Friends

At the ripe old age of 24 (rapidly approaching 25, but that's another issue for another post), I finally feel content with who I am and the person I present myself to be. For the first time, I feel that I have true friends who I enjoy having in my life, and cherish the bonds that I have with each of them.

Friendships were missing from my life for a very long time, and while it was a lonely time, I'm glad that I've only just (over the last year or so) found true friends who appreciate the person that I am. Like any relationship, they shouldn't be taken lightly. Friendships are as much of a commitment to one another as partnership. Moreso in some ways.

I love creating new friendships with interesting people that 'get me' and make me smile and appreciate what both of us bring to the table of our friendship and to the big bad world.

Friends are awesome. Cherish each and every person that you call a friend.

x

Hello There

It's been a few days since I've last blogged, but nothing much is going on in the Land of Gemma.

I'm still scooter-less. Everytime I go to a scooter store something seems to get in the way of me actually making the purchase. I was beginning to think that some unknown being was trying to prevent me from buying a scooter, but have since decided that perhaps none of them were "The Right One". Next week The Boy and I will be trying to combat the issues, and hopefully next weekend I'll be buying one. Can only hope!

What else have I done this week? I've become completely addicted to Twitter. Completely. First site I go to when I'm online is Twitter. I have it open in another window right now, so half my monitor is Twitter, the other half Blogspot. Sad, huh?

Also, I've gotten myself a new look. I've gone red and gone the chop. It was more of a hack-job than a haircut when first done, so I lodged a complaint to the Head Office of the salon and had it fixed this morning by the area manager. I look pretty darn hott now, if I do say so myself.

Ooh, and I saw 'Love the Beast' last night. Every bit as good as I was expecting/hoping. Fantastic movie. It caused me to develop a slight crush on Eric Bana, but in kind a 'soulful' way, in that he's such a passionate person, and follows his dreams. Inspiration is definitely something I'm in need of right now.

Hmm ... I think that's about all.

Happy weekend everyone x

Impulsive? Maybe a little

OMG! I'm going Scooter shopping THIS AFTERNOON!!

I did some research, and found a place where I can pay the scooter off on interest-free repayments over the next 6/12/18 months, so I'm checking them out today!!

Isn't it cute! I wonder what colours they have it in ...

Pic from ValleyMotoScooters

Scooterific!

I've been car-less for a couple of months now, and I'm not so sure it's working out as planned. I'd love to be able to nip to the shops on weekends and shop for girly stuff without a nagging boy in tow. Or zip to the station when I've taken a tad too long getting ready for work (read: changed my outfit too many times. Such a girl). So now I'm thinking I want a scooter.

If the government's nice to me, and the Tax Man too, I might by myself a Scooter as a belated birthday present :D What a wicked 25th birthday present, yeah?

Cheap to buy, cheap to run, ridiculously cheap to insure. And let's face it, I would look so incredibly funky zipping around on a Scooter (if I do say so myself and all that).

pic from Scootopia

Seriously ...

I am sick of hearing the words "in this current economic state", "in these current economic times" blah blah blah.

Tell me I'm living in a bubble, tell me I'm setting myself up for a huge downfall, tell me I'm being blind to the big issues of the world, but in all honesty, I'm sick of hearing about it!

I loathe politics.

Who am I? Where am I?

Woe is me. I feel a little lost at the moment. Maybe more than a little. Who knows, I certainly don't.

The Boy and I are at that weird stage in the relationship. The "Just over a year = time to get serious?" mark. I'm not handling it well, to be honest. I try and talk to him about it, but I don't think he gets it. I don't think he's seeing the phase in the same light as I'm seeing it. I think he's still in the "deliriously in love" phase give that I'm his first serious girlfriend, and the first non-family female he's ever lived with. Fun times.

Don't get me wrong, I love him to bits. It's me I'm not loving to bits at the moment. I feel like this "Just over a year etc." phase should be the start of the settle down phase if that's where we're heading, but I'm kind of freaking out about it all. I know "Just over year" isn't really that long in the grand scheme of things, but to give a person a year of your life, to share that time with them and then to continue to share it with them, the decision has to be made eventually right? And I'm a firm believer in "sooner rather than later" because I don't want to spend that time with someone, and continue to share that time with them only to decide after a couple more years that it's just not right. I'm 24 (nearly 25) and I've spent all but about 6 months of my last nearly 10 years in realtionships. Crazy, I know. Sometimes I think I'm too much of a romantic and want that fairy tale ending. To prove my point: a few short weeks ago I was mentally planning our trip down the aisle. Then reality sets in and now I'm sitting here thinking "F*ck. I'm sooooo not ready to do that again, and I don't know if/when I will be". Thinking bites the big one right now.

I know I'll get through it all. I'm thinking I need a bit of a holiday. The ideal would be a few months travelling o/s. That would be so utterly fantastic. It's something I really want to do, and while The Boy and I have plans to go o/s sometime between late this year and mid next year, there's this desire inside of me to do it alone, or with friends. To have an adventure as Gemma, not as Gemma & The Boy. I've not really had an alone adventure, and I think it's something I really need.

I've never really done anything alone actually. I've never even lived on my own. Eep. That used to be fine with me, because I was still coming to terms with "Me" after I threw my old life away, and I was not a big fan of my own company. I lived in share accommodation for a while, and that involved a lot of "Gemma" time, but I wasted it and didn't appreciate it for it's true value. Which leaves me now wondering what I want from this life.

Argh. Was International Women's Day really intended to be this "liberating"?

Here's to self discovery.
x

"Love the Beast"

There's a lot of publicity at the moment for Eric Bana's latest movie, and after seeing one interview and hearing another, I have an overwhelming desire to experience this movie. I've never wanted to see a movie quite so much!

I love the way he explains it. That loving "The Beast" is not about his obsession with his car, it's about passion. Bana has not made this movie with car lovers in mind, in fact, quite the opposite. It's his way of showing people who aren't obsessive about cars why some people are.

The whole concept has really got me thinking about my "Beast", and whether or not I actually have one.

I'm beginning to think my "Beast" is writing. I go through long phases of not writing anything, then other times once the pen hits the paper I just can't stop. Words flow out and I just write and write and write.

It's my release. The expression of my thoughts and feelings. When I was younger, I preferred to write fiction, but everything almost always contained an element of reality, or the reality I wanted for myself.

Nowadays, I write to get out those thoughts that just swim around in my mind. I go through phases of deep, raw, emotional journalling. Generally I'm confused and just trying to put my thoughts into words. Writing releases that confusion and provides me an element of clarity. Usually.

Yes, writing is definitely my "Beast". I love it, I'm passionate about it. It is an essential part of the Gemma you read about when you are bored enough to read my blog.

Writing + lots of other stuff = Gemma.

What's your beast?

What to Write?

I always seem to think of an abundance of things to write at the most inconvenient times, eg. while walking to the bus stop. I've taken to carrying a notebook and pen in my handbag, but it's a little hard to write on a bus while it's lurching it's way through traffic.
I've contemplated purchasing some kind of electronic device on which I can 'type' but am yet to find what I'm after. Perhaps I should channel my inner spy, and buy a little tape recorder. You know, the ones with the itty bitty cassettes? When I was a child I wanted one so badly. Don't really know why, I think it was because those tiny tapes are just too cute! Yep, I'm a loony.

But I digress. Perhaps those times when I think of things to write it's because I'm completely relaxed. Walking through the park, listening to music, without too many urgent thoughts rushing through my brain.

Well, this has been a relatively pointless blog, but at least I have blogged. Time to finish getting ready for work.

Dancing the Night Away

Last Friday night for the first time in what felt like FOREVER, I went out on the town. I danced the night away (literally - I tiptoed through the door at about 3.45am) and had an absolute blast.

Oh how I missed those crazy, carefree nights. Jagerbombs and daggy songs. Dancing 'til I ache. Smiling, happy, in love with life.

A friend who I've had a couple of the above nights out with before is now a housemate, so I daresay there'll be plenty more to come. Starting with this weekend ;) Yep, after a hiatus of far far far too long, I'm backing it up for two weeks running. Go me! We're starting out with cocktails then dancing the night away once again.
I'm so looking forward to it that I even bought myself a new dress :D It was a bargain purchase ($19 down from $69.95) and too cute for words. Black and white polkadots, frilly edging on the bust line, ribbon around the waist. So totally me, so totally a dancing dress :D I have shoe issues though, so that's my next little mission for the week - find shoes to go with the dress! One pair of old faves (particularly good for dancing) might look okay, but I'll keep a eye out for another pair anyway. A girl can never have too many pairs of shoes after all :)

Here's to love, life and dancing x

Decision Time

So lately I've been feeling a little lost. Generally I'm happy but I don't feel 100% "Fulfilled". A friend was talking about doing a course to help her along in her chosen career, and it got me thinking about doing the same thing.

Then I had a think about completing a course in something totally un-career-related, just for s's and g's. To get my 'creative juices flowing' and all those cliches.

Thoughts averted back to advancing my knowledge in my career (Ooh! I used the 'C' word. It's not just a J.O.B. any more, is it?!) and I've decided that's what I'm going to do. I'm going to complete a Diploma which would be a useful little qualification to have under my belt, and once my study is up, I'll reconsider doing a course just for the sake of it.

First step - talk to my boss about getting it funded by work!

I'm getting rather excited about it all actually. I'm working in a field that I would never have even considered entering when I was young and dreaming of a wonderful career as a journalist (although the realistic side of me did kick in at one stage, as I had no desire to work for the local rag in a two-horse town ... Okay, so maybe the town was a little bigger, but you get my drift!). Life got in the way of those dreams, and I found myself just needing a job. Over a year later I'm still there, but I went from temping to permanent in about 6 weeks, so I must've done something right.

I really enjoy working where I'm working, and think it would an interesting career to pursue. Working my way up the ranks, around the traps. And heck, if I feel a need to write in years to come, I could always work on that novel or study again and try and crack into the world of journalism.

Who knows where I'll go on this yellow brick road of life.

Onwards and upwards from here - let's get me a diploma!

I am a material girl: What I want

So sue me, the first one's not exactly 'materialistic'. Whatev.

After 7 years of wanting, by May 30 this year, I WILL have a tattoo. I'm getting the word 'believe' tattooed on the inside of my foot. Yes, I'm aware that foot tattoos are incredibly painful, but I want it there, so I'm getting it there.

Something like this:

I'm not normally big on 'fancy' writing, but a I found this one and I don't mind it. I think I'd get the 'B' in lower case. If I didn't go the 'fancy' writing, I'd love to get it done in my own handwriting. It would add more meaning to the tattoo for me too.

Once I've got me some ink, I daresay I'll be hankering for more, so tattoo number two will probably be a tear drop. Either on my wrist, or on the back of my neck.

I also want a home. One of my own. Where I can paint the bathroom hott pink and the bedroom ceiling silver. Not that I would, I have a wee bit more taste than that, but I yearn for a home for me and The Boy. Where one day we'll walk through the threshold as a newly married couple. Where one day we'll bring home our first born child.

I have found an almost perfect property already, but we're not technically looking yet. Finances and stuff to sort out *roll of the eyes* A girl can dream though, and this girl is certainly a dreamer. One day. A little townhouse of our own. Bliss.

Hmmm ... While I'm being uber-selfish, what else do I want?

I'd love a nice car for The Boy and I to go for leisurely Sunday drives in. I don't want the costs associated with it though, so that could make that one a little tricky.

I'd love to tone up and lose about 5kg. Okay, so I know this one's up to me and I should really put in more effort. Which I will. I really don't like myself right now.

I'd love a new computer, and admittedly we'll be getting a 'new' computer in a couple of weeks, so I've no need to feel guilty, materialistic and gluttonous for this want.

I'd love some ice-cream right now. Yum. Cold Rock would go down a treat (no pun intended).

Short of indulging in the above, some chocolate would go down fantastically right now also. Alas, the only chocolate we have is not worth the calories. Blergh.

Bah, let's face it, what I really want is to win the lotto. I'd set myself up for life and indulge like there was no tomorrow. After all, this life is here to be lived.

pics from Flickr

Nutter!

Okay, so I promised myself I'd be more conscientious with this blog, regular blogging etc etc etc.

And I had every intention to! Cross my heart!

Alas, I forgot my freakin' password.

Thought I'd put in every possible option, tried the 'resend password' thing a couple of times. No e-mails. Hmm. So I decide to give logging in one last go.

Hoorah! Success! It was what I thought it was all along, I was just using the wrong case. Call me a dufus if you wish, I certainly have!

Yay for remembering passwords!

My Return to Blogging

It's been some time (several months even) since I've last blogged. I had another blog set up but forgot my log-ins etc etc and didn't see the harm in setting up a new one instead, so here I am!

7.50am Saturday. I've been out of bed for *shudders* over an hour. I've been awake for *shudders* well over an hour. Welcome to Valentines Day with a partner who sells flowers for a living (but he's not a florist - he's a flower wholesaler. There is a difference, and his sexuality is in tact). Of course, there are good things about having a partner who has access to the best flowers in the city - there's a darned good chance he'll be coming home with a bunch of said best flowers once he's finished for the day.

Admittedly, waking up this morning was nowhere near as painful as it was last Saturday. I was up at about 7.20am, getting ready for yet another chiropractic adjustment when I hear the sound of a brass instrument. The lovely little cherub next door has chosen to learn a brass instrument and practice at a ridiculous hour on a Saturday morning. Nice. Fortunately, given that I was awake, it was *almost* bearable. For aforementioned partner (hereafter referred to as S) it was not bearable. Despite not being the spring chicken he once was, the previous evening, S had gone to a concert and arrived home at around 2.30am. Hearing a brass instrument being played by an amateur 5 hours later does not mix well with the after affects of alcohol. It was rather amusing for me. Until I realised that the player knew only two songs: 'Three Blind Mice' and the opening bars of 'Eye of the Tiger'. So we were treated to a 'Three Blind Eyes of the Tiger' medley. Should've been released as a single - it would've shot right to the top of the charts. ... Or maybe not.

As it turns out, the offending instrument was a tuba. Have you ever seen a young girl (I'm guessing about 8) with a tuba? She must be developing some serious arm muscles carting that thing around. *ponders using a tuba for weight training*

Instead, I was awoken this morning with cuddles and kisses and "Happy Valentines Day, baby. I love you so much". Aww. How can a girl object to that? Not being able to get back to sleep afterwards was less than enjoyable, so here I am blogging. Instead of housework or packing for our night away. Meh. There are hours between now and when we leave. At least 4 of them. Plenty of time. It's only a night. I'll only need to work out which 3 pairs of shoes I should take, not 5. No, I'm not that bad. Not always. I managed a week-long trip to NSW with 4 pairs of shoes, and I only wore 2 pairs. And bought 1 new pair.

Clearly my lack of sleep in is beginning to catch up with me, as I'm fairly certain I'm beginning to ramble ("Beginning??" scoff the readers). Although if you can't ramble in a blog, where can you ramble?