Just popping in

I just felt like leaving a message. Don't much to say though.
Hmmm been quite busy lately getting ready for my trip.

Voluntary redundancies

I can't believe so many academic staff took VR at QUT, even people that I thought would be there forever! I think I will miss Ernesto (level 6 assignment counter). He is always good to talk to. I shall pay them a visit before they go.

Canberra

Went to Canberra last week. It was warm and beautiful with the tree lined streets and pink blossoms. Yes the weather was abnormal when I got there but that's good for me.

Deb took me up to Mt Ainslie at night and the view was beautiful. Pity I didn't take a decent picture because my hands were shaking so much (partly from the rain and wind). The ones I did take looks like there were fireworks going on.

I did a few things I've never done before when I was down there. Taking a proper browse inside a second hand book store was one.

I think I would've liked to study at ANU. Canberra is so quiet and laid back (I was there on a weekend, can't really tell what the weekdays are like). I can get so focused there.

The ACS conferece was excellent with top speakers from the high end of town. I'll have a lot of work to do for the Brisbane one now that there is a benchmark set. I've also been given some pressure already to get 250-300 delegates hmmmm...

New talent

I have discovered that I can sort of keep a conversation going even when I am half asleep - two people can attest to that now. Although I would try and avoid that because my responses, though would come out as well formed sentences and relevant to the topic, can make the other side go huh?!

Things I like about Brisbane

I love fireworks. It's one of the few things that I make such bold statements about. It's not just the colours in the sky. It's the fact that fireworks is a symbol of celebration. It has the power to unite and gather people to focus on the one thing. It's also a sign of peace. It reminds me how lucky I am to be here.

I've never been in a war or any disaster. The closest contact I have with those are through the news. I can't imagine what life would be like if I have to watch out for mines wherever I go, or not step out of the house at all for fear of being shot, or have to stay at some refugee camp because I don't even have a home to go to. Things like these are happening in America, the self proclaimed world police and supposedly the most advanced nation. The lawlessness at New Orleans right now showed the true face of the people there. If Brisbane is in the middle of a natural disaster like that in New Orleans, I am confident that it won't be like that.

I'm grateful to be here. How many other cities have fireworks for no apparent reason but to celebrate the fact that there is a river!