Sex, Drugs and Rock 'n' Roll

Well I survived my first week in the new job. I'm really enjoying it and can't believe I'm working in sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll! I'm working on our new safe sex campaign - safe sex, no regrets, one of my clients is ATODS - alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, and on Friday I had to deal with the department issuing Robbie Williams a fine for smoking in a public place.

On top of all of that I found out my other clients will be obesity which is good, and I'll also be working on our pandemic planning and have to do an internal communication plan for all 65,000 in the department! Yep, sink or swim baby.

But the people are really nice and at least it's all something different. As a result I'll be getting lots of extra training in crisis communications and other such fun things so can't wait!

Melbourne Mania

So once I found out I had my new job I decided to treat myself to a holiday in Melbourne. It was the first holiday I've had since going to the UK last year. I found myself some accommodation on lastminute.com and away I went.

I spend the first 2 days shopping but was pretty disappointed with it. Alot of stuff I could have got in Brisbane so only managed to get 3 tops but I couldn't go all the way down there and not get anything!

I caught up with my aunt and grandmother and Andy and Lu and finally got to meet baby Harrison which was lovely. He took a shine to me and gave me lots of big smiles but then again he's only human!

The highlight of the trip was my day to the Yarra Valley. The only downside was it was 37 degrees and very smokey from all the bush fires down there but I had a ball. 30 tastings of wine plus a glass at lunch and the day finished off with a champers at Moet and Chandon meant a fabulous day was had!

First stop - chardonnay!

The perfect place to be!

Moet and Chandon and yes, you pronouce the t!

On the move

Yes, finally it's time to say goodbye to the land of Sport and Rec and onwards to the Office of the Chief Health Officer. I start on the 11th and will have 2 weeks to get my head around everything before we shut down for Xmas.

This was most definitley the easiest job I've ever got. I got a phone call on Monday morning from the guy I knew who had just started over there asking if I was still looking at going to Canberra but I told him that was on hold. He said the manager would be giving me a call about a job there.

She called and I had the "interview" the next day and they offered me the job on the spot. It will be advertised permanantly in the new year so I might actually have a chance at scoring something permanant. And also it's a higher level which means pay rise, so yes, it's all very exciting! Onwards and upwards!

An update

Howdy all,

it's been a while so I thought I'd share the latest with you. Canberra has fallen through so you're stuck with me for a while yet. It wasn't the job I really wanted and they aren't recruiting til Feb so too long to wait around for. Also the recruiters were mucking me around and I couldn't be bothered with the uncertainity anymore so we'll see what happens.

I went to Billy Joel this week which was great. What more could you want than seeing a 60 something old man playing the piano with his butt but he did a great job!

I had the work Xmas party on Friday night. It was a great night except for being bailed up talking about work things for 2 hours. But on the bright side it meant I couldn't drink so much so went home at 1am with memory in tact and no scar which is always good for me these days!

So that's about it. Nothing too exciting to report. Just under a month til Xmas which is a bit scary but I've started the resolutions already. I figure if I can practice doing them in December I'll have more chance employing them in 2007!

Canberra Bound

So, I'm off to Canberra at 5am Wednesday morning - means I'm at the airport at 4:30am (oh my god). At this stage I have 2 confirmed interviews with Immigration and Centrelink. I am waiting to get one with the Defence Housing Authority as well. So fingers crossed. If I end up getting a job it will be a quick 3 week turn around before I get there so stay posted for farewell party details!

Food Frenzy

Tonight Kel and I headed off to the grand opening of Waggamamas at Chermside after I won dinner for 2. We decided to get a little dressed up for the occassion. I was feeling fit and fine with my new necklace on!

The food was hit and miss - my main was awesome, Kel's not so. My side was good, Kel's not as htey bought us the wrong one. But seeming as it was all free, as well as the wine, it was all happy times.

Can you spot the scar??

Time To Party

Well my week long graduation celebration came to an end with the big party at Jorge on Saturday night. Anyone who's anyone attended so it was a great night all round. The wine and mojitos flowed and when the food eventually came out it was inhaled rather quickly. A few of us then moved into the Valley to have a bit of a boggie. In the end Kel, Nic and I were at Rics. Kel and Nic left and I was finishing my drink before heading home. Sadly as I turned around I coped a guys elbow to my head as he was trying to hit someone else who had ducked. Ambulance, hospital and 7 stitches later I finally got home at 2pm yesterday. Not the best finish to the night but it was fantastic up to that. Play "spot the scar" in future pics!

In hospital they asked me to take part in a research study on head injuries. Doing my best for the betterment of all mankind I agreed. Part of it was being breathalised and at 10:30 am I blew .143. Seeming as I can't act as a good example, I'll act as a horrible warning so any of you who think you are ok to drive after a heavy night re-think your plans!

Me, Di, Nathan, Danielle, Angela

Brodie, Me, Alex

Lisa, Nic, Me

Jac, Lauren, Me

Me, Jules, Kel

Jules, Brodie, Me

The helmet was Brodie's way of protecting me after our dancing mishap 2 weeks ago. Would have been handy again this weekend if I was actually wearing it pre-punch-up!

Degree 2 Done!

Today marked my official graduation from uni. It was a bit of a downer because I was so busy at work I had to go back. I met Mum and my grandmother for lunch and treated myself to a celebratory glass of wine. Sadly this had the opposite effect and I fell asleep in the ceremony - whoops! Only at the start though! It was the typical pomp and ceremony for such an event but it gave Mum a thrill. I on the other hand went back to work and lamented the fact that it wasn't the same as my first where I got taken out for dinner with the family and drinks with my friends. Not to worry, the party awaits on Saturday! Bring on the mojitos!

3 States in 3 Days

Well this weekend saw me travel from Brisbane to Canberra, Canberra to Sydney and back to Brisbane. All in the name of seeing the Broncos play in the grand final. When the offer came I couldn't refuse. It had been 6 years since the Broncos were in the final and I wasn't going to wait another 6.

I flew into Canberra and stayed with Chris on Friday night. It was the first time I had been since the Grade 12 ski trip which needless to say was some years ago. We went out and had a few drinks where I met a guy who is doing public affairs down there. He introduced me to another guy who gave me the email address of the chief of staff for the Primeminisiter- go straight to the top I say!

Sunday was the big game. After some dodgey Yum-Cha we went off to the pub before the game. Jeff and I were the only Brisbane supporters amongst the group of 9 so needless to say we coped alot. But I remained strong and everytime they said you're going to loose all I said was are not. It's amazing how much power is in those two little words. Needless to say the game was amazing, of course even more so because we won. But we were 6 rows back from the field and I can testify to the fact JD Fortune from INXS is a very hot man!

Bronco Bosom Buddies

Monday I woke up exhausted after the whirwind the weekend was. But it was all worth it. The Broncos had won and I had Haigh's chocolates and Krispy Kreme dounts to take home to the work kids. Go Broncos!

Groovy Girls

The annual Groove and Grape Festival was held this weekend. It's where all these Queensland wine makers come to share their wine and different bands play. This was the first time I had been in 2 years as I'm normally studying this time of year. So Kel and I started our taste test.



Julie then came on board with Brody and a collection of other people. The drinks kept flowing and we heard some awesome bands. The final act of the night was Paul Mac who was outstanding. We all headed to the dance floor to shake our groove things!



It ended and we decided to go into the Valley for some more dancing. Brody and I decided we would start in the Valley Mall so started dancing towards it. Brody went to dip me but didn't quite catch me and I feel to the ground with a thud. In fact I had split my head open.

This happened out the front of the Police Station so I was attended to there. They told me to go to hospital so off in the ambulance I went. Kelly came in the ambo and Jules and Brody came up in the rear in a cab. Needless to say I was glad I had had a few drinks otherwise I'm sure I would have been in a hell of a lot more pain. Despite all the drama I could keep a smile on my face though.



So after 3 hours, a lengthy discussion on whether stitches were needed and some glue to glue my head back together we finally left at 2am. I woke up this morning and have had a bad headache all day. I know I will be in a world of pain tomorrow so have just accepted that.

The one good thing to come out this, actually 2, Kel picked up a guy in the hospital - that's my girl!! And I have finally clued on to the evils of alcohol. This may in fact be enough for me to chance my ways. Yep, the lesson is if you drink and dance you're a bloody idiot!

Cocktails, a Wedding and Broncos

Well the fun and festivities of the weekend commenced on Friday night with Sue's and mine bi-annual girls night out. We started with cocktails at Jorge - hello French Mohito, then moved to dinner at Lab in the Casino. Then, moved back to Jorge - Mediterranean Tang was ok but nothing on the Mohito.

Saturday started with Angela's wedding. Thank god it had finally stopped raining so it ended up being a beautiful day. So beautiful in fact I ended up getting burnt at the ceremony and now have a delightful handbag burn mark on my shoulder. The bride was beautiful and the drinks flowed aplenty - can you tell much?

This was towards the middle of the evening when we thought it would be a wonderful idea to take the flowers out of the table piece to decorate ourselves - I think it looks quite fetching!

I think this was a little towards the end of the night and of course being at a wedding you have to get into the toasting mood! I'm not quite sure what we were toasting but I think at this stage we didn't really need an excuse!

The festivities finally ended and it was time to leave. This was the most interesting part of the evening - the 1hr train ride back from Ipswich to the City. We had our strategically concocted roadies - vodka and orange in the orange juice bottle - perfect, the police never suspected a thing. Word of warning, don't keep yourself stuck on a train for an hour when you've been drinking for the best part of 10 hours and you really need a toilet!!

Then Sunday we headed of to the Broncos final home game for the season. It was my first trip to Suncorp and first game of rugby so it was all good fun. Except for the feeling a little off colour and continue nose blowing as my cold took hold. But hey, play hard or go home!!

Bar Wench

Last night I played Bar Wench at the Brothers Rugby Union leagues club as it was their final game and the bar was going to be busy. Suddenyl I found myself surrounded by very hot rugby players who proceeded to get more drunk as the night went on. We had some strip teases going on, full frontal nudity and even a couple who decided it would be a romantic place to consumate their relationship - how romantic!

The highlight of the night was serving John Eales - a rather handsome fellow who I would be happy to serve beer to any night of the week and twice on Sunday!

The rugby chicks were a different story. These are the girls who act as little groupies and basically throw themselves on the players. There was some big big hair, bad mascara and fake boobs galore but good on them for giving it a red hot go!

Ahoy Matey

So this Friday I dolled up once again and headed off to a cocktail function on the HMAS Adelaide that was stationed in Brisvegas for Navy Week. We got the invite as some of the girls at work organised the Navy Games and I got to go along as a "partner".

We walked on board to champagne and finger food and had a bevy of navy boys chatting us up. The rule is there has to be one with every group and first off there was Nick who was very hot, very charming and of course only about 22 if that. In the middle of talking to him Brian came along who Jen had met earlier that day on her recognsiance mission to check out the ship before official proceedings. Brian took a shine to me, and the rest of us and sadly didn't leave our side all night. Alas, this stopped any more of the hotties coming up to us.

Nick, Danielle, Me, Jen and Brian


The official part of the night ended with the celebration of sunset where the band plays and guns are fired. We were warned it would be loud but Jen wasn't quite prepared and got a firght when the guns went off that she spilled her champers - what a waste!

We were then invted down to the unofficial party where they get to invite whoever they like to their rec rooms. By this stage we were left with some rather warm wine or champers they have got in Kuwait 18 months earlier. Brian was now calling me "Fi" and trying to win ur hearts with navy pins. They were all players and the married men were flirting up a horrible storm so it was time to go.

We ventured on to Ange's hens night and a few other places and I made it to bed by 5am the next day - too old for that crap but because I was representing work I paced myself well and managed to only wake up tiered with no hangover although god knows how I managed that. I think staying away from the dodgey Kuwait champers helped!

Bloody Beattie

Well thanks to Beattie calling the election the job applications I worked on for 2 weeks now seem to be worth zip! Yes, Beattie called the election the day after they were due so now all recruitment is on hold. Just to add fun and games, our Minister is retiring at the election which means our Department is up for grabs.

Poor old Sport and Rec is the little engine that could and just gets chucked onto whatever department they think of at the time. Personally, I'd like to see it added to Wine Development but I hazard a guess that isn't likely to happen.

The downside of all of this is is they can decide our jobs aren't needed - for those of us on contract anyway. So, vote for Labour so there's some hope of me keeping my job!

Yes, the rollercoaster continues - now heading into a possible 5th year! Stay tuned - September 9 will be a big day!

Jobs, jobs, more bloody jobs!

Yes, an ever enthralling Saturday at Fi's house, spent on yet another bloody job application. This is yet another one, or 2 actually to try and score a permanant govy job. I got a promotion 2 weeks ago so am acting in a higher position. That, and my regular one are both being advertised so I'm putting in for both.

I actually decided to be PROACTIVE (I know, I'm in shock too) and have been working on this massive thing for 2 weeks. It's now 16 pages! Such is the joy of selection criterias!

But it's now 4:40pm and once I get the washing in I'm going to reward myself with a glass of wine before heading out to see a film at the Brisbane International Film Festival - look at me being all cultural.

Stay posted for job news cause there'll be a big party WHEN (lets be positive) I get one of these jobs!

Time To Spice Things Up

Well, going to a Rockstar and Diva party who else could I go as? There were thoughts of donning a 70's dress and afro wig to go as Gloria Gaynor but I couldn't resist the pink and so Baby Spice it was. Helen went along as Madonna! There were many many George Michaels (yes, it was a gay party), Violent Femmes, Britney, and many many bad bad wigs. I of course managed to find the only two straight guys in the place and even managed to score a free drink or two. Sadly my dress matched my right arm which I managed to get badly burnt at Sue's that afternoon - yes Sue, you warned me! Oh well, the pink arm matched the dress!

Oh, Helen and I also managed to get a photo with Jimmy Hendrix published on www.gayqueensland.net - yep, being the movers and shakers we are we're everywhere. Click on Scene Pix then Greg's 40th - enjoy!

Back To Normality

This week saw me got back to work on Thursday. I was pretty exhausted walking from the bus stop to the office but made it one piece. It didn't help lugging in the fruit cake Dad had made - weighing in at 1.5 kilos! I then spent the morning unpacking my boxes and getting my new work space set up. Friday I woke up rather sore as I think the exertion took it's toll. I had an interview which didn't go to well - 3 hours sleep, not working for 2.5 weeks and still recovering from major surgery aren't the key ingredients to a successful interview. But it wasn't about getting the job, it was always just to practice for when mine eventually comes up and I managed to at least achieve that so something positive.
In saying that, I was so exhausted last night I was in bed at 9:30 and slept til 8 this morning so it's about time I get a decent night sleep!

An update

Howdy all,

I just thought I'd give you a current update on how I'm travelling. All seems to be going well. My scars are healing nicely even though they still look a bit gruesome. I'm walking straight again which is marvellous as my back wasn't coping under the strain too well. I'm still in trackies which is starting to become a little boring.

I had my first outing this week when my aunts took me out to lunch. It was quite exciting just to get out of the house. I was very excited at the prospect of wearing earrings! I also went and had a walk around the shopping centre yesterday. I lasted 20 mins before being totally exhausted and had to come home. But baby steps are being taken.

I'm trying to walk a little bit everyday just to build up my strength. I'm still in a bit of pain moving but it's bearable. Except for the fact I still can't lie on my side. I have this horrible feeling that by the end of all of this I won't be able to lie on my side because I'll be so use to not being able to.

I'm in relatively good spirits apart from wanting the healing process to be much faster and I'm really over endless cooking shows and day time telly. I'm looking forward to heading back to work late next week just to get my brain firing again.

All Over Red Rover

The results are in and I have passed uni - THANK GOD! I got an overall GPA of 5 which means I will qualify for the other course if I choose to do it. That's all I was gunning for so am extremely glad about that and just relieved it's all over. Looks like the graduation ceremony will be the 5th October so save that weekend for the big graduation party!

A Post-op Update

Howdy all, so it's now been a week since the big nip and tuck. I'm still hobbled over and looking somewhat like the Hunchback from Notre Dame but at least I can move around now with relatively little pain. I am hanging out for a shower which I'll get on Tuesday morning after the stitches and dressing are removed. It's funny how you miss the little things once they're taken away.
I'm starting to get rather bored and am looking rather pale after seeing no sunlight for a week so am eager to at least be able to walk to the end of the street and back.
The op was ok. I didn't handle the anesthetic too well and had breathing and blood pressure problems which meant I was checked on every half hour in the hospital. I did have my own room thank god for private health cover - it had to come in handy eventually!
So the next news will be next week when I actually get to have a look at what I'm dealing with and see if it's made any difference. It's hard to tell being strapped from butt too boob at the moment so Tuesday will be the big reveal!

Cheese, Chocolate and Chardonnay

Jen, Danielle and I headed north on the Farewell The Fat Mystery Tour on Saturday. We ended up at this great winery called Blind Man's Bluff just outside Kenilworth. It had 6 wines, the chardonnay was outstanding and I even liked the rose. They have a local artist design their labels so they were very funky. We sat in the sun and had home made breads and dips then headed off to the Kenilworth Cheese Factory and got stuck into the tastings there. The chocolate was a lovely bag of M&M's Jen bought me! Thanks Jen!

The big celebration!

After a week of celebrating, festivities culminated with the grand event. The girls and I had a beautiful dinner at Mint Indian - can highly recommend it! The wine flowed, pappadums a plenty and naan was smothered with mango chutney!

Di, Me, Helen, Nic, Kel, Jen, Jane, Linda

The drinks continued to flow at Bar Soma. We scored the top floor and a nice little couch in which to banter and swish our drinks about!

Nic, Me, Helen

Well done Nic for pulling off the byo beer!!

Alex, Me and Jen- it was the camera not us starting to sway!

Studley's Angels - Wendy, Kimmy, Me, Christie

Thanks Kimmy for introducing me to Mohitos - just so you all know they are my new favourite drink!

Me and the boys - of course! Brad, Mark, Tom

After a few more Mohitos and wine, it was time to call it a night. I didn't make it out of bed until midday today - yep, the old age is definitely catching up with me! But, good to see I can still make it to 2am!

Hitting the big 31

So not only was today my 31st birthday, but it also officially marked the end of my degree! Yes, after 2 years of sweat, toil and tears I offically now have my undergraduate diploma of psychology. Not that I can do much with it at this point but hey, it's degree 2 in the bag!

Of course there was much celebration to be had.

And of course at work!

Mission Accomplished

Well, I did it. Today marks the end of my alcohol free month. It went quite quickly and taught me a good lesson in will power and self-discipline. It also taught me to find alternative coping strategies to having crap days at work. Funnily enough I turned to exercising but after exercising 7 days a week for the last month my poor body is starting to revolt against me. But, all in all extremely proud of myself for the achievement.

Although a little concerned about the damage to my piss fitness especially with my birthday only 10 days away!

Boot Day Celebrations

Friday marked Boot Day - well just any excuse for us to have a morning tea at work. We thought the first official Friday of winter should be a good day to wear our boots and eat lots of yummy food.

Here is Alex and I enjoying our beer bread. We are doing the month of no alcohol together and are officially into our 4th week. The 3rd week was officially the hardest for both of us but we are now on the home stretch. We both agree that finding the loophole to have alcohol in food was a genius stroke of luck!

Day 12

So here I am Day 12. I've managed to battle it out for nearly two weeks and it hasn't been easy. I picked the worst possible time to try such a ridiculous scheme as not only am I in assignment and exam hell, but also work hell. Today serves as the perfect example of my week - I started work at 8am this morning - with 70 media releases to do in 3 days I left work at 7pm, yes, that was a bloody long day. I then came home, had a bite to eat and am now sitting in front of the computer trying to do my assignment but obviously I'm currently procrastinating!

So with so much stress at the moment, this if of course the perfect time to have a drink but no, I remain dedicated to the cause.

The other true test was State of Origin last night. It's my first in quite some time that I haven't had a drink and after the loss one was sorely needed.

I'm getting very excited at the prospect of being nearly half way there!

Am I Up To The Challenge?

Last Sunday I decided to go without alcohol and all crappy food until my birthday. Yes, that's a whole 36 days. So how am I going? Well Day 1 was easy because I felt sick after 3 days of overeating and drinking. Day 2 I was tempted by tia maria cake and wine, and Day 3 I was tempted by my favourite chocolate from Melburne. But I remained steadfast and averted all temptation.
Day 5 will be perilous as one of the girls at work as threatened to bring rocky road in (MY FAVOURITE) but I have tomorrow to psych myself up for it. Why you ask am I torturing myself so? Well, all the more to enjoy my mudslide cheesecake birthday cake that Dad's making me for my birthday! Only 33 days to go. I'll keep you updated!

Return To The Court

Well, it's been 18 years since I've played a game of netball and when the call went out for a team for Corporate Games I decided it was high time to bring back the "Fiona-ator"! So with the fetching shirt donned, "Sport 'n' Rec'd" (as in wrecked) took to the court.

From left to right we have Angela, Alex, Jordan, Moi, Kelsey, Caitlin and Danielle

Our first game was a little tough as we settled in. They were some hard core nasty girls and poor Danielle coped an elbow in the head. I played WA and nearly died. We went down 12-9 but were gallant in defeat. This bought about some new tactics and some position changes.

I was moved to GK and in the second game was up against a guy I had a few dates with and who never bothered to call back. I instigated my best psych out face and managed to keep him scoreless for the game. This proved so successful I continued this tactic through the rest of the competition.

YEAH DON'T MESS WITH THE "FIONA-ATOR"

We triumphed beautifully in the second game winning 12-3. And needless to say there's no chance of him calling again after seeing this face, but hey,he'll always remember it for not being able to score!

The third and final game became pretty tense as we weren't sure if we needed to win by extra points to make the final. There was no choice but to give it all I had and after not playing for 18 years that wasn't much! But defense was what was needed and it was certainly what they got!

So in the end, we were stunning victors in Game 3 15-7. But alas, another team in our pool went through undefeated so we didn't make it through. But a mighty fine effort for the rag tag group we were. Alex, Caitlin and Jordan were the absolute stars as evidenced by the little fat GS I had in the 3rd game who said "Oh my god, they are machines", and indeed they were. And whilst I am now sitting at home feeling exhausted, I didn't have an asthma attack, fall over or get 1 single stitch! A good day and I'll sleep well tonight!

Crikey, who would have thought I would say playing sport was fun!

PS - we went out to celebrate our second place, well just an excuse to have some drinks. I asked the waitress to take some photos but sadly they were all blurry but I really did try! Oh well, you miss out on seeing us all glammed up. Now I am home with a pizza baby but you can't complain about a pizza baby when there was blue cheese involved!

Drinking With Celebrities

So there we were last Friday night at Merthyr Bowls enjoying a few quiet drinks for Jen's birthday. We were having a chat about Bernard Fanning's (lead singer of Powederfinger for the uninformed) upcoming concert. Afer a while Alex (see photo) said "$10 says I'm taller than Bernard Fanning". I said "How are we going to prove that?". "Oh, he's standing at the bar," was the response. Up we all went and yes, sure enough there was Berny with mates in toe at good old Merthyr Bowls. I was sensible and came home early but the others went to Uber Bar where they ran into the Veronicas. So there you go, Brisbane isn't such a sleepy little
place after all.

Cyclone Larry first hand

I spent 2 days this week in Cairns and Innsifail interviewing the Mayors of local Shire's for a newsletter. It was pretty amazing seeing the damage up there. It's amazing when you see metre high pine trees snap like twigs but small conifers in the driveway are fine. It was an amazing experience as I got to see people's homes and to try and imagine what they went through was hard. But when you see twigs and leaves through their piano and black walls it's pretty emotional. I'm aiming to write some great stories just to do the people there justice. Although you know there spirit isn't broken when you see a sign on a car saying "Hey Larry, you missed a bit" - gotta love the Aussie spirit!

Welcome

Hi all, and welcome to my very own Blog. Amazing things this internet stuff hey!After many comments of "Fi, where are you?", "Fi, we never see you", "Fi, are you alive?" I decided to create this so you can come and pop in everynow and then and see what's going on. It's no surprise to anyone that between studying and work my life is hectic. Since starting at Sport and Rec it's just got even busier. This is the first job I've had where the sh*t hits the fan on a regular basis but I'm loving it. So come and go as you please. There's some pretty big events happening in the next few months, including graduating uni, my birthday, my job MAYBE FINALLY becoming permanant, and some secret squirrel business that I'll reveal at a later date so make sure you pop in and say hi!