Foo Fighters!

Things will forever be Before FF and After FF now. I was one of the lucky few (900) that scored tickets to the Foo Fighters secret show at the Manning Bar at University of Sydney on 25th March. It has taken me more than a week to put up the photos from the Foo Fighters Manning Bar secret gig and I still can't believe that it actually happened.

I found out about the secret gig about 15 mins before they went on sale which was lucky as I was only down the road from one of the two places which were selling the tickets (HUM). Only had to line up for about an hour but the whole time I was stressed that I was going to be the first person to miss out.

Dave calls out my friend Fi for yawning during one of the songs off the new album. He says maybe if he can pleasure her with his mouth she will be able to stay awake. Then sings Up In Arms.

It was a fairly epic day. I had worked in the morning (4am to 9am) so was pretty tired when I found out about the tickets sale and then had one of those odd sleeps where you don't know if you dreamt or if you did do the things you thought.

I intended to write this huge story of how fantastic the gig was and everything but the words don't really seem to be coming. Almost like what I am saying about it is kinda 'meh' but what I'm intending to say is more like 'Whoa'.

I got to see Foo Fighters play for 2.5 hours in a Uni bar with only about 900 other people and stand 5 rows, don't know what else I could say beside a combination of a Keanu "Whoa" and Joey a "Whoa".

- A

I Get Knocked Down...

Forgot my camera... what an idiot. Had a mega day planned with Bin and my Niece. Started of with lunch at East Ocean for Yum Cha. I had heard that this is tha place for Yum Cha in Sydney and so it made it's way onto The List. Maybe I just enjoy the fan fare of Yum Cha more than the food. East Ocean does not have the trolley thing anymore, just order and it gets delivered. Good food though.

Next stop was Hyde Park Barracks, one of my favourite museums in Sydney. Then a brief tour through The Rocks and a guided tour through Susannah Place Museum, mostly unchanged since they were built in 1844. My Niece seemed to enjoy these museums but this was probably overshadowed by ending up at Luna Park. Think I pulled them throughout Sydney on a 10km walk!

 Susannah Place - 19/01

We spent Bin's last day of her Sydney 'holiday' at IKEA! I ended up finally buying a bedside table. Much needed. For the evenings activities I met up with some of the girls I play Netball with of a Thursday night at Forresters Hotel in Surry Hills.I went the classic Fish and Chips. Oddly it came it a bamboo steamer... This was the first time I had ordered something of their actual menu and not just one of the $5 meals which was not on offer the night we went there.

 Crunchy with only a hint of salad - 20/01

Friday was Scace's birthday drinks! Started of at Sussex Hotel. The place looks on to Bangaroo so it pretty much has an unbroken skyline, kinda. I did take other photos but most were on other peoples camera or of nothing on mine. Why does this happen???

 Being all artistic - 21/01

What did I do on sat the 22nd of Jan? Sat around. Decided I should buy a cheap hat to wear at Big Day Out on Weds. Drove to Bondi Junction Westfields, still holds Aly's '#1 Worst Car park in Sydney' title, close second is Rhodes car park especially when trying to find IKEA pickup. Could not find a worthy hat. Started to drive home. Got a call from P. Went to her house. Tried to take a photo of a spider in the front yard and got what you see below. Nothing. It looks as though they grow corn in their front garden. Don't think they do though.
 

 Spiders (?) - 22/01

I have way to many clothes for someone who pretty much has the same items on heavy rotation. Bought some new coat hangers for those unused clothes which will hopefully entice to wear them and decided to re-do my wardrobe. Intending to throw stuff out but did not. I own a lot of pinks and heaps of dresses. Both I did not realise until I started to sort.

 Nothing changed - 23/01

I finally bought a new bedside table. I didn't want one with draws. Mainly because my old one was holding stuff I rarely use. Hair straightener??? Have had short hair for a year. Am thinking of growing it again... (tangent) The old one was a gift from my ex. Think I may of wanted/needed it. I did not, however, need nor want the Lazy Susan he gave me as an anniversary gift a few years later... romance.

 Sup. Check out tha whiteness - 24/01

Hat was bought for Big Day Out from a cheap shop! Realised at about 930 at night that I would need a bag. Huzzah! I shall make one. I made a lined messenger style one strap bag. But with the strap was on either side thus stopping any would be thieves stealing all my important trinkets. This does work when then straps are put on correct. If a 'This is me wearing' photo is requesting suppose I could get to posing and put one up. Bag worked well and allowed me to create a minor dint in my sewing stash.

 The straps are wrong... don't sew!!! - 25/01

Big Day Out was massive! I went on the Australia Day one. Heaps of bands seen. Nearly 3 litres of water downed before sunset. Four applications of sunscreen and still managed to get an unusual sunburn. Huge day. So big I an unable to summarise in a short sentence, or in a single photo. 

The masses - 26/01

I really wanted to see Sia as I had heard that she will be taking some time off touring, confirmed the day after BDO. So I missed the start of Rammsteins set. Wish they were on separate times. Sia is quite funny, very chatty wish I could have stayed for more. We saw some fireworks which later found out it was to blast off the sheet fully covering Rammstein's stage. During Du Hast there were some more fireworks and flames and finally a giant canon shooting out white flakes which I understood to be a penis... Possibly one of the best sets I have ever seen and I only got half of it! 

Flames are hard to photograph - 26/01

Netball. I stacked it. Major stack. Left ankle went both sides. Crunch. Crunch. Fell over onto knees. And elbows. And wrist. I felt OK. It hurt but I could stand on it. I am an arse. I also filled in for a friends team on Tues. Stacked it there too. It was an indoor court with floorboards, I'm used to cement. Managed to bruise my left front calf... what is that called???

That's a major lump on the right knee - 27/01

So, I went to work. It wasn't that bad when I went to bed. Bit of a pain to try and sleep. Sunburn on back from BDO, cuts on knees and a bruised elbow made finding an OK position crap. After a few hours standing at work I had to go home. Not a major sprain (I'm no Doctor though).
.

 The film probably makes it look more dramatic - 28/01

New years resolution should have been to make posting regular. I still haven't made any. Anyone out in the interwebs have an interesting one to lend me while I try and figure one myself????

- A

Back Up Back Up and Give a Brother Some Room

Finally got an external hard drive! A moment of celebration. It was never a huge task I kind of couldn't be bothered. Only got this one because someone else said "Gotta go. Have to get to shops to get a hard drive" And that's all it takes for Aly to shell out money. Very compliant. Did not really have a clue of what I was looking for I think was the main issue.

I needed one though after that time a few months ago when my comp decided to just up and leave me. Managed to retrieve all files for a princely sum but it took this long to back it up. No. More.

It has a weird rolling weight to it - 05/01

Nice day in Sydney for a bit of a walk. P has one of those historical walking books. One sent us on a scenic route around the oil refinery near Waverton... ended up just going over to a park on the other side called Berry Island. The book informs us that this area was only connected to the mainland at low tide up until the 60's when the isthmus and mudflats were filled in with car bodies, rubble and soil to allow access. Charming.

We mainly took in the Gadyan Track, Darug for cockle shell, which leads you around the 'island' with views to the city.

Little bit of bush in the city - 06/01

The 'island' has a few information signs about the wildlife and fauna on the island. It is thought because of the 'islands' setting that the Cammeraygal people used this area as a kind of meeting place and lookout.

If you need some overpriced, outdated, unseasonal bears then K-Mart has you covered.

$15 each! Bargain! -07/01

Sydney Festival First Night. Started the night off with some historical films about Sydney around the 30's. Rounded out the night with some Arrested Development at Martin Place.

 

 Everyday People - 08/01

They were awesome as expected. My first listen to Arrested Development was probably Mr Wendel on a compilation album called Sweat It Out '93 or Hit Machine 5. Thanks to sister for head up on those album names. I can never remember important facts like that. 

- A

It's a Hard Knock Life

Been walking a bit. Someone in my suburb is a bit of a fan Ferris. Mixing it up from Save Ferris to the rarely used spelling of 'ROOLS'. Usually it is rulz or rules.  

 

 Ferris Fan - 13/12

Lazy about. Watching a bit of TV. Saw a doco on Hunter S. Thompson. I only knew of him as a writer but the doco showed some pretty cool photos that he had taken. Here is my badly done homage to one photo. It has already been commented on that it looks quite like a myspace photo... at least it is not in a bathroom.

Portrait - 14/12

Have been borrowing P's car to jet about town in. Gave it a bit of a wash and clean. Made the withdrawals of the Silver Bullet a little easier.

RAS - 15/12

The car search.... painful. Did not think it would be that difficult. Many people like to 'do up' and change the cars I am after. I honestly just want a car that goes. I don't want a car with TV/DVD or reversing cameras. There are 22 cars on this list. Most of them were struck off when Garry looked at the details. 

random factoids - 16/12

Possibly hurt myself more than I had actually realised in  the accident. Ma back, which has always had probs, is killin'. Getting this mad pain coming from my ankle up my back. Can't really do anything the same for long periods. Makes for going to a gig that much more awesome! Even better when it is at a location like Mona Vale Hotel where the band stage is lower than normal. This was my view pretty much the whole time. Philly Jays were on and I have seen them before but this time they went and hung about in the crowd.

 The band is the tiny head facing the camera.... - 17/12

Annie Leibovitz. I read a piece on her life, photographic work and past financial issues all of which made me enthused to see the show on her work at MCA. A stop over at Guylian Cafe in The Rocks was called for. Didn't stay on. After having a menu put in front of my with a grunted 'dis is for you' I realised that I didn't have enough cash and the have a high (for me) minimum EFTPOS amount. I had one of those small chocs. 

Annie - 18/12

Ahhh, Christmas! I stress so much about it. What if what I think would be great for them or they will love it but they actually feel completely the opposite. Gift anxiety. Then there is what I usually want to do which is buy hilarious gifts thinking hoping others gets the joke. Saw these hats and thought either would be awesome for Little Bro. He is 8. I thick it would be hilarious for him to own one, wouldn't want him wearing it though.

Thug Life - 19/12

Garry has been shuttling me about Sydney looking at cars, talking about cars and searching for cars. Not doing much else beside the endless pursuit of Silver Bullet Mach Deus.

Roomy - 20/12

Got my highly important and prized possessions from the Silver Bullet. I cleaned the car out two days before the accident. This is the stuff that I thought important, necessary, to keep in it. A garbage bag full of stuff. Half of it is green bags! I never buy more than two bags of groceries anyway. Then there is the possible breakdown supply kit. A blanket, pillow, pack of cards, soft volley ball, Frisbee (both from bar promos) and a spare pair of thongs. Ya never know. 

Awful photo - 21/12

That photo looks truly awful. Can't believe I didn't check it before ripping the bag open. Looks like there should be body parts in there or something. 

- A

silver linings...

RoseArt - 07/12

For the purpose of just getting this blog up to date you won't get any of the hilarious commentary. Just appreciate the awesome photography.

Plant - 08/12

Jebediah - 09/12

Snacks - 10/11

;  ^  (    - 11/12

This above photo is the reason I have not updated anything in awhile. Dealing with insurance and trying to get another car took its toll on me for a bit.

Airds - 12/12

Did however manage to borrow a car to get some A-Towns done as planned.  

- A

The Twist Inside That Love Entails

I am out of a routine with Uni being on holidays. Also, I work at stupidly early times and sleep badly so my days get all messed up. Don't really know what the day is until I check my email or my phone alarm goes off to alert me that I am suppose to be somewhere or doing something.

My life could be described at excitement central. Or, constant state of half-sleep/confusion.

John Steel Singers would have to be my stand out band of 2010! Prit-tay big claim I know. But I am all about making sweeping statements. For the record they have been bestowed with this highly sort after award for many reasons. Fantastic music, live performance, every member has 'glorious hair' and gosh darn they just seem like awesome guys. I am someone that wants (demands) a show *CUE jazz hands. I could just go home and listen to the album and imagine the live performance, but I pay extra money to see the interactions between band members and feel that collective joy of being in the crowd with others that agree that the band is worthy of our Earthly dollars. The crowd gave me the shits on this occasion though *shakes fist.
  

 John Steel Singers - 04/12

John Steel Singers are a band to be seen live. I do believe I have seen them three times this year *I am not a stalker*. This time they were headlining their own show. One which I was going to miss because of said highly important job with ridiculous hours. HARK! The universe had other plans and I got a joyous email from a OAF telling me that I had won a ticket and could go.

The Band was great (as expected). The crowd... hmmm. It was like being at a fucking Reunion. These people could not shut up for 40 minutes???? Firstly I was behind a couple who must of been on one of their first dates. Much slight touching, awkward chatting and standing a little close but not very close. I really don't like witnessing flirting. It doesn't make me feel uncomfortable but not in an awkward way, shits me would be the right phrase. Actually the right phrase would be me saying "get over yourself".  Cynic... me????

Chatty fuckers at a gig especially shit me because you (and I) have paid money to see these people do there thing, so watch it. Maybe I'm just so annoyed (disappointed) because they are such an awesome live band. Go forth and see them. Read their blog too.

The next few days... not so eventful.

Sign - 05/12

I want this sign. Seen in Newtown near my hairdressers. My Hairdresser has left me. Abandoned. Feelin' it because I have a mass of cowlicks and she has been the only one to conquer my mop and give me a reasonable amount of style with very little effort required by me. I'll be looking like a wild woman soon.

True Blood - 06/12

You can buy True Blood! Saw it at Dymocks. Debated about giving it to Sis as a shoddy Christmas gift. Maybe I will if I can't think of anything. Nothing says love like a cheap unusable reference to a TV show that we both enjoy.

- A

The Wind Cries Mary

What's that? Been missing the dinner posts! Fear not. If I were to line up all my dinner posts I doubt I would be able to tell the difference. It's pretty much the same meal.

 Same meal, slightly better photography - 13/10

I have short hair. Considering my hectic, mega busy lifestyle it is handy. Mile a minute is how my life is best described. I have a mega HUGE cowlick though. To combat this we (my hairdresser and I) decided to cut it shorter hoping it would do something that sounded good when I was slightly comatose in the chair after incredible lack of sleep. She also offered me a lollie (sugar) when I told how tired I was. After sucking on it she let me know it was in fact a prune lollie ?????? She must have seen my gagging face. Throughout the day all my efforts in taming the balcony go to waste. I could probably hide something under it.

 It's hard taking a photo of the forehead - 14/10

Cloud Control gig was a gift from T. The gift was a ticket, not the show itself. Tried to not take many photos as I did want to enjoy it and The Metro has fairly shit lighting that I am yet to figure out how to photograph. Check them out if you can. Seekae were also there to get the crowds pumped. I was suitably enthused especially after their sampling of Super Mario Bros music.

Cloud Control - 15/10

Been a bit windy in Syd. People honestly loose their shit in this city when there is unseasonable weather. Admittedly 285km may be a bit of a reason to freak out. I was on the bus the other day when a slight smattering of rain started. Cue: people running straight into each other. Everyone look down and run there is water falling from the sky. Water falling from the sky, can you believe it???

 Wind is hard to photograph - 16/10

Mary Mackillop became a Saint. I will readily admit my ignorance. I knew not much of this lady. I am not completely detached, I had heard her name bandied about. This was all to go down on Sunday. I finished work at 11 near North Sydney, her church is in North Sydney. The planets aligned and I knew I had to go. This point further hit home as Alexisonfire 'The Northern' came on my iPod as I rounded to corner and saw all the folk waiting to get their religion on. 

It is not my intention to make light of this situation.

I had this idea as to what it would be like going to Mary's church. A place that she set up to help people, to educate people, to live and in the end she actually dies there. I did not think I would have to put up with people shoving and chanting protest slogans after having at a gate for 10 mins. They had to wait because Mass was still on. Hmmmm. Talked to a volunteer there by the name of Bette. She said she was a Joey's girl back in the day and left in '34. Odd to think Saint Mary had only just passed as Bette was coming to school age.

The museum there is informative and well put together. Learnt more about the Sister of Saint Joseph. After getting sick of the people I decided to hang about in the garden and listen to the singing. Took the plunge and actually took my camera off auto!

There was only two planting of the Mary Mackillop Rose in bloom. Apparently they only really come out in July.

The Rose -17/10

My Mum used to make me tha coolest lunches! I remember a few times when kids would look in my lunch box and exclaim that I did indeed have a great lunch. Yeah, I am awesome. Ma used to get obscure treat things and chuck them in. I swear we got these once. Because of Halloween all these top treats are coming out.

Ghostys - 18/10

I update on the book of face that there was a fog machine on sale at ALDI. Whoa, did people comment. I honestly did stand there for a moment debated the necessity of a fog machine. One litre of fog lasts for an hour. At $40 I think it is a bargain though.

- A

How awesome am I that I was able to figure out a song that related to two parts of the post! Genius would not be an understatement