind until I saw what would happen. Then it was "Right! No more ignoring the infection forms, try to kill as many as possible with the least amount of ammo."

Grunts are still fun. Fun to kill, fun to bash while asleep. All the comments they make.

The assault rifle is back!!! Happy happy joy joy. The flame thrower is cool how it doesn't force you to drop a weapon for it.

Does the rocket launcher still track enemy targets? Don't know, didn't use one rocket in the whole game.

The destruction of the covenant ships reactors was pathetically easy. Might as well had a touch panel that said "To Destroy Ship - Press Here".

I'm wondering how much harder the game is in Heroic and Legendary. Does the difficulty increase exponentially? Time will tell.

Currently Reading: Cavern of Black Ice
Mood: Normal

After The Holiday and Stuff

2007-11-11T11:50:00.001+09:30

Hi All.

I thought I would start posting again because I thought I may as well continue blogging.

Okay the rest of my holiday was spent with my parents in the tablelands inland from Cairns. Very pretty area. Where as most of Queensland is in drought, most of the Cairns area is still green. It was just coming off winter so it was quite cool. Days were around 18°C with nights dropping down to 5°C. It's lucky that I really enjoy cold weather ^.^

Visiting Mum and Dad was great. Helped them pack up the house (they have decided to sell and move down the coast a bit). They still had a shipping container, so we put everything into boxes and packed it all in to there. Dad and I ended up moving about 5 Tonne of stuff!

So have come back to Darwin at the start of the buildup. Or to the uninitiated, an increase in humidity and temperature, but no relief of rain for a couple of months. We get days of humidity of around 90% with temperatures of 32-35°C. We won't get any serious rain until well into December. Although we have been getting some fairly impressive isolated showers of late. But they are more trouble than they are worth. Because it doesn't rain enough to lower the temperature so we get insta-sweat-bath.

Oh! We ended up with 20 gigs of photos between us. When I work out how to post them you'll be able to see them.

Highlights of Japan:

1 Atomic Dome in Hiroshima (was really cool had the lunar eclipse over the top of it)
2 Climbing Fuji-san
3 Ladies in Kimonos
4 Getting my photo with Naruto (yes, a sad fan boy I am ^.^)
5 The shrines and temples in Kyoto (the Gold and Silver temples and the Water temple in particular)
6 Shinkansens!

Downlights of Japan:

1 Climbing down Fuji-san (really really unpleasant).
2 It's okay to smoke in restaurants
3 More remote places don't bother with romanji for train station names. Sometimes they even do away with hiragana too!

I've got more to post but this is turning into a big post so I'll leave it for now.

Currently Reading: Cavern of Black Ice
Mood: Normal

White Water Rafting

2007-09-14T20:40:00.001+09:30

On Saturday the 8th I went white water rafting on the Tully river.

After my day off in Cairns in which I mostly strolled around (and watched the latest Bourne movie), it was another early start because I was being picked up at 6:30 to go white water rafting (yay).

So at 5:45 I was up so I could get some breakfast before I left. On the bus I met a Brazilian whose name was Philipe. He had been in Australia for about 3 months. I told him about my trip to Japan. Seemed impressed.

After the 1.5 hrs bus ride to Tulley river (and the viewing of the mandatory safety video), we arrive, get fitted with life jacket, helmet, paddle and I chose to hire a special shirt that draws the moisture away from the skin – figuring I would need it. I ended up in a boat with Philipe and 5 guys from Spain. Our boat was called "Dingo". High five/paddle call was "Pura" <pronounced: PuuurrRAH!>, which means "son of a bitch" or "slut".

Our guide was Julian (Jules). He spent some time going through some commands to help us all stay in the boat. As the water was f*cking freezing, we all paid fairly close attention. On the advice of a friend who had been wwr before, I volunteered to go up the front. Jules said "the leaders are important because they set the pace for the rest of you, which will determine how well we go down the rapids, so have you got a lot of faith in those two (5 pairs of eyes of swivel towards me, none of whom are looking very relieved about the last fact)?

The funniest was the guide Karou with his boat load of Japanese tourists. On entering his first rapid, he looked over to where we were parked, crossed himself and started praying. So funny.

Tully river gets up to grade 4 rapids (the scale goes up to grade 6), so they're getting pretty lively. There is a camerman also there filming the action. The Japanese would see the cameraman, then start wildly waving at him. All while being in the middle of a grade 4 rapid. o.O Several fell out from being unprepared...crazy. Another guide who also had a lot of Japanese tourists, after going down a big rapid, caught our eyes and just shook his head. I think we got almost as much enjoyment from watching the Japanese as going down the rapid ourselves. ^.^

One downside from being at the front: the bow get swamped fairly regularly as you hit the big rapids. It's f*cking cold. There were 8 boats on the river that day, and 4 of them went over. I am not counting the time where the guide got us all down to one end while going the last rapid before lunch (they do that to everyone). The guides would also try to distract you by pointing out something in the trees just before going down a rapid. Karou would go: "Look! Koala!", all the Japanese would be like "Doko? Doko?", not aware how close the the rapid they were, then have to hang on as they sail down. Evil bastards. We wised up fairly quickly though. The Japanese never seemed to learn though...

It was a fun day. My knees got a bit sunburnt. Tired after spending 6hrs on the water. I bought a dvd-movie of the day and a cd of pictures.

The Reef

2007-09-09T17:34:00.001+09:30

Hi All.

Just come back from being at the reef. Was quite a nice day out on the ocean.

We went to Oyster Bay and someplace else. Oyster Bay was quite good. Lots of coral and reef fish to see. The second dive site was not as good, although we did see a HUGE stingray and a white-tipped reef shark sleeping. Although we kept our distance from them both.

The water was nice, around 26 degrees, I hope I put on enough sunscreen as the sun was quite fierce. We'll see later tonight.

Tired now. Going to go back to my hotel and have a nice shower and then crash. I'm off to the Atherton Tablelands (now called "Cairns Highlands") tomorrow...

Finally I'll get some chance to rest ^.^ It has been a long week...

Ja ne.

- Grover

Cairns, Here I Am.

2007-09-08T21:09:00.001+09:30

Hi All.

While the rest of my friends are back in Darwin and back at work, I am currently in Cairns on my way to visit Mum and Dad.

I went white water rafting on the Tully River (it's rated 3-4). Had an awesome time. I was in a raft with 5 spanish tourists and one from Brazil. They were really funny. But the funniest were the rafts that had all the japanese tourists on them. One had a Japanese guide (fairly aussie though). When they went down their first rapid, he made them duck down and hang on, then he looked over to us and crossed himself and made praying motions. So funny. Then they would be going down a grade 4 rapid (which is starting to get fairly lively), and all the japanese would be waving at the camerman and waving their paddles around. We got a great deal of enjoyment from watching them throughout the day. Another guide would just look at us and shake his head.

The water is freezing, but the sun was hot so got sunburnt on my legs.

Off to the reef tomorrow. Going with Ocean Spirit...

Hakone Ni Ikimasu

2007-08-28T22:40:00.001+09:30

Hi All.

Making our way to Hakone tomorrow. Hot springs here I come.

Tonight I had to replace the backpack that I was using. It died a horrible death involving Mt Misen at Miyajima. Got a better one for when we go up Fuji-san. Had some sai-ramen (seems to consist mostly of cabbage) from a little roadside place. Very nice. Wish we had the like back home. I'm going to miss $7 meals at restraunts...

On the first night we stayed in Hiroshima, we went and had lunch at a tempura restraunt. OMG! So yummy. All you people who go to Go Sushi and think you know what tempura is all about, you know nothing. Nothing at all. The batter is so crisp and light. It's like it is coated in rice bubbles or something.

And the miso soup here , beats anything I have every had back home. Havn't tried sushi yet, but mark my words we will. Especially I have seen places where sushi is 100 yen a plate ($1!).

So off to Hakone to get some good soaking. Might check out the public baths while I'm there ^.^

I'm rather addicted now. If the accommodation had a public bath, I seem to be more inclined to use it than the one in my room (well, have you seen the size of them? They're tiny!)

That's all for now. Have to finish laundry...

Oh! Todays steps = 25600 steps.

Currently Reading: NOTHING - Books back in Tokyo!!!
Mood: Normal

Miyajima - Japan's Twilight Zone.

2007-08-27T23:02:00.001+09:30

Hi all.

Am sending email from phone, so forgive abrns.

We r staying in Miyajima 4 2nite so we can get some good pics of the
huge tori gates & the town w/other ppl. A bit erie @ night, every1
goes back 2 Hiroshima b4 the ferries stop running, so very few ppl
about, like twilight zone. I was going 2 go out with the others & take
fotos 2 but 2 tired. Why? Mt Misen. 530 meters of it. Although nothing
compared 2 Fuji (worried expression). So about 2 hit the bed, here's 2
hoping that it will b a better sleep than last night...

Ja ne

- Grover

Ofuro: An Experience.

2007-08-26T00:19:00.001+09:30

Hi All.

I decided to bite the bullet and went to a public bath. As in naked. With other men.

First up some back story. When we were staying in Kyoto, I went down to the hotel's public bath a couple of times. By concidence, I managed to get the whole bath to myself on both occasions (really, really good. The best thing for a long hot day of sighseeing). I want a bath just like it at home now.

This time though, it nearly approaches arm wrestling trying to get time in the shower here at Osaka. So I thought "Stuff it" and made my way to the Ofuro.

I locked up my shoes in a locker at the entrance, paid the lady inside the door 350 yen, went to the changing area, put all my clothes in another locker and went into the bath area.

There were three other people in there and contray to all the travel guides that I have read, I wasn't suddenly the focus of attention or conversation. Nor was I particulary stared at, everyone else was busy with the business of getting clean.

What you do:

First off you claim a spot along the wall where you have hot and cold water taps, and douse yourself with some hot water. Then you go and step into a anti-microbe (reading the hiragana) bath for a minute or so. Then you can get to the business of getting yourself clean. Once you have scrubbed yourself to your heart's content (in my case about 15 minutes - I love nice long hot showers), rinse yourself throughly. Then you can get in the soaking baths. As you may know, Japanese baths have two temperaures: hot and scalding. My preference is to sit in the hot one for a bit then get out and then splash myself with some cold water. Repeat a couple of times and you will feel super clean - and a little lightheaded.

I suggest you try it at least once as you won't believe how clean you feel afterwards...

Ja ne

- Grover

Last Night In Oksaka

2007-08-25T20:41:00.000+09:30

Hi All.

Had a quiet day today.

Visited Shinsaibashi again today. Bought a yukata this afternoon ^.^

Oh! Were able to get into Round One, an amusement centre chain in Japan. I wish that we had something like this back home. It had about 7 floors of arcade games, then pool tables, soccer games, tennis games, golf, boxing, shooting and on the roof there was some pitching machines for baseball batting. Very cool. We spend 3 hours there.

We leave for Hiroshima tomorrow.

We are going out soom to have some proper okonomiyake.

Ja ne

- Grover

Himeji Castle

2007-08-24T23:47:00.002+09:30

Hi All.

We visited nearby Himeji castle today, it was about 40 minutes on the shinkansen (kodoma line).

The castle is famous because it is one of the few remaining castles in it's origional form. Amazing on the inside. When we had a look at Osaka, it was very modern on the inside because it has been rebuilt so many times. But Himeji is exactly what you would imagine the inside of a traditional castle would be like. Highly recommended.

There were plans to go to Universal Studio land, but we have been on the go for 5 days now and I think we all need a quiet day. Because then we are off to Hiroshima on the day after.

We had a lunch at a udon noodle place. I had a set meal, it was quite good. Although if we had just turned the next corner, we would have hit a whole street of restruants. D'oh! >.<

Today's Pedometer Count: 21100.

Yes...It Lives!!! Bwa ha ha!!

2007-08-24T00:01:00.000+09:30

We are in Osaka today. The shinkansen took all of 15 minutes from Kyoto. We nearly missed our train. We got on with, no joke, 30 seconds to spare.

We dropped off our bags at our accommodation (I'll post about that later), then went and visited Osakajo (Osaka Castle). The exterior is amazing. The view from the top floor (8th floor) is pretty good too. Although all big Japanese cities are very hazy about 10 km or so from any direction.

Then we went and checked out Shinsaibashi, a 2.6 km long mall. There are heaps of shops and restruants and good stores. The Hello Kitty store is an overload of cuteness.

We tried to go to a baseball hitting on the 8th floor of a games arcade building (read that last part again), but they were booked out.

I will buy a Yukata while I am here, I saw several shops that specalise in selling them. I'll just have to send it back to Australia as I don't have room in my suitcase ^.^

The title refers to the wonderful fact that 99.9% of all my photos that I did an accidental quick format over have been recovered and backed up. I was really relieved as that was cosplay from Comiket (including Mai Shiranui, D-Grey Man, Rozen Maiden), Wonderfest and me meeting Naruto. Would have been VERY pissed off if I lost that. So all is good.

Pedometer Reading for today: 22500

Currently Reading: Emissary
Mood: Happy but tired.

Missed It By That Much

2007-08-22T22:25:00.000+09:30

The hotel was selling yukatas for about 70 dollars. But they stopped yesterday. So dissappointed that I missed out. I hope that Osaka has some good one's too.

Currently Reading: Emissary
Mood: Normal

Kyoto - The Home That Isn't Home Because Everyone Is Speaking Japanese

2007-08-22T20:45:00.001+09:30

Hi All.

Am currently in Kyoto. It's really nice. Not nearly as hetic as Tokyo. We are staying at the Nishiyama Hotel. It is really sweet. Nice rooms. Close to the train station. Highly recommended.

I have had the traditional breakfast today and yesterday.

It generally consists of: fish, tofu, salad, omlet, tea, rice, japanese pickles and a serving of grapefruit. It doesn't look like much on the tray, but it is very filling. We have pictures.

We went to the Gold and Silver pavilions (Kinkaku and Ginkaku) today. The Silver one isn't, as it's name suggests, silver. But is instead is just wood. But it is one of the best zen temples in Kyoto. Very cool. The gold pavilion, is actually gold. It is three stories tall and the upper two are covered in gold leaf. Even cooler.

We also went along the philosophers walk - a famous trail that runs along a river. Apparently Musashi (famous samurai) walked along it.

The Day before we went and hired some bikes from a rental place (go to Kyoto trains station, head towards Kyoto Tower, head right a little) and rode around. It makes it an easy way of covering large distances easily. Hills were a little bit hard. Although hiring cannondales did make it easier. You can buy a cycling map for 100 yen. BUY A COPY! IT IS WORTH IT'S WEIGHT IN GOLD!! Spend a bit of time studying it and have the locations marked out beforehand. This will help you from getting hopelessly lost (we got ourselve lost no less than three times that day). It will make for an enjoyable day.

Make sure you go to the water temple.

Plan to spend about 4-5 dollars on each temple/shrine you are going to visit. 400 yen seems to be the going rate...

Currently Reading: Emissary
Mood: Normal

Kyoto Ni Ikimasu

2007-08-20T20:04:00.000+09:30

Am currently in Kyoto. Took the Shinkansen to get here. It's more relaxed than Tokyo and that is a nice change.

Went up the Kyoto Tower this afternoon. Amazing to see all the moutains around the city.

I may have accidentally lost some 200 photos including the cosplay from Comiket and me with Naruto. A friend is going to see if he can do something. I hope so. I do not quite believe that I could have done something so stupid.

Currently Reading: Emmissary
Mood: Normal

Fly Me To The Moon, Just Drop Me Off At Japan

2007-08-17T23:39:00.001+09:30

Hi All.

I think we can all agree that I am a terrible updater, but here we go...

I am in Japan (and have been so for about 8 days). This is the first chance I have had to get to a internet cafe...

First up the trip. I don't recommend anyone travel on Tiger. The trip out of Darwin to Singapore was the most uncomfortable trip that I have ever had the misfortune of experiencing. Just sitting in the normal upright position was damn uncomfortable. The Sing - Tokyo on Singapore Airlines was absolute bliss. One of the nicest journeys that I have ever had. Which was heaven after Tiger...

We are staying in Ikebukuro which is interesting as there are love hotels, literally, everywhere. Have gone into a lot of anime shops (and figurine and manga) here and in Shibuya and Shinjuku. It's really wild.

We went up to Nikko on Day four (just when I had the route back from the train station sorted out >.<). That is really pretty country. We went for what turned out to be a mammoth walk through some very nice scenery. I was able to take some amazing photos.

Oh yes, I bought the big brother of the camera I was looking at earlier (the Cannon Powershot S5IS not the S3IS). It was about 50500 yen (so $500). Cheap. Thinking of getting the wide angle adaptor that is an accessory. It is worth about $150 here, will have to check to see if it is worth getting here.

Wonderfest was interesting. Amazing to see how popular Evangelion still is, apparently there is a "new" movie comming out while we are here. We won't understand it, but that won't stop me ^.^

Oh! (cue fanboy squeal). I met Naruto! Well some one dressed as him... There was a display thingy on in Sunshine 60 (huge buidling) of Naruto (plus a preview of the next movie - looked quite good. Have to see that too...). I got my picture taken with Naruto - I was the only "adult" who did so. Ahhh, the fanboy in me was content that day ^.^

I'll see if I can some how get the photos up here sometime after I come back...

And it' hoooot. Record temperatures across all of Japan. It has turned cool this evening, I think there is a storm on the way, but the rest of the time here in Japan has been very sweaty. Sweat + walking all day. Do the sums, get the picture...yeah.

The days have been really long and right now it it 2330 and we are going to Komiket tomorrow.

So that'll do now that I know where this place is.

Ja ne

- Grover

Currently Reading: The Goblet of Fire
Mood: Tired

And Then There Was An Update! Or At Least It Will Be!!

2007-07-18T00:05:00.000+09:30

Hi all.

It's was my intention to increase updates as the time got closer, but that that hasn't eventuated!!!

Anyway, met up with my friends who I am going to Japan with. There is talk of attending a baseball game whilst in Tokyo. Also we might be going to a concert or something as well (to what I don't know, the details were rather vague.)

23 Days to go...
Currently Reading: Kushiel's Scion
Mood: Normal

Nothing But Blue Skys Over Me

2007-07-09T22:55:00.000+09:30

Well, it seems like I am on the mend. Headache is almost gone. Don't feel so drowsy any more. Still got a sore throat, which air-conditioning exacerbates. But feeling not too bad. As daytime tv is so bad, I hired some stand up performances by Billy Connelly. He is, by far, one of my favourite comedians. The only one who tops him in my book is Bill Cosby.

Wow, thanks to this cold I have, I haven't managed to catch up with any of the other people coming on the trip.

Oh! But I have found some things to do in Hakone. Each of us have been given a area/city with which to gather some points of interest that we will see when we get there. After much searching and some advice from some friends of friends who have lived in Japan, I finally found some good places to go.

The Outdoor Art Museum looks great. The Hakone Glass Forest is apparently a must see. There is a part of the old road to Lake Ashinoko which has some historic temple at the end of it (plus a good vantage for taking pictures of Fuji-san). Taking the cable car up to Tozan.There is a board walk through some wetlands (though it will be summer so not sure how appealing it will be then). And having a ride back across the lake in a 'Pirate' ship is recommended. One of those 'so bad it's good' kind of things.

So there is a bit to think about...

Currently Reading: Kushiel's Scion
Mood: Feeling Better

If Yer Sick, Give Work The Flick

2007-07-06T12:22:00.000+09:30

People who come into work sick. I hate them.

I have just gone back to my old workplace after 13 months in another department. There has, during the previous week, a nasty cold that struck down no less than 4 people. Some of these people were not feeling 100% on Monday, but decided to come in anyway. I have not been back at work for not even a whole week and I have already caught what everyone else has...Not happy Jan.

I work for the State (well, Territory) Government, and each and everyone of us gets 3 weeks of sick leave a year. If you are sick, you take the f*cking day off. You don't come into work so you can give it to other people. I am annoyed at my work colleagues because I have a propensity to get secondary chest infections from these little colds and flu's that take me weeks to get over. Hopefully, this will just turn out to be a head cold and will f*ck off in a couple of days.

- Grover

34 Days to go...
Currently Reading: A Man Betrayed
Mood: Annoyed

Show Me The Yen...

2007-07-06T12:13:00.000+09:30

Okay, while I am in a posting mood...

Yen is back up again 1 AUD = 105.383 JPY

Very Nice. Apparently it is a 15 high (or low depending on on which country you are in).

- Grover

34 Days to go...
Currently Reading: A Man Betrayed
Mood: Normal

Come Fly With Me

2007-07-06T11:45:00.001+09:30

Gomenasai minna-san!

I have, apparently, been lazy...June 20th was my last update? Is my everyday life that uneventful?

Well, this'll fix that.

Yesterday I finally purchased the tickets that will get me to Singapore to catch the flight that will take me to Tokyo. Yay for organisation. I have had the Sing/Tokyo/Sing part of the journey booked and paid since April, but hadn't yet booked the leg to get me to Sing from Darwin. And the fare options were starting to get less and less so I thought that I should hurry up and get it done.

You see, I was originally I was going to go to Cairns instead of returning straight to Darwin for the return. But after some checking, the fares would have been nearly $1000 more to go Tokyo/Cairns/Darwin than what is to go Tokyo/Darwin then Darwin/Cairns/Darwin.

It is looking like I will be getting a separate flight to Cairns the day after I get back to Darwin.

So am happily booked, my leave is approved. Just need to work out how much clothes I will need to take.

While I am in Cairns I am looking at going out to the Great Barrier Reef for a day Scuba diving and maybe some white water rafting before I head inland to visit Mum and Dad. Mum doesn't know that I am coming to visit yet so it'll be a big surprise for her.

And does anyone else find this funny?

News Story

- Grover

34 Days to go...
Currently Reading: A Man Betrayed
Mood: Normal

50 Days

2007-06-20T14:42:00.000+09:30

Holy Hell! 50 Day to go.

Can't believe it is counting down so quickly!!

In some actual news about the Japan trip, we are purchasing our Japan Rail tickets this week. We are doing a lot of travelling around Honshu (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima then back to Tokyo), so a 14 Day pass will save us a lot of money.

Which reminds me that I also need to go and get some AUD changed in YEN while the Aussie dollar is strong aginst it.

Uwah~ getting exciting!!

- Grover

50 Days to go...
Currently Reading: Heretics of Dune
Mood: Normal

Babysitting

2007-06-20T14:33:00.000+09:30

I baby-sat my two nephews on Friday night while my sister and her husband went and escaped to the movies (they went and saw Ocean’s 13)

The older nephew just turned 3 and the younger one is about a year and a half old.

So I had to entertain two very attention hungry, mobile boys. It’s not as hard as what it could be as whatever the older child is doing, the younger one wants to do as well.

So mostly we played with all the dinosaur figures. The eldest loves dinosaurs or anything dinosaur related. To hear him say pterodactyl or tyrannosaurs rex is the cutest thing.

The youngest one went to bed easily enough. Just had to give him a bottle with some warmed milk for a bit then put him in his crib.

The older one was slightly more problematic. Plus he was starting to miss his Mum and Dad. But I was able to get him nice and quite in front of the TV watching Little Einstein’s and some juice. He fell asleep in about 20mins and I put him into his bed.

There is a saying that goes along the lines of: “There was no child so well behaved that his mother was not glad to put him asleep.”

I somewhat know the feeling of relief you can get from finally getting a child to go to sleep.

I then read some more Heretics of Dune.

It’s a really, really good book. Work is really cutting into my reading time…
The Bene Gesserit are starting to annoy me, and I wish that something comes along to skew up their plans. Although, the new Duncan Idaho seems to hold some promise in this regard.

- Grover

50 Days to go...
Currently Reading: Heretics of Dune
Mood: Normal

Movie: Bridge to Terabithia

2007-06-14T23:45:00.000+09:30

Just came back from watching Bridge to Terabithia.

While it is well done, I will say that the previews are misleading about what happens in the plot.

It is a Disney family movie in every sense of the word.

I read the book back in primary school and I remember quite enjoying it.

It could have ended a completely different way in the same vein as another movie :cough: Monster's Inc :end cough:, but it didn't. Which did surprise me a little as it would have been so tempting and easy to do. Especially given Hollywood's inclination produce family movies that are so heart-warming that something inside me haemorrhages.

A few of the characters are a little too stereotypical: Jess's sisters for instance, and some of the other children at school.

On the whole it's worth seeing, but maybe on dvd.

- Grover

Days to go...
Currently Reading: Heretics of Dune
Mood: Normal

New System, How I Hate Thee

2007-06-14T23:35:00.000+09:30

Okay, my Japan job has introduced a update for the POS software that we use.

Last night was my first shift using the new system. First impression? Crap!

Returning a movie use to be like thus: scan disc, hit enter.

Now it is: scan disc, hit enter, press F6.

May not sound like much of a difference, but repeated 200+ times in a shift gets old. Very quickly.

Apparently the owner and head office can get more info from it by the way of reports, but this seems to correspond to it being more complicated…

Sigh. I suppose I’ll get use to it eventually…until then it'll have the distinction of being the bane of my existence...

- Grover

56 Days to go...
Currently Reading: Heretics of Dune
Mood: Normal

Work, Work, Work

2007-06-13T14:49:00.001+09:30

God, today is dragging on.

Have work to do but don't feel very enthoused about doing it...-.-
Working at my japan job tonight so the owner can watch the state of origin. Meh, it'll be a quiet night, I'll be able to get some reading in ^.^

Edit: Take that you cockroaches! Pity it makes the 3rd game a dead rubber, but oh well, winning the origin makes up for it...

On the upswing, just found out that Powerfinger and Silverchair are going to be performing a double act in Darwin in October. Sweetness. Tickets go on sale in early July. Must remember to buy. I remember going to Powderfinger ages ago at the casino lawns, they are a great band live. Both bands have released new albums recently too...

This is after the Triple J concert in Humpty Doo is bringing Something for Kate and Missy Higgins in July.

We also had Bass in the Grass a couple of weekends ago too. Had hip hop band Hilltop Hoods (who rocked btw), little fish (from Perth - female rock vocalist, she was also very good), Mammal (from Victoria) and Eskimo Joe.

I havn't seen so much good music in Darwin in ages (normally we are pretty starved for good bands).

- Grover

57 Days to go...
Currently Reading: Heretics of Dune
Mood: Unenthused...

And It's Cold!!!

2007-06-10T10:45:00.000+09:30

I live in Darwin, which is in the tropical region of Australia. For most of the year is it quite hot with temperatures of around 32-35°C. At other times it is even hotter at mostly around 36-38°C, coupled with more humidity (up to 90% humidity at times).

Then as a present for putting with 9 months of hot humid weather, we sometimes get what we call the "Dry".

As it name suggests, we get almost no rain for this period. But the real good part is when southern Australia get a pressure system passing over it, it pushes the cold air of the desert further north. End result is wonderful, wonderful weather. Daily maximums of 29, humidity levels of around 30%. All of the Top End longs for the Dry to come. And every few years, we get an especially cold Dry. Of which this season looks like it will be a good one.

It was cold last night. Looking at the Bureau of Metrology, it says that it was 15°C in Darwin the night before and it was even colder last night. It was turn the fan off and sleep with socks on sort of night. Normally it doesn't get this cold until the middle of July, so it's a month early.

But it's all good because I love cold weather.

When I go to visit Mum and Dad in Queensland they will be coming off the end of winter so they will have nights of 5° and day of around 12. Looking forward to that too!

- Grover

60 Days to go...
Currently Reading: Emperor God of Dune
Mood: Normal

T-Shirt Goodness

2007-06-09T23:13:00.000+09:30

Okay, I have a huge weakness for quirky/funny/retro tees.

Here are the latest ones that I may have to purchase:

Here and Here and Here too.

- Grover

61 Days to go...
Currently Reading: Emperor God of Dune
Mood: Tired

Mildly NSFW Some Things Are Just Wrong....Is That Warning Enough?

2007-06-09T22:40:00.001+09:30

Okay, some things are just wrong.

Taking that first mouthful of breakfast cereal, only to discover the milk is off. Discovering what is making the fridge smell. Trying to guess what said foodstuff was originally. Older women watching anal porn titles.

Didn't expect that, did you?

I work in a dvd rental store so I will have spending money while in Japan.

Women who are the age of my Mum should not be returning titles that have "Anal" and "Love Stories" in the title. I'm sorry, but I think I have to make it the newest rule in my universe.

I'm not comfortable with the idea of a 50-year-old-women watching such a title. I try to tell myself that they are just returning a title that their husband has borrowed. This worked until one day, the lady who returned must have seen the expression on my face and said "Oh. It's not mine, I'm returning it for my son."

Excuse me? How is that better? Now I am squeamish to imagining the type of relationship you two have. I mean would any of you be comfortable letting your Mum know what type of porn you watch? Or that you watch porn at all for that matter?

Also, I get people who will choose the following movies: Lion King, The Wiggles Do Someting Silly, The Hooley Dooley: We're Not The Wiggles - Really!, Barbie and Something Sickingly Cute....and Assman # 4...

To say the least it's very, verry bizarre.

When I turned 18 and was able to hire adult movies, I use to wonder what those console operators use to think...now I know firsthand...I could have quite easily lived my life not knowing, but now the knowledge is there to stay in my brain.

As it is also now in yours...

Sharing. The gift that keeps giving, even when you wish it wouldn't...

- Grover

61 Days to go...
Currently Reading: Emperor God of Dune
Mood: Normal

Digital Camera

2007-06-09T22:27:00.000+09:30

I need to purchase a digital camera for this trip too.

I was thinking of going with a Canon PowerShot S3 IS. Some info is here: Link

I was wanting something I could grow into. In case I want to start doing more in photography. And this one looks fairly sweet.

The RRP is AUD$700, but I found a site that sells it for around AUD$450...

Let me know what you think.

- Grover

61 Days to go...
Currently Reading: Emperor God of Dune
Mood: Normal

Shrek 3

2007-06-09T21:59:00.001+09:30

Just goes to show that sometimes you can’t trust other people’s opinion.

The prevailing view of this movie in the newspapers/entertainment sites is that it’s crap.

I found that I enjoyed it.

Okay, yes, it is pure popcorn. And no, it's not quite as fresh as the first one. But it got quite a few laughs out of me. So I don’t consider it a waste of time or money. A solid 3.5 out of 5.

- Grover

61 Days to go...
Currently Reading: God Emperor of Dune
Mood: Normal

Ninjagrover: Blue Furry Death

090807 Day 1

Oh Happy Day!!

Nearly Didn't Happen

Push - Push back

All Good Things Must End?

Nuts

GAH!! The wait = Torture

Movin' Right Along...

Done and done

Japan 2007.

Planning for UK/Europe 2010.

Weathers, they are a changing.

NZ Holiday 2008

Slinking in to the New Year...

Damn Flu.

Merry Old England.

Praying Mantis Roaring Tiger

Movember: Week 1

It's a new car!!

Some good news

NZ Rundown

NZ 18/09/08

NZ 17/09/08

NZ 16/09/08

NZ 15/09/08

NZ 14/09/08

NZ 13/09/08

NZ 12/09/08

NZ 11/09/08

NZ 10/09/08

NZ 09/09/08

NZ 08/09/08

NZ 07/09/08

NZ 06/09/08

NZ 05/09/08

NZ 04/09/08

NZ 03/09/08

NZ 02/09/08

NZ 01/09/08

NZ 31/08/08

NZ 30/08/08

Kia Ora Everyone

Countdown begins

3­·5 Days and counting.

Umm, Lost count?

Dark Knight

Week 3 Day 2 Complete!!

Week 3 - Again.

Push Back - Fall Over

Avatar.

The System - It works!

Japan 07

Push - Push Back

Nose is Happy

Push Ups Week 2

Push It Good

Thar She Blows

Funny Site

Not Having Fun!!

Wax On, Wax Off

Just kill Me...

Exercise: It's good for you.

Speak of the Devil.

More - See!!

Sooo, fitness drive?

Storm Pics

XBox

Storm Pic

I'm not lazy. Honest!

Pillow Talk

Haloz

After The Holiday and Stuff

White Water Rafting

The Reef

Cairns, Here I Am.

Hakone Ni Ikimasu

Miyajima - Japan's Twilight Zone.

Ofuro: An Experience.

Last Night In Oksaka

3·5 Days and counting.