what are we doing today, brain?

…is that I have so many people that are close to my heart. My best friend Sue nearly cried over the phone, and that reaction was tempered by her mum (who is like a second mum to me) who tells me that I need to learn to “make house, care for your husband and have babies”, pfft! Talk about pressure!

Down to Yass for the weekend tomorrow, should be a wonderful weekend.

So I have two, not one but TWO bits of news.

Firstly the bad, the big project that was going to set me jetting around Australia and New Zealand has been canned. I obviously can’t go into details but I certainly made the best effort I could, and am disappointed it was stopped after I invested over a year into it. It also means I need to somehow fulfill the promise ‘to come see everyone’ that I’ve been making. I am definitely going to Brazil now, and that is only in a month (eeek!!!) and I am now thinking that I will travel anyway to some places, if I can afford it. Certainly to see the HUMBUG dudes, and we are part of a road trip going to see GLUG in a month (Goonellabah, apparently near Lismore?). We’ll see…

The good, nay wonderful news, is that Jeff proposed to me last night. Whether I said yes or no I’m going to make you wait but he took me to a small secluded beach we both love, and had me thinking we were doing something fun and adventurous so I _completely_ did not see it coming (much to the incredulous looks of our families who have known for “ages”). What can I say, I was given little clue and he is a good magician Anyway, we had candles on the sand, moonlight above, and I accepted. I have to say I am extremely happy and relaxed about it.

Friends, Lovers, Warriors and Partners in Crime, for big and small. Love is a wonderful thing.

So Friday I took to the water with some workmates. I have to admit I’d never been sailing before, especially on a 6 tonne beauty as we did. It was wonderful! In between pulling ropes and navigating (I’m a natural!) I sat right up the front, on the litttle bit that pokes out the front of the boat, feeling every move the boat made. Quite a pleasant day, and then I had to unpack all evening for easter BBQ preparation.

The FTA petition is going ok. Only 612. We had the first 300 or so in the first 24 hours, and we really need several thousand for it to be worth the effort. We are still getting the word out, will probably slashdot it this week, and see how we go. The comments being made are incredibly good though. I recommend anyone interested in this to take the issue to their work. Any Australian owned company who writes _any_ software should get behind this, and once explained the issue, several companies are starting to realise the implications. Signatures are good, but letters and such are also recommended. We have a page up with what you can do so people can help.

Horseriding today. I feel almost selfish actually doing some stuff for myself this weekend Still need to catch up on LA stuff, but am well on the way. Between LA, OSEG, work, study (caught up this weekend, I was 6 lectures behind), kung fu, trying to organise media training and a whole plethora of stuff, I’m constantly realising the extent of what I’ve taken on, but I’m enjoying it all heaps. The only downfall is I’m starting to get RSI again, ah well, back to the physio it is all good.

http://www.petitiononline.com/auftaip/petition.html

Specifically in Australia against the FTA proposed changes Good work to all the LA team, and to everyone signing the petition. Hopefully all our work will have a positive effect and demonstrate how important this issue is. I was chatting to a person in the Philadelphia LUG (thought they were PLUG when I joined the channel and he was reinforcing how much it sucks over there. The amount of US sigs we’ve had, with postitive “100% behind the aussies” type comments rocks. Thanks everyone!

So Easter is upon us. I think 2 years ago I hit that age where everything starts to move astronomically fast. Suddenly months are flitting by, suddenly b’days and holidays are upon me before I can blink. It is odd and scary. So much to do, I already cram so much in. Need to focus on less things for longer, yes bubby you are right Perhaps next year I will cut down on my activities and dive further into the remaining ones, although I think I said that last year

Going horse riding with Cass and Barb on the weekend. This will ROCK! Cass is as horse mad as I used to be, and is working in the equine industry, and studying. Working with foals everyday… grrr! Barb will probably mosy along behind, and it will certainly make for a lovely day. Jeff gets back on Sunday so he may have to get himself home and then I get to hear how the London gang are and all the sweet news.

Way behind on LA and OSEG stuff. About 2 weeks worth. Moving simply took a lot of time, and due to my responsibilities, catch up can be a cruel and difficult thing sometimes. Thankfully a four day weekend is upon us, and I will be able to get it all under control again. Had lots of positive responses to the March news, which was great. We are making headway _and_ maintaining our community interest. Yay!

Kung Fu is rocking. It is kind of hard to go back to, after so long away and having learnt so much since then. It is sometimes difficult to stop myself reverting to where I was at when I was training all those years ago. HOWEVER! as anyone in my house can tell you I am loving it! I have a new courtyard to train in, and attend class 2-3 times a week. I found out last night that my Da Shi (my teachers’ teacher, more on him in a minute) loves computer games. How kewl is that! I get visions of the Buddhist and Gong Fu master calmy approaching a couch, and then with disarming clarity kicking some serious ass! Rock on.

Da Shi is one of those people who invokes awe in even the most critical cynic (I know, I invited one along one time). He teaches you, really teaches you and it is both terrifying and electrifying. Knowing oneself certainly goes way beyond what shoe size you have and looking at yourself truly honestly, is one of the most difficult things. I constantly am inspired.
Pants Palais (as Craige calls it) is great. Airy, clean, spacious, and it has a pool and sauna. The three of us are in heaven Housewarming in a few weeks