Today is December 31st, 2010, where over the last couple days I assessed the year and realised, 2010 was a fairly average year. This year was meant to be a year of big change, such as returning to study, gaining employment in a new area, gaining new friendships and strengthening already established ones. 2010 was meant to be a year where financial stress was minimal, where I would be living in my ideal setting, and learn new skills and have more hobbies. 2010 was meant to be the year of change.
Some of them items mentioned above was true, while a lot of them never occurred. The problem I face is I always think big in my head, I always think about what I want to do, how I'm going to do it, the pros and cons of doing it. The problem isn't thinking, but more so, just thinking. I remember after my first term of TAFE I wrote down everything I wanted to improve on in the second term, at the end of second term I looked back at that list and noticed I didn't improve a damn thing. Why? Because I talk the talk, but never walk the walk. This is where 2011 comes into play.
I could act all deep and meaningful and spit out stuff like '2011, 11 being pure of containing two 1's. 1 is seen to be fresh, new, worldly....' blah blah blah, but basically, the world is suppose to end in 2012, so no point waiting til then to do anything about it. So what am I exactly yabbing on about? Basically I want to have a record of my "resolutions" so in 6 months time, I will check back and see if I'm track.
I encourage everything to do this, whether it is paper version, online, a word document, scribbled on bark or whatever. Write down what you want to achieve this year, can be as big as you, as little as you want. Write down the kind of life you desire, who you hope to be heading in 2012. Once written down, go to your calender, whether it's one hanging on the kitchen cupboard, or your phone and leave a message on June 25th "Check goals from new year" Then check them out, and see how you are doing. Repeat this as often as you like, but make sure you have reminders.
Now what do I want to achieve in 2011? What didn't I achieve this year but smash in next year? There is a few things which I will dilvuge to you.
* Rid myself of unwanted debts and be on track financially - Now unless I win a big raffle or lotto or somehow acquire a large sum of money, I won't be rid of all my debts next year as I have a large loan to pay off. However, I would like rid myself of overdue payments to the bank, overdue phone bills and debts with family members. It's never good feeling that you can't buy a new shirt because you need to pay someone else back. As for getting on track financially, I want to start a solid savings. I would have to be the worst saver, so I essentially want to have two forms of savings, one in a secure bank account where I save 5-10% of my net income each week, regardless. The second being a very secure, high-tech safe, where I store all the shrappers, cold coins and $5 to $10 notes found in my pocket the morning after a night out, or just any change I have lying around. This high-tech safe, they can cost around $2, sometimes $3, so I need to find a good special. I want to be able to improve my credit rating, because in a couple years I would like to consider buying or building a house, so I'd need a good credit history and money saved.
* Gain employment - At the moment, employment can mean anything from Macca's to labourer, to well anything that will provide an income. Ideally towards the end of year, after Octoberish, I'd like to gain employment in my future industry of building design, but for the time being, I'd be happy flipping burgers.
* Improve at guitar - I want to just keep self-teaching myself guitar, and get to the stage where I could play a bunch of songs comfortable. This is mostly a way to relax, reduce stress, increase my creativity and just help protrude the image I desire.
* 85% + - In order to be even considered for a university degree by the current course I'm undertaking, I need to have an average of 85% in assessments of the final year. Now I'm not sure how that works exactly because there is a third year, but in this second year, I don't want to submit an assessment which will score less than 85%. I should be aiming for 100%, but just being realistic here. Ideally anything above 90% would be awesome, and that would be my main aim.
* Improve my living conditions - At the moment I am living in a shared household, paying $60 rent a week, which is excellent. I like it here, housemates are good, and I don't see myself up-and-moving in 2011. What I mean by improving my living condition is becoming a better housemate, by cleaning, doing dishes and the like more often. I also want to get in the habit of doing proper shopping trips and having proper meals.
* Gain proper weight - The other day I weighed myself, and the little screen read 55kg. At 22 years old, 55kg, I'm lucky a small breeze doesn't send me flying. Most people in the new year aim to lose weight, well I am aiming to gain it. I could gorge myself on Maccas, KFC and the like, but no. I'd be cutting, or heavily reducing junk food, and focus on meats, diary, veggies, fruits and gain the weight properly. This will also include a fitness program, but the end goal weight is unknown yet. By 2012, I don't want to be weighing in at 55kg.
In 2011 I want to rename it to "Project Anthony". I want 2011 to be the year where I work on myself, improving myself, gaining the confidence, skills and experiences to really see a difference in myself. They say "Nobody can love you, until you can love yourself" At the moment, I don't love myself, that is why in 2011, I will work on "Project Anthony" which in turn will allow me to eventually love myself because of all the positive changes that will occurring because of me. I encourage you all to do the same, make 2011 to be your "Project" year, where you just work on yourself. Write everything down, write it down in detail, write it in vague, write it in crayon, just write it down! Keep referring back to it throughout the year, and get excited about the positive changes you are making in your life. If you have something small and trivial you want to change, or add, like "Learn the worm" write it down and achieve it. After successfully doing the worm, you can scribble it off your list, and celebrate with a worm dance!
To be honest, there are plenty more things I could write about what I want to change, or add in my life, or take away, but rather than let you all know about it straight up, I will let you be surprised when I actually achieve them. A bucket list will be made over the year, and hopefully during the year I will have some good stories to tell ya'all.
From The One They Anthony, This Is The Life & Times
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Dreams
The first word I stumbled across was "DREAMS" so now I have to blog about it. However, there are two types of dreams I could get into, dreams like our hopes, main goals in life, like I dream of owning a mansion. Or, there is the other dream which occurs when we are in deep sleep. I think you guys might enjoy reading about some of the dreams I have been having lately....
One dream I had the other week was very weird, and it involved me and a certain girl. It was morning, and we are both on the couch, talking, then the topic of morning wee came up, and we started talking about how long we can go without taking that much needed wee-wee. All this talk must of triggered my blatter because I woke up and needed to wee something shocking. Also, for those who would like to know, the longest I've gone withholding my morning pee is 4 or so hours.
One time last year I dreamt I was playing footy, and when I woke up, I noticed I was spooning with my football, which is strange because my football was in the wardrobe when I went to sleep.
Anyway, making this blog short, I just had to follow the rules.
From The One They Call Anthony, This Is The Life & Times
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Fully Sick Car Bro
After having a brief conversation with someone, they said they were in a 'fully sik car cuttin laps' and this just triggered this blog. This blog is my vent about all the douchebags out there with their 'fully sick car bro' and their behaviour, which has quite a direct correlation.
First off, this will appear offensive, and may even appear prejudice, and some of my friends might get pissed off but who cares. This is my opinion, and living in Australia gives me the freedom to express my views and opinions.
So what is a typical fully sick car bro? Usually one which contains excessive subwoofers, an often illegal exhaust, usually chrome rims, sometimes a custom paint job or decals (and should your back windscreen has the sticker "UNIT" or something of that kind, congratulations, you are officially a loser) and other small modifications which are pointless.
Why does one do it? Because girls think their car is hot? Perhaps, but I'd rather have a girl like me for my unique personality, than the car I drive. Most girls, not saying all girls, but most, who usually go on about some guys car, or only goes out with a guy with a fully sick car is shallow, and not the girl you would want to bring home. So what if you are dating a girl who just loves your fully sick car bro? Well it would be a pretty expensive relationship, because no doubt she wants you to drive everywhere, and sometimes just cut some laps brah. Due to your douchebaggy ways, your car probably chews up quite a lot of petrol also, so enjoy footing that bill. Oh and also your girlfriend's need for salad, water, rice crackers and big bug-eyed sunglasses. Yes I'm stereotyping, big whoop!
What else annoys me about this craze? It is just a big waste of money! Putting some subwoofers and lowering your car isn't going to increase the resale value of your car. I hope you realise that a brand new car's value can drop thousands of dollars as soon as you drive it out of the dealership. It is practically impossible to make a profit selling a car, unless you are shady as all hell. So why throw thousands of dollars into all these little modifications and features and not expect a return? Truth be told, when someone goes to buy a car, and see all these modifications, the first thing that should spring to mind is "Hmm, wonder if they flog the crap out this car?" 99% of the time, the car has been driven into the ground, so the value would be a lot less than intended.
Once again I am stereotyping here, but just about every fully sick car bro has a hoon driver. The people who drive these sorts of cars are usually the ones caught speeding, doing burnouts and all these other hoonish acts. They complain and sook about how police target them because of their car, well geez I wonder why, probably because a lot of accidents are caused by you douches.
Back on the money issue, why spend say $10k on modifying a car? This could be an extreme case, I don't know how much it actually costs, I just did a google and clicked on the first page. $10,000 could be a nice little deposit on a block of land, which can be a profitable investment, and a smart investment. Or that $10,000 could take someone on a nice holiday, or feed yourself for about 3.5 years, or pay rent for about 2 years or so. Yes most mods don't occur at once, you might slowly do it, like a $400 mod there, a $100 mod here, a $1,000 mod there, but why not put that money in a bank account and let interest build up? Or maybe buy some shares?
What is the purpose of having a fully sick car bro? Let's put your suped up 2005 Toyota Supra up against my 1998 Toyota Camry, stock standard baby, yeahhh! If we were to obey road rules, and had the same flow of traffic and all the other variables the same, we would get from Point A to Point B in the same amount of time. My camry is going to get me to where I want to go, no troubles, and I have a strong feeling police aren't going to bother me in my car. What is the point of having your car so lowered that you have to be having 1km/hr to go over normal size speed humps so you don't scrap your bumper? Or entering/exiting driveways, you would scrap the shizz out of it. There is a driveway that enters into a car park that is steep that even in my car when I go as slow as possible, there is a little scrap, so imagine that in a fully sick car bro.
Basically I'm asking the big questions. What is the point? Why spend all that money? Why do you do it? Some may argue that the point is to have a good car. Again, why? Sure if someone offered me a Lambo, I'd take it, but if someone offered me a Supra all done up, I wouldn't want it. This type of thing may be some people's interest, hobby and that, but I just don't see what all the fuss is about.
From The One They Anthony, This Is The Life & Times
P.S. Driving down a main road with your windows down, music up excessively loud with some bassy black rapper music on doesn't make you look cool, it makes you look like a total douchebag wannabe cool-guy-but-end-up-looking-like-a-complete-loser
First off, this will appear offensive, and may even appear prejudice, and some of my friends might get pissed off but who cares. This is my opinion, and living in Australia gives me the freedom to express my views and opinions.
So what is a typical fully sick car bro? Usually one which contains excessive subwoofers, an often illegal exhaust, usually chrome rims, sometimes a custom paint job or decals (and should your back windscreen has the sticker "UNIT" or something of that kind, congratulations, you are officially a loser) and other small modifications which are pointless.
Why does one do it? Because girls think their car is hot? Perhaps, but I'd rather have a girl like me for my unique personality, than the car I drive. Most girls, not saying all girls, but most, who usually go on about some guys car, or only goes out with a guy with a fully sick car is shallow, and not the girl you would want to bring home. So what if you are dating a girl who just loves your fully sick car bro? Well it would be a pretty expensive relationship, because no doubt she wants you to drive everywhere, and sometimes just cut some laps brah. Due to your douchebaggy ways, your car probably chews up quite a lot of petrol also, so enjoy footing that bill. Oh and also your girlfriend's need for salad, water, rice crackers and big bug-eyed sunglasses. Yes I'm stereotyping, big whoop!
What else annoys me about this craze? It is just a big waste of money! Putting some subwoofers and lowering your car isn't going to increase the resale value of your car. I hope you realise that a brand new car's value can drop thousands of dollars as soon as you drive it out of the dealership. It is practically impossible to make a profit selling a car, unless you are shady as all hell. So why throw thousands of dollars into all these little modifications and features and not expect a return? Truth be told, when someone goes to buy a car, and see all these modifications, the first thing that should spring to mind is "Hmm, wonder if they flog the crap out this car?" 99% of the time, the car has been driven into the ground, so the value would be a lot less than intended.
Once again I am stereotyping here, but just about every fully sick car bro has a hoon driver. The people who drive these sorts of cars are usually the ones caught speeding, doing burnouts and all these other hoonish acts. They complain and sook about how police target them because of their car, well geez I wonder why, probably because a lot of accidents are caused by you douches.
Back on the money issue, why spend say $10k on modifying a car? This could be an extreme case, I don't know how much it actually costs, I just did a google and clicked on the first page. $10,000 could be a nice little deposit on a block of land, which can be a profitable investment, and a smart investment. Or that $10,000 could take someone on a nice holiday, or feed yourself for about 3.5 years, or pay rent for about 2 years or so. Yes most mods don't occur at once, you might slowly do it, like a $400 mod there, a $100 mod here, a $1,000 mod there, but why not put that money in a bank account and let interest build up? Or maybe buy some shares?
What is the purpose of having a fully sick car bro? Let's put your suped up 2005 Toyota Supra up against my 1998 Toyota Camry, stock standard baby, yeahhh! If we were to obey road rules, and had the same flow of traffic and all the other variables the same, we would get from Point A to Point B in the same amount of time. My camry is going to get me to where I want to go, no troubles, and I have a strong feeling police aren't going to bother me in my car. What is the point of having your car so lowered that you have to be having 1km/hr to go over normal size speed humps so you don't scrap your bumper? Or entering/exiting driveways, you would scrap the shizz out of it. There is a driveway that enters into a car park that is steep that even in my car when I go as slow as possible, there is a little scrap, so imagine that in a fully sick car bro.
Basically I'm asking the big questions. What is the point? Why spend all that money? Why do you do it? Some may argue that the point is to have a good car. Again, why? Sure if someone offered me a Lambo, I'd take it, but if someone offered me a Supra all done up, I wouldn't want it. This type of thing may be some people's interest, hobby and that, but I just don't see what all the fuss is about.
From The One They Anthony, This Is The Life & Times
P.S. Driving down a main road with your windows down, music up excessively loud with some bassy black rapper music on doesn't make you look cool, it makes you look like a total douchebag wannabe cool-guy-but-end-up-looking-like-a-complete-loser
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
The Year That Was TwentyTen
With the end of the year approaching, I thought it would be fitting to give a brief run-down on my year, which has been a real experience...
Jan - Still in Melbourne until the 10th, then made the move back home. Unemployed but was doing odd jobs around the house.
Feb - TAFE started and I met my future wife (she doesn't know this yet). Still unemployed, but looking for local work
Mar - Mostly consisted of me being cool and looking for work. Had a couple interviews but nothing concrete.
April - Was quite a big month. Had a interview at Wodonga Safeway which looked very promising. had my brothers wedding in Sydney and it was my birthday.
May - Finally got a job!! Woo! Was also crashing at a friends place on their couch when needed.
Jun - Wrecked a friendship which was hard on me.
Jul - The greatest, bestest blog everest started. The beard was shaved. Things were tough overall, couch hopping.Had my second birthday for the year, boy I'm getting old fast. Slept in my car for the first time.
Aug - Watched Billy Maddison and proceeded to write a status update for all the great quotes. Started house hunting, couch hopping and sleeping in the car was still the 'in' thing.
Sep - The 'Oh No' era began. Still looking for a house and has a encounter with the police about being in my car at 1am.Start my job at the cinema, so now working two jobs.
Oct - Continued sleeping in my car, and travelling between work and home some days. Was taken off the roster at the cinema, so considered 'fired'. It had been 7 years since mum passed away, still not easy.Finally moved into a house, although they were considered complete strangers at the time, fast becoming friends.
Nov - Experienced my third birthday for the year, held my little niece and claimed "Favourite Uncle" TAFE finished up for the year, and I rocked the month with a exceptional mo!
Dec - It appeared to be the month I lost my job and got my phone cut off. But enjoyed a good Christmas. Looking very forward to ending this year but, and starting fresh in 2011.
So that was basically twentyten, I now hope 2011 will be much kinder to me. Looking back, it seems I had 2-3 months of bad, 2-3 months of good, 2-3 months of bad, etc etc.
This was the year where I was jobless again, the year I was sleeping out of my car, the year my facebook was hacked on a regular basis, but damn it, this year will make for a excellent chapter in my book.
From The One They Call Anthony, This Is The Life & Times
Jan - Still in Melbourne until the 10th, then made the move back home. Unemployed but was doing odd jobs around the house.
Feb - TAFE started and I met my future wife (she doesn't know this yet). Still unemployed, but looking for local work
Mar - Mostly consisted of me being cool and looking for work. Had a couple interviews but nothing concrete.
April - Was quite a big month. Had a interview at Wodonga Safeway which looked very promising. had my brothers wedding in Sydney and it was my birthday.
May - Finally got a job!! Woo! Was also crashing at a friends place on their couch when needed.
Jun - Wrecked a friendship which was hard on me.
Jul - The greatest, bestest blog everest started. The beard was shaved. Things were tough overall, couch hopping.Had my second birthday for the year, boy I'm getting old fast. Slept in my car for the first time.
Aug - Watched Billy Maddison and proceeded to write a status update for all the great quotes. Started house hunting, couch hopping and sleeping in the car was still the 'in' thing.
Sep - The 'Oh No' era began. Still looking for a house and has a encounter with the police about being in my car at 1am.Start my job at the cinema, so now working two jobs.
Oct - Continued sleeping in my car, and travelling between work and home some days. Was taken off the roster at the cinema, so considered 'fired'. It had been 7 years since mum passed away, still not easy.Finally moved into a house, although they were considered complete strangers at the time, fast becoming friends.
Nov - Experienced my third birthday for the year, held my little niece and claimed "Favourite Uncle" TAFE finished up for the year, and I rocked the month with a exceptional mo!
Dec - It appeared to be the month I lost my job and got my phone cut off. But enjoyed a good Christmas. Looking very forward to ending this year but, and starting fresh in 2011.
So that was basically twentyten, I now hope 2011 will be much kinder to me. Looking back, it seems I had 2-3 months of bad, 2-3 months of good, 2-3 months of bad, etc etc.
This was the year where I was jobless again, the year I was sleeping out of my car, the year my facebook was hacked on a regular basis, but damn it, this year will make for a excellent chapter in my book.
From The One They Call Anthony, This Is The Life & Times
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
There Goes That Plan
So I sit here frustrated as all hell, a little worried with a sprinkle of screwed, blogging. With TAFE finished for the year, and summer holidays now very much in progress, I've noticed that this wasn't the way I wanted to spend it. Rather being all cryptic like, I'll be straight forward with this blog.
Towards the end of TAFE I had two plans which revolved around my holidays.
Plan #1 - Work at Safeway but get my hours reduced to like 10hrs a week or something, and get a full-time job during the day. I was looking at places like Cotton On and JayJays as a Christmas casual. I wanted a day job where I work during the day, and since the stores aren't open late, it gave me time at night to relax, or do a shift or two.
Plan #2 - Work at Safeway with increased hours, and get some work experience with a design firm. This could have tired me out something shocking, as I'd need to work a lot to live, and do work for free during the day.
I then decided I wanted to use this summer to make money, so I can save up for uni in a couple years, and worry about experience next summer. So I started looking for a second day job, and applied for a couple, but no responses. I thought, 'No big deal, I can keep looking, I still get a income from Safeway'
The last two weeks of TAFE, which was the busiest time of the year with assessments due, work was giving me 20-25hr weeks, which I just couldn't do. The first week I did it, and I ended up going to TAFE on the Wednesday from 9-5, came home to work on assessments, then went to work from 8-3am, then continued working on assessments, pulled an all-nighter, went to TAFE on the Thursday from 9-5, then worked from 8-12am, then finally slept. This killed me, and I knew I couldn't do this again, so I left a note at work saying I couldn't do some shifts the next week. I went in and did the shifts I could, checked next weeks roster, only to find no shifts....
That wasn't such a big deal because I could of lasted one week without work, but then I was hoping for a phone call. Fast forward 3-4 weeks now, and still no shifts. I approached the department manager about it and he said there was no work around, which was BS. Anyway, the main point is, I haven't had work for about a month now. This is the summer holidays where I want to work a lot, and the irony being they gave me work when I couldn't do it, and haven't given me work when I can.
So there goes that plan.
I thought then, f' them, I'll find a new job, which hasn't ended in the desired result. Most jobs around the area are for skilled workers, like for today's paper for example...
Graduate accountant
GIS contractor
Chef
Truck drivers
Presser
Quad dog driver
Shed erectors
Tyre fitter
They were the bulk of jobs, I could not find a job I could apply for. Sure there was a Trainee aftersales assistant, but I'm not looking for a traineeship because I already have a large study commitment. Saturday's paper was not much better, advertising jobs for teachers, professors, accountants, drivers, everything under the sun which I couldn't apply for.
If I'm to find a job, I need like a cafe job (low money and crappy work, but requires next-to-no experience), or a pizza delivery driver, or another supermarket job. Thought about the old Maccas, KFC and that, but I've applied for them jobs about 8 times each, and I've figured out why I can't get a job. Why would they want to pay a 22 year old $21/hr when they could get a 16 year old to work for $10/hr....
My brother then encouraged me to apply for a job as a designer/draftsman/anything in industry they may have for me. So I got a resume all done up, got a portfolio of my work for the year gather up in a nice display folder and hit a few builders. You can read about my efforts below.
It would appear most places wouldn't be hiring until the new year, so I need to hit it again after that. But, it still leaves me jobless, and the possibility of being jobless until the new year, which isn't good at all. I've applied for Centrelink again, and waiting to get a letter back from the landlord so I can continue with it, which might be able to keep my head above water for the time being, but certainly not to live.
So now that vision I had for summer, care-free, fun, hanging out, working and all that junk, has been dismantled. I now face a stressful summer, with no money go out and enjoy and reward myself, having to deal with banks and phone companies and looking for work. It's funny, I remembered I wrote a blog about looking for a job, well now it's time to practice what I preach.....
From The One They Call Anthony, This Is The Life & Times
Towards the end of TAFE I had two plans which revolved around my holidays.
Plan #1 - Work at Safeway but get my hours reduced to like 10hrs a week or something, and get a full-time job during the day. I was looking at places like Cotton On and JayJays as a Christmas casual. I wanted a day job where I work during the day, and since the stores aren't open late, it gave me time at night to relax, or do a shift or two.
Plan #2 - Work at Safeway with increased hours, and get some work experience with a design firm. This could have tired me out something shocking, as I'd need to work a lot to live, and do work for free during the day.
I then decided I wanted to use this summer to make money, so I can save up for uni in a couple years, and worry about experience next summer. So I started looking for a second day job, and applied for a couple, but no responses. I thought, 'No big deal, I can keep looking, I still get a income from Safeway'
The last two weeks of TAFE, which was the busiest time of the year with assessments due, work was giving me 20-25hr weeks, which I just couldn't do. The first week I did it, and I ended up going to TAFE on the Wednesday from 9-5, came home to work on assessments, then went to work from 8-3am, then continued working on assessments, pulled an all-nighter, went to TAFE on the Thursday from 9-5, then worked from 8-12am, then finally slept. This killed me, and I knew I couldn't do this again, so I left a note at work saying I couldn't do some shifts the next week. I went in and did the shifts I could, checked next weeks roster, only to find no shifts....
That wasn't such a big deal because I could of lasted one week without work, but then I was hoping for a phone call. Fast forward 3-4 weeks now, and still no shifts. I approached the department manager about it and he said there was no work around, which was BS. Anyway, the main point is, I haven't had work for about a month now. This is the summer holidays where I want to work a lot, and the irony being they gave me work when I couldn't do it, and haven't given me work when I can.
So there goes that plan.
I thought then, f' them, I'll find a new job, which hasn't ended in the desired result. Most jobs around the area are for skilled workers, like for today's paper for example...
Graduate accountant
GIS contractor
Chef
Truck drivers
Presser
Quad dog driver
Shed erectors
Tyre fitter
They were the bulk of jobs, I could not find a job I could apply for. Sure there was a Trainee aftersales assistant, but I'm not looking for a traineeship because I already have a large study commitment. Saturday's paper was not much better, advertising jobs for teachers, professors, accountants, drivers, everything under the sun which I couldn't apply for.
If I'm to find a job, I need like a cafe job (low money and crappy work, but requires next-to-no experience), or a pizza delivery driver, or another supermarket job. Thought about the old Maccas, KFC and that, but I've applied for them jobs about 8 times each, and I've figured out why I can't get a job. Why would they want to pay a 22 year old $21/hr when they could get a 16 year old to work for $10/hr....
My brother then encouraged me to apply for a job as a designer/draftsman/anything in industry they may have for me. So I got a resume all done up, got a portfolio of my work for the year gather up in a nice display folder and hit a few builders. You can read about my efforts below.
It would appear most places wouldn't be hiring until the new year, so I need to hit it again after that. But, it still leaves me jobless, and the possibility of being jobless until the new year, which isn't good at all. I've applied for Centrelink again, and waiting to get a letter back from the landlord so I can continue with it, which might be able to keep my head above water for the time being, but certainly not to live.
So now that vision I had for summer, care-free, fun, hanging out, working and all that junk, has been dismantled. I now face a stressful summer, with no money go out and enjoy and reward myself, having to deal with banks and phone companies and looking for work. It's funny, I remembered I wrote a blog about looking for a job, well now it's time to practice what I preach.....
From The One They Call Anthony, This Is The Life & Times
Sunday, December 19, 2010
The Path That Lead Me Here
It's 1:44am, since about 3:00pm, maybe a bit earlier, I've been working on a design for a beach-house, I had all the plans drawn in AutoCAD, but I wanted to practice Revit, seeing it will be the main program next year. I got the floor plan up, walls, roof, landscaping, and even been working on neighbouring properties (very basic however, just to show context), and I even added in the beach and ocean. Then after the program crashed and lost a bit of my work (just some neighbouring buildings, and the beach/ocean extended) I sat back, compressed my anger, and in that moment I thought back to around this time last year where my journey started. Below is a quick render of the beach house I've been working on, still not completed, but getting close.
I remember being 15 or so and buying a landscape program where you could design your own gardens for houses, and I had so much fun with it. I then also got a job working for a lady down the street doing her gardening and small landscape projects (mostly me digging a trench in summer). It seemed I had quite an interest in gardening, uhh I mean landscaping, especially the design. Actually, it seemed I had a keen interest in just design, as for about a week when I was 16/17, I wanted to be a graphics designer, then there was the trial as a sign writer. Anyway, not part of the main story.
While I was living in Melbourne working at Safeway, I was browsing Seek.com.au hoping to find a way out, then I stumbled across a job ad. "Landscape Design Apprenticeship" I don't have the ad in front of me anymore, but basically it was an apprenticeship to become a landscape designer (not an architect) and this was exactly the thing I've always wanted to do. So I applied for the job, sadly, I did not get it. While the outcome was heartbreaking, it did spark something, so I researched landscape architecture courses, landscape design courses and the like, emailed landscape architects and went on this mad spree about this field.
I spoke to a landscape architect who informed me it was very difficult to get a job, and maybe I should consider architecture. This got me thinking, so I looked up architecture courses and saw the UAI required and my heart sunk. You needed something like a 93 or something crazy like that, and I did not come anywhere near that in my UAI. Then again, I'd be applying as Mature-Aged Student (ha! far from mature but) so the UAI was not a big factor, then I read about portfolio, work history and all that relating to architecture. The closest I had was some landscape work as a 15 year old kid, and some very, VERY, minor labouring hours with my dad.
While I was looking up architecture jobs on seek, and there was heaps out there, I saw some for building designer. Putting all my faith into Google, it popped up! Not legally an architect, but allowed to design buildings. Perfect! Requirements was a TAFE qualification which ran for 3 years, and there were a few places that offered it, including two campus' close to where I was living at the time, and Wodonga.
When I was able to, I changed my uni preferences (which were up until that point all health/fitness related) and chucked the two nearby campus, which was NMIT, as 1st and 2nd, Wodonga as 3rd, RMIT 4th, and a couple architecture courses for the rest.
So after countless emails between both NMIT and Wodonga, a interview with Wodonga was set-up and I was very exciting. I got all dressed up, in a shirt, vest, suit pants, my sexy black shoes, and I think I even had a tie, not sure, jumped in my car and head down to Wodonga. Now I'm not sure exactly the date, but basing it on my work roster, it had to have been a Wednesday, because I spent all day down in the Donga. I remember leaving at a beautiful 4am, as my interview was at 11am, and I like to be early, punctual is very important. I made such good time I got there a bit too early, and with it only being 9am, not many places were open to kill time, so I just went down to the river and sat on the bench, sipping on a Red Bull.
That time rolled around and I headed to the campus, where I met a old, but very nice fellow, Tim O'Keefe. Little did I know this man would become the greatest teacher I've ever had, but that's a whole different blog. Most interviews I've heard is that you need work, or a portfolio or something, but I didn't have that, all I had was me and my personality. So he asked me a bunch of questions, including why I wanted to study the course, any exposure to building design at all, and my skill level of computers. There was some extended truths, but all-in-all I think it went well, and he informed me looking over my answers, I'd get a place in the course. This was such great news to hear, but then it forced me to decide where I would study, live, work.......
After catching up with a friend, and the family, I made the trip back to Melbourne, returning at like 11pm or 12am or something like that. A couple days later I was emailing NMIT, trying to organise a interview, but there was a lack of communication, even when I tried ringing. Then a week later I got a letter from Wodonga TAFE saying I got an offer into the Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) and if I wanted a spot, I had to ring an attend orientation day. At this moment I wanted to stay in Melbourne, so I sent NMIT an email saying that they were my top preference in my VTAC, and that I got an offer from Wodonga, and I wanted to know if I had a chance of getting a spot because I couldn't get a interview in. I got a email back the next day saying that if I didn't get a offer, give them a ring and they would work it out.
A week or so passed and I made the decision to go to Wodonga, as Melbourne was expensive, my lease was running out, housemates were ditching me (can't blame them but!) and needed to find somewhere to stay. All of these con's made me decide to move back home, which had lots of positives.
When the offers came out, I wasn't in a mad rush to check as I already had a place in the course I wanted, but was interesting to see what I got. Turns out I got my first preference of Advanced Diploma of Building Design & Technology (pretty much exactly the same course I think) at NMIT Preston Campus. I had instructions of attending their orientation day and enrol, however, I declined the offer and did the exact same with Wodonga.
Looking back, you can't help but wonder what my life would have been like if I took the NMIT offer. At the start of the year when I was jobless, broke and the like, Melbourne looked so much better. But if I go to imagine now, it is scary because I've made some very good friends, the teachers have been great, and I even met the girl of my dreams until she crushed my heart! Ha, not really, I was just friend-zoned, hope she doesn't read this, oh well. So if I took the NMIT, I wouldn't have met her (and we are now very close friends), BUT, I would of had my job at Safeway still, continuing to earn an income, I had a couple close friends from work but I'm sure I would have made heaps at TAFE. If I just had a offer accepted for a room in Melbourne, everything would be different, apparently it's like some movie where a butterfly flaps it's wings and everything ca change.
It has been a bumpy path, council should really look at filling in the potholes, but am I happy where I am right now? Well, I just completed my first year of TAFE, and even though it's just TAFE, it's actually a huge accomplishment because I have been so use to quitting right near the end of completing things. I now live in town with a bunch of nice homies, and it sure beats travelling 200km a day, or sleeping on a couch, or sleeping in my car. I've made some awesome friends where I believe lots of beverages will be consumed between us all. Downsides? After working all year, well, since May, work has been so kind and given me a lovely holiday, which is a pain being a casual employee, they can do that.
Right now I am imagining my life if I took the NMIT offer, and here is what I can gather. I would of had low money troubles because I had a contract with work, so I had set hours every week, all I would have done was either switch some shifts around, or lose 1 or 2, but then apply for Centrelink and get some back. I know for a fact, if I'm in the same environment, whether it's work, school or sport, everyone ends up loving me, so I would have made plenty of friends at TAFE. That's about all I can see, which means my year would have been fairly cruisey, which would have been great compared to the year I've had, but again, that's a whole new blog.
So do I regret my decision? Not at all! I've had a very up-and-down year, I've shared some good times with great people, and look forward to continuing it in the new year. I kind of went of track a bit from my main point, which was, I started out wanting to do landscape design, then landscape architecture, then architecture, but ended up doing building design, then looking to do architecture in a couple years. Wow, my whole blog summed up in 28 words, hope you enjoyed reading all the crap I just spilled! Til next time....
From The One They Call Anthony, This Is The Life & Times
I remember being 15 or so and buying a landscape program where you could design your own gardens for houses, and I had so much fun with it. I then also got a job working for a lady down the street doing her gardening and small landscape projects (mostly me digging a trench in summer). It seemed I had quite an interest in gardening, uhh I mean landscaping, especially the design. Actually, it seemed I had a keen interest in just design, as for about a week when I was 16/17, I wanted to be a graphics designer, then there was the trial as a sign writer. Anyway, not part of the main story.
While I was living in Melbourne working at Safeway, I was browsing Seek.com.au hoping to find a way out, then I stumbled across a job ad. "Landscape Design Apprenticeship" I don't have the ad in front of me anymore, but basically it was an apprenticeship to become a landscape designer (not an architect) and this was exactly the thing I've always wanted to do. So I applied for the job, sadly, I did not get it. While the outcome was heartbreaking, it did spark something, so I researched landscape architecture courses, landscape design courses and the like, emailed landscape architects and went on this mad spree about this field.
I spoke to a landscape architect who informed me it was very difficult to get a job, and maybe I should consider architecture. This got me thinking, so I looked up architecture courses and saw the UAI required and my heart sunk. You needed something like a 93 or something crazy like that, and I did not come anywhere near that in my UAI. Then again, I'd be applying as Mature-Aged Student (ha! far from mature but) so the UAI was not a big factor, then I read about portfolio, work history and all that relating to architecture. The closest I had was some landscape work as a 15 year old kid, and some very, VERY, minor labouring hours with my dad.
While I was looking up architecture jobs on seek, and there was heaps out there, I saw some for building designer. Putting all my faith into Google, it popped up! Not legally an architect, but allowed to design buildings. Perfect! Requirements was a TAFE qualification which ran for 3 years, and there were a few places that offered it, including two campus' close to where I was living at the time, and Wodonga.
When I was able to, I changed my uni preferences (which were up until that point all health/fitness related) and chucked the two nearby campus, which was NMIT, as 1st and 2nd, Wodonga as 3rd, RMIT 4th, and a couple architecture courses for the rest.
So after countless emails between both NMIT and Wodonga, a interview with Wodonga was set-up and I was very exciting. I got all dressed up, in a shirt, vest, suit pants, my sexy black shoes, and I think I even had a tie, not sure, jumped in my car and head down to Wodonga. Now I'm not sure exactly the date, but basing it on my work roster, it had to have been a Wednesday, because I spent all day down in the Donga. I remember leaving at a beautiful 4am, as my interview was at 11am, and I like to be early, punctual is very important. I made such good time I got there a bit too early, and with it only being 9am, not many places were open to kill time, so I just went down to the river and sat on the bench, sipping on a Red Bull.
That time rolled around and I headed to the campus, where I met a old, but very nice fellow, Tim O'Keefe. Little did I know this man would become the greatest teacher I've ever had, but that's a whole different blog. Most interviews I've heard is that you need work, or a portfolio or something, but I didn't have that, all I had was me and my personality. So he asked me a bunch of questions, including why I wanted to study the course, any exposure to building design at all, and my skill level of computers. There was some extended truths, but all-in-all I think it went well, and he informed me looking over my answers, I'd get a place in the course. This was such great news to hear, but then it forced me to decide where I would study, live, work.......
After catching up with a friend, and the family, I made the trip back to Melbourne, returning at like 11pm or 12am or something like that. A couple days later I was emailing NMIT, trying to organise a interview, but there was a lack of communication, even when I tried ringing. Then a week later I got a letter from Wodonga TAFE saying I got an offer into the Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) and if I wanted a spot, I had to ring an attend orientation day. At this moment I wanted to stay in Melbourne, so I sent NMIT an email saying that they were my top preference in my VTAC, and that I got an offer from Wodonga, and I wanted to know if I had a chance of getting a spot because I couldn't get a interview in. I got a email back the next day saying that if I didn't get a offer, give them a ring and they would work it out.
A week or so passed and I made the decision to go to Wodonga, as Melbourne was expensive, my lease was running out, housemates were ditching me (can't blame them but!) and needed to find somewhere to stay. All of these con's made me decide to move back home, which had lots of positives.
When the offers came out, I wasn't in a mad rush to check as I already had a place in the course I wanted, but was interesting to see what I got. Turns out I got my first preference of Advanced Diploma of Building Design & Technology (pretty much exactly the same course I think) at NMIT Preston Campus. I had instructions of attending their orientation day and enrol, however, I declined the offer and did the exact same with Wodonga.
Looking back, you can't help but wonder what my life would have been like if I took the NMIT offer. At the start of the year when I was jobless, broke and the like, Melbourne looked so much better. But if I go to imagine now, it is scary because I've made some very good friends, the teachers have been great, and I even met the girl of my dreams until she crushed my heart! Ha, not really, I was just friend-zoned, hope she doesn't read this, oh well. So if I took the NMIT, I wouldn't have met her (and we are now very close friends), BUT, I would of had my job at Safeway still, continuing to earn an income, I had a couple close friends from work but I'm sure I would have made heaps at TAFE. If I just had a offer accepted for a room in Melbourne, everything would be different, apparently it's like some movie where a butterfly flaps it's wings and everything ca change.
It has been a bumpy path, council should really look at filling in the potholes, but am I happy where I am right now? Well, I just completed my first year of TAFE, and even though it's just TAFE, it's actually a huge accomplishment because I have been so use to quitting right near the end of completing things. I now live in town with a bunch of nice homies, and it sure beats travelling 200km a day, or sleeping on a couch, or sleeping in my car. I've made some awesome friends where I believe lots of beverages will be consumed between us all. Downsides? After working all year, well, since May, work has been so kind and given me a lovely holiday, which is a pain being a casual employee, they can do that.
Right now I am imagining my life if I took the NMIT offer, and here is what I can gather. I would of had low money troubles because I had a contract with work, so I had set hours every week, all I would have done was either switch some shifts around, or lose 1 or 2, but then apply for Centrelink and get some back. I know for a fact, if I'm in the same environment, whether it's work, school or sport, everyone ends up loving me, so I would have made plenty of friends at TAFE. That's about all I can see, which means my year would have been fairly cruisey, which would have been great compared to the year I've had, but again, that's a whole new blog.
So do I regret my decision? Not at all! I've had a very up-and-down year, I've shared some good times with great people, and look forward to continuing it in the new year. I kind of went of track a bit from my main point, which was, I started out wanting to do landscape design, then landscape architecture, then architecture, but ended up doing building design, then looking to do architecture in a couple years. Wow, my whole blog summed up in 28 words, hope you enjoyed reading all the crap I just spilled! Til next time....
From The One They Call Anthony, This Is The Life & Times
Friday, December 17, 2010
Lolly Day
Quite possibly the greatest day ever, as a kid we use to have 'Lolly Day'. "What is lolly day?" Glad you asked, during our primary school days, once a fortnight (back then I didn't really know what a fortnight was, so I'm taking a stab) our dearest mum would pick us up from school, in her usual spot, then pull up outside the corner shop. She would proceed to give us $1 each and we got to spend this on lollies!
Now this is going to make me sound really old, but back in my day you could get heaps of lollies for a $1. Around the start of the footy season this year I went to the same shop and bought some lollies for pre-game and half-time consumption. This was the first time I bought lollies like this for a long time, so I thought $1 would be sufficient enough, oh how wrong I was! $1 got me next to no lollies, and it made me depressed!
Back when I was a kid, I remember my favourite lollies being red frogs, racing cars (especially the blue one, this is probably what started my blue cruiser obsession), milk bottles, strawberry's and cream and pineapples. On occasion I'd go for the chocolate frogs, or a packet of fads or big bosses, but why settle for something less than the best.
Of course there was times when we would get $2! This usually occurred after a trip to the local doctor for needles, or we got a good report card. I will admit, I never got $2 Lolly Day for a report card, but, I did get $2 Lolly Day for doctor trips!
These were very fond memories of my childhood, and I still remember one day catching mum stealing lollies out of my bag as I went to get a drink, and me feeling angry. That is, until she tried to give the lollies back she had in her mouth, than I felt a bit ewwey and let her keep the lollies.
This was a simple, affordable option of rewarding us, or just giving us a treat. Sometimes we could get the ultimatum of either having a larger item such as ice-cream or a mars bar and miss the next lolly day, or miss the ice-cream and have that lolly day and still keep the next one. Sometimes it was worth getting the ice-cream, although, there was time where we could buy Paddlepops with our $1! But of course you wouldn't scwonder a potential 2 lolly days on something like a paddlepop or billabong, you would go a heaven or heart (which was mum's favourite ice-cream, so if you got this, you had to be prepared to share).
One day if I am to ever find a girlfriend (hey it could happen!), to whom would become my wife (I'm delightful, no reason why she wouldn't want to marry me), then would then bear me a child or 8 (I would hope she would have sexual intercourse with me), I think I will employ the same ritual and give my kids Lolly Day! However I don't think it would be $1, maybe with inflation it would be maybe $100, but them whippersnappers probably won't have racing cars and red frogs!
From The One They Call Anthony, This Is The Life & Times
Now this is going to make me sound really old, but back in my day you could get heaps of lollies for a $1. Around the start of the footy season this year I went to the same shop and bought some lollies for pre-game and half-time consumption. This was the first time I bought lollies like this for a long time, so I thought $1 would be sufficient enough, oh how wrong I was! $1 got me next to no lollies, and it made me depressed!
Back when I was a kid, I remember my favourite lollies being red frogs, racing cars (especially the blue one, this is probably what started my blue cruiser obsession), milk bottles, strawberry's and cream and pineapples. On occasion I'd go for the chocolate frogs, or a packet of fads or big bosses, but why settle for something less than the best.
Of course there was times when we would get $2! This usually occurred after a trip to the local doctor for needles, or we got a good report card. I will admit, I never got $2 Lolly Day for a report card, but, I did get $2 Lolly Day for doctor trips!
These were very fond memories of my childhood, and I still remember one day catching mum stealing lollies out of my bag as I went to get a drink, and me feeling angry. That is, until she tried to give the lollies back she had in her mouth, than I felt a bit ewwey and let her keep the lollies.
This was a simple, affordable option of rewarding us, or just giving us a treat. Sometimes we could get the ultimatum of either having a larger item such as ice-cream or a mars bar and miss the next lolly day, or miss the ice-cream and have that lolly day and still keep the next one. Sometimes it was worth getting the ice-cream, although, there was time where we could buy Paddlepops with our $1! But of course you wouldn't scwonder a potential 2 lolly days on something like a paddlepop or billabong, you would go a heaven or heart (which was mum's favourite ice-cream, so if you got this, you had to be prepared to share).
One day if I am to ever find a girlfriend (hey it could happen!), to whom would become my wife (I'm delightful, no reason why she wouldn't want to marry me), then would then bear me a child or 8 (I would hope she would have sexual intercourse with me), I think I will employ the same ritual and give my kids Lolly Day! However I don't think it would be $1, maybe with inflation it would be maybe $100, but them whippersnappers probably won't have racing cars and red frogs!
From The One They Call Anthony, This Is The Life & Times
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
The Search For The Job - Day 1
This isn't any old job search, this is the search for THE job. "What is THE job?" you ask, well, basically it's just a job in the industry of building design. If you know me, or have read some of my blog, you should know I've been studying the Advanced Diploma of Building Design at Wodonga TAFE, and just completed my first year. I now have holidays in which I want to work in industry and gain some invaluable experience.
Our search began a couple days back after sending my brother my resume for him to tweak, and myself preparing a portfolio of some of my work for the year. Everything was fully completed yesterday afternoon, both resume and portfolio, and then it was a matter of tracking down who to go see first.
After making a list of prospective employers this morning, I got all dressed up in my vest, tie, shirt and pants, and headed out. First stop was Hadar Homes...
I approached the building, and actually felt a wee (hehe, wee) bit nervous, but I pushed that aside. I spoke with a man, Travis, where I told him what I studied and what I was after. He informed me to get hold of their manager Andrew, as he handles all that business, and he looked like next year should be busy for them. I told him that this was the type of place I'd like to work, and I grabbed Andrew's business card. Travis did tell me Andrew is very difficult to get hold of and track down, but just keep being persistent and it will pay off in the end. I left Hadar Homes confident.
I pulled up at Metricon next, and I didn't get very far as they were closed from 12-1pm, and it was 12:09, so I got back in my car and hit the road again...
The next place was Davis Sanders, and appeared to be most promising as my dad is mates with the manager Murray Pidgeon. I entered the building, and approached the reception lady and asked to speak to Murray Pidgeon, and the lady was going to see if he was available and asked if I wanted to wait. I plopped myself down on the couch and was just flicking through one of their architecture magazines, then a few minutes later a woman entered the seating room. It took me a second or two to realise who it was, and it was, drum roll please...................................................... One of my teachers from TAFE! It was very unexpected, and she told me this was her part-time job. The funny thing is, yesterday when I was doing some printing for my portfolio I saw her and told her I was preparing to look for industry work, so to see her the next day in the circumstances is a bit of a bonus.
We had a quick chat about everything, and she told me a Year 2 student was on work experience at the moment, and I was the second person to enquire there, so it kind of put me second-in-line for a job if some open up. However, she told me there wouldn't be anything until the New Year, than I realised, that was only 2-3 weeks away anyhow. I gave her my resume, but only really for contact details because with her being my teacher, she said she knows what I am capable off. Which is a bonus, as long as it doesn't involve model making, because I suck at that! So I left there fully once again full of confidence, and ready to hit Simmond Homes.
The rest of my adventure is kind of boring and unpromising, so I'll quickly go over them. Simmonds Homes I left a resume there, and plan to call Monday to see if the manager received and acknowledged. I then went to Southernvale Homes where I left my resume, grabbed the business card of the manager, and the reception lady said she'd pass on my resume to the manager, but not feeling confident there. Last visit was Metricon, again, but it was quickly shut down as all the design work is done in Shepperton, 2 or so hours away, and all they had in staff was construction workers and herself.
So all-in-all, not a bad day putting my name out there. I just left a voice message for Andrew at Hadar Homes, and just waiting on a call-back. With it being so close to Christmas and the new year, I may not have high chances of employment until 2011, but when it does come around to that time, hopefully I am the first person in their minds. Davis Sanders should be promising as I have two strong connections, my father and my TAFE teacher, and Hadar can be just as good if I stay on top of it. Sadly, after all the work I put in my portfolio, which wasn't really much at all, no one looked at it, as all the managers were either busy or not in the office.
Next step is to either approach design/architecture firms, or to approach specialised builders such as Apollo Patios and the like. Stay tuned for more...
From The One They Call Anthony, This Is The Life And Times
Our search began a couple days back after sending my brother my resume for him to tweak, and myself preparing a portfolio of some of my work for the year. Everything was fully completed yesterday afternoon, both resume and portfolio, and then it was a matter of tracking down who to go see first.
After making a list of prospective employers this morning, I got all dressed up in my vest, tie, shirt and pants, and headed out. First stop was Hadar Homes...
I approached the building, and actually felt a wee (hehe, wee) bit nervous, but I pushed that aside. I spoke with a man, Travis, where I told him what I studied and what I was after. He informed me to get hold of their manager Andrew, as he handles all that business, and he looked like next year should be busy for them. I told him that this was the type of place I'd like to work, and I grabbed Andrew's business card. Travis did tell me Andrew is very difficult to get hold of and track down, but just keep being persistent and it will pay off in the end. I left Hadar Homes confident.
I pulled up at Metricon next, and I didn't get very far as they were closed from 12-1pm, and it was 12:09, so I got back in my car and hit the road again...
The next place was Davis Sanders, and appeared to be most promising as my dad is mates with the manager Murray Pidgeon. I entered the building, and approached the reception lady and asked to speak to Murray Pidgeon, and the lady was going to see if he was available and asked if I wanted to wait. I plopped myself down on the couch and was just flicking through one of their architecture magazines, then a few minutes later a woman entered the seating room. It took me a second or two to realise who it was, and it was, drum roll please...................................................... One of my teachers from TAFE! It was very unexpected, and she told me this was her part-time job. The funny thing is, yesterday when I was doing some printing for my portfolio I saw her and told her I was preparing to look for industry work, so to see her the next day in the circumstances is a bit of a bonus.
We had a quick chat about everything, and she told me a Year 2 student was on work experience at the moment, and I was the second person to enquire there, so it kind of put me second-in-line for a job if some open up. However, she told me there wouldn't be anything until the New Year, than I realised, that was only 2-3 weeks away anyhow. I gave her my resume, but only really for contact details because with her being my teacher, she said she knows what I am capable off. Which is a bonus, as long as it doesn't involve model making, because I suck at that! So I left there fully once again full of confidence, and ready to hit Simmond Homes.
The rest of my adventure is kind of boring and unpromising, so I'll quickly go over them. Simmonds Homes I left a resume there, and plan to call Monday to see if the manager received and acknowledged. I then went to Southernvale Homes where I left my resume, grabbed the business card of the manager, and the reception lady said she'd pass on my resume to the manager, but not feeling confident there. Last visit was Metricon, again, but it was quickly shut down as all the design work is done in Shepperton, 2 or so hours away, and all they had in staff was construction workers and herself.
So all-in-all, not a bad day putting my name out there. I just left a voice message for Andrew at Hadar Homes, and just waiting on a call-back. With it being so close to Christmas and the new year, I may not have high chances of employment until 2011, but when it does come around to that time, hopefully I am the first person in their minds. Davis Sanders should be promising as I have two strong connections, my father and my TAFE teacher, and Hadar can be just as good if I stay on top of it. Sadly, after all the work I put in my portfolio, which wasn't really much at all, no one looked at it, as all the managers were either busy or not in the office.
Next step is to either approach design/architecture firms, or to approach specialised builders such as Apollo Patios and the like. Stay tuned for more...
From The One They Call Anthony, This Is The Life And Times
Sunday, November 28, 2010
My Life
Right now it's 3:52am, Sunday morning, and if you are wondering, no, I am not drunk. I finished work at midnight, Sunday morning, came home, and had so many thoughts swimming through my head. I did however do the usual facebooking for a little bit, but being a Sunday morning, most people are out, enjoying themselves. Once 1am rolled around, and still felt sleep was far away, I engaged the activity of watching a movie, The Other Guys. It was a good movie to watch, as I needed a laugh, and it provided me with plenty. However, still couldn't sleep, so I did a little bit of home work, mostly fine tuning and getting ready to print and hand everything in on Monday, then after half-an-hour or so, maybe more, I thought I'd force myself to sleep. Sadly, I laid in bed, eyes closed, brain wide open, thoughts buzzing around, unable to turn it off and sleep. With it raining outside, a run does not seem fit, so I am hoping, with this very personal blog, I can clear my mind, then fall asleep.
It is now 4:01am, and I will try and get everything off my mind. Usually I would send a facebook message to a very close friend, however, over the past couple days I have sent her messages and to send her another one close to the same subjects as the other, I feel like I am just annoying her with my "problems" So everyone who reads my blog, you are acting on behalf as my close friend (Although, I don't think you can replace her)
So where do I begin with all this? I think the most prevalent issue at hand is money based, and is the most worrying. You would think going 2 weeks without any potential income would be no biggie, as in the last 21 months (Since Feb 2009), I have spent 8 months unemployment with no real income (or 38%) Last year, if you have been reading, or know me, I lived in Melbourne for the year, so it was a big change, and I went to Melbourne with about $250 saved and a paycheck going in on Wednesday night, which included annual leave payout, oh and a job in telesales. This year, I left Melbourne, where I was stable, and moved back home. Seemed like the cheaper, better decision at the time, however, I moved back thinking I'd get a transfer right away to another Safeway store. I started my nightfill job in May.
In Melbourne, around this time of the year, I was making enough money to cover my living expenses, and had a little play money some weeks, I was living with people who I considered pretty much family, I was in a good job where I had a bunch of work friends (even a co-worker who I had a mo-off with), didn't work a Saturday night (actually I may have worked 3 Saturday nights during the year) and from them work friends I developed several close friendships. And, I'm not exactly sure, but I may have got a job as a Christmas Casual at CottonOn, or it may have been a couple weeks later. Anyway, the point is, this time last year, I was stable, secured, care-free and was having fun.
Fast-forward to now, and let's see. I am unsure on my hours at work because I am a casual, I never can have a social life thanks to work rostering me on Saturday nights (I think I had maybe 5-6 Saturday nights off since I've started work, which has been 6 months), I pretty much live in my car for 3 months before finding a room to rent, I can never go see my friends in Melbourne because either I have no time or no money. Work always, for some reason, gives me a lot of hours when I can't do it, mostly due to TAFE. However, once I finish TAFE and able to work as much as possible, I get next to nothing.
I feel like, if I had stayed in Melbourne, my entire life would be different. Some might say that this year has made me a stronger person due to the hardship I have faced. I say, what's the point facing hardship when it could of all been avoided if I didn't accept the offer from Wodonga TAFE and went to NMIT to study Building Design. If I did that, I would have still had a job which I could have tweaked the hours to suit my study, but still had a steady, stable income, I would of had a place to live, and I would of been around my Melbourne friends.
I look back on this year and I think to myself, what have I seriously accomplished this year? I mean sure, I've nearly finished my first year at TAFE but big whoop. I failed a couple assessments, and got marks well below what I wanted. TAFE I mucked around, didn't pay attention at times in class, was a smart arse to teachers and co-students, and pretty much acted like I did in high school. That attitude in high school is what set me up to what will be a very hard blog to write in the near future. Back to my original point, to be honest, I feel like I don't deserve to pass. If I get told by the teachers I will need to re-submit the year, I wouldn't be surprised, I'd be mad and annoyed, but not surprised. My designs were foolish, not well thought out, and weren't taken seriously at times.
Right now I am staring down the barrels to what can be a very bumpy road leading into Christmas. I don't have a rostered shift for the next fortnight, and on Wednesday, I will be getting paid like $150-$200. I have a massive phone bill to pay, so don't be surprised if you go to ring and you get told the number has been cut. I have rego to pay, and my car has been unregistered for a couple days, so I have the potential to be fined heavily for that. I got the usual loan to pay, and my weekly rent. On top of that, food, petrol and other household bills. All in all, $200 won't do much for a fortnight, maybe longer.
I have to sit and hope that my phone rings every afternoon, asking if I want to work that night. If not, it will not be a very merry Christmas at all. I know lots of people have it worst than me, big woop, so does that mean my feelings don't mean a thing? All my life I have given up, or quited, or something along those lines, and right now, I feel like quitting. I mean sure, I've made a couple friends this year, but apart from that, I feel like I've accomplished nothing this year. Right now I'm considering going to the op shop, buy raggy clothes and a hat, sit on the sidewalk, and hope people drop some spare change into it. I mean I've been a bum for 9 months, may as well make a living like one.
There is so much more I could divulge, and let out, but I am hoping what I have here is enough to allow me to sleep. With the time being 4:40am, I am looking to a Sunday pretty much wasted because of this insane bed time. Anyway, I am signing out now, hoping to catch some shut eye.
From The One They Call Anthony, This Is The Life & Times
It is now 4:01am, and I will try and get everything off my mind. Usually I would send a facebook message to a very close friend, however, over the past couple days I have sent her messages and to send her another one close to the same subjects as the other, I feel like I am just annoying her with my "problems" So everyone who reads my blog, you are acting on behalf as my close friend (Although, I don't think you can replace her)
So where do I begin with all this? I think the most prevalent issue at hand is money based, and is the most worrying. You would think going 2 weeks without any potential income would be no biggie, as in the last 21 months (Since Feb 2009), I have spent 8 months unemployment with no real income (or 38%) Last year, if you have been reading, or know me, I lived in Melbourne for the year, so it was a big change, and I went to Melbourne with about $250 saved and a paycheck going in on Wednesday night, which included annual leave payout, oh and a job in telesales. This year, I left Melbourne, where I was stable, and moved back home. Seemed like the cheaper, better decision at the time, however, I moved back thinking I'd get a transfer right away to another Safeway store. I started my nightfill job in May.
In Melbourne, around this time of the year, I was making enough money to cover my living expenses, and had a little play money some weeks, I was living with people who I considered pretty much family, I was in a good job where I had a bunch of work friends (even a co-worker who I had a mo-off with), didn't work a Saturday night (actually I may have worked 3 Saturday nights during the year) and from them work friends I developed several close friendships. And, I'm not exactly sure, but I may have got a job as a Christmas Casual at CottonOn, or it may have been a couple weeks later. Anyway, the point is, this time last year, I was stable, secured, care-free and was having fun.
Fast-forward to now, and let's see. I am unsure on my hours at work because I am a casual, I never can have a social life thanks to work rostering me on Saturday nights (I think I had maybe 5-6 Saturday nights off since I've started work, which has been 6 months), I pretty much live in my car for 3 months before finding a room to rent, I can never go see my friends in Melbourne because either I have no time or no money. Work always, for some reason, gives me a lot of hours when I can't do it, mostly due to TAFE. However, once I finish TAFE and able to work as much as possible, I get next to nothing.
I feel like, if I had stayed in Melbourne, my entire life would be different. Some might say that this year has made me a stronger person due to the hardship I have faced. I say, what's the point facing hardship when it could of all been avoided if I didn't accept the offer from Wodonga TAFE and went to NMIT to study Building Design. If I did that, I would have still had a job which I could have tweaked the hours to suit my study, but still had a steady, stable income, I would of had a place to live, and I would of been around my Melbourne friends.
I look back on this year and I think to myself, what have I seriously accomplished this year? I mean sure, I've nearly finished my first year at TAFE but big whoop. I failed a couple assessments, and got marks well below what I wanted. TAFE I mucked around, didn't pay attention at times in class, was a smart arse to teachers and co-students, and pretty much acted like I did in high school. That attitude in high school is what set me up to what will be a very hard blog to write in the near future. Back to my original point, to be honest, I feel like I don't deserve to pass. If I get told by the teachers I will need to re-submit the year, I wouldn't be surprised, I'd be mad and annoyed, but not surprised. My designs were foolish, not well thought out, and weren't taken seriously at times.
Right now I am staring down the barrels to what can be a very bumpy road leading into Christmas. I don't have a rostered shift for the next fortnight, and on Wednesday, I will be getting paid like $150-$200. I have a massive phone bill to pay, so don't be surprised if you go to ring and you get told the number has been cut. I have rego to pay, and my car has been unregistered for a couple days, so I have the potential to be fined heavily for that. I got the usual loan to pay, and my weekly rent. On top of that, food, petrol and other household bills. All in all, $200 won't do much for a fortnight, maybe longer.
I have to sit and hope that my phone rings every afternoon, asking if I want to work that night. If not, it will not be a very merry Christmas at all. I know lots of people have it worst than me, big woop, so does that mean my feelings don't mean a thing? All my life I have given up, or quited, or something along those lines, and right now, I feel like quitting. I mean sure, I've made a couple friends this year, but apart from that, I feel like I've accomplished nothing this year. Right now I'm considering going to the op shop, buy raggy clothes and a hat, sit on the sidewalk, and hope people drop some spare change into it. I mean I've been a bum for 9 months, may as well make a living like one.
There is so much more I could divulge, and let out, but I am hoping what I have here is enough to allow me to sleep. With the time being 4:40am, I am looking to a Sunday pretty much wasted because of this insane bed time. Anyway, I am signing out now, hoping to catch some shut eye.
From The One They Call Anthony, This Is The Life & Times
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Project 001... The Bathroom
After getting drunk and throwing darts at a board, I finally landed on a topic to blog about first. I will be blogging about my very first project in my course, which was to design a bathroom.
The brief was fairly straightforward, design a bathroom to house a bath, shower and toilet, using the space of 2000mm by 4000mm. Before I go through the design, below is the floor plan and 4 elevations of the room.
The brief was fairly straightforward, design a bathroom to house a bath, shower and toilet, using the space of 2000mm by 4000mm. Before I go through the design, below is the floor plan and 4 elevations of the room.
At the time I thought this was great design, looking back, there is some alright features, but there is a lot to change. However, to run through the design, the shower is an open shower with a recessed base. The vanity is of basic design, and the basin in the corner is of a cylinder design. The toilet is your basic toilet, but where the main feature comes in is the bath, which connects to the C-Bus system.
I like to think I have revolutionised baths with my design, as the bath I design is so amazing, so brilliant, so, there isn't enough words in the entire universe to describe just how good of a bath it is. When you step into the bathroom for a bath, you select your mood on the keypad located just at the door. You might of had a hard day at work, so you want to "Relax" or perhaps you are bathing just before a party and want to get "Pumped" or maybe you are spending it with a special someone and want to be "Romantic". By selecting one of the three options, this determines your bath experience, so after you select an option, you head to the bath, for the rest of the blog, let's say you chose "Relax".
You turn the taps, but what, "What is that?" You asked yourself. You look at your clear base of your bath and noticed it has lit up in a calming and sensual blue light of orbs. The bottom of the bath contains hundreds of LED lights which light up the bottom and some of the side, and once water starts filling up, the bath is lit up. If you chose Pumped, the colours would be changing from Orange, Yellow and Green. If you chose Romantic, the water would be turning red, but not from a blood source, oh no, from the LEDs.
"But how does it actually work without shocking the person?" You question me. Quite easy my good lad, you see, the base of the bath has a very good seal. Yup, it's that simple, it's almost criminal.
Some things I would change however is, well, nearly everything. The bath could be in a better position being a dominant feature of the room, and the toilet best suited maybe in a full separate room. Window placement I did not think about, but looking at the design, the bath is positioned wrongly, as the head-base makes you look at the toilet wall, and not out the window.
There isn't too much else to say on the project, was fairly simple. I've designed three bathrooms and a couple en suite since this project, so things have improved. Anyway, that's it for Project 001, stay tuned for Project 002, Alterations and Additions
Updating Y'all
So it has been quite some time since I blogged last, and I know every single one of you have been checking on the hour for a new blog. Well, it's finally here.
The good news is, I have so much to blog about, some include the ending of my house hunting and my experience this time around, the conclusion of my first year and going through each project I completed, and one very personal blog where I go into my past and reveal I'm a big quitter. There might be a few smaller topics of discussion along the way, but I have plenty to catch you all up on, and the only question is, which topic?
I think the fairest way to do this is to do the Board. This method of deciding, anyone can do, here I will outline what you will need.
1x Bottle of Vodka (or basically any alcohol you like)
Representation of your choices (can be pictures, just words, whatever)
1x Board that can spin (dartboard is effective here)
1x Dart
1x Blindfold
1x Friend
Step 1. Get drunk
Step 2. Blindfold yourself, if you are drunk, get your friend to do it
Step 3. Get your friend (who is meant to be sober) to stick your choices on the spinning board.
Step 4. Get your friend to spin you around, just to make you feel sick.
Step 5. Throw the dart at the spinning board.
Whatever it hits, that is your new decision. This can decide all sorts of things, like your new car, new girlfriend (just make sure you still use the board method, don't be getting drunk in a bar and spinning around blindfolded and throwing a dart across the bar), or maybe even kid's name. Actually, this method can decide everything in life, so treat it with care, and use wisely.
If you want to spruce it up a bit, feel free to add water to the game, or perharps maybe a tiger, up to you, but the basics is what makes it.
From The One They Call Anthony, This Is The Life And Times
The good news is, I have so much to blog about, some include the ending of my house hunting and my experience this time around, the conclusion of my first year and going through each project I completed, and one very personal blog where I go into my past and reveal I'm a big quitter. There might be a few smaller topics of discussion along the way, but I have plenty to catch you all up on, and the only question is, which topic?
I think the fairest way to do this is to do the Board. This method of deciding, anyone can do, here I will outline what you will need.
1x Bottle of Vodka (or basically any alcohol you like)
Representation of your choices (can be pictures, just words, whatever)
1x Board that can spin (dartboard is effective here)
1x Dart
1x Blindfold
1x Friend
Step 1. Get drunk
Step 2. Blindfold yourself, if you are drunk, get your friend to do it
Step 3. Get your friend (who is meant to be sober) to stick your choices on the spinning board.
Step 4. Get your friend to spin you around, just to make you feel sick.
Step 5. Throw the dart at the spinning board.
Whatever it hits, that is your new decision. This can decide all sorts of things, like your new car, new girlfriend (just make sure you still use the board method, don't be getting drunk in a bar and spinning around blindfolded and throwing a dart across the bar), or maybe even kid's name. Actually, this method can decide everything in life, so treat it with care, and use wisely.
If you want to spruce it up a bit, feel free to add water to the game, or perharps maybe a tiger, up to you, but the basics is what makes it.
From The One They Call Anthony, This Is The Life And Times
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Bait
No, this isn't a blog about the different types of bait used for fishing, although you got your westend snapper dry, gotzur hamble, louandis, anijule and the like, but no one wants to read made-up words. No, this is a bait on a much grander scale...
So you are at the local watering hole, chatting to a foxy young thing. Things are going swell, but you want to invite her back to your place, without looking desperate, and well, obvious that you want a sexy time with her. What you need is some sort of bait, to invite her back to look at, and then make your deadly move! Well, actually, that isn't the best metaphor, let's just say, to make your move.
I bet $100,000 you are thinking "Gee-wiz The One They Call Anthony, what on earth can I use as bait to reel this girl in?" I am so glad you asked, as there is a few items which are of use.
Slot Machine - This is a fun object to mention, because who really just keeps a slot machine in their house.
Trampoline - Now, while these are fun, they can also be dangerous, but it does provide a little extra, ermm, bounce.
Tea-Cup Pig - This is a very helpful one, as it is a pig, the size of a tea-cup, which is so cute and girls just can't resist cute little animals!
Simba - Yes, the Simba. All you need to do is adopt a lion cub, train it, and keep it. Now for the big set up, you want to set the mood so you put on 'The Circle of Life' on your boombox. You then stand up on your table, and hold your lion cub up in the air!
Castle Made Out of Toilet Paper - This is so cool, the girl will forget it is actually made out of toilet paper rolls. You can play the knight and princess, or witches and warlocks and other cool games.
Snow Globe Collection - While this may appear to be, well, dumb at first thought, let it sink in over time and the girl will realise it just may be the shake up she needed.
So there are some baits you can use. Just remember, it needs to be fun, but not too fun to take her mind of you. You brought her over to see this 'bait', but it is up to you to finish the job by reeling her in, gutting her, and eating her after cooking her on the barbie..... Wait! Woah! Let's re-do this, relating the girl to a fish isn't working out so well ay. Just, uhh, yeah, bait her and reel her in....
From The One They Call Anthony, This Is The Life And Times
So you are at the local watering hole, chatting to a foxy young thing. Things are going swell, but you want to invite her back to your place, without looking desperate, and well, obvious that you want a sexy time with her. What you need is some sort of bait, to invite her back to look at, and then make your deadly move! Well, actually, that isn't the best metaphor, let's just say, to make your move.
I bet $100,000 you are thinking "Gee-wiz The One They Call Anthony, what on earth can I use as bait to reel this girl in?" I am so glad you asked, as there is a few items which are of use.
Slot Machine - This is a fun object to mention, because who really just keeps a slot machine in their house.
Trampoline - Now, while these are fun, they can also be dangerous, but it does provide a little extra, ermm, bounce.
Tea-Cup Pig - This is a very helpful one, as it is a pig, the size of a tea-cup, which is so cute and girls just can't resist cute little animals!
Simba - Yes, the Simba. All you need to do is adopt a lion cub, train it, and keep it. Now for the big set up, you want to set the mood so you put on 'The Circle of Life' on your boombox. You then stand up on your table, and hold your lion cub up in the air!
Castle Made Out of Toilet Paper - This is so cool, the girl will forget it is actually made out of toilet paper rolls. You can play the knight and princess, or witches and warlocks and other cool games.
Snow Globe Collection - While this may appear to be, well, dumb at first thought, let it sink in over time and the girl will realise it just may be the shake up she needed.
So there are some baits you can use. Just remember, it needs to be fun, but not too fun to take her mind of you. You brought her over to see this 'bait', but it is up to you to finish the job by reeling her in, gutting her, and eating her after cooking her on the barbie..... Wait! Woah! Let's re-do this, relating the girl to a fish isn't working out so well ay. Just, uhh, yeah, bait her and reel her in....
From The One They Call Anthony, This Is The Life And Times
Friday, September 24, 2010
Rich Inventions 01
Taking inspiration from Horgs Inventions on Hamish & Andy, I've decided to share a invention, or more so, a business idea, which would make me rich, and any potential investors. So if you do wish to invest in this idea, let me know, and we will get this underway.
Rich Inventions 01 - Messy Restaurant
Okay, so this idea developed after talking to a friend about restaurant experiences, and then the idea came to me. What if you went to a restaurant, where the chef cooks the food right in front of you, but also, throws the food at you while you eat? Don't you think it would be a fun dining experience.
So you pay say, $25-30 per head, and you are given a big plastic cover thingy to put over your clothes, to avoid them getting too dirty. A waiter comes and takes your order, you sit at a bench which has cook tops, sinks, and stuff, and you are within arms-reach of the chef, preparing and cooking your food.
After cooking the meal, the chef also cooks a little extra, and while you are eating, he throws it at you! The best food for the chef to throw would be spaghetti of course, as it's messy, and fun to throw, but throwing a parmy, or steak, or really anything. So the restaurant would basically erupts into a giant food fight, and you are paying to participate and have fun.
At the end of the meal, you can decide whether to keep the plastic protector as a souvenir, but to keep it, you have to pay an extra $5, or you can give it back, and it would go on the wall in a frame with your name, and dinner choice.
Now I can't think of any negatives about this idea, and if you can, I'd love to hear it. Got any questions, feel free to ask, and I will answer. If you want to invest, just send a cheque out to me.
From The One They Call Anthony, This Is The Life And Times
Rich Inventions 01 - Messy Restaurant
Okay, so this idea developed after talking to a friend about restaurant experiences, and then the idea came to me. What if you went to a restaurant, where the chef cooks the food right in front of you, but also, throws the food at you while you eat? Don't you think it would be a fun dining experience.
So you pay say, $25-30 per head, and you are given a big plastic cover thingy to put over your clothes, to avoid them getting too dirty. A waiter comes and takes your order, you sit at a bench which has cook tops, sinks, and stuff, and you are within arms-reach of the chef, preparing and cooking your food.
After cooking the meal, the chef also cooks a little extra, and while you are eating, he throws it at you! The best food for the chef to throw would be spaghetti of course, as it's messy, and fun to throw, but throwing a parmy, or steak, or really anything. So the restaurant would basically erupts into a giant food fight, and you are paying to participate and have fun.
At the end of the meal, you can decide whether to keep the plastic protector as a souvenir, but to keep it, you have to pay an extra $5, or you can give it back, and it would go on the wall in a frame with your name, and dinner choice.
Now I can't think of any negatives about this idea, and if you can, I'd love to hear it. Got any questions, feel free to ask, and I will answer. If you want to invest, just send a cheque out to me.
From The One They Call Anthony, This Is The Life And Times
This One Goes Out To My Fan
Taking a break from my pre-season training blog to write a personal message to all my fans, or most likely, my fan. I hope you enjoy reading this blog as much as I enjoy writing it. I really, really enjoy writing it, so in return, that must mean you really, really enjoy reading it.
I want this blog to be not only about me and my thoughts, but also a blog of the people. So if you, my fan, have something you want me to talk about, whether it's about a hot current news event, or perhaps maybe there is something you want to know about me, or maybe you want to know the difference between affect and effect, just shoot me a message, either via facey or on here.
I am humble to have you as a fan, and I greatly appreciate the time you take out of your day to read it. I will continue to provide you with quality blogs, which are informative, funny, and well, awesome!
Well I best finish this up, and publish it, so you, as my fan, can have the pleasure of reading it.
From The One They Call Anthony, This Is The Life And Times
I want this blog to be not only about me and my thoughts, but also a blog of the people. So if you, my fan, have something you want me to talk about, whether it's about a hot current news event, or perhaps maybe there is something you want to know about me, or maybe you want to know the difference between affect and effect, just shoot me a message, either via facey or on here.
I am humble to have you as a fan, and I greatly appreciate the time you take out of your day to read it. I will continue to provide you with quality blogs, which are informative, funny, and well, awesome!
Well I best finish this up, and publish it, so you, as my fan, can have the pleasure of reading it.
From The One They Call Anthony, This Is The Life And Times
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Planning Pre-Season Training, Part 1
With most country football leagues now finished up, and Silly Sundays, Mad Mondays, Tacky Tuesdays, Wacky Wednesday, etc etc are now drawing to an end, pre-season is just around the corner for some, for others, it's off is the very distant future. However, if you are serious about your game, and want to be fit for the 2011 season, keep reading.
Those who know me, or read some of my blog, you would know I had a strong passion to be a personal trainer/strength and conditioning coach. During this time, I studied up on programs, exercises and diets, mostly based on sport training, so I feel like I can pass on some of this knowledge to you.
You won't be seeing any actually programs on here, because, what works for one person, doesn't mean it will work for the next. So I could write out this great program, and you might see great results, but Bill or Frank might not improve a single bit. Training programs have to be taliored to your current fitness, goals and schedule. I will cover some of these, but to save posting a monster long blog, I will break it up into parts.
Part 1, Rest and Off-Season
Part 2, Pre-Season Testing
Part 3, Pre-Season Programming
Part 4, If I Forgot Anything
PART 1, REST AND OFF-SEASON
With the season over, your body needs to rest and recover after the brutual season it took. This is also a good time to see the physio about any niggling injuries, or rest any sore spots, as this will be your big pre-season.
Usually, the off-season is regarded as the time when the athlete aims to gain strength and mass. If you consider yourself a 'big boy' and think you should focus on cardio, try and put them thoughts aside, as below I will guide you through an off-season that will build up strength and help shed some of that fat.
The off-season on average, runs from October to the start of December, so about 3 months, 2 if stretched for time. So in this time, don't expect to see huge gains, like an increase of 50kg on your bench! This is the time to slowly (so you don't injure yourself) develop functional strength and help build a base for the pre-season.
First thing to take care of is to test your current strength and endurance. So below are a couple tests which can help.
Bench Press 1RM - Build up and see how much you can bench press for 1 rep.
Squat 1RM - Same as Bench press, but with a Squat.
Deadlift 1RM - Same as above, but for a deadlift.
2km Bike Sprint - On a exercise bike, time how long it takes to ride 2km.
100m Sprint - Mark out 100m on the oval, straight line, and time how fast you run it in.
Push-ups In 2 Minutes - See how many push-ups you can rep for in the space of 2 minutes.
Crunches In 2 Minutes - Same as above, but for crunches.
These tests will help determine where you are at physically, and when undertaking the benchpress and squat, always have 1 or 2 friends spotting you incase you fatigue and can't complete the rest. In fact, whenever working out and aiming to beat your PB, always have a spotter, we don't need injuries in the off-season.
Another thing before I lay out some off-season program principles, don't try and do too much! If you know you can only benchpress 60kg, the next week don't aim to bench 80kg, that is only asking for trouble. When you walk into the gym, whether its a big flashy commerical one, or a dusty bench in your mate's shed, leave your ego at the door.
If you are unsure on any exercises, youtube them! Don't rely on pictures in Google Images, actually see how the movement occurs, and look for key points. If need be, get someone to tape you performing the exercise and compare it. This might appear silly, but perfect form is needed, especially when deadlifting and squatting.
So I think I got the basics covered, and to avoid you sueing me, I made sure to tell you to not overdo it and watch your form. So now, let's see how to set-up a off-season program.
After you have tested yourself, you need to set out some realistic goals. What do you want to achieve over the off-season? And if your only goal is to increase your benchpress, please stop reading, because the squat and deadlift are far more important exercises.
The next major factor is, how many days a week can you workout? Someone who can work out 4 days a week needs a different program compared to someone who can only squeeze in 2 days. But for the case of this programming, let's say you are able to workout 3 days a week. Which in fact, is plenty of time.
As previously mentioned, the key outcome desired at the end of off-season is increased strength, so let's make that our goal. Now, this is where sets and reps become key focual point in your workout, as they affect how your body reacts to the workload. Many magazines will tell you, 1-5 rep range is good for strength, 6-10 for muscle mass, 10+ is good for endurance, which is true. So a lot of our sets will only go to 5 reps, apart from one exercise.
Less is more, and this is what your off-season weights program will be. It will contain minimal number of exercises, low reps, mid range of sets, but high weights (realitive to your strength of course). Okay, now let's just get into it, enough yack, let's get a program going.
You want to make sure you warm up for 5 minutes before each workout, this helps increase blood flow, prepares the body for what is about to happen, and keeps you loose and warm. And it is always key, KEY, the first exercise you do, do 2 light warm-up sets.
The first exercise of your program is your bread-and-butter. This will be the big exercise, and the choice of exercise is crucial. You want a exercise that activates as much muscle as possible, to promote the most strength gains. You would always choose one from The Big 3, Bench Press, Squat and Deadlift. These exercises use mutiple muscles, with deadlift being the most effective, but a variation of the squat, a Box Squat, is also effective.
What I forgot to mention earlier is, these workouts are regarded as full-body workouts. Which means, you focus on working your body out as a whole, and not focus on 1 or 2 muscle groups. A typical bodybuilding weekly schedule may go like
Monday - Chest and Triceps
Wednesday - Back and Biceps
Fridays - Legs
Us, being athletes, will be like
Monday - Full-body
Wednesday - Full-body
Friday - Full-body
So, let's say we chose the Squat as our main exercise, what we want to do is warm the body up with 2 light sets, then chuck on the plates. Last year I experimented with doing 5 sets, with the first set being 5 reps, then increased the weight a little, next set 4 reps, next set 3 reps, and so on, til i did 1 set of 1, with most weight. I also tried where i did 2 sets of 5 reps, 1 set of 3 reps, 1 set of 1 (at my most maximum weight), than the last set, back at 5 reps with the original weight. These seemed to work out good, and with the weight increase, a simple 2.5kg each side will add up at the end, first week or two, no need to rush, you are finding out where you are at.
The next exercise will generally work the other part of the body, so if you did squats as your first exercise, a good second exercise would be a upper-body, if you benched as your first, lower-body for your second. This exercise, the set and reps will be about 3-4 sets of 5 reps, at a increasing weight each set. But, you aren't increasing it by alot, or decreasing the reps each set. The purpose of this exercise is to help build the other part of your body, without taxing your body too much. Your first exercise is meant to be the big one, which tax you, the next couple are just complimenting it. Below are a list of exercises which are good (B t w, no machines allowed, only free weights, will explain later)
Upper-body
Row (barbell, dumbell, one-arm, whatever tickles you, but no machines)
Pull-up/chin-up
Overhead shoulder press
Dumbbell benchpress
Floor press
Weighted push-ups (close grip is also good here)
Lower-body
Lunge
Step-up
Dumbbell squat
Box Squat (dumbbell or barbell)
Weighted back extension
Now you are probably thinking, "Hey, what about the guns man, I wanna work my guns!" News for you, we are not going to single out the bicep or tricep during the off-season. Once you start working out, doing only a few big exercises, you will notice that your biceps and triceps will get a big workout, without directly working them. Rowing motions, and pull-ups, will not only work your back, but also your biceps. While benching is working your chest, shoulders and triceps.
Your third and final exercise, you choose one from the list above, but you lower the weight and increase the reps. So you are looking at 3-4 sets, at 6-8 reps at a slightly lower weight. By now you will nearing wrecked, so this is to just engage a little more muscle.
Now, rest between sets are important, as if you don't rest enough, your next set will suffer and you won't get the desire. However, rest too long and you lose focus and the 'warmed up' feeling. If you rest about 2 minutes between each set on your first exercise, and then 1 minute between sets on the other two, then that should be fine.
So your workout should basically look like this,
Exercise 1, Upper Body, 5 sets, 5 reps/4 reps/3 reps/2 reps/1 rep (at increasing weight)
or, 5 sets, 2 sets of 5 reps, 1 set of 3 reps, 1 set of 1 rep, 1 set of 5 reps
Exercise 2, Lower Body, 5 sets of 5 reps
Exercise 3, Upper-body, 3-4 sets of 6-8 reps
OR
Exercise 1, Lower Body,
Exercise 2, Upper Body
Exercise 3, Lower Body
Aim to alternate this, so one workout start out with the upper body being the main, then next workout, lower body as the main, and so on.
Now I was hoping to not make these blogs so long, but this is being quite a long one. So I'm going to end this now, and pick up on it in the morning, or late afternoon. So what we are going to learn in the next blog is, diet during the off-season and some more on weight training.
From The One They Call Anthony, This Is The Life And Times
Those who know me, or read some of my blog, you would know I had a strong passion to be a personal trainer/strength and conditioning coach. During this time, I studied up on programs, exercises and diets, mostly based on sport training, so I feel like I can pass on some of this knowledge to you.
You won't be seeing any actually programs on here, because, what works for one person, doesn't mean it will work for the next. So I could write out this great program, and you might see great results, but Bill or Frank might not improve a single bit. Training programs have to be taliored to your current fitness, goals and schedule. I will cover some of these, but to save posting a monster long blog, I will break it up into parts.
Part 1, Rest and Off-Season
Part 2, Pre-Season Testing
Part 3, Pre-Season Programming
Part 4, If I Forgot Anything
PART 1, REST AND OFF-SEASON
With the season over, your body needs to rest and recover after the brutual season it took. This is also a good time to see the physio about any niggling injuries, or rest any sore spots, as this will be your big pre-season.
Usually, the off-season is regarded as the time when the athlete aims to gain strength and mass. If you consider yourself a 'big boy' and think you should focus on cardio, try and put them thoughts aside, as below I will guide you through an off-season that will build up strength and help shed some of that fat.
The off-season on average, runs from October to the start of December, so about 3 months, 2 if stretched for time. So in this time, don't expect to see huge gains, like an increase of 50kg on your bench! This is the time to slowly (so you don't injure yourself) develop functional strength and help build a base for the pre-season.
First thing to take care of is to test your current strength and endurance. So below are a couple tests which can help.
Bench Press 1RM - Build up and see how much you can bench press for 1 rep.
Squat 1RM - Same as Bench press, but with a Squat.
Deadlift 1RM - Same as above, but for a deadlift.
2km Bike Sprint - On a exercise bike, time how long it takes to ride 2km.
100m Sprint - Mark out 100m on the oval, straight line, and time how fast you run it in.
Push-ups In 2 Minutes - See how many push-ups you can rep for in the space of 2 minutes.
Crunches In 2 Minutes - Same as above, but for crunches.
These tests will help determine where you are at physically, and when undertaking the benchpress and squat, always have 1 or 2 friends spotting you incase you fatigue and can't complete the rest. In fact, whenever working out and aiming to beat your PB, always have a spotter, we don't need injuries in the off-season.
Another thing before I lay out some off-season program principles, don't try and do too much! If you know you can only benchpress 60kg, the next week don't aim to bench 80kg, that is only asking for trouble. When you walk into the gym, whether its a big flashy commerical one, or a dusty bench in your mate's shed, leave your ego at the door.
If you are unsure on any exercises, youtube them! Don't rely on pictures in Google Images, actually see how the movement occurs, and look for key points. If need be, get someone to tape you performing the exercise and compare it. This might appear silly, but perfect form is needed, especially when deadlifting and squatting.
So I think I got the basics covered, and to avoid you sueing me, I made sure to tell you to not overdo it and watch your form. So now, let's see how to set-up a off-season program.
After you have tested yourself, you need to set out some realistic goals. What do you want to achieve over the off-season? And if your only goal is to increase your benchpress, please stop reading, because the squat and deadlift are far more important exercises.
The next major factor is, how many days a week can you workout? Someone who can work out 4 days a week needs a different program compared to someone who can only squeeze in 2 days. But for the case of this programming, let's say you are able to workout 3 days a week. Which in fact, is plenty of time.
As previously mentioned, the key outcome desired at the end of off-season is increased strength, so let's make that our goal. Now, this is where sets and reps become key focual point in your workout, as they affect how your body reacts to the workload. Many magazines will tell you, 1-5 rep range is good for strength, 6-10 for muscle mass, 10+ is good for endurance, which is true. So a lot of our sets will only go to 5 reps, apart from one exercise.
Less is more, and this is what your off-season weights program will be. It will contain minimal number of exercises, low reps, mid range of sets, but high weights (realitive to your strength of course). Okay, now let's just get into it, enough yack, let's get a program going.
You want to make sure you warm up for 5 minutes before each workout, this helps increase blood flow, prepares the body for what is about to happen, and keeps you loose and warm. And it is always key, KEY, the first exercise you do, do 2 light warm-up sets.
The first exercise of your program is your bread-and-butter. This will be the big exercise, and the choice of exercise is crucial. You want a exercise that activates as much muscle as possible, to promote the most strength gains. You would always choose one from The Big 3, Bench Press, Squat and Deadlift. These exercises use mutiple muscles, with deadlift being the most effective, but a variation of the squat, a Box Squat, is also effective.
What I forgot to mention earlier is, these workouts are regarded as full-body workouts. Which means, you focus on working your body out as a whole, and not focus on 1 or 2 muscle groups. A typical bodybuilding weekly schedule may go like
Monday - Chest and Triceps
Wednesday - Back and Biceps
Fridays - Legs
Us, being athletes, will be like
Monday - Full-body
Wednesday - Full-body
Friday - Full-body
So, let's say we chose the Squat as our main exercise, what we want to do is warm the body up with 2 light sets, then chuck on the plates. Last year I experimented with doing 5 sets, with the first set being 5 reps, then increased the weight a little, next set 4 reps, next set 3 reps, and so on, til i did 1 set of 1, with most weight. I also tried where i did 2 sets of 5 reps, 1 set of 3 reps, 1 set of 1 (at my most maximum weight), than the last set, back at 5 reps with the original weight. These seemed to work out good, and with the weight increase, a simple 2.5kg each side will add up at the end, first week or two, no need to rush, you are finding out where you are at.
The next exercise will generally work the other part of the body, so if you did squats as your first exercise, a good second exercise would be a upper-body, if you benched as your first, lower-body for your second. This exercise, the set and reps will be about 3-4 sets of 5 reps, at a increasing weight each set. But, you aren't increasing it by alot, or decreasing the reps each set. The purpose of this exercise is to help build the other part of your body, without taxing your body too much. Your first exercise is meant to be the big one, which tax you, the next couple are just complimenting it. Below are a list of exercises which are good (B t w, no machines allowed, only free weights, will explain later)
Upper-body
Row (barbell, dumbell, one-arm, whatever tickles you, but no machines)
Pull-up/chin-up
Overhead shoulder press
Dumbbell benchpress
Floor press
Weighted push-ups (close grip is also good here)
Lower-body
Lunge
Step-up
Dumbbell squat
Box Squat (dumbbell or barbell)
Weighted back extension
Now you are probably thinking, "Hey, what about the guns man, I wanna work my guns!" News for you, we are not going to single out the bicep or tricep during the off-season. Once you start working out, doing only a few big exercises, you will notice that your biceps and triceps will get a big workout, without directly working them. Rowing motions, and pull-ups, will not only work your back, but also your biceps. While benching is working your chest, shoulders and triceps.
Your third and final exercise, you choose one from the list above, but you lower the weight and increase the reps. So you are looking at 3-4 sets, at 6-8 reps at a slightly lower weight. By now you will nearing wrecked, so this is to just engage a little more muscle.
Now, rest between sets are important, as if you don't rest enough, your next set will suffer and you won't get the desire. However, rest too long and you lose focus and the 'warmed up' feeling. If you rest about 2 minutes between each set on your first exercise, and then 1 minute between sets on the other two, then that should be fine.
So your workout should basically look like this,
Exercise 1, Upper Body, 5 sets, 5 reps/4 reps/3 reps/2 reps/1 rep (at increasing weight)
or, 5 sets, 2 sets of 5 reps, 1 set of 3 reps, 1 set of 1 rep, 1 set of 5 reps
Exercise 2, Lower Body, 5 sets of 5 reps
Exercise 3, Upper-body, 3-4 sets of 6-8 reps
OR
Exercise 1, Lower Body,
Exercise 2, Upper Body
Exercise 3, Lower Body
Aim to alternate this, so one workout start out with the upper body being the main, then next workout, lower body as the main, and so on.
Now I was hoping to not make these blogs so long, but this is being quite a long one. So I'm going to end this now, and pick up on it in the morning, or late afternoon. So what we are going to learn in the next blog is, diet during the off-season and some more on weight training.
From The One They Call Anthony, This Is The Life And Times
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Last Saturday In September
With the famous Last Saturday In September only a few days away, I believe now would be a good time to reflect on the last two Grand Finals I have watched, since I will be missing this years due to work commitments.
2008 and 2009 Grand Finals were memorable and enjoyable, and both had a different atmosphere, but created lasting memories. So what I am going to do right now, is go through the days events of each year, sharing what I remember (and don't remember) and maybe a little sook at the end about missing this years.
2008, Hawks V Cats
This Grand Final was a true reflection of that year for me, and what made it a great day was my band-wagoning with the Hawks for the season.
I invited a few close mates over to watch the game at mine, with the original plan being, sit outside with a TV, pool full of ice and drinks, and enjoy the game in the sun. While it sounded good in theory, practical wise, not so successful. Silly me put water in the pool, then ice, so the ice ended up melting and did not keep the drinks cold. The TV did not get good reception, and the direct sunlight caused a glare. However, I was determined and spent the whole morning trying to get it to work, then my brother called me an idiot, and we moved to inside. At the time, I didn't like the idea, but in retrospect, was the better option, as inside provided fridge, 42" high def TV, pool table, couches and air-conditioning.
We all settled in our spots, me, with my Hawks jumper on, and a couple friends with their Cats one on. The opening bounce proved to be a heart stopper, and we were underway, but while the game just started, the drinks were already flowing.
Half-time, and the game was a good'in, which created a great atmosphere. We needed our own half-time entertainment, so this is where the pool table came to be quite handy, so a few games were played, and a few drinks consumed. 99% of the group were getting to the stage of noticing the alcohol effect, while 1% (well actually, just one of us) was drunk before the opening bounce, as someone opened a beer near him and he smelt it, causing him to get drunk.
With the close game underway again, cheers, boos, and abuse was been hurled throughout the room. This wasn't just directed at the TV, but also each other, which caused me to have a blood nose during the 4th quarter. With about 15 minutes left in the final, Hawks were in front and looking strong, so I confidently downloaded the Hawks club song and started playing it with 10minutes to go. My brother told me to turn it off, as anything could happen. Fast forward 10minutes and I played it again! Being drunk at this time, I rang every Hawk supporter in my phone, which was like 1 or 2 I think, and cheered and sung with them.
With excitement running through my veins, I ran up to the local pub, burst through the door, jumped over the bar and hugged the publican (being a mad Hawk supporter). I then made my disappearance back to the house, where I cooled and calmed myself by jumping in my inflatable. So in the end, it turned out to be a handy device.
With all of us still wanting to party, we thought the most fitting place to do it would be the Mulwala Ski Club, or the Skibi as we like to call it. So we got our sober friend, well, my sister-in-law to drive a car load of us over to Mul. First stop was dinner, which was Maccas, and it turned out to be Cyril. Second stop was the Skibi, where we drank, carried on, and cheered. By the end of the night my jumper was taken by a Hawks fan, and I never did get it back.
Once the Skibi closed, we headed to our usual spot, RickyD's, grabbed ourselves a pizza, and headed to a mate's place to sleep it off.
Next morning, we were picked up, taken back to Oaklands, where many hours of rest occurred, and the excitement of the Grand Final subsided. But boy, it was a great day/night.
2009, Cats V Saints
This Grand Final was a special one, with the main one being, it was my mate's 21st birthday party, so I had to party hard for him, and boy did I. This was also when living in Melbourne, so a few weeks before hand I started a saving plan, so I had money to spend this weekend. So let the story telling begin...
In the morning I thought I'd be a good friend and get him a birthday cake, so I drove to my place of work (which I told them I could not work that day due to Grand Final) and purchased a cake. I was eager to get home and open the bottle of vodka I bought for myself the previous night, so I also made sure I purchased orange juice whilst getting the cake.
Once I arrived home, I informed my housemate I will need a lift to my friends place, to which she agreed. Then we both foolishly agreed not to worry about a GPS because (famous last words) "Don't worry, I remember where it is" Oh how wrong I was, as we spent 20+ minutes trying to find the place. After countless phone calls, U-turns and F words, we eventually found the place for party. I prepped myself, got my present ready, cake ready, and vodka ready.
I greeted my mate with a hug, a manly hug of course, and handed over the presents. I arrived in good fashion, with a St Kilda hat, mini football and a TAB ticket with $10 for the Saints to win. I was ready for a great game, I only wish I remember the game.
Much like the '08 Grand Final, the opening bounce was electrifying. Many drinks were being consume, by all, and by half-time, I was feeling the effects. Half-time also saw the sausages being ready to eat, which turned out to be helpful in a way. I checked my bottle of V, (that's short for vodka, not the V energy drink) and made sure I was going at a good pace, which turned out to be somewhat true.
Half-time also saw a new, uhh, interesting kind of entertainment, where videos of the, uhh, adult kind was shown, where the storyline was about pirates.
I believe the next incidence happened during the 3rd quarter, where to this day I still hold my head in shame, in where I brought up pretty much everything consumed in the last 24 hours. I thought I was a good aim in the toilet, but my soaked socks proved otherwise, as I seemed to miss the toilet, and get it all over the floor. Walking out with soaked socks, and a glazed look in my eye, I asked for the mop and bucket, then a loud gasp occurred, followed by some cursing. It appears one of the girls that lives at the house doesn't like vomit all over her floor, huh, who would of thought?
While this was being cleaned, I decided to slow down a bit, until I was encouraged to keep going. I spent the 4th quarter on the couch, drinking my OJ with V, and to this day, I do not remember a single thing that happened in the that. All I remember is hearing the siren, and throwing my hat across the room.
Now the party was far from over, as a party bus was planned for the night. We needed some time to kill, so what better way than with a football. Yup, nothing says "No Broken Windows" like a bunch of drunk guys kicking a footy out on the road in a court, hitting a couple cars, but luckily causing no damage. At the end of this activity, it seems me and a newly-made friend declared ourselves the winner, and premiers of Rhonda Court.
We then made the trek to where the bus was waiting for us. Upon arrival, I was given a Jim Beam can, well, not so much given, but found un-opened sitting in the gutter. If you know me, I do not drink anything else other than vodka, and apparently, Jim Beams. During the drive to the city, I consumed about 3/4 of this can, which was amazing in my books.
We arrived at our first of 5 clubs, Icon Bar. For those who do not know Melbourne nightclubs, Icon Bar is, I think, the only bar which allows patrons to dance on the bar. In fact, they encourage this behaviour, and with several litres of vodka in my system, I took advantage of this, much did the rest of the party crew.
Interesting story arose from Icon Bar, as a couple months prior to the Grand Final, I attended my favourite place in all of Melbourne, The Eagle Bar with my friend (the birthday boy). At the Eagle Bar, we chatted to two lovely, but sober girls, and appeared to be funny (which isn't a surprise really). However, by the end of the night, I did not remember names. Fast forward to the last Saturday in the 09' September, and I had two lovely ladies randomly come up to me, all excited and actually knew me. My face would have been priceless, as I did not know this girls at all, or did I.....
Turns out, these two "random" girls, were the two girls from the Eagle Bar. They remembered and recognised me, and they had to just talk to me. Thankfully, by the end of the night, I remembered there names.
So that was Bar #01, with four more to go, so we boarded the bus and went to our second stop. I do not remember the name of the bar, or anything, as I was in there, got a text of the "random girls" requesting I come back to Icon. So I left pretty much unannounced, and the journey back to the bar proved to be quite difficult. After asking complete stranger and security at other nightclubs, I finally found the bar. Walked up to show them my cool stamp to show I've already been in, but was rejected straight away. Something about being too drunk, pfft, whatever!
Calling the two girls inside, I got them to come outside, and the bouncer allowed me to enter, on one condition, that I do not drink, otherwise cops would be call. Not wanting to cause trouble, I agreed to these terms and conditions. I must of spent an hour or two, dancing, drinking water, then the girls had to go home. So here I was, alone at this bar, not knowing where the bus was. If I thought the journey back to Icon was difficult, I was in for a real treat.
I rang my friend, finding out where the bus was, and it was going to be on King's St by the time I got there, I think it was King's St. Anyway, I started off with my usual, asking strangers for direction. Then two guys I asked, who looked very seedy, started following. With me being drunk and friendly, I gave them false hope as I told them they could come on the bus to the next stop. Little did they know, or myself know, there wasn't going to be a next stop. Dum, dum, dum.
I eventually found the bus, with two random, drug-dealing-looking guys, in fear of getting bashed, I boarded the bus. My bigger friends told my new "friends" to go away as they aren't coming on and we are going home. That took care of that problem, the next problem was every one's rumbling stomachs. We founded the nearest MickyD's, grabbed our food, and jumped on the bus, to take us all home.
To no one's sup rise, the bin, which was allocated for rubbish, ended up being for my vomit, as I had a few chunders on the trip home. I got the bus driver to stop just off my street, and decided I would walk home, which was only 600m or so. During this trek, I brought my insides up 4 times, which proved to be quite effective in the morning. Stumbling upstairs, I crashed onto my mattress, and slept it all off.
So '08 and '09 created some stories, and sadly my '10 story will go something like this....
"Tore some tickets, directed people to cinemas, cleaned popcorn, heard the score of a stranger..." But I may plan on going out upon completion at work, which is 9:30pm. So I have some time to go out, have a couple drinks, and least pretend I watched the game. However, I already know the memory of this Grand Final will not come close to the past two years. Maybe I should be preparing and looking forward to the '11 Grand Final, and I might let work know I'm not available that day....
From The One They Call Anthony, This Is The Life And Times
2008 and 2009 Grand Finals were memorable and enjoyable, and both had a different atmosphere, but created lasting memories. So what I am going to do right now, is go through the days events of each year, sharing what I remember (and don't remember) and maybe a little sook at the end about missing this years.
2008, Hawks V Cats
This Grand Final was a true reflection of that year for me, and what made it a great day was my band-wagoning with the Hawks for the season.
I invited a few close mates over to watch the game at mine, with the original plan being, sit outside with a TV, pool full of ice and drinks, and enjoy the game in the sun. While it sounded good in theory, practical wise, not so successful. Silly me put water in the pool, then ice, so the ice ended up melting and did not keep the drinks cold. The TV did not get good reception, and the direct sunlight caused a glare. However, I was determined and spent the whole morning trying to get it to work, then my brother called me an idiot, and we moved to inside. At the time, I didn't like the idea, but in retrospect, was the better option, as inside provided fridge, 42" high def TV, pool table, couches and air-conditioning.
We all settled in our spots, me, with my Hawks jumper on, and a couple friends with their Cats one on. The opening bounce proved to be a heart stopper, and we were underway, but while the game just started, the drinks were already flowing.
Half-time, and the game was a good'in, which created a great atmosphere. We needed our own half-time entertainment, so this is where the pool table came to be quite handy, so a few games were played, and a few drinks consumed. 99% of the group were getting to the stage of noticing the alcohol effect, while 1% (well actually, just one of us) was drunk before the opening bounce, as someone opened a beer near him and he smelt it, causing him to get drunk.
With the close game underway again, cheers, boos, and abuse was been hurled throughout the room. This wasn't just directed at the TV, but also each other, which caused me to have a blood nose during the 4th quarter. With about 15 minutes left in the final, Hawks were in front and looking strong, so I confidently downloaded the Hawks club song and started playing it with 10minutes to go. My brother told me to turn it off, as anything could happen. Fast forward 10minutes and I played it again! Being drunk at this time, I rang every Hawk supporter in my phone, which was like 1 or 2 I think, and cheered and sung with them.
With excitement running through my veins, I ran up to the local pub, burst through the door, jumped over the bar and hugged the publican (being a mad Hawk supporter). I then made my disappearance back to the house, where I cooled and calmed myself by jumping in my inflatable. So in the end, it turned out to be a handy device.
With all of us still wanting to party, we thought the most fitting place to do it would be the Mulwala Ski Club, or the Skibi as we like to call it. So we got our sober friend, well, my sister-in-law to drive a car load of us over to Mul. First stop was dinner, which was Maccas, and it turned out to be Cyril. Second stop was the Skibi, where we drank, carried on, and cheered. By the end of the night my jumper was taken by a Hawks fan, and I never did get it back.
Once the Skibi closed, we headed to our usual spot, RickyD's, grabbed ourselves a pizza, and headed to a mate's place to sleep it off.
Next morning, we were picked up, taken back to Oaklands, where many hours of rest occurred, and the excitement of the Grand Final subsided. But boy, it was a great day/night.
2009, Cats V Saints
This Grand Final was a special one, with the main one being, it was my mate's 21st birthday party, so I had to party hard for him, and boy did I. This was also when living in Melbourne, so a few weeks before hand I started a saving plan, so I had money to spend this weekend. So let the story telling begin...
In the morning I thought I'd be a good friend and get him a birthday cake, so I drove to my place of work (which I told them I could not work that day due to Grand Final) and purchased a cake. I was eager to get home and open the bottle of vodka I bought for myself the previous night, so I also made sure I purchased orange juice whilst getting the cake.
Once I arrived home, I informed my housemate I will need a lift to my friends place, to which she agreed. Then we both foolishly agreed not to worry about a GPS because (famous last words) "Don't worry, I remember where it is" Oh how wrong I was, as we spent 20+ minutes trying to find the place. After countless phone calls, U-turns and F words, we eventually found the place for party. I prepped myself, got my present ready, cake ready, and vodka ready.
I greeted my mate with a hug, a manly hug of course, and handed over the presents. I arrived in good fashion, with a St Kilda hat, mini football and a TAB ticket with $10 for the Saints to win. I was ready for a great game, I only wish I remember the game.
Much like the '08 Grand Final, the opening bounce was electrifying. Many drinks were being consume, by all, and by half-time, I was feeling the effects. Half-time also saw the sausages being ready to eat, which turned out to be helpful in a way. I checked my bottle of V, (that's short for vodka, not the V energy drink) and made sure I was going at a good pace, which turned out to be somewhat true.
Half-time also saw a new, uhh, interesting kind of entertainment, where videos of the, uhh, adult kind was shown, where the storyline was about pirates.
I believe the next incidence happened during the 3rd quarter, where to this day I still hold my head in shame, in where I brought up pretty much everything consumed in the last 24 hours. I thought I was a good aim in the toilet, but my soaked socks proved otherwise, as I seemed to miss the toilet, and get it all over the floor. Walking out with soaked socks, and a glazed look in my eye, I asked for the mop and bucket, then a loud gasp occurred, followed by some cursing. It appears one of the girls that lives at the house doesn't like vomit all over her floor, huh, who would of thought?
While this was being cleaned, I decided to slow down a bit, until I was encouraged to keep going. I spent the 4th quarter on the couch, drinking my OJ with V, and to this day, I do not remember a single thing that happened in the that. All I remember is hearing the siren, and throwing my hat across the room.
Now the party was far from over, as a party bus was planned for the night. We needed some time to kill, so what better way than with a football. Yup, nothing says "No Broken Windows" like a bunch of drunk guys kicking a footy out on the road in a court, hitting a couple cars, but luckily causing no damage. At the end of this activity, it seems me and a newly-made friend declared ourselves the winner, and premiers of Rhonda Court.
We then made the trek to where the bus was waiting for us. Upon arrival, I was given a Jim Beam can, well, not so much given, but found un-opened sitting in the gutter. If you know me, I do not drink anything else other than vodka, and apparently, Jim Beams. During the drive to the city, I consumed about 3/4 of this can, which was amazing in my books.
We arrived at our first of 5 clubs, Icon Bar. For those who do not know Melbourne nightclubs, Icon Bar is, I think, the only bar which allows patrons to dance on the bar. In fact, they encourage this behaviour, and with several litres of vodka in my system, I took advantage of this, much did the rest of the party crew.
Interesting story arose from Icon Bar, as a couple months prior to the Grand Final, I attended my favourite place in all of Melbourne, The Eagle Bar with my friend (the birthday boy). At the Eagle Bar, we chatted to two lovely, but sober girls, and appeared to be funny (which isn't a surprise really). However, by the end of the night, I did not remember names. Fast forward to the last Saturday in the 09' September, and I had two lovely ladies randomly come up to me, all excited and actually knew me. My face would have been priceless, as I did not know this girls at all, or did I.....
Turns out, these two "random" girls, were the two girls from the Eagle Bar. They remembered and recognised me, and they had to just talk to me. Thankfully, by the end of the night, I remembered there names.
So that was Bar #01, with four more to go, so we boarded the bus and went to our second stop. I do not remember the name of the bar, or anything, as I was in there, got a text of the "random girls" requesting I come back to Icon. So I left pretty much unannounced, and the journey back to the bar proved to be quite difficult. After asking complete stranger and security at other nightclubs, I finally found the bar. Walked up to show them my cool stamp to show I've already been in, but was rejected straight away. Something about being too drunk, pfft, whatever!
Calling the two girls inside, I got them to come outside, and the bouncer allowed me to enter, on one condition, that I do not drink, otherwise cops would be call. Not wanting to cause trouble, I agreed to these terms and conditions. I must of spent an hour or two, dancing, drinking water, then the girls had to go home. So here I was, alone at this bar, not knowing where the bus was. If I thought the journey back to Icon was difficult, I was in for a real treat.
I rang my friend, finding out where the bus was, and it was going to be on King's St by the time I got there, I think it was King's St. Anyway, I started off with my usual, asking strangers for direction. Then two guys I asked, who looked very seedy, started following. With me being drunk and friendly, I gave them false hope as I told them they could come on the bus to the next stop. Little did they know, or myself know, there wasn't going to be a next stop. Dum, dum, dum.
I eventually found the bus, with two random, drug-dealing-looking guys, in fear of getting bashed, I boarded the bus. My bigger friends told my new "friends" to go away as they aren't coming on and we are going home. That took care of that problem, the next problem was every one's rumbling stomachs. We founded the nearest MickyD's, grabbed our food, and jumped on the bus, to take us all home.
To no one's sup rise, the bin, which was allocated for rubbish, ended up being for my vomit, as I had a few chunders on the trip home. I got the bus driver to stop just off my street, and decided I would walk home, which was only 600m or so. During this trek, I brought my insides up 4 times, which proved to be quite effective in the morning. Stumbling upstairs, I crashed onto my mattress, and slept it all off.
So '08 and '09 created some stories, and sadly my '10 story will go something like this....
"Tore some tickets, directed people to cinemas, cleaned popcorn, heard the score of a stranger..." But I may plan on going out upon completion at work, which is 9:30pm. So I have some time to go out, have a couple drinks, and least pretend I watched the game. However, I already know the memory of this Grand Final will not come close to the past two years. Maybe I should be preparing and looking forward to the '11 Grand Final, and I might let work know I'm not available that day....
From The One They Call Anthony, This Is The Life And Times
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Summer Time
For the last couple years, my summers have been very average, at best. Possibly the best summer I ever had was when I was 15 or 16, can't remember exactly. Literally everyday the local pool was open, I was there with my best mate, having an absolute ball and a good time. The next best summer was in 2008-2009 where I was living in Oaklands, while planning the move to Melbourne. During this summer I spent a lot weekends at the Mulwala ski-club, and venturing out having fun, but didn't really do too much other than that. Although, Australia Day was certainly a great weekend.
The last summer was very average, where I spent a lot of time working, and being bored at home. December and early January was spent in Melbourne, and I did have a couple good days, and spent some time at the pool, in my own pool, and even a trip to the beach and lazing around the house trying to keep cool. However, once I moved back home, summer went downhill and it just was not enjoyable. The only fun I had was at Mulwala during another Australia Day weekend, but it wasn't the greatest weekend I spent.
So I've been thinking about the upcoming summer, and what truly makes an amazing summer. I have compiled a list of things which has to be done, and I aim to try and complete as much of the list as possible this summer.
1/ Buy an inflatable pool and spend 85% of summer in it.
Okay, not really 85% of the summer, it was a hyperbole. However, I think the main aspect of summer is cooling off, and what better way to cool off than to sit in an inflatable pool of an afternoon, in your own backyard, listening to music, and eating icy poles, or even having a couple beverages of the alcoholic nature. For me, that would be a near perfect day, as long as a couple friends were around to enjoy.
2/ Go on a road trip
This is a main one, which does require some saving, and a little bit of planning, but if done right, can make for an awesome weekend, or 4 days, or however long. But where do you go on your road trip? Road trips aren't about the destination, but more-so the journey. Fill a car with mates, camping gear, a map and hit the road, and have fun along the way.
3/ Music, summer music
Jason Mraz. After being sucked back into his music, I feel he has the best songs for summer. People will argue the best songs, as some will say people like Katy Perry or Usher, or maybe heavy metal, depending on their musical tastes. However, I believe the best songs for summer are the slow, mellow, almost reggae, sing-a-long type, and it's right up JM's ally. Listening to "I'm Yours" around a camp fire on the beach, perfect...
4/ Beach/Lake/River
This depends on where you live of course, but during the summer, you have to visit one of these places at least 45 times. I hope to be visiting all three, and having a couple brews at each one. The beach might be the result of a road trip, the lake is a just a small drive away, much same the river. But to visit a natural watering hole, is the key to summer. Summer is the time to get back with nature, as you spent 99.99% of winter indoors, it is now time to get outside and back to what's real with the world.
5/ Floating
This can tie in with No.4, but everyone should go for a day float with friends. Me? I want to plan a big float for a couple days where I float during the day, then at night pull over and camp overnight, and continue floating. Would make a few nice memories.
6/ Backyard Cricket
Biggest Aussie summer activity to do. If you live in Australia, and don't play at least 4 games of backyard during the summer months, your citizenship should be revoked. It doesn't exactly have to be backyard, it may occur in park lands, or riverside, lakeside, beach cricket, or somewhere similar.
7/ BBQ's and parties
This is a must for the summer months, and for a good reason, BBQ's are Cyril, and parties are fun. Soon I will blog about the perfect summer party and what you need to do to achieve it, so stay tuned.
They are the key elements to having an enjoyable summer. For me, it's not only the big moments like a road trip or sitting in my inflatable pool, but it's the little things as well. Like spending 98% of summer in thongs, footy shorts and singlet, or just going for a walk taking everything in. Eating icy poles, being outside at 9pm with light still about having a couple drinks, or just lying on the couch with the aircon blasting watching a movie. All these little things add up to assist the big moments in summer.
Preserving these summer memories are important, that's why I am in talks with my manager about maybe starting a Summer Blog, so I can share and preserve which hopes to be my best summer. If you want to preserve your own memories, this is a no-brainer, but carry a camera with you, 24/7!
One last thing, which is probably the most important thing, the key to summer is, just let it flow. By that I mean, don't force things, or plan everything. Sometimes the best things are the unplanned, such as ringing up your mates at 3pm, and saying backyard cricket in 20mins. Wasn't planned, but it usually turns out to be one of the best days.
So get ready to enjoy summer, stock up on suncream, thongs and icy poles.
From The One They Call Anthony, This Is The Life And Times
The last summer was very average, where I spent a lot of time working, and being bored at home. December and early January was spent in Melbourne, and I did have a couple good days, and spent some time at the pool, in my own pool, and even a trip to the beach and lazing around the house trying to keep cool. However, once I moved back home, summer went downhill and it just was not enjoyable. The only fun I had was at Mulwala during another Australia Day weekend, but it wasn't the greatest weekend I spent.
So I've been thinking about the upcoming summer, and what truly makes an amazing summer. I have compiled a list of things which has to be done, and I aim to try and complete as much of the list as possible this summer.
1/ Buy an inflatable pool and spend 85% of summer in it.
Okay, not really 85% of the summer, it was a hyperbole. However, I think the main aspect of summer is cooling off, and what better way to cool off than to sit in an inflatable pool of an afternoon, in your own backyard, listening to music, and eating icy poles, or even having a couple beverages of the alcoholic nature. For me, that would be a near perfect day, as long as a couple friends were around to enjoy.
2/ Go on a road trip
This is a main one, which does require some saving, and a little bit of planning, but if done right, can make for an awesome weekend, or 4 days, or however long. But where do you go on your road trip? Road trips aren't about the destination, but more-so the journey. Fill a car with mates, camping gear, a map and hit the road, and have fun along the way.
3/ Music, summer music
Jason Mraz. After being sucked back into his music, I feel he has the best songs for summer. People will argue the best songs, as some will say people like Katy Perry or Usher, or maybe heavy metal, depending on their musical tastes. However, I believe the best songs for summer are the slow, mellow, almost reggae, sing-a-long type, and it's right up JM's ally. Listening to "I'm Yours" around a camp fire on the beach, perfect...
4/ Beach/Lake/River
This depends on where you live of course, but during the summer, you have to visit one of these places at least 45 times. I hope to be visiting all three, and having a couple brews at each one. The beach might be the result of a road trip, the lake is a just a small drive away, much same the river. But to visit a natural watering hole, is the key to summer. Summer is the time to get back with nature, as you spent 99.99% of winter indoors, it is now time to get outside and back to what's real with the world.
5/ Floating
This can tie in with No.4, but everyone should go for a day float with friends. Me? I want to plan a big float for a couple days where I float during the day, then at night pull over and camp overnight, and continue floating. Would make a few nice memories.
6/ Backyard Cricket
Biggest Aussie summer activity to do. If you live in Australia, and don't play at least 4 games of backyard during the summer months, your citizenship should be revoked. It doesn't exactly have to be backyard, it may occur in park lands, or riverside, lakeside, beach cricket, or somewhere similar.
7/ BBQ's and parties
This is a must for the summer months, and for a good reason, BBQ's are Cyril, and parties are fun. Soon I will blog about the perfect summer party and what you need to do to achieve it, so stay tuned.
They are the key elements to having an enjoyable summer. For me, it's not only the big moments like a road trip or sitting in my inflatable pool, but it's the little things as well. Like spending 98% of summer in thongs, footy shorts and singlet, or just going for a walk taking everything in. Eating icy poles, being outside at 9pm with light still about having a couple drinks, or just lying on the couch with the aircon blasting watching a movie. All these little things add up to assist the big moments in summer.
Preserving these summer memories are important, that's why I am in talks with my manager about maybe starting a Summer Blog, so I can share and preserve which hopes to be my best summer. If you want to preserve your own memories, this is a no-brainer, but carry a camera with you, 24/7!
One last thing, which is probably the most important thing, the key to summer is, just let it flow. By that I mean, don't force things, or plan everything. Sometimes the best things are the unplanned, such as ringing up your mates at 3pm, and saying backyard cricket in 20mins. Wasn't planned, but it usually turns out to be one of the best days.
So get ready to enjoy summer, stock up on suncream, thongs and icy poles.
From The One They Call Anthony, This Is The Life And Times
Friday, September 10, 2010
Aisle.... Wait! What?
Whilst working at Safeway, as a checkout chick, delidog and nightguy, I've encountered some unusual people, but none of them compare to the guy that came in on Tuesday night......
So I'm stacking away, just going about my normal work business, and I had a customer come up to me to ask me something. To be honest, he wasn't the most clean-cut, well-dressed, highly presented man I've met, he was kinda the opposite.
So he came up, and this is how the conversation went down...
Guy - "Do you sell any pot?"
Me - "Ummm, maybe aisle [trying to think if we sell pot plants, then I thought again for a second what he said] Wait, what sorry?"
Guy - "You know, pot, weed"
Me - "Oh, sorry, no we don't sell that here"
Guy - "Do you sell it but?"
Me - "Umm, no sorry mate"
Guy - "That's ok, know anybody does? I need some"
Me - "Nah I don't, sorry man"
Guy - "That's cool, thanks anyway man"
Let's just say, that was the most unusual encounter with a customer, ever! It took a couple seconds to think about what he said, and I still am in disbelief he approached me about it. It's not everyday someone comes up to you during work asking if you sell pot. Well, that's my short story for the day, hope you have enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
From The One They Call Anthony, This Is The Life And Times
So I'm stacking away, just going about my normal work business, and I had a customer come up to me to ask me something. To be honest, he wasn't the most clean-cut, well-dressed, highly presented man I've met, he was kinda the opposite.
So he came up, and this is how the conversation went down...
Guy - "Do you sell any pot?"
Me - "Ummm, maybe aisle [trying to think if we sell pot plants, then I thought again for a second what he said] Wait, what sorry?"
Guy - "You know, pot, weed"
Me - "Oh, sorry, no we don't sell that here"
Guy - "Do you sell it but?"
Me - "Umm, no sorry mate"
Guy - "That's ok, know anybody does? I need some"
Me - "Nah I don't, sorry man"
Guy - "That's cool, thanks anyway man"
Let's just say, that was the most unusual encounter with a customer, ever! It took a couple seconds to think about what he said, and I still am in disbelief he approached me about it. It's not everyday someone comes up to you during work asking if you sell pot. Well, that's my short story for the day, hope you have enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
From The One They Call Anthony, This Is The Life And Times
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Where's Wally?
I dunno, I use to always struggle finding that red-and-white striped glasses wearing expert hider! He frustrated me something shocking! But he has brought up a interesting question, where's Anthony? Right now, sitting in his car outside of TAFE, scabbing their Internet, but where would he live, if he could live anywhere in the world? Good question...
There are quite a few places that would be nice to live in, so to choose just one can be hard. But there a quite a few factors to take into consideration when thinking of the best place to live. Things such as government, career prospect, leisure and culture.
Government is such a big issue because I wanted to sound smart by appearing to talk about smart-people stuff. However, I do want to live in a country that is a democracy, where I have freedom and right to choice. So I think most of the middle-east countries, and places like Korea and China, are out of the picture.
When I finally become, Ted Mosby, Architect! I might have to think about relocating from Oaklands, because let's be honest, I don't see much boom on the horizon for the village, but where would be a good place to start an architectural career? It depends on what sort of buildings you want to design I guess. If you want to design beach houses, then Canada or Antarctica isn't the ideal place, or if you want to design igloos, Hawaii or Egypt isn't the best location. It also depends on your style of an designer/architect, by that I mean if you are more into the culture, or if you are into modern buildings, and so forth. A couple places I wouldn't mind plotting a few buildings in would be Hawaii, Gold Coast and Italy (just so I get to learn Italian)
I think leisure is a major factor in deciding where I would live, because I'm the kind of guy that is up for fun. So if a place doesn't offer too much fun, I'm not offering too much of me. Sports would be a major factor in the equation, and if the right sport isn't offered, well I will be packing my bags. Since most countries outside of Australia doesn't offer AFL, I do find it somewhat difficult to picture myself living for a length-of-time in the place. Sport isn't the only thing, mini-golf is right up there! If you do not offer mini-golf, I'm sorry but you will have to pull your finger out! A beach would be lovely for the summer times, maybe some mountains in the distant for spring hikes, a lake, SWIMMIN' HOLE!, and the usual things of movies and shops.
The culture of the place is a key notion of determining whether I would live there or not. At the moment, I'm not into rap, or being murdered, so I wouldn't be moving to Brooklyn in New York anytime soon. I do like to drink, but for some reason, I do not think I could keep up with the Irish, even though they do have awesome accents! Spaghetti and lasagna are in my top 5 foods, so Italy may be possible, especially with the language and Venice river boat rides. Penguins are pretty cool, let's face it, so having hard nipples 24/7 isn't my idea of fun times, so Antarctica is out of the picture. I do like the culture of the Gold Coast, which is sunny, laid-back and refreshed.
I guess to sum up, I don't think I could ever move out of Australia to live. We have a terrific culture, we have AFL and I will probably create my own style of architecture in this country. Does that mean I'll never leave the country? No, I would like to do some travelling, see a bit of the world, just nothing permanent. If I was to move anywhere in the world, it would be either Gold Coast, or Melbourne.
Now you are wondering, "Why couldn't he just said Gold Coast or Melbourne at the start?!" Answer being, I wanted to waste 5 minutes of your time....
From The One They Call Anthony, This Is The Life And Times
There are quite a few places that would be nice to live in, so to choose just one can be hard. But there a quite a few factors to take into consideration when thinking of the best place to live. Things such as government, career prospect, leisure and culture.
Government is such a big issue because I wanted to sound smart by appearing to talk about smart-people stuff. However, I do want to live in a country that is a democracy, where I have freedom and right to choice. So I think most of the middle-east countries, and places like Korea and China, are out of the picture.
When I finally become, Ted Mosby, Architect! I might have to think about relocating from Oaklands, because let's be honest, I don't see much boom on the horizon for the village, but where would be a good place to start an architectural career? It depends on what sort of buildings you want to design I guess. If you want to design beach houses, then Canada or Antarctica isn't the ideal place, or if you want to design igloos, Hawaii or Egypt isn't the best location. It also depends on your style of an designer/architect, by that I mean if you are more into the culture, or if you are into modern buildings, and so forth. A couple places I wouldn't mind plotting a few buildings in would be Hawaii, Gold Coast and Italy (just so I get to learn Italian)
I think leisure is a major factor in deciding where I would live, because I'm the kind of guy that is up for fun. So if a place doesn't offer too much fun, I'm not offering too much of me. Sports would be a major factor in the equation, and if the right sport isn't offered, well I will be packing my bags. Since most countries outside of Australia doesn't offer AFL, I do find it somewhat difficult to picture myself living for a length-of-time in the place. Sport isn't the only thing, mini-golf is right up there! If you do not offer mini-golf, I'm sorry but you will have to pull your finger out! A beach would be lovely for the summer times, maybe some mountains in the distant for spring hikes, a lake, SWIMMIN' HOLE!, and the usual things of movies and shops.
The culture of the place is a key notion of determining whether I would live there or not. At the moment, I'm not into rap, or being murdered, so I wouldn't be moving to Brooklyn in New York anytime soon. I do like to drink, but for some reason, I do not think I could keep up with the Irish, even though they do have awesome accents! Spaghetti and lasagna are in my top 5 foods, so Italy may be possible, especially with the language and Venice river boat rides. Penguins are pretty cool, let's face it, so having hard nipples 24/7 isn't my idea of fun times, so Antarctica is out of the picture. I do like the culture of the Gold Coast, which is sunny, laid-back and refreshed.
I guess to sum up, I don't think I could ever move out of Australia to live. We have a terrific culture, we have AFL and I will probably create my own style of architecture in this country. Does that mean I'll never leave the country? No, I would like to do some travelling, see a bit of the world, just nothing permanent. If I was to move anywhere in the world, it would be either Gold Coast, or Melbourne.
Now you are wondering, "Why couldn't he just said Gold Coast or Melbourne at the start?!" Answer being, I wanted to waste 5 minutes of your time....
From The One They Call Anthony, This Is The Life And Times
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Remember That Time We Went To Crown....
Horsey horsey, why don't you carry me,
Horsey horsey, standing there in the rain.
Horsey ahh.
Horsey ayy.
....
Meat pie, I love you so,
Four 'n' Twenty from a Toorak Road,
Stuck in traffic, everyone's headin' out,
Stuck in traffc, what's this all about?
Sitting in the Lounge room, sippin' on a cold one.
Oh, oh, oh, why don't you love me?
Oh, oh, oh, let me love you.
Blue, green. Blue, blue green,
Chick from the table who over D'ed.
Green, blue. Green, green blue,
Fin footed mammal, how much do we owe?
...... Thirty-nine sixty
Horsey horsey, standing there in the rain.
Horsey ahh.
Horsey ayy.
....
Meat pie, I love you so,
Four 'n' Twenty from a Toorak Road,
Stuck in traffic, everyone's headin' out,
Stuck in traffc, what's this all about?
Sitting in the Lounge room, sippin' on a cold one.
Oh, oh, oh, why don't you love me?
Oh, oh, oh, let me love you.
Blue, green. Blue, blue green,
Chick from the table who over D'ed.
Green, blue. Green, green blue,
Fin footed mammal, how much do we owe?
...... Thirty-nine sixty
My Secret Tatics!
Okay what I am about to share with you is of great benefit, especially if you are unemployed and looking for a job. A previous blog I talked about looking for a job, and gave a bunch of tips I learnt over my hunting days. Now I'm going to talk about my tactics and weapons I use once I find a job and get a interview.
Weapon of Choice 01 - Suit Up!
As the legendary man himself always say, "SUIT UP!" - Barney Stinson. Every interview and group interview, with the exception of one, I have suited up, and we are talking full-blown suit, shirt, tie and jacket, oh, and pants of course. Oh and I was wearing shoes. And I also had socks on, but that's not the point! I've attended quite a few group interviews, especially for really crappy "promoting" jobs and telemarketing, and I was always best dressed in my jacket and tie. The way I see it, you can never over-dress for a interview of any kind. The only time I didn't suit up was for a group interview for a job with Cotton On, as my housemate at the time said dress trendy (still got the job but). Suiting up for a interview shows you are professional, serious about getting the job, and gives off the vibe and impression. When I am CEO of my multi-national, billion-dollar empire and I'm hiring people, if they walk into my office without a suit, I won't give them the time of my day, out the door! Even if it's for a cleaning job, always suit up! I once had short notice of a job interview and could not get my suit dry cleaned in time, and I was stressing because I didn't want to go in a dirty suit, or no suit, so what did I do? I went out, and bought a new suit! For those who remember my early blogs, I bought the suit which led me to my first job in Melbourne....
Weapon of Choice 02 - Weakness'
In my early days of interviews, when asked this question, I didn't really know how to answer it. I use to answer it with "Uhhh, ummm, hmm, uhhh, not sure, don't think I have any" But really I had plenty. Then I was watching Dr Phil and he had a guy in helping out with interview tips, and he gave the best response to the question...
"So what is your weakness?"
"Marsh mellows"
"What?"
"Yes marsh mellows, they are delicious, I just can't help myself, roasted even better"
"Hahaha yes true"
I've used this before, just not marsh mellows. When asked what is my weakness, I said "Baking a eatable cake" and "Flying a plane" You are thinking "Omg, what a douche, what are you thinking?!?!?!" Well, I got both jobs, so it didn't turn out too bad. If you are a girl, you can say something like "Re-building a car engine" or something creative, funny and unrelated to the job. It is something the interviewer isn't expecting, and can have a slight chuckle over. In fact my cake one actually led to a small discussion on how to bake a cake.... I still failed at it though :(
Tactic 01 - Make Your First Impression Last
Not sure if a tactic, or a weapon, there is no real definition between the two titles, but anyway, besides the point. It takes about 7 seconds when you first meet someone to form an impression with someone. This ties in with the suit business (See what I did there, I'm clever), that when you meet your interviewer, smile, introduce yourself, and give a firm handshake. If you look like you don't want to be there, give a limp handshake, or worst, not one, and you just look sloppy, your chances of seeing a future interview, or job, is pretty much out the window.
Tactic 02 - Be Yourself To A Degree
Not sure how I'll go explaining this one but I'll try. Okay, what is one of the most serious jobs you can think of? Doctor? Lawyer? Okay, what about at the other end of the spectrum, a job where you may need to be fun and outgoing? Mini-golf course assistant? Radio talk-show host (not ABC, I mean Hamish and Andy style)? What you have to do is Tailor your personality to suit the job you are going for. Take me for example, I'm not exactly Mr Serious, I'm usually a fun, out-going, funny guy. I went for a job interview for a pick-pack job in a warehouse, which required me to actually be serious. This proved to be quite the task, but I managed to get through the interview. The reason I was serious was because it was a job that required concentration, and well, seriousness. Not really the job I would pursue, but I was desperate at the time. I had an interview with Cotton On, which required me to fun and out-going, as that is what they look for in their employees.
So to an extent, you naturally go for a job which suits your personality for a start, like I won't be going for any lawyer jobs in the future (Mostly because I am not studying the field). But I'm more than happy to go for retail jobs or customer service as it allows me, to be me. However, let's say I go for a job to be a receptionist at Boral Bricks, to gain industry experience and knowledge which could help with my future career. So most receptionists aren't like the girl in Cotton On, they are usually answering phones, taking enquires, and kind of have to take their job serious. So I'm in the interview, I wouldn't exactly be cracking too many jokes (To be honest, I'd crack at least 1 or 2), and my body language would be kind of calm/still, and in a serious tone. So I'm sort of manipulating my personality to suit the job at hand, I'm not changing it, because when they clock hits 5:00pm, the real Anthony is out in force! Now compare that personality to if I was being interview for a job at a mini-golf course. You would think the manager wants you to be fun, out-going and entertaining. So I would crack at least 20 jokes, be active in my body language and so forth.
Not sure if it's the greatest advice, as most people say, "Don't be someone you are not" Which I agree, but sometimes even the fun-est person needs to be serious to pay the bills.
Now this is the main event, this tactic, or weapon, has landed me 3 jobs, and a friend a job, and it could possibly lead me to another job. I am going to share with you, "The Awesome Scale"
'OMG WHAT IS THE AWESOME SCALE!!!!?!?!?!?!?!?!!?!?!?!?!?!!!!???????????!!!" you are asking yourself. Well let me take you through.....
I've been to 3 group interviews, twice with Safeway, once with Cotton On, and every time you have to pair up with someone and "interview" them and then present your findings to the rest of the group. So you start of simple, ask about hobbies, movies, why they want a job, study, blah blah, then you throw them off track...
"On a scale of 1 to 10, how awesome do you rate yourself?"
Now, most people don't want to sound stuckup, so they say 6 or 7, which is awesome, but it's no me. They then usually ask you the same, I usually say, "8, but I have been known to be 9, and I've pushed for a couple 10s" But you have to say it in the right tone, in a joking way, delievery is key. So anyway, you got their score of 7, and now you have to present to the group.
So you are telling them about their hobbies, their course they are studying, and then you bring up the Awesome Scale.
"And [insert name here] rates him/herself a 7 on the Awesome Scale [look around for baffled faces]. But actually since talking to [insert name here], I reckon he/she is about a 8.5, can probably push a mid 9 on their good day"
Delivery is key here! You have to do it all with a smile, don't sound serious, and just have fun with it. Laughter is proven to be the main response, mostly due to the creativity and uniqueness of the question.
I have asked this 3 times, I ended up getting all three jobs (although I probably would of the job regardless, but that's beside the point damn it!). I told my housemate about it, she used it in her group interview, and ended up getting a job as well. So it has a 100% success rate, which isn't too bad.
So there are a few of my weapons and tactics in a job interview. What works for me, may not work for you, but it works for me, so don't complain if it doesn't for you.
From The One They Anthony, This Is The Life And Times
Weapon of Choice 01 - Suit Up!
As the legendary man himself always say, "SUIT UP!" - Barney Stinson. Every interview and group interview, with the exception of one, I have suited up, and we are talking full-blown suit, shirt, tie and jacket, oh, and pants of course. Oh and I was wearing shoes. And I also had socks on, but that's not the point! I've attended quite a few group interviews, especially for really crappy "promoting" jobs and telemarketing, and I was always best dressed in my jacket and tie. The way I see it, you can never over-dress for a interview of any kind. The only time I didn't suit up was for a group interview for a job with Cotton On, as my housemate at the time said dress trendy (still got the job but). Suiting up for a interview shows you are professional, serious about getting the job, and gives off the vibe and impression. When I am CEO of my multi-national, billion-dollar empire and I'm hiring people, if they walk into my office without a suit, I won't give them the time of my day, out the door! Even if it's for a cleaning job, always suit up! I once had short notice of a job interview and could not get my suit dry cleaned in time, and I was stressing because I didn't want to go in a dirty suit, or no suit, so what did I do? I went out, and bought a new suit! For those who remember my early blogs, I bought the suit which led me to my first job in Melbourne....
Weapon of Choice 02 - Weakness'
In my early days of interviews, when asked this question, I didn't really know how to answer it. I use to answer it with "Uhhh, ummm, hmm, uhhh, not sure, don't think I have any" But really I had plenty. Then I was watching Dr Phil and he had a guy in helping out with interview tips, and he gave the best response to the question...
"So what is your weakness?"
"Marsh mellows"
"What?"
"Yes marsh mellows, they are delicious, I just can't help myself, roasted even better"
"Hahaha yes true"
I've used this before, just not marsh mellows. When asked what is my weakness, I said "Baking a eatable cake" and "Flying a plane" You are thinking "Omg, what a douche, what are you thinking?!?!?!" Well, I got both jobs, so it didn't turn out too bad. If you are a girl, you can say something like "Re-building a car engine" or something creative, funny and unrelated to the job. It is something the interviewer isn't expecting, and can have a slight chuckle over. In fact my cake one actually led to a small discussion on how to bake a cake.... I still failed at it though :(
Tactic 01 - Make Your First Impression Last
Not sure if a tactic, or a weapon, there is no real definition between the two titles, but anyway, besides the point. It takes about 7 seconds when you first meet someone to form an impression with someone. This ties in with the suit business (See what I did there, I'm clever), that when you meet your interviewer, smile, introduce yourself, and give a firm handshake. If you look like you don't want to be there, give a limp handshake, or worst, not one, and you just look sloppy, your chances of seeing a future interview, or job, is pretty much out the window.
Tactic 02 - Be Yourself To A Degree
Not sure how I'll go explaining this one but I'll try. Okay, what is one of the most serious jobs you can think of? Doctor? Lawyer? Okay, what about at the other end of the spectrum, a job where you may need to be fun and outgoing? Mini-golf course assistant? Radio talk-show host (not ABC, I mean Hamish and Andy style)? What you have to do is Tailor your personality to suit the job you are going for. Take me for example, I'm not exactly Mr Serious, I'm usually a fun, out-going, funny guy. I went for a job interview for a pick-pack job in a warehouse, which required me to actually be serious. This proved to be quite the task, but I managed to get through the interview. The reason I was serious was because it was a job that required concentration, and well, seriousness. Not really the job I would pursue, but I was desperate at the time. I had an interview with Cotton On, which required me to fun and out-going, as that is what they look for in their employees.
So to an extent, you naturally go for a job which suits your personality for a start, like I won't be going for any lawyer jobs in the future (Mostly because I am not studying the field). But I'm more than happy to go for retail jobs or customer service as it allows me, to be me. However, let's say I go for a job to be a receptionist at Boral Bricks, to gain industry experience and knowledge which could help with my future career. So most receptionists aren't like the girl in Cotton On, they are usually answering phones, taking enquires, and kind of have to take their job serious. So I'm in the interview, I wouldn't exactly be cracking too many jokes (To be honest, I'd crack at least 1 or 2), and my body language would be kind of calm/still, and in a serious tone. So I'm sort of manipulating my personality to suit the job at hand, I'm not changing it, because when they clock hits 5:00pm, the real Anthony is out in force! Now compare that personality to if I was being interview for a job at a mini-golf course. You would think the manager wants you to be fun, out-going and entertaining. So I would crack at least 20 jokes, be active in my body language and so forth.
Not sure if it's the greatest advice, as most people say, "Don't be someone you are not" Which I agree, but sometimes even the fun-est person needs to be serious to pay the bills.
Now this is the main event, this tactic, or weapon, has landed me 3 jobs, and a friend a job, and it could possibly lead me to another job. I am going to share with you, "The Awesome Scale"
'OMG WHAT IS THE AWESOME SCALE!!!!?!?!?!?!?!?!!?!?!?!?!?!!!!???????????!!!" you are asking yourself. Well let me take you through.....
I've been to 3 group interviews, twice with Safeway, once with Cotton On, and every time you have to pair up with someone and "interview" them and then present your findings to the rest of the group. So you start of simple, ask about hobbies, movies, why they want a job, study, blah blah, then you throw them off track...
"On a scale of 1 to 10, how awesome do you rate yourself?"
Now, most people don't want to sound stuckup, so they say 6 or 7, which is awesome, but it's no me. They then usually ask you the same, I usually say, "8, but I have been known to be 9, and I've pushed for a couple 10s" But you have to say it in the right tone, in a joking way, delievery is key. So anyway, you got their score of 7, and now you have to present to the group.
So you are telling them about their hobbies, their course they are studying, and then you bring up the Awesome Scale.
"And [insert name here] rates him/herself a 7 on the Awesome Scale [look around for baffled faces]. But actually since talking to [insert name here], I reckon he/she is about a 8.5, can probably push a mid 9 on their good day"
Delivery is key here! You have to do it all with a smile, don't sound serious, and just have fun with it. Laughter is proven to be the main response, mostly due to the creativity and uniqueness of the question.
I have asked this 3 times, I ended up getting all three jobs (although I probably would of the job regardless, but that's beside the point damn it!). I told my housemate about it, she used it in her group interview, and ended up getting a job as well. So it has a 100% success rate, which isn't too bad.
So there are a few of my weapons and tactics in a job interview. What works for me, may not work for you, but it works for me, so don't complain if it doesn't for you.
From The One They Anthony, This Is The Life And Times
Saturday, August 28, 2010
They Say Time Heals All.....
This is going to be the toughest, hardest blog post to write out of all past and future ones. I'm going to share with everyone about my mum's battle with cancer and how I was affected after her passing.
When you are young and growing up, you always see your parents as invincible, nothing can stop them, and they will always be around forever. I was no different, I always thought mum would always be around, to look after me, through thick and thin, sadly, it wasn't to be.
When I was 14, mum was diagnosed with the big C, cancer. Now I don't remember much during the start of this ordeal, but I do remember when she told me. She told me at the kitchen table around dinner time, for her it must of been the hardest thing to do, to tell your children you don't know how much longer you are going to be around. My reaction, well, I didn't know how to react. I did not know much about cancer, and even at 14, I still believed she couldn't leave me.
We were told she still had many years left in her with treatment, so she underwent treatment for it. I remember one day being down at the oval with a mate, just chilling, and we had a little talk about it and we heard of them curing cancer within 2 years or so, and I felt hope for mum as the doctors said she would live for longer.
Things took a turn for the worst, and mum wasn't responding and was getting worst with times, and them years were suddenly cut back to 6 months. 2 or 3 days later, an ambulance was called to our house at 3am and one of the drivers, Alister (who was one of the drivers who delivered me) made a small joke which I won't ever forget. As they were taking her down the hallway, he said in just a calm, soothing voice "Well Merry, you aren't talking much" and if you ever met my mum, you would know she was quite the chatter. Now Alister was being offensive, or mean, he was trying to lighten the mood of a very terrifying situation. Then after his joke, he then said the most devastating thing a child could hear "You better say your goodbyes to mum now"
After she was rushed of to Corowa hospital, dad put us to bed and told us we will see her in the morning.
In the morning we went to Corowa to see mum, and she was not in a good way. I don't remember much in the hospital, but I do remember giving mum my final goodbye kiss, telling her I love her and how I'm going to miss her. I then stood there, and my mum peacefully drifted off.
In a way, it was nice to see her go peacefully, surround by family and her best friend, and sadly two members of the family weren't able to be there, but we all knew they were there in spirit, and mum knew it too.
After we got home, I did not how to feel. All I could do is go over to our park, and attempt to shoot some hoops. However, I just couldn't concentrate, and ended up kicking the ball away in anger.
Dad offered us kids to stay home and not worry about school, but I told him I wanted to go and be with my friends. So the morning after mum passed away, I woke up for school, however, it was the last thing on my mind, so I stayed home.
A few days later we had mum's funeral, and all I could remember is seeing the hertz take mum away. At 15 years old, it isn't the easiest thing to watch. The whole town and them some showed up for the funeral, and it was only a testament to how much she was loved and respected in the community, and all I wanted to do during the funeral was scream at the top of lungs so she would hear "All these people are here for you mum"
I don't believe in God, or heaven, or hell, but for some reason when I think about mum, I don't know, I think she is somewhere peaceful, looking down on us, and telling everyone around her "That's my son!"
During the rest of high school, it wasn't the easiest time, as I was very up-and-down, one day I could be happy and carefree, the next 3 days I wouldn't talk to anyone. I was forced to see the school councilor, which made things worst when only 5 months after mum's passing she said "It's time to move on and get over it" It's not the most comforting thing, let me tell you.
It's been over 6 years since she passed away, and in the those 6 years, mum physically missed two weddings, uni graduations, high school graduations and several smaller milestones, but we all know spiritually she was there, with bells on, telling everyone, "That's my boy".
They say time heals all, well, 6 years and counting and I still miss her like crazy, I think about her all the time, and when birthdays and Christmas' roll around, it gets particularly hard.
I have a lot of happy memories with my mum, and I also have that memory of her being rushed out of home at 3am, and the memory of her passing away. 6 years, and it hasn't gotten any easier, and I don't expect it to in the future.
I'm sorry, I don't know what to even write now. I guess I just wish I could just pick up the phone and call mum, just to hear her voice once more, and to tell her that I still love her and miss her and want her to come home.
Mum, if you finally learnt how to use a computer for something else other than solitaire, and you managed to find this blog up there, which I assume someone found for you, I just want to say, I love you and miss you.
When you are young and growing up, you always see your parents as invincible, nothing can stop them, and they will always be around forever. I was no different, I always thought mum would always be around, to look after me, through thick and thin, sadly, it wasn't to be.
When I was 14, mum was diagnosed with the big C, cancer. Now I don't remember much during the start of this ordeal, but I do remember when she told me. She told me at the kitchen table around dinner time, for her it must of been the hardest thing to do, to tell your children you don't know how much longer you are going to be around. My reaction, well, I didn't know how to react. I did not know much about cancer, and even at 14, I still believed she couldn't leave me.
We were told she still had many years left in her with treatment, so she underwent treatment for it. I remember one day being down at the oval with a mate, just chilling, and we had a little talk about it and we heard of them curing cancer within 2 years or so, and I felt hope for mum as the doctors said she would live for longer.
Things took a turn for the worst, and mum wasn't responding and was getting worst with times, and them years were suddenly cut back to 6 months. 2 or 3 days later, an ambulance was called to our house at 3am and one of the drivers, Alister (who was one of the drivers who delivered me) made a small joke which I won't ever forget. As they were taking her down the hallway, he said in just a calm, soothing voice "Well Merry, you aren't talking much" and if you ever met my mum, you would know she was quite the chatter. Now Alister was being offensive, or mean, he was trying to lighten the mood of a very terrifying situation. Then after his joke, he then said the most devastating thing a child could hear "You better say your goodbyes to mum now"
After she was rushed of to Corowa hospital, dad put us to bed and told us we will see her in the morning.
In the morning we went to Corowa to see mum, and she was not in a good way. I don't remember much in the hospital, but I do remember giving mum my final goodbye kiss, telling her I love her and how I'm going to miss her. I then stood there, and my mum peacefully drifted off.
In a way, it was nice to see her go peacefully, surround by family and her best friend, and sadly two members of the family weren't able to be there, but we all knew they were there in spirit, and mum knew it too.
After we got home, I did not how to feel. All I could do is go over to our park, and attempt to shoot some hoops. However, I just couldn't concentrate, and ended up kicking the ball away in anger.
Dad offered us kids to stay home and not worry about school, but I told him I wanted to go and be with my friends. So the morning after mum passed away, I woke up for school, however, it was the last thing on my mind, so I stayed home.
A few days later we had mum's funeral, and all I could remember is seeing the hertz take mum away. At 15 years old, it isn't the easiest thing to watch. The whole town and them some showed up for the funeral, and it was only a testament to how much she was loved and respected in the community, and all I wanted to do during the funeral was scream at the top of lungs so she would hear "All these people are here for you mum"
I don't believe in God, or heaven, or hell, but for some reason when I think about mum, I don't know, I think she is somewhere peaceful, looking down on us, and telling everyone around her "That's my son!"
During the rest of high school, it wasn't the easiest time, as I was very up-and-down, one day I could be happy and carefree, the next 3 days I wouldn't talk to anyone. I was forced to see the school councilor, which made things worst when only 5 months after mum's passing she said "It's time to move on and get over it" It's not the most comforting thing, let me tell you.
It's been over 6 years since she passed away, and in the those 6 years, mum physically missed two weddings, uni graduations, high school graduations and several smaller milestones, but we all know spiritually she was there, with bells on, telling everyone, "That's my boy".
They say time heals all, well, 6 years and counting and I still miss her like crazy, I think about her all the time, and when birthdays and Christmas' roll around, it gets particularly hard.
I have a lot of happy memories with my mum, and I also have that memory of her being rushed out of home at 3am, and the memory of her passing away. 6 years, and it hasn't gotten any easier, and I don't expect it to in the future.
I'm sorry, I don't know what to even write now. I guess I just wish I could just pick up the phone and call mum, just to hear her voice once more, and to tell her that I still love her and miss her and want her to come home.
Mum, if you finally learnt how to use a computer for something else other than solitaire, and you managed to find this blog up there, which I assume someone found for you, I just want to say, I love you and miss you.
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