Races

Went to the Moonee Valley Races yesterday. I've never been to a horse racing carnival before, not properly. Only to work at Melb cup, and when I was a kid 'cos grandparents owned/trained horses. Generally the thought of being in a large crowd surrounded by boozy bitches in dresses and heels makes me feel sick in the stomach. It surpassed all expectations I had though. The weather was awesome, the beer was cold and we'd brought a mini picnic - dips, bread, olives, sun dried tomatoes and feta. Hell good. There was no massive crowd and we were able to sit at a table outside. To top it all off, there were free rides! It was kids day or some shit. Small nauseating spinney ones. Usually I avoid these types of rides, I'm more a roller coaster type of girl. For free though, who was I to say no. The first ride was awful and I wanted to get off immediately, the Scorpion or something stupid. It was especially small and nauseating. The others were hell cool though. There was this big drop one, similar to Space Probe at Sydney Wonderland, except less stupid novelty sound effects and role play, more up and drop. Not as an intense drop either. It was fantastic.




All up bloody good day. I didn't win any of the bets I put on, but that just reconfirmed my belief that gambling is stupid.

Reports over

I have finished reports. There should be relief. I am relieved I guess. It's more of a checking out though. Just struggling to put in the effort that is required to get me through the last 3 weeks of school. Finishing school just means packing up all my worldly belongings and getting the hell outta here though. Exciting, except I am a hoarder. I don't like to get rid of things. I attach sentiment to everything. I need to be strong. Get rid of things. Let go. Free myself. Apparently it is an excellent feeling to own a minimal amount of things. I have no doubt. I really kinda like things though. I am a consumer. I'm not proud, I try and resist, I've never been real good at doing that either though.

Things always seem to have a way of working out. I'm sure this will be the same.

I've really started thinking about the practicalities of going away. I am starting to get nervous. Another part of my personality is being a bit over cautious, organised. I dunno how people pack so lightly. Already I'm thinking of all the clothes I'd love to take, the three pairs of shoes, minimum. So much. Again, I need more relaxing. I'm pretty sure Canada will sell anything I need. I will survive.

I'm also starting to think about the reality of being away from everything I've always known. I found three weeks in Vietnam a bit hard. This will be a lot more long term. I've always relied on having the family as an easy phone call away, or weekend trip away if need be. I will miss that.

School Fete!

Just got back from my school's fete. It was everything I had dreamed it would be. I love fetes. I'm not sure why.. I just do. I spent the first hour there fulfilling one of my life's dreams - operating a fairy floss machine. I have always wanted to do it. Fairy floss is disgustingly sugary. But god I love it. It did not in anyway live up to my expectations. It was foul. I was absolutely covered in fairy floss. You'd think this wouldn't be a bad thing... but it was. It was up my nose, in my hair, in my eyes, all over my clothes, my legs: everywhere.



Most uncomfortable. It was kinda staticy too.

I had a hell good time once that was over though. Changed into a new set of clothes, had a falafel (bloody good), some beer, and fairy floss (my experience hadn't put me off enough to not eat it). I got my face painted to look like I had a black eye, I bought a plant and ate a chocolate crackle. What more could you want from a Saturday.

Apollo Bay

In the mid year school holidays this year I traveled around Vietnam on an Intrepid trip. It was super awesome. I met this family from East St Kilda. Mum, and two kids a little younger than me. We have remained friends and I quite often go to their house on Sundays for dinner. Very nice, I really enjoy family meals, bit hard to have them when the fam is a 5 hour drive away. It works out very well.

They invited me to accompany them on fam holiday this weekend. Just got back today. It was awesome getting out of Melbourne. I forget how much I enjoy getting out and doing/seeing things. Went on this awesome tree top walk and walked along the beach. Lovely.

I have the urge to do more camping/outside journeying. Be great to hop in a car and camp/backpack around Victoria. Do outside activities... kayaking, hiking, surfing... whatever. When I get back from OS I hope to do something like that. Hopefully with a friend. See how it goes.

Nice to think about anyway... nice distraction from reports. I start writing them tomorrow. Yuck.