tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37425165350853587282026-03-16T17:49:29.384+10:00Proceeding beyond this point may expose you to thoughts and opinions that won't necessarily agree with your own. Consider your retreat now. What has been read cannot be unread. Click links with confidence, they will safely take you to photos and websites without unseemly trickery or forced advertisement viewing.Thought Controlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01325861935760312237noreply@blogger.comBlogger200125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742516535085358728.post-27156072490644132502016-12-30T14:36:00.000+10:002017-01-12T08:08:57.314+10:00

Current Country / City: Netherlands / Amsterdam Morning Temperature:  MINUS 5oC Travel Method / Rating: Train / reasonably comfortable Travelling to: Germany / Berlin Accommodation:  Apartments am Brandenburger Tor Day Time Temperature: MINUS 5oC Approximate Travelling Time: 6.5 hours Currency: Euro (€) Steps (as calculated by phone software): 11,458

Thought Controlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01325861935760312237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742516535085358728.post-64420694981700794012016-12-29T08:31:00.001+10:002017-01-12T08:06:43.734+10:00

Current Country / City: Netherlands / Amsterdam Morning Temperature:  MINUS 2oC Travel Method / Rating: Trams and walking / Easy to use Travelling to: N/A Accommodation: Avenue Hotel Day Time Temperature: 5oC Approximate Travelling Time: N/A Currency: Euro (€) Steps (as calculated by phone software): 14,117 Activity/Observation: With another Avenue Hotel

Thought Controlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01325861935760312237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742516535085358728.post-21274479051522081822016-12-23T07:29:00.003+10:002017-01-12T08:06:03.541+10:00

Current Country / City: Netherlands / Amsterdam Morning Temperature:  1oC Travel Method / Rating: Trams and walking Travelling to: N/A Accommodation: Avenue Hotel Day Time Temperature: 10oC Approximate Travelling Time: N/A Currency: Euro (€) Steps (as calculated by phone software): 14,873 Activity/Observation: After breakfast at the hotel we went sightseeing.

Thought Controlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01325861935760312237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742516535085358728.post-17983661181778750442016-12-23T06:45:00.003+10:002017-01-12T08:05:15.875+10:00

Current Country/City: United Arab Emirates / Dubai Morning Temperature: 28oC Travel Method/Rating: Qantas Flight - A380 Economy Class / Minor discomfort due to seat size Travelling to: Netherlands /Amsterdam Accommodation: In flight economy seating – not conducent to obtaining rest.  Day Time Temperature: MINUS 1oC Approximate Travelling Time: 7 Hours Currency: Euro

Thought Controlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01325861935760312237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742516535085358728.post-4403914239641604742016-12-23T06:36:00.006+10:002017-01-12T08:04:28.244+10:00

Current Country/City: Australia / Melbourne Morning Temperature:  12oC Travel Method/Rating: Qantas Flight - A380 Economy Class / discomfort due to flight duration Travelling to: United Arab Emirates / Dubai Accommodation: Emirates Terminal 2 Business Class Lounge Day Time Temperature: 29oC Approximate Travelling Time: 12.5 Hours Currency: N/A Steps (as

Thought Controlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01325861935760312237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742516535085358728.post-13787785531169255822016-12-22T13:43:00.002+10:002017-01-12T08:03:02.493+10:00

Current Country/City: New Zealand/Auckland Morning Temperature:  12oC Travel Method/Rating: Qantas Flight – 737 Economy Class / Tolerable Travelling to: Australia / Melbourne Accommodation: Qantas Club Business Class Lounge Day Time Temperature: 24oC Approximate Travelling Time: 4 Hours Currency: New Zealand Dollars ($) and Australian Dollars ($ Yaks) Steps (as

Thought Controlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01325861935760312237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742516535085358728.post-83741267430001008522016-12-22T12:10:00.002+10:002017-01-12T08:01:01.021+10:00

This bi-annual trip started in 2014 after the original 5 witches held tentative discussions where dreams where ultimately turned into promises to tour Europe together. The intention being to take in the sights, immerse themselves in each country’s culture, and to buy tokens as proof of passage through the 100’s of Christmas markets that spring up throughout the European Union. They called this

Thought Controlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01325861935760312237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742516535085358728.post-5486293523413104732016-11-02T08:18:00.001+10:002016-11-02T08:18:19.556+10:00

For better or for worse I am back. Kinda surprised that my blog was still active. Had a little bit of spam built up and a couple of real comments to paste up. I'm currently doing Nanowrimo so I will be using my sister site Killer Serials to post my story up as a serial as I go.

Thought Controlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01325861935760312237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742516535085358728.post-88844826325262054692014-06-26T16:38:00.001+10:002014-06-26T17:09:26.664+10:00

Australians love Baccarat cookware. They're reasonably priced (they always seem to be on sale for 50% off), well built, easy to clean and they just work. The only maintenance they need is tightening the handle and steam vent knob every 6 months or so. Now, I don't bloody sell Baccarat products, I don't get a kick-back from them, and I don't care about your one lousy experience that makes

Thought Controlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01325861935760312237noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742516535085358728.post-86717000046169551122014-05-15T10:41:00.002+10:002014-05-15T12:38:54.337+10:00

Here's a list: Trying to do a blog on "Things that make you go Hmmmm" and Chrome won't open Blogger. Opening all 47 windows in a 2 story house and watching rain clouds roll in. Cleaning sliding windows and pressing sweaty body parts against them while reinstalling. Experiencing wind changes towards the house each time dry, dusty garden clippings hit the shredder blades. Stepping back from

Thought Controlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01325861935760312237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742516535085358728.post-34808144160596679472013-12-30T10:53:00.002+10:002017-12-23T04:46:02.665+10:00

Hi Xmas zombies (For clarity I use the term 'Xmas' instead of 'Christmas' to signify the consumerism function that I previously and resentfully worshipped).  I'm not a religious person, or maybe a God that suits me hasn't been invented yet - but fear not, this isn't a religious rant so let's explore my latest Xmas epiphany instead. Despite the unwanted pressures and expectations of

Thought Controlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01325861935760312237noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742516535085358728.post-65330601866394208562012-12-22T07:41:00.001+10:002017-12-22T12:44:56.280+10:00

It's a week before Xmas and I am walking despondently towards the Mecca of Merchandise to fulfill a ludicrous obligation that has no meaning to me. Despite being an affirmed heathen, I have always played along with friends and family whether they hijacked the holiday or faithfully celebrated Jesus' Birthday, mainly to avoid the Scrooge tag and just be tolerant of their views. But no more. What

Thought Controlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01325861935760312237noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742516535085358728.post-44099562037034077662012-07-28T10:37:00.004+10:002013-12-30T11:01:26.317+10:00

Much as I like bagging out the youth of today, (in the venerated tradition handed down through the generations), I did think the TV program I saw recently about young adults unable to boil an egg or change a wheel on their car was slightly rough on them. Everyone has to be taught how things work, (not to mention how to interact socially and maintain a suitable level of hygiene). A lot of young

Thought Controlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01325861935760312237noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742516535085358728.post-91818843483435396582012-03-31T08:03:00.001+10:002012-12-22T07:59:02.430+10:00

I've only recently discovered George Carlin. He's dead now, but his profound ideas and harsh opinionated attitude lives on, and they really struck a cord with me.  Carlin divorced himself from the human race because he actively hated those of us who would not see the "truth" of our existence. (Quote marks around truth represent its complex nature.)   George had an old man's

Thought Controlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01325861935760312237noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742516535085358728.post-31119060026155367122011-11-25T10:57:00.009+10:002017-12-22T14:28:41.424+10:00

We've been searching for a house. We didn't start out knowing what we wanted, but we definitely knew what we didn't want. In fact we looked at so many places, and left so many disappointed realtors in our wake, we renamed ourselves "Mr Negative" (because I would immediately point out any faults I found), and "Mrs Hard Faced Bitch" (because my wife does not tolerate fake people and keeps her

Thought Controlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01325861935760312237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742516535085358728.post-70595172422695987542011-11-18T11:52:00.006+10:002012-07-28T10:57:23.424+10:00

We are currently looking at houses, with an aim to purchase, which our bank was very keen to assist us with by offering us large amounts of money. Commendably we have resisted utilizing this amount to the last dollar, leaving us in the mid range listings for the areas we are interested in. During our interactions with RE Agents we are inevitably shown structures that are well outside our "

Thought Controlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01325861935760312237noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742516535085358728.post-52752541007310827282011-11-18T10:34:00.008+10:002012-07-28T12:33:53.784+10:00

Before I begin my rant I would like to identify myself as an average, working-class Aussie - one retaining a measure of morality and common decency, if somewhat tainted by run-away cynicism. For various reasons we were forced to lease a 3 bedroom, 5 car garaging townhouse (sight unseen) in a fairly new sub-division. It presented very well in the real estate online ad. Talk about 'looks can be

Thought Controlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01325861935760312237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742516535085358728.post-2857865617083569102011-09-29T11:12:00.007+10:002017-12-23T06:09:27.690+10:00

I recently replied to someone;s blog post in my usual knee-jerk, flippant manner. Someone else replied that I'm an overly cynical negative bastard. And I suppose I do tend to expect the worst. It’s a defensive mechanism brought on by years of adversity. But I'd prefer not to be labeled as 'overly negative'. Overly Negative people think they are perceived as more intelligent when they

Thought Controlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01325861935760312237noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742516535085358728.post-27769124391845805962011-09-08T11:44:00.008+10:002011-11-18T11:52:25.156+10:00

I've been helping my brother dig ditches and lay pipe on and off for the last week or so. Probably the hardest I've had to work since the Great Pack Up and Move and has helped me drop several more kilo's.We did all the work by hand to cut costs, digging through clay, shale and a million tree roots, and so what if I could barely move the next day after each session. I'm sure Jules can tune out the

Thought Controlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01325861935760312237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742516535085358728.post-39227272500267068272011-09-02T07:15:00.002+10:002012-04-21T08:49:31.269+10:00

In the past I have always found a certain level of uncertainty in my life acceptable. I've never seen the point in planning out a career path, with goals highlighted along the way. I usually get itchy feet in the 2nd or 3rd year of residing in one place, even if we break it up with holidays away. Therefore the long stay in SmokeTown has effected me profoundly. I accumulated stuff that I

Thought Controlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01325861935760312237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742516535085358728.post-4476199559149252462011-08-31T08:01:00.007+10:002017-12-23T13:20:00.927+10:00

I don't know if you're still with me after such a long break... Luckily I don't mind talking to myself, and I definitely need a space to brain dump as the past few weeks have been extreme. Jules and I have been through many lifestyle changes in the past 13 years and we're lucky these experiences help us get through the inevitable screw-ups and mishaps. Our latest change in

Thought Controlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01325861935760312237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742516535085358728.post-17416250414077442912010-10-27T21:00:00.002+10:002012-12-22T10:49:44.074+10:00

I thought this was rather interesting as it sums up what I stand for quite well. http://www.iamanatheist.com/rights.html

Thought Controlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01325861935760312237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742516535085358728.post-45650628796283265162010-06-18T11:40:00.011+10:002010-07-07T22:33:11.029+10:00

Our last day in NZ threatened to be a fizzer. Kicked out of our motel rooms at 10am and with an early afternoon flight looming we could either wait around aimlessly to go to the airport or we could... go to a safari park. It was close to the airport so it seemed like a good idea at the time. The park was huge and as usual we had to rush through to see all the good stuff. One day we will learn to

Thought Controlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01325861935760312237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742516535085358728.post-35717252109054751462010-06-18T10:31:00.007+10:002010-06-19T10:31:47.009+10:00

We left Lake Tekapo way too soon. Another night would have allowed us to explore Mt Cook and the surrounding area, but it wasn’t to be. On our way back to Christchurch we knew we HAD to stop in Geraldine. One of the finest collections of Vintage and Veteran Cars, Tractors and Machinery in the Southern Hemisphere is here; and you know what, they weren’t lying. It really pissed me off

Thought Controlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01325861935760312237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742516535085358728.post-90561356756052219692010-06-15T11:20:00.008+10:002010-06-18T10:43:12.674+10:00

We left Dunedin late and headed north up the coast. I was feeling pushed for time as our next accommodation was a fair way off but we stopped at Moeraki to look at a big set of balls. These unusual boulders were strewn across the beach. Some were as big as a car but all were almost perfectly round. The tide was well in but I think we saw most of them. Check out the Wiki link if you are interested

Thought Controlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01325861935760312237noreply@blogger.com0