Friday, December 29, 2006
Sunday, December 03, 2006



The twins, Sean and Leanne have come and visited a couple of times so i thought i'd show you some photos. Jasmine is in yellow, then green stripes, Tamika is in pink, then pink stripes. They like climbing the stairs, and playing with the door stops. The big smart ball i have is also a big hit. Tamika loved it when i bounced her up and down on that, and has a great giggle downpat. Jazzy likes chasing Oscar, and playing with my very flat netball. They came for lunch the other week, then for my birthday yesterday. I got hugs and a drawing so that was a great present. They are both such individuals, and seem so happy. They have great parents so why wouldn't they be!

Saturday, November 18, 2006


Randall and I have settled in well to our new place. We've had a few issues such as faults on the phone line, the modem dieing then the router, but we're getting there. We've had a plumber here the last 3 days fixing the upstairs toilet, and had the owner here fixing other issues. He's here at the moment with his carpenter friend fixing the hinge in the bedroom buildin and the big gap in the back of the wadrobe showing all the wires which i'm sure isn't healthy. We've tried the spa a couple of times but can't get the bubbles to work, it's a nice big bath at least. I've finally got that bottle of bubble bath open that deb gave me for my 18th (yes the nude male figure one) so that's gone to good use. The piccies are part of the lounge on the left and the kitchen on the right. Just to give you a bit of an idea. It's nice and open which is great.
I look forward to seeing most of you at Christmas time!!
Monday, October 23, 2006
Well today i started my job as a Technical Service Consultant. All went well. I turned up 20 mins early to go straight into a meeting. I had training most of the day, and a site tour (yes with steel cap boots, hard hat and reflective vest). I have training for most of the rest of the week, and i should be taking over some of the bigger clients which need some TLC. I have my own office (the sales team now all work off a coffee table?!?! - meant to be out generating business not in the office), and am getting a phone and business cards. It's still obviously a bit scary, but it should be good. Working out of a transportable (don't even think of mentioning the toilets!) is interesting, but they assure me they are planning a real building, commonly called bulls#$t castle. The joys of working with mainly blokes!
The house is going well, i'll try and take some photos this weekend and post.
Thursday, September 21, 2006

We still had lots of Roti, visited the Batu caves, went up the Petronas towers, and held an Iguana each. You can see us here enjoying Teh Tarik, a fresh coconut and just other random photos of us. It was a fleeting visit, but thanks Mum and Dad for having us! I love your condo and that swimming pool.
We did lots of shopping, in the various shopping complexes, and markets around the place. We bought everything from pictures to bikinis which was fun. We also took a trip to Malacca, and visited Mum and Dads favorite bar there, Geographer. We visited one bar in KL, which was the Luna Bar, I highly recommend it, great setting and cocktails. Well Randall and I are moving in 2 weeks so I better go pack!

Friday, September 01, 2006


It's an exciting time for me at the moment, as Renee and I are heading up to KL to see Mum and Dad next week! Yes in 8 days time Renee and I (for those who don't know Ren and I went to school together) hit KL for 10 days of shopping, siteseeing, relaxing, eating roti, swimming, hanging out with mum and dad, and shopping. Should be great fun.
Once we get back, Randall and I are moving in together. Yes the big move is happening beginning of October, just as soon as we find a place, minor problem. We're both really looking forward to it. My current housemate is moving in with her partner too.
Last weekend Randall and I went to the Barossa for the Gourmet weekend. Some of Randalls friends were also there, so we had a nice group. Some facepainting, wine drinking, slamming of my thumb in the toilet door (and I was the designated driver!) and sampling of the local produce created a great weekend. I even managed to buy a nice desert wine in Tanunda. Mmmm. Unfortunately I didn't take my camera, and Randall left his in the car back at the hotel, so no piccies for you. One of the guys took a photo of the facepainting, so I'll see if I can track them down for you.
The weekend before was Jasmine and Tamikas first birthday. It was a fairy theme, although I was the only one game enough to wear fairy wings, other than the girls. Dad did for a bit (he was chief fairy) but complained the wings were "too tight". I'll post some photos that Mum and Dad took for you.
Headed to the Royal Adelaide Show tomorrow to do the yellow brick road, sample some king island cheese and generally have a good time. I'm watching the netball tonight, go the Thunderbirds! (they are playing the Sydney Swifts for those who don't know, the swifts are undefeated this season so won't be an easy match!)
So there is a really brief update for you. I hope to get some good photos in KL (as long as I remember the camera) so will post when I can. Love Laura
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Sunday, July 16, 2006

Last but not least, we start here with Miss Marples tea rooms (in Sassafras in the Dandenongs), named after an Agatha Christie Character? Chris and Donna can you help me out with that one? Anyway they do really nice food and scones, and we didn't order desert but they looked fantastic! We then did a short walk through the forest. The weird circular photo is in Melbourne central, where they built around an old Leadpipe and Shot factory. The last two are on a bridge over the Yarra, we went and had drinks with some of Randalls old workmates at the Fosters Bar then over the Southgate for dinner. So all in all we went out to dinner way too much, but enjoyed some of the good food and cocktails that Melbourne had to offer (Polly on Brunswick st was fantastic, i've never seen such an extensive cocktail list!). Now we're back to reality, and back to work tomorrow. But i bought lots of beads and earring hangers, so look out for more jewellery to be posted soon.

Ok, now we found a random waterfall on the way to Melbourne, Wannan falls or something like that. So stopped for a break and went for a walk and took some photos. The other three photos are from Starbucks in Ballarat. We washed the car and took a break before heading into Melbourne in peak hour traffic. We headed to stay with one of Randalls friends, James who lives just near one of the racecourses.

Well Randall and I are back safely from our Naracoorte and Melbourne trip. Here are some photos from Naracoorte. Aunty Pam and Uncle Phil kindly met us in the town where we had a nice lunch. In the afternoon we headed to some winery, Rymills, Wynns and Jamisons Run. The following day we went caving at Naracoorte caves. We did the wet cave, fossil cave and another one in the morning, before donning the coveralls and hard hat to go adventure caving. Not wanting to destroy the camera we dont' have photographic proof that we went, we do have a certificate. We squeezed through the 'eyepin', the 'keyhole' and the 'slot'. I didn't think i'd fit but amazingly i managed. I still have the bruises to prove it! Then Monday morning we headed off to Melbourne.
Thursday, July 06, 2006

Well it's about time for some photos don't you think? I'm a shocking photographer, always shake, so I stole Randall's camera (I gave it back I promise!) and you can see some of our photos...
First up is an arty one Randall took in Sydney of Kristi and I at the tearoom, in the QVB. I quite like it.
I don't have picasa, but i'm working on it, so I apologise in advance that all the piccies are separate!
Thursday, June 29, 2006
I would like to point out a new link on the side of webpage... for TaeKwondo Fit Australia. Sir (Ray), Tammy and the crew of instructors do a fantastic job. They are so friendly and willing to help you achieve your goals. I love going, and I have my next grading next saturday. That will be going to Red III, next one is black belt! Scary thought I know. But check out the webpage, and see what i get up to in my spare time!!
Friday, June 16, 2006

It's Over!!!
Well my first semester of my masters is now over! I have handed up all the assignments and done all the presentations, now I just have to wait for the results. It feels great to be free for a while. I am looking forward to catching up with all my neglected friends, and making some jewellery. Speaking of which, I have one more piece to show you, this one is pink and cream glass pearls. It was kinda hard to take a photo of myself wearing it, but you really need to see it on. I have given it to a friend for her birthday. But am willing to take orders ;)
Randalls birthday was yesterday, and we went out for a very nice dinner at Windy Point restaurant. Yep upstairs with that beautiful view. It isn't cheap, but the food was amazing. I gave Randall some DVD's (thanks mum!) and a painting done by a local Auburn artist of Auburn. For those of you who don't know, Randall was bought up in Auburn, which is just out of Clare. I tried to take a piccy of it but didn't come out so well with the reflections at night, but I'll try and take one during the day tomorrow and post it for you. We are having a bit of a 'do' on Sunday, and watching the soccer at 1.30am Monday morning. Aussie aussie aussie!! I'll try and take some photos for you all.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Well my study is almost over for the semester! I have just completed my last assignment. Randall is going to kindly read over it for me, as I'm so frazzled at the moment I hope it makes sense! I am handing up one more tomorrow which i completed last week, and I have a group presentation tomorrow on superannuation. Almost there, i'm extremely relieved!
I hope everyone is going well, Mum and Dad, and Pam and Phil i'm pleased you all had good trips and got home safe and sounds.
Darius good luck with the study! I can sympathise with the lack of life it brings!
Take care
Love Laura
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Well aside from studying, i have managed to catch up with Donna and Milly and Deb and Sarah. It was great to finally meet my new cousins! They are gorgeous of course! It was great to see Thomas so gentle with them, and Chris I know what you mean about continually having to play games! But it was great fun. I also caught up with the twins, and managed to get to taekwondo. I've been for two walks, and played netball this weekend, and made lasagne, really way too energetic!
I'm looking forward to finishing study at the moment. I am pushing to finish early (as i'm all assignment based this semester) around the 16th of June. It is Randalls birthday on the 15th, so we're hoping to have a 'do' on the 17th which will be good, and conveniantly timed to also watch Australia defeat Brazil (I have some Brazilian friends, i don't think they'll agree!!) in the soccer world cup.
Anyway i must head back to it, i have to work out which immediate actions need to be taken for the management of superannuation.
Love to you all, keep up the blogs!
Laura
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Just a quick update this time. I have my car back! And it has actually survived more than one day this time. It appears that when I had it serviced last and they replaced the spark plugs they put the wrong ones in, thus causing spiking of power to the speedo and blowing it essentially. So I'm now on my 3rd or 4th speedo in just over a month, and yes they replaced the spark plugs for me. So my car is much happier now, has a working speedo, and even stopped that crackling present in my speakers!!
I also went and saw the specialist about my tonsils, and I get to keep them for now which is good. If I get tonsillitis again he might want to take them out, but for now they stay. So that's good news. Maybe Sydney's not doomed after all.
Chris great to see so many piccies of Milly, I can't wait to meet her. When are you coming over for a cousins dinner? Mum and Dad glad to hear Pam and Phil are well and having a great time. Have some Roti for me! I look forward to having some in September when Renee and I come and visit. Darius, where for art thou? I'll have to give you a call to make sure you're still alive. Unless you're working so much like all the other Macquarie people who are in the news taking home all that cash!
Love to you all!
Saturday, May 06, 2006
For those of you who thought i'd disappeared off the face of the earth, sorry to inform you that I haven't. Unfortunately i've been extraordinarily busy, and having computer troubs.
Let's start there. I decided i wanted to play Risk, you know that whole world domination thing, great i downloaded it, tried to find a crack. Now we all know those sites are a bit dodgey, but these were stupidly dodgey, and infected my computer with so many trojans and other viruses, that everything just ground to a halt and didn't want to work. Luckily Randall knows a bit about computers, and is in the process of fixing it all for me. I now have a nice new 80gig hard drive, which is running quite nicely. I of course now have Ad-aware, Norton and Zone alarm, so hopefully that won't happen again. And Randall found a cracked version of Risk so i won't go looking for that again. So we're slowly coping everything over to the new drive and wiping my other 2. Well if that isn't a good excuse for not blogging i'm not sure what is!
Uni is going, well it's going. So busy with 6 assignments due in 8 weeks, 1 is down, 1 due tues which i started today, and then another 4. I don't recommend attempting full time work, 2 uni subjects, taekwondo, netball and seeing you partner all at once, not to mention jewellery making requests. I'm either a glutten for punishement or extremely stupid. Now be nice Darius and Chris!!
Speaking of Chris i promised i'd put a link to his quest on here, the quest to get Michael Caine over for a bbq. A big quest, i wish them luck, so please help them everyone!
My other major issue at the moment is my car. Sending it in 4 times, yes 4 times to have the speedo fixed isn't fun. They have replaced the cluster, pulled it all apart, sent it to gauge works, sent it to mitsi, and found some intermittent fault on the back of the cluste

I must say congrats to Deb and Dave too on the birth of Sarah. Fantastic news!!
Well that's enough for now, i will try and endevour to keep my posts a bit closer together now!
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Now let's see.... i've had tonsilitis, then tonsilitis again, then a cold, so feeling really healthy at the moment. My car suddendly decided it would be really good if the speedo didn't work at all, or the odometer. So that's been in the shop the last almost 2 weeks. Surely it's not that hard to work out what's wrong, get the part, and replace it?!?! Something about consumer affairs, and putting the right number of kms back on the clock, i said i wouldn't mind if it had less kms, but there are some legal issues with that, d'oh!
Other than that, have caught up with Sheree and Jacinta, and Leanne Jasmine and Tamika (i think the twins gave me the cold!) which was fun. I'm not clucky i promise! I also did the 'meet the parents' thing last week. Randall and I went up to Auburn and I met his parents, Eric and Helen, brother Jamie, 4 cats (smudge, tigger, old cat and 2nd cat), 2 dogs (turbo and zac), 3 chooks, 1 galah, and 19 tadpoles. It was fun to meet the 'whole' family and we had a nice bbq lunch. And yes mum i said my please and thankyou's and remember a hankee!!

I've been trying my hand at some more jewellery too... What do you think? This one consists of blue foil beads, snowflake obsidian around the beads (semi-precious stone), and all wound together with wire and twisted to make the spiral at the end. Something different anyway. So let me know if want any beaded jewellery, and i'll give it a go!
Hmmm don't have anything else exciting to report. I might try and book into a wea course on silver clay pendant making, i really like making jewellery. Anyone out there want to pay me to do it fulltime? This weekend sees Sean and Leannes 30th party, and i'll prob head to the motor show and work on my uni assignment. Oh and who could forget, this Sunday is Randalls debut at netball (he watched a couple of times, hopefully he'll work out the rules!)
I hope you are all well! Take care!
Monday, March 27, 2006
Well i don't have anything exciting to report this week. I apparently still have tonsilitis (and suspected quinsy) so i had some of last week off and i'm not back at work until wednesday. As my mother would say, i don't do things by halves. So just trying to relax and eat soft and cold things (but i'm not allowed icecream, booo hisss). Last weekend I just relaxed, I had Randall to keep me company and look after me, he even bought me flowers! It was a difficult weekend for me (was meant to be my wedding) but got through it and i'm so glad it's over! Now i look forward to the future.
Sunday, March 19, 2006

Well it hasn't been that long since my last post so I don't have too many exciting things to report. Wednesday Randall and I went to see Jimeoin and Bob Franklin in the cooking show which was highly amusing. Thursday I went and saw Sean and Leanne. It's always good to catch up with them. I love this photo Leanne sent through, I just couldn't resist putting it up! Friday night as a spur of the moment thing we went to see Marmalade Circus. They are a 10 piece jazz band and were excellent, i highly recommend them.
Saturday I visited Nanny and Grandpa. They are both well. I ended up with a lute and harp cd from grandpa and some beads from Nan. I am going to go out again sometime and fix some of nans jewellery as they clasps are so small she is having trouble putting them on. So I should be able to help with that. I also went and saw Sheree and Jacinta who are also doing well. Jacinta just sleeps at this stage but all seem well and happy. Today is just study and normal housey stuff, as well as watching the commonwealth games on telly. We have our first netball game for the season tonight, back into A/B grade (even though we didn't make the finals in C grade?!?!).
I look forward to hearing some critter news! Mum and Dad I hope you had/have fun in Singapore!
Tuesday, March 14, 2006

Well due to popular demand here is an update on Sydney!! As you can see, even though I had tonsilitis and Randall had food poisoning, we did get out and about and see some of Sydney.
We left Adelaide at 6am on Friday, yes we weren't just awake, we were on a plane! Darius let us in the apartment and headed off to work, and we headed into the city. We wandered around and went up the Centrepoint tower. It was great views from up there, and we took way too many photos. Friday evening we met Darius and Kristi in town and had drink at Industrie and had some very nice Thai food for tea.
Saturday I wasn't feeling real well so first point of call was the docs. Some antibiotics later we had brekkie at a cafe, and a relaxing day at Darius and Kristis. We also managed to catch up with Bev who was 'studying'. Saturday night we headed to The Basement for dinner and to see Mantaza. They were fantastic, i highly recommend them! Aside from the food poisoning there, it was a great night. So that ruled most of Sunday out, but we did manage a few games of Scrabble. Wood and Stone pizza made for a great dinner and an early night was had by all.
Monday Randall and I were both feeling a bit better, so braved the city one more time and headed to the bridge. We went up the pylon lookout which gave fantastic views. After that and some shopping we headed to the Nags head to meet up with Donna and Chris. Still no sign of critter unfortunately, although Donna does like to torment the poor kid, alas i'm out of the betting race though. For dinner Darius, Kristi, Randall and I headed to Badde Manners which was some amazing vegetarian food, i've never had such good beans!
So we were back on a plane this morning (yes another stupid hour of the morning) and I spent the whole day at work. Aside from thinking Sydney is jinxed we had a great time.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
I'm in Syndey for a nice holiday, and I get tonsilitis (so the doctor tell me!). I had a sore throat when i left Adelaide but it kept getting worse so I went to the doc today. Antibiotics and infusions with ginger, lime, honey and peppermint from Kristi will hopefully help! Syndey is jinxed i'm sure, I was sick last time I came with cold and it turned into bronchitis. Hmmmm
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Now to the rest of my week... I had taekwondo, study and all the normal things during the week. I also got to see Sean, Leanne, Jasmine and Tamika, and guys if you're reading this, thanks again for that roast, it was fantastic! The girls were well, and gorgeous as per normal. It's funny watching them when they are eating their solids, all they do is stare at me! Jazzy now has turning from her back to her front downpat, and it wouldn't surprise me if she starts crawling soon, so looks so close!
Friday night I went and saw Sheree, Alex and Jacinta. All were very well and the family looked very happy. Jacinta is tiny and I was happy I could get a cuddle. She is extremely good and spending most of her time sleeping. Saturday Renee and I went to a bead making course. We spent 6 hours over a gas bottle with a hot head melting glass rods and turning them into beads. It was fascinating, and I am looking forward to collecting my beads on Thursday. We would like to buy all the equipment, but at the cost of it we might have to wait a while! Saturday night Randall and I went to the Oxford for an Ox burger of course, then off to the Zoo for Going Ape. We got to see Mickey D, Akmal, Big Al and Fiona O'Loughlan. All very amusing and the lions growling in the background just added to the atmosphere.
Today I have been attempting to study, I forgot how hard it was to sit and read a textbook, and note it. But I'll get there. I also got a nice phonecall from Mum and Dad (thanks again! I needed the distraction =p), and I called Darius, so it's been a good week.
I am looking forward to a short week this week, and heading to Sydney Friday morning. DnK already have a few things planned for us which is great! I am really looking forward to seeing them. And yes Mum and Dad, I promise I'll take photos and post them on my blog! So hopefully next post will be more interesting with some pictures!
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Now to the rest of the week. Monday I had what I thought was my last Bresagenies game (found out we're in semi-finals tomorrow despite having only won 1 game all season!). Tuesday I had my first intro session for uni. My first subject is Critical Thinking and reasoning for Health Professionals. I met some of the people in my course, most of them are Indian Dentists and Pakistanie Doctors. I was the second youngest there and the only one doing business. As this is an external subject I won't have much contact with these people but hope to have more to do with them in the rest of the course.
After the excitement of Wednesday with Sheree I went and had a nice dinner of Noodle Box on the beachfront watching the sunset with Randall, a great way to spend an evening. Thursday I went and saw Sean and Leanne and Jasmine and Tamika. All were doing well, although a little tired. There was great excitement as the girls had slept through the night the previous night, but mum and dad didn't sleep for worrying about them! I'm sure they'll get used to it though ;) I then had taekwondo. Friday I was hoping to visit Sheree and Jacinta again only to find they'd left the hospital and headed home. I called but Sheree is so tired she didn't want any visitors, so I hope to see them later in the week. Saturday was fairly relaxing which was nice, I started some study, it's so hard to get back into!! I was going to go to taekwondo, but with all the rain we had friday night my dojang was flooded! Tracy also arrived home safe and sound, with lots of new things to show me. I didn't know someone could buy so much jewellery!!
Today Randall had another Triathalon, and did an excellent time of 1:14. I have been helping out lately (as they are run by a lady at work), so I singlehandedly cut up 4 huge watermelons and 3 cases of bananas, as well as pouring drinks, moving tables and being handy. I got rather sunburnt which isn't good, especially as I spent the day (when I wasn't busy working) cold! I'm now just winding down and focusing on the week ahead. Renee and I have a glass bead making course coming up on Saturday, and Randall and I are headed to the fringe to see some comedians at the zoo which will be good.
Well take care all, and keep posting and commenting, I love hearing everything that's going on!
Saturday, February 25, 2006
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Sunday, February 19, 2006
Tuesday was Valentines Day, so Randall and I went out to a very nice dinner at Windy Point Cafe. It's so nice to have dinner overlooking the city of Adelaide. Wednesday and Thursday night I had Taekwondo, and Friday night Randall and I went down to Glenelg for dinner at the Strand.
I spent the morning with my nieces yesterday and went to Taekwondo again (3 times in one week, am I crazy?!?!) I spent the afternoon rearranging furniture, Dad I took your advice and 'made' my desk fit in my room. Now I have a nice quiet place to study. I then caught up with Mark, Simon, Callum and Tai in the evening enjoying the atmosphere of the Fringe Festival in the East Parklands and drinking hot chocolates. Today I am having Sheree over for lunch (she's due on Thursday!!!!), then watching the volleyball final (a team I used to be in with some people from work), then picking Randall up from the airport (he went to Melbourne for a friends party) then off to netball. So a busy week all up, but that's ok. I've also been busy cleaning the house as we have our first rental inspection on Wednesday. Then Tracy arrives home next Saturday.
I wish you all a fantastic week, I must go do some more cleaning!
Laura
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Monday, February 13, 2006
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Laz