Monday, September 26, 2005
Nothing
Nothing will be right with my sense of the world until I am in a place that drives on the left.
The Game
I am so tired as I write this. I think that I was overtired last night and I couldn't sleep much. The day started off stupid, I tried to find somewhere I could eat, but none of the dining halls are open until 10am on the weekends. Rehearsal started at 10:30, so I decided to just have a sandwich from 7/11. Which are really good conincidently.
We have last minute fine tuning of the drill, and just running it to see if there are any problems when it goes from one end to the other. The pre game show is the same every time, which means that I now have it organised (thats right, I refuse to conform to the Z! No Z for me!) and I know where I have to go. They have put some new people in the pre game. There was a trombone player that was going to be in the show at the same time as me before the first show. I figured it out and stayed in, but he didn't continue with the rehearsals and is only now trying to learn it. I recognise (no Z! No!) the look of confusion and panic as everyone but you turns suddenly to walk the other way.
Going out on the field at the start of the show was so much easier now that I know what to expect. It is so exciting to be on the field with everyone cheering and chanting along with the school songs that we play. There are a lot of school songs and stuff for school spirit. They have the mascot, Cav Man. (short for Cavaliers). He looks like Zoro and rides a horse. We play to a certain point and then stop and wait. They have on the big screens a little movie with a cartoon Cav Man riding around the school on his horse and he defeats the evil other school mascot in a very dashing and heroic manner. Then a real guy on a horse rides out and waves a sword around and then the team come out on the field and we play the fight song and then run off the field.
The game itself is very boring next to Aussie Rules. The sport, like Rugby, is just a bunch of dead heads jumping on top of each other. They stand on the sidelines and grunt at eachother and abuse the team across the field. The band, standing up in the stands watched as a balloon with something tied on the end of it came floating over the top of the stadium and down toward the ground. It floated right down to the opposing team's area and the thing tied on the end hit one of the players square on the forehead. That will be laughed about for the rest of the year. He didn't even see it coming. Dead head.
The final score was Virginia 38, Duke 7. They were really bad. Even I could tell. They were lucky to score. After a whole day of standing up and marching we were all exhausted and couldn't wait to get home. Of course with my luck of the dining halls that day, it was closed before I could get there. I had to have pizza from the little store underneath. Pizza is just disappointing here. That's all I can say about it, Disappointing.
This morning has been better. Mark rang me, yay, before he headed off to work. It seems that I forget most of the things that I want to talk to him about when I hear his voice on the line. Its so nice to hear a familiar voice that I would rather just listen.
My neighbour Jessica came and knocked on my door as I was fainting with hunger and asked if I would like to go to Brekky with her, Yes! She is sitting over on the chairs behind me, (I'm in the library computer lab) pretending she doesn't know me so that she can get some reading done. I should go and do some practice, but today I think I will just rest and recover from the tiring day yesterday.
We have last minute fine tuning of the drill, and just running it to see if there are any problems when it goes from one end to the other. The pre game show is the same every time, which means that I now have it organised (thats right, I refuse to conform to the Z! No Z for me!) and I know where I have to go. They have put some new people in the pre game. There was a trombone player that was going to be in the show at the same time as me before the first show. I figured it out and stayed in, but he didn't continue with the rehearsals and is only now trying to learn it. I recognise (no Z! No!) the look of confusion and panic as everyone but you turns suddenly to walk the other way.
Going out on the field at the start of the show was so much easier now that I know what to expect. It is so exciting to be on the field with everyone cheering and chanting along with the school songs that we play. There are a lot of school songs and stuff for school spirit. They have the mascot, Cav Man. (short for Cavaliers). He looks like Zoro and rides a horse. We play to a certain point and then stop and wait. They have on the big screens a little movie with a cartoon Cav Man riding around the school on his horse and he defeats the evil other school mascot in a very dashing and heroic manner. Then a real guy on a horse rides out and waves a sword around and then the team come out on the field and we play the fight song and then run off the field.
The game itself is very boring next to Aussie Rules. The sport, like Rugby, is just a bunch of dead heads jumping on top of each other. They stand on the sidelines and grunt at eachother and abuse the team across the field. The band, standing up in the stands watched as a balloon with something tied on the end of it came floating over the top of the stadium and down toward the ground. It floated right down to the opposing team's area and the thing tied on the end hit one of the players square on the forehead. That will be laughed about for the rest of the year. He didn't even see it coming. Dead head.
The final score was Virginia 38, Duke 7. They were really bad. Even I could tell. They were lucky to score. After a whole day of standing up and marching we were all exhausted and couldn't wait to get home. Of course with my luck of the dining halls that day, it was closed before I could get there. I had to have pizza from the little store underneath. Pizza is just disappointing here. That's all I can say about it, Disappointing.
This morning has been better. Mark rang me, yay, before he headed off to work. It seems that I forget most of the things that I want to talk to him about when I hear his voice on the line. Its so nice to hear a familiar voice that I would rather just listen.
My neighbour Jessica came and knocked on my door as I was fainting with hunger and asked if I would like to go to Brekky with her, Yes! She is sitting over on the chairs behind me, (I'm in the library computer lab) pretending she doesn't know me so that she can get some reading done. I should go and do some practice, but today I think I will just rest and recover from the tiring day yesterday.
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Game Day
The next game of the season is on tomorrow, the Virginia Cavaliers vs. Duke College Something or Others. I am so much more confident about it now than I was for the first game. I have learnt the half time show with everyone this time, and i know exactly where I have to be and which side of the field I have to be facing. This time I am only feeling a little bit nervous. A little less nervous.
This time I will have photos of the uniforms and I will figure out how to get them online. They have to be seen to be believed.
This time I will have photos of the uniforms and I will figure out how to get them online. They have to be seen to be believed.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Californialand
After our two days in Beverly Hills, attempting to get over jet lag, we got a hotel transfer to the place in the Disneyland resort. Despite the early hour I was amazed looking out at the city, the amount of traffic, the incredible 5 layer high freeways, (though not all moving very freely...) and just the alien feel of the place.
The Disneyland resort is a world all of its own. It is all landscaped, the roads are lined with identical trees and flags and everything looks magical. We weren't too far down the road in the hotel, right next to a Dennys resturant. We ate a hot breakfast there before heading to the park about 10.30am. We took the shuttle a few blocks, past the massive parking lot. Right from the start there is music everywhere from these camaflaged speakers. The ticket booths were a little confusing, as to which line is which, but we got the tickets without incident. Then we were faced with a choice: Which park first?
There are two parks there, separated by a massive concreted space with trees and chairs. We decided to go into the California park first, and save Disneyland for when we had the whole day. The park was beautiful, exactly what you picture an old carnival atmosphere should be like. There was a big wooden rollercoaster in the back, and a huge ferriswheel.
Oh dear, its time for class. I'll finish this later...
The Disneyland resort is a world all of its own. It is all landscaped, the roads are lined with identical trees and flags and everything looks magical. We weren't too far down the road in the hotel, right next to a Dennys resturant. We ate a hot breakfast there before heading to the park about 10.30am. We took the shuttle a few blocks, past the massive parking lot. Right from the start there is music everywhere from these camaflaged speakers. The ticket booths were a little confusing, as to which line is which, but we got the tickets without incident. Then we were faced with a choice: Which park first?
There are two parks there, separated by a massive concreted space with trees and chairs. We decided to go into the California park first, and save Disneyland for when we had the whole day. The park was beautiful, exactly what you picture an old carnival atmosphere should be like. There was a big wooden rollercoaster in the back, and a huge ferriswheel.
Oh dear, its time for class. I'll finish this later...
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Los Angeles
Mark and I flew into Los Angeles at 12:30 on the 1st of August, about a half hour after we had left.
With the time difference we gained a whole day, and got to do the 1st over again. Getting off the plane and through customs was a daunting and confusing experience. We had these little forms to fill out, and no idea how to complete them properly. Thus, when he had gotten off the plane at last and joined the nearly empty queue, our forms were incomplete and we had to go back and fill them out. By this time the other 10 or so flights that had disembarked after us now filled the queues to capacity and we had a half hour wait to the front of the queue again.
The rest of the customs was rather easy, I was nervous when he was filling out the white forms that lets me stay here for 6 months, but I had all the paperwork organised and I was able to show him everything I needed.
The bags came off the flight, which was a relief. Next came the challenge of finding change for the notes we had, and then transportation to the hotel. The change booth was labelled in big blue letters, and just outside the door we got into a taxi.
Driving on the other side of the road for the first time is just something that you cannot brace yourself for enough. Corners are the worst, because you just don't go to where you expect.
Add into that strangeness the insanity that is LA traffic. And the heat which we weren't used to. And having no idea where we were going in a place that is buildings and cars as far as you can see.
The Hotel was really nice, it had air conditioning and a choice of two! double beds. The shower and the bath share the one set of taps. It took me 10 minutes and Marks help to get the water to come out of the shower head. We got some food from the Bar downstairs, massive club sandwiches, and after going for a brief walk decided to just give in and sleep. We slept for 14 hours and felt terrible when we woke up. Jet Lag is not nice when you go to the other side of the world. Light when its meant to be dark and vice versa.
The next day we went to the shopping centre, and found something like Myers and Melbourne Central. Filled with lots of little designer shops and clothes I am just never going to be trendy enough, or the right body shape, to wear.
We found directions to Hollywood, confused directions, inaccurate maps, and three buses later we found the right place. It's a really cool place, to see the stars on the sidewalk myself was a thrill, but so many names I don't know! The Hollywood sign seemed to be smaller than movies and photos give the impression of. We walked down the street and through a few souvenier shops before heading back to sleep some more. Next day, to Disney Land.
With the time difference we gained a whole day, and got to do the 1st over again. Getting off the plane and through customs was a daunting and confusing experience. We had these little forms to fill out, and no idea how to complete them properly. Thus, when he had gotten off the plane at last and joined the nearly empty queue, our forms were incomplete and we had to go back and fill them out. By this time the other 10 or so flights that had disembarked after us now filled the queues to capacity and we had a half hour wait to the front of the queue again.
The rest of the customs was rather easy, I was nervous when he was filling out the white forms that lets me stay here for 6 months, but I had all the paperwork organised and I was able to show him everything I needed.
The bags came off the flight, which was a relief. Next came the challenge of finding change for the notes we had, and then transportation to the hotel. The change booth was labelled in big blue letters, and just outside the door we got into a taxi.
Driving on the other side of the road for the first time is just something that you cannot brace yourself for enough. Corners are the worst, because you just don't go to where you expect.
Add into that strangeness the insanity that is LA traffic. And the heat which we weren't used to. And having no idea where we were going in a place that is buildings and cars as far as you can see.
The Hotel was really nice, it had air conditioning and a choice of two! double beds. The shower and the bath share the one set of taps. It took me 10 minutes and Marks help to get the water to come out of the shower head. We got some food from the Bar downstairs, massive club sandwiches, and after going for a brief walk decided to just give in and sleep. We slept for 14 hours and felt terrible when we woke up. Jet Lag is not nice when you go to the other side of the world. Light when its meant to be dark and vice versa.
The next day we went to the shopping centre, and found something like Myers and Melbourne Central. Filled with lots of little designer shops and clothes I am just never going to be trendy enough, or the right body shape, to wear.
We found directions to Hollywood, confused directions, inaccurate maps, and three buses later we found the right place. It's a really cool place, to see the stars on the sidewalk myself was a thrill, but so many names I don't know! The Hollywood sign seemed to be smaller than movies and photos give the impression of. We walked down the street and through a few souvenier shops before heading back to sleep some more. Next day, to Disney Land.
Monday, September 12, 2005
I Made A Friend
I was sitting in my room feeling sorry for myself because I didn't know anyone to party with on a Saturday night. I went into the kitchen for a while, and met my next door neighbour! She likes to watch old movies and so we watched An American In Paris on her cable. We may take a trip to Broadway together and see Phantom of the Opera. Should be great. Yes, so now I have a friend.
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Aussie 101.267
Its pretty long now, but thanks to the Parents the meanings have been mostly clarified, and a few additions added in.
Rosie and Dig, you are both such dags, but I think you are priceless. Love you!
Rosie and Dig, you are both such dags, but I think you are priceless. Love you!
Settling In
Now that I have been here a few weeks I am recognising a by now familiar feeling. I felt this when I first started at Shepp High, when I changed schools to Wanganui, when I started at Melbourne Uni, and now when I have come here.
When I have started at a new school I have found firstly that I don't need to talk much. I spend most of my time by myself watching everyone else and exploring my surroundings. I feel a little lonely, but it is not so bad as each time I go somewhere new, to a new school, I am not uncomfortable to be by myself. I seem to walk around in a cone of silence. It is a little strange to me also, after the business of last year and getting all of this organised, that outside of class commitments I have no schedule to keep. I don't need to remember to meet someone somewhere or cook dinner for anyone because i don't know anyone.
Most of all I don't have to work. For the first time since I started working in Year 11, I don't have a job. It's a strange feeling. I don't intend to work, as the pay rates are pittance. Resturant waiters get paid $2.13 an hour. $2.13!!! That's why the tipping system is so important. That's not just some nice gesture you are leaving on the table to say thanks, that is their wages.
So I expect things to change a little, but I don't know how much. People here aren't like the music students in Melbourne Uni Music faculty, they don't do most of the classes together. I suspect that I lot of the music students in the history and theory classes are taking these classes as part of another arts degree. I have no idea how many music majors there are, but I don't think that it would even be a quarter of the size of Melbourne. I expect over these next five months to get a lot of practice done.
When I have started at a new school I have found firstly that I don't need to talk much. I spend most of my time by myself watching everyone else and exploring my surroundings. I feel a little lonely, but it is not so bad as each time I go somewhere new, to a new school, I am not uncomfortable to be by myself. I seem to walk around in a cone of silence. It is a little strange to me also, after the business of last year and getting all of this organised, that outside of class commitments I have no schedule to keep. I don't need to remember to meet someone somewhere or cook dinner for anyone because i don't know anyone.
Most of all I don't have to work. For the first time since I started working in Year 11, I don't have a job. It's a strange feeling. I don't intend to work, as the pay rates are pittance. Resturant waiters get paid $2.13 an hour. $2.13!!! That's why the tipping system is so important. That's not just some nice gesture you are leaving on the table to say thanks, that is their wages.
So I expect things to change a little, but I don't know how much. People here aren't like the music students in Melbourne Uni Music faculty, they don't do most of the classes together. I suspect that I lot of the music students in the history and theory classes are taking these classes as part of another arts degree. I have no idea how many music majors there are, but I don't think that it would even be a quarter of the size of Melbourne. I expect over these next five months to get a lot of practice done.
Friday, September 09, 2005
Post on a Stick
Jill showed me this site last night. There is something sinister and disturbing about it on so many levels. It looks harmless enough, until you take a closer look. I can't wait wrap my lips around 'Snacks on a Stick'. I'm rushing off to the kitchen right now...
http://www.candyboots.com/wwcards.html
http://www.candyboots.com/wwcards.html
Aussie Slang 101
Australian Slang Talk 101. How to be a True Blue, Dinky Di Aussie.
In an effort to teach these ignorant yanks a thing or two, an almost comprehensive list has been compiled of our unique language. (By my Mum and Dad mostly, better give them the credit or I'll be in trouble...)
If you see any glaring omisions either leave a message, or send an email kow_99@hotmail.com
What do you think this is, Bush Week? - (you want me to do it now? You want me to do what?)
-Head like a mongolian trotting duck. This one is my favourite. No-one knows where it came from, or what a mongloian trotting duck is, but you say it when you think someone is really ugly. 'Hasn't he got a head like a mongolian trotting duck!!!'
-This is another favourite -As silly as a wet hen. I've seen wet hens, and they are pretty silly indeed. Or, -As silly as a bit of string. How silly is a bit of string? I don't know but whenever I thought about it I would laugh.
-You want to say everything will be fine, "she'll be right, mate!"
Rhyming Slang
-Tell a porkie pie (lie)
-On the dog and bone (phone)
-A bag of Fruit (suit)
-Hard cheese (means tough luck)
-Tough Bikkies (also tough luck)
-To have a Captain Cook (a look. This is the guy who discovered Australia for the British.)
-Dead Horse (sauce)
-A Joe Blake (snake)
-Billy Lids (kids)
-The Goanna (piano, or pianna)
Name Calling
-A Wally (When someone is being stupid or Akward. "Your such a wally!")
-Look like a stunned mullet (to appear dazed)
-Lights are on but no-one is home (vacant in the head)
-Your an odd bod (unusual person)
-You're dumber than a house brick
-He fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down
-He's slow as a wet week of sundays (not very clever)
-Has crows in the top paddock (empty head)
-Get on ya high horse (to adopt a superior attitude)
-Get on ya bike (go away)
-He's a sausage short of a barbie (intellectually inferior)
-He's a sandwich short of a picnic (intellectually inferior)
-He jumped in the gene pool when the life guard wasn't looking (intellectually inferior)
-He's got a face like a robbers dog (ugly, robbers steriotypically have ugly bull terrior kinds of dogs)
-He couldn't hit the side of a barn from 20 feet. (poor sportsman, can't aim at anything)
-Butter wouldn't melt in her mouth. (just way too nice)
-He has a snowball's chance in hell (no chance at all)
-On the other side of the black stump (way out in the middle of no where)
-It's as rare as hen's teeth (uncommon)
-Rough as guts (thrown together haphazardly)
-The pudding club, bun in the oven (pregnant)
-Run's on the smell of an oily rag. (cheap to run, need little fuel)
-Your blood's worth bottling (you're a great person)
-I'd kill for a drink (very thirsty)
-Go for your life (do what you like and enjoy it)
-Don't give up your day job (don't bother trying that, you really suck at it)
-As crooked as a dog's hind leg (suspect person, crook, someone who tells lies and cheats people)
-A Molly Duker (left hander)
-Coppers, Pigs (police)
-Gum Boots. (please let me know if you don't know what these are...)
-You little beauty! (fantastic)
-What do you do for a crust? (how do you earn your living?)
-I'm feeling a bit snakey (cranky) (angry)
-It's as clear as mud (not obvious to me)
-A fag (cigarette)
-She'll be apples (it'll be fine)
-A load of old cobblers (a big lie)
-A bunch of odds and sods (a few bits and pieces)
-As fit as a Mallee bull (healthy)
-More front than Myers (this is a BIG department store, means big and brash)
-As game as Ned Kelly (our most famous bush ranger, also means big and brash, have a lot of nerve)
-You have two chances, Buckley's and none (when you have buckley's chance of something you have no chance whatsoever.)
-to yank someones chain (to fool someone)
-to pull the wool over their eyes (to fool someone)
-to be a Galah (be stupid, thick headed)
-to feel like a dog's breakfast (feel ill)
-to play the fool (to be silly)
-to play the goanna (play the piano, to rhyme with pianna)
-to have a gander (is to have a look, a gander has a really long neck)
-to mosey on over (to go at a slow pace)
-to throw out the baby with the bathwater (don't get rid of the good with the bad)
-to get your nickers in a knot (to get upset)
-to spit the dummy (have a temper tantrum)
-to be within cooee (i'll have to show you what this is, its a call that travels a long way when out in the bush)
-to grasp at straws (try something despite little chance of success)
-to give someone a bell (call on the phone)
-to give them a yell (also a call on the phone)
-to have a blue (a fight)
-to conk out (run out of energy, stop going)
-to bludge (not do any work)
-to do your block (get really angry)
-to stick your beak in (butt into something your not supposed to, like someones argument)
-to have a sticky beak (is to have a look at something)
-to have a quick squiz (a quick look, a squizzy is a look at something)
-to be a slow coach (travel slowly)
-to be crook (sick)
-to be cockeyed (crooked)
-to drive the porcelain bus (to vomit or throw up, because you hold the sides of the bowl like a bus driver holds the steeringwheel)
-to come the raw prawn ( to try to fool someone, you usually say, 'Don't come the raw prawn with me)
-to be cut up (upset)
-to give someone the flick (get rid of them)
-to live out in the sticks (in the bush, as we call the forest areas, or far from civilisation is the outback, the bush, it's all the same kind of.)
-to talk the leg off a table, (what jill was always good at...to talk a lot)
-to yabber on (to talk a lot)
And the Ultimate Question is "how long is a piece of string?". Said when someone asks an impossible question.
In an effort to teach these ignorant yanks a thing or two, an almost comprehensive list has been compiled of our unique language. (By my Mum and Dad mostly, better give them the credit or I'll be in trouble...)
If you see any glaring omisions either leave a message, or send an email kow_99@hotmail.com
What do you think this is, Bush Week? - (you want me to do it now? You want me to do what?)
-Head like a mongolian trotting duck. This one is my favourite. No-one knows where it came from, or what a mongloian trotting duck is, but you say it when you think someone is really ugly. 'Hasn't he got a head like a mongolian trotting duck!!!'
-This is another favourite -As silly as a wet hen. I've seen wet hens, and they are pretty silly indeed. Or, -As silly as a bit of string. How silly is a bit of string? I don't know but whenever I thought about it I would laugh.
-You want to say everything will be fine, "she'll be right, mate!"
Rhyming Slang
-Tell a porkie pie (lie)
-On the dog and bone (phone)
-A bag of Fruit (suit)
-Hard cheese (means tough luck)
-Tough Bikkies (also tough luck)
-To have a Captain Cook (a look. This is the guy who discovered Australia for the British.)
-Dead Horse (sauce)
-A Joe Blake (snake)
-Billy Lids (kids)
-The Goanna (piano, or pianna)
Name Calling
-A Wally (When someone is being stupid or Akward. "Your such a wally!")
-Look like a stunned mullet (to appear dazed)
-Lights are on but no-one is home (vacant in the head)
-Your an odd bod (unusual person)
-You're dumber than a house brick
-He fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down
-He's slow as a wet week of sundays (not very clever)
-Has crows in the top paddock (empty head)
-Get on ya high horse (to adopt a superior attitude)
-Get on ya bike (go away)
-He's a sausage short of a barbie (intellectually inferior)
-He's a sandwich short of a picnic (intellectually inferior)
-He jumped in the gene pool when the life guard wasn't looking (intellectually inferior)
-He's got a face like a robbers dog (ugly, robbers steriotypically have ugly bull terrior kinds of dogs)
-He couldn't hit the side of a barn from 20 feet. (poor sportsman, can't aim at anything)
-Butter wouldn't melt in her mouth. (just way too nice)
-He has a snowball's chance in hell (no chance at all)
-On the other side of the black stump (way out in the middle of no where)
-It's as rare as hen's teeth (uncommon)
-Rough as guts (thrown together haphazardly)
-The pudding club, bun in the oven (pregnant)
-Run's on the smell of an oily rag. (cheap to run, need little fuel)
-Your blood's worth bottling (you're a great person)
-I'd kill for a drink (very thirsty)
-Go for your life (do what you like and enjoy it)
-Don't give up your day job (don't bother trying that, you really suck at it)
-As crooked as a dog's hind leg (suspect person, crook, someone who tells lies and cheats people)
-A Molly Duker (left hander)
-Coppers, Pigs (police)
-Gum Boots. (please let me know if you don't know what these are...)
-You little beauty! (fantastic)
-What do you do for a crust? (how do you earn your living?)
-I'm feeling a bit snakey (cranky) (angry)
-It's as clear as mud (not obvious to me)
-A fag (cigarette)
-She'll be apples (it'll be fine)
-A load of old cobblers (a big lie)
-A bunch of odds and sods (a few bits and pieces)
-As fit as a Mallee bull (healthy)
-More front than Myers (this is a BIG department store, means big and brash)
-As game as Ned Kelly (our most famous bush ranger, also means big and brash, have a lot of nerve)
-You have two chances, Buckley's and none (when you have buckley's chance of something you have no chance whatsoever.)
-to yank someones chain (to fool someone)
-to pull the wool over their eyes (to fool someone)
-to be a Galah (be stupid, thick headed)
-to feel like a dog's breakfast (feel ill)
-to play the fool (to be silly)
-to play the goanna (play the piano, to rhyme with pianna)
-to have a gander (is to have a look, a gander has a really long neck)
-to mosey on over (to go at a slow pace)
-to throw out the baby with the bathwater (don't get rid of the good with the bad)
-to get your nickers in a knot (to get upset)
-to spit the dummy (have a temper tantrum)
-to be within cooee (i'll have to show you what this is, its a call that travels a long way when out in the bush)
-to grasp at straws (try something despite little chance of success)
-to give someone a bell (call on the phone)
-to give them a yell (also a call on the phone)
-to have a blue (a fight)
-to conk out (run out of energy, stop going)
-to bludge (not do any work)
-to do your block (get really angry)
-to stick your beak in (butt into something your not supposed to, like someones argument)
-to have a sticky beak (is to have a look at something)
-to have a quick squiz (a quick look, a squizzy is a look at something)
-to be a slow coach (travel slowly)
-to be crook (sick)
-to be cockeyed (crooked)
-to drive the porcelain bus (to vomit or throw up, because you hold the sides of the bowl like a bus driver holds the steeringwheel)
-to come the raw prawn ( to try to fool someone, you usually say, 'Don't come the raw prawn with me)
-to be cut up (upset)
-to give someone the flick (get rid of them)
-to live out in the sticks (in the bush, as we call the forest areas, or far from civilisation is the outback, the bush, it's all the same kind of.)
-to talk the leg off a table, (what jill was always good at...to talk a lot)
-to yabber on (to talk a lot)
And the Ultimate Question is "how long is a piece of string?". Said when someone asks an impossible question.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Acapella
I went last night to the Chapel to see a concert put together for fund raising for the Hurricane. They had a series of Acapella groups performing, and they were really good. I have seen around posters and chalk notices for auditions for these groups, and there are a lot of them, but had no idea how good they would be. They seem to be a big thing here. There were two all male groups performing, the first one was the best. Just beauitful harmonies and progressions. The first girl group was good, but the last one just didn't hit the mark, a little off key and not enough energy. All the groups were quite big, and the performers looked like they were having a great time. There was quite a big crowd there too, it was a struggle for some people to get in the door. It would be great if we could have more things like this in Australia.
Monday, September 05, 2005
Marching Band
Yesterday was the first football game of the season, and the first time I took to the field with the Marching Band. We rehearsed for about half an hour at the smaller field before taking a bus to a street near the stadium.
The uniforms are huge. We wear big jackets with kind of overall pants on underneath, white gloves, black shoes with these things called spats over them, white things that cover your shoelaces, a cape attached to the right shoulder of the jacket and a hat with a big white feather in it. I felt akward and uncomfortable in it, I felt like I could hardly move let alone march.
We marched down the road past heaps of people to the back of the stadium, stopping to play at various points along the way. We waited in two of the tunnels under the stands to go out onto the field. I have never been in front of so many people at once! I was concentrating on making sure I knew where to go that I hardly played a note for the whole thing. I almost missed one step off, but I am pretty sure I did a good job considering that I came into things late - they had a two week camp to learn everything before I got there - and that I am not really experienced with marching to this degree.
As I walked out into the staduim I thought, "what is an Aussie girl like me doing here?"
I am looking forward now to the next few weeks as I will learn the next show with everyone else and will feel a little less clueless.
The uniforms are huge. We wear big jackets with kind of overall pants on underneath, white gloves, black shoes with these things called spats over them, white things that cover your shoelaces, a cape attached to the right shoulder of the jacket and a hat with a big white feather in it. I felt akward and uncomfortable in it, I felt like I could hardly move let alone march.
We marched down the road past heaps of people to the back of the stadium, stopping to play at various points along the way. We waited in two of the tunnels under the stands to go out onto the field. I have never been in front of so many people at once! I was concentrating on making sure I knew where to go that I hardly played a note for the whole thing. I almost missed one step off, but I am pretty sure I did a good job considering that I came into things late - they had a two week camp to learn everything before I got there - and that I am not really experienced with marching to this degree.
As I walked out into the staduim I thought, "what is an Aussie girl like me doing here?"
I am looking forward now to the next few weeks as I will learn the next show with everyone else and will feel a little less clueless.
Sunday, September 04, 2005
Messenger
Hey, to everyone who has me on messenger, I'll try to be on tonight 9pm at your time. Log on and we can all chat.
Messages
Hey thanks for people leaving messages, they are cool. I watched the hurricane coverage on the weather channels on cable, and we had a tornado watch here, which means that there is a very strong chance that there will be one. Apparently there was one touched down about 2 miles from where we are.
Hey Colin, Carmel, Josh, Ryan, Aimee and Abby!! I've been doing well here, the food is good and the host family I have looking after me are fantastic. My classes will be great, the Marching Band is the best!! I'll look into putting up photos if I can...
I put Mark on the plane today, which was really hard. He has a 36 hours of traveling ahead of him. I wish I was coming home with him. It's going to take a few days to adjust to it being just me.
Hey Colin, Carmel, Josh, Ryan, Aimee and Abby!! I've been doing well here, the food is good and the host family I have looking after me are fantastic. My classes will be great, the Marching Band is the best!! I'll look into putting up photos if I can...
I put Mark on the plane today, which was really hard. He has a 36 hours of traveling ahead of him. I wish I was coming home with him. It's going to take a few days to adjust to it being just me.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
My Name
Everyone over here loves my accent. They will pick out the simplest words and ask me to say it again. The thing that I am having trouble with though is my name. They hear the way that I say O as R. So when I say my name is Leona, they hear Lernar. It's quite bizzare. I can't figure out how to say it differently enough that they get it right.
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