luckycanuck | Entries tagged with swim

I'm halfway through my first week of being unemployed.

My neck is getting better and I plan to go to the gym this afternoon. At the moment I am back in Canberra in the Dickson public library because our internet at home is very slow. It's being fixed on Friday but in the meantime I have a hard time getting things done. So I decided to get out of the house. I've not been in a public library for a while. The people here right now are not people I have a lot of contact with on a day to day basis. No stabulence, but I get the feeling that some of these people are the kind of people with a lot of time on their hands who like to contact politicians to rant.

I bought stock in ALK yesterday which gives me more exposure to gold and to rare earth minerals with some very promising projects they have. They have experience in gold and a lot of it (about three times the current share price in two major projects according to my research) which is reason enough in itself for me to hold and a promising project they have in rare earths that should give additional revenue.

An agency rang me yesterday with the prospect of a four month job doing a policy review (basically a lot of consultation and pulling other people's ideas together.) It would be a very good opportunity. It's an EL1 level job (Canberra public service jargon is kind of lost on me) and I get the feeling that once I've done one of those I could do more. It would also be a pay rise from Parliament and it would be, as far as I can tell so far, and interesting job. It would certainly be a good job to have in the short term while I figure out what I want to do over the next two years.

I had a couple of swims over the last couple of days. I think a daily swim will be in order everyday I am in Collaroy. I also had my friend Avia over on Monday night and cooked for her after she had a stressful day. I like to help. Also it was good to give me something to do.

In short, so far being unemployed is great. I think I will go to my old office tomorrow.

Last year when I was out with my fellow Australians to observe the American elections, we went out on the Saturday before Halloween and in the process I met MCat who was dressed up as Lady Gaga. We spoke for a little while and became Facebook friends.

For the past few days, I stayed with MCat and her cats (who reluctantly got used to me.)

I suppose in theory it's an odd thing to do for both of us. She opened her home to a guy from overseas (and had to reassure skeptical friends that she would be ok) and it was a long way for me to go, though given that I was in America anyway, Orlando isn't all that hard to get to.

We had gotten to know each other pretty well though, in fact better than most people I interact with on a daily basis. She knew about my frailties and quirks and accepted them all. For both of us it just felt right.

So when my bags were delayed (again) coming in from Washington, I didn't mind much even though it meant waiting around the airport a bit because my bags came in on the next flight right at the same time as MCat finished her class and came by to pick me up.

On Thursday little aside from resting was done. I've been fighting a cold since last week (probably punishment for lack of sleep in New York) and medicated myself to a point where I felt much more human. (Though I think I passed some of my symptoms on to MCat.)

On Friday she hauled me across the state to her native Tampa (which is, I was assured, much better than Orlando) and we went to Sand Key so that I could swim in another body of water, this time the extraordinarily warm Gulf of Mexico and do pushups on the shore. An onlooker asked if we were visiting on our honeymoon, and we said no, but for some reason I was inspired to spin a bit of a tale. I told the guy I was a rugby player when he asked what I did. Now technically that's true. I am a rugby player. I never said I played rugby for a living, I just let him conclude that. He said he was going to look out for me when he watched ESPN. I told him I played for the Sydney Convicts, and I'm pretty sure he forgot the name of the team by the time he left.

People in the south are really very friendly.

On Saturday we went to the other coast and visited Kennedy Space Centre, which was expensive, but worth it. A space shuttle was on the platform in preparation for launch and we got a pretty good view. We also met with an active space shuttle astronaut and, of course, I did pushups with her. I'm not a full on science nerd, but I do have some tendencies in that area and the opportunity to get that close to space was too good to pass up. The whole production was quite impressive and was aimed at promoting the idea of space travel amongst people who might lobby their Senators and Congressmen to increase NASA's funding. I know there are a lot of demands on taxpayer funds and the US Government is going deeper and deeper in debt everyda, and I couldn't actually explain in simple terms what NASA is doing with all those expensive missions, but it was hard to come away from the place without wanting to send a man to Mars.

This morning MCat took me to the airport and saw me off. (I made it through security in time to catch most of Easter Sunday Mass.) Now is an odd part of the holiday. I am currently in LAX on an 11 hour stopover (luckily I have a guest pass to the Qantas Club which was accepted which is good because as much as I like adventure, I think I've had enough of it for now and I would rather have some quiet time.)

The problem with quiet time is that sometimes it gives me time to stew, and stewing at the moment would likely be on the subject of feeling alone now that I am leaving all my American friends behind.

But you know, this has been a pretty good trip and I have had some very good friends to share it with. From starting my holiday visiting JAQ in San Francisco to visiting my family, to getting in touch with some old friends in Ottawa and Washington, to getting in touch with newer friends in New York, to meeting blog friends in Baltimore, to ending my trip with MCat, I have been fairly well surrounded by people who know me and care what happens to me.

There were a few lonely and teary moments on the flight in to LA, but they are behind me now.

I am, indeed, a Luckycanuck.

YW: My back struggled with some exercises like clean and press, but I was able to play with a large and heavy tractor tire they had just acquired. Flipping it 50 times back and forth across the room was a great workout. I want more access to tires. I also did 100 tricep extensions and 100 chest contractions that caused me no problems.

I managed one last swim in 2010 before going out last night, meeting Mitzi and a number of other people some of whom I knew and some of whom I didn't. The night went on pretty late as people kept hanging around, and I didn't doze off until the sun was up, at which time I slept enough to allow me to drive back to Collaroy safely. The good news, as I had not drunk anything aside from a bit of champagne at midnight, there was no hangover.

Today I did very little aside from my first swim of 2011 and getting some rest.

My back is feeling a bit better, though I was reminded of my time in India years ago when I woke up one morning with what I thought was a sore muscle in my back. It turned out to be a collapsed lung and an acute case of pneumonia. Within 36 hours of first feeling a bit of a twinge I was admitted to hospital. I've felt a twinge for much longer than that and I've not felt like I'm heading downhill. If I do, I'll see a doctor.

Breakfast today gave me the opportunity to try biscuits and gravy, which I will not be trying again. I had a big breakfast, which I justifed by the fact that I had a solid workout (10 pullups, 10 chest contractions - 10 rounds and 50 shoulder press and 50 clean and press) followed by a run and some more snaps for pushups across America.

We met with another local environmental group and some students at a local law school who had done research into all the state wide propositions. I am getting kind of tired of hearing about ballot propositions, and I think they are a bad idea as do all of the other Australian's I've spoken to. Anything that can get enough signatures can become a yes or no question on the ballot no matter how complex or pandering it is. I believe most of these things are better dealt with through the normal legislative process. That is why we elect legislators in the first place.

We also met with a local union leader and talked about what his organisation does. It was very interesting, and probably the least formal and most hands on meeting we have had so far. He gave us all union t-shirts, which I will give to one of my Labor friends back in Australia.

The tour with the guys from the Speaker's office didn't happen on account of sudden developments, but we all went to the State Capitol anyway. It was quite interesting to hear that the members all sit mixed up together rather than separated by party. "Crossing the aisle" is just a euphemism here.

We also got some photos outside of the Governor's office. I didn't get to meet Schwarzenegger, but I did the best I could do.

The uniformed state policeman outside the door was duly impressed, and gave me one of the Governor's business cards. Nobody else in our group got one. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Afterwards I continued my endearing wierdness by going for a swim... in Sacramento... in October.

I chose not to have dinner with the others tonight. I have to have time away from them. So I went to a nice brew pub instead. I grew up hearing about how awful American beer is, and while a lot of the mass market stuff is pretty bad, there is a lot of diversity. More so than in Australia. Also, wings were had as I watched the first game of the World Series. (And the barman bought me a beer on account of the wings taking longer to come out than expected.)

I dozed off before heading back to the gym for another workout, as I won't be able to do so tomorrow when we will spend most of the day travelling to Orlando via Nashville.

TW: AMRAP 20 minutes - 10 shoulder press, 10 chest press, 10 pulldowns, 10 leg curls, 10 leg presses, 10 sit ups, 10 jump ropes. 10 rounds and shoulder and chest press. I could only manage using all the machines when it was around midnight and nobody else was around. Hooray!

I took a Greyhound up to Sydney yesterday and arrived to see dad for the first time since January.

This morning I went for my October swim in the early morning light a bit after 6:00am and we left to drive into the city at 7:15. Traffic was horrific on account of all the traffic from the northern beaches being reduced at one point to one lane because a truck had broken down. It was much better afterwards, but I was still a few minutes late for my 9:00am visa interview.

It turns out that 9:00am was just when they wanted me to turn up to go through a fairly heavy security screening (no phones, metal detectors, reinforced doors, restricted lifts) and collect a number to wait. The whole process was over very quickly. Some very basic questions about my trip and what I do for a living were asked and after an interview lasting less than two minutes, my visa was granted. I think they probably asked us fewer questions on account of the fact that this whole thing was set up by the US Government.

They also informed me that the $168 fee I paid was unnecessary. A letter listing the things I had to bring said I had to bring a receipt from Australia Post indicating that I had paid the fee, but apparently they e-mailed us saying we didn't need to. I haven't found that e-mail but I will now see about getting that money back. I must have been in a very good mood because I didn't feel the least bit stabby about this mix up.

Afterwards I had a chance to meet up with a Liberal guy I know who will be on the same election observing program as I who had to fly in from Brisbane for it, one of the Labor people, and two of the consulate staff who are organising the tour. Then dad picked me up and we drove down to Canberra.

I introduced him to some work colleagues, and later to my housemates. We all went out to a Vietnamese place for dinner and he is staying overnight. He also thought our house was a very nice house, and it is.

I may see him this weekend if I go up to Sydney, but I may stay back because it will be the last weekend before I go and I may need to take care of a few things. Otherwise I'll see him and the rest of the family in November anyways.

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Waking up in the Collaroy Castle and having a morning swim after breakfast is a good way to start a day, especially when the waves are breaking the right way and bodysurfing can be done. For the first time in a while I was thrown forward on the crest of a wave and occasionally picked up and dumped with my legs still sticking up in the air. It was a good way to recover from the first game of the year. There is no way to fully prepare for the aches that come from seriously hitting the paddock for the first time in months.

There was time to visit Geoff who was recovering from flu (and whom dad had not been able to contact leading to fears that he may have been in hospital or worse.) He had some post for me (specifically my car rego renewal which is due soon.) Then it was off to visit minxyminou for tea and hot crossed buns and two very excited dogs. Dora seemed overcome with joy to see me, whereas Mr Burns was pleased to see me but was content to just hover nearby.

The day seemed so much busier when it was happening.

Wake up. Everyone else is awake and milling around so I am not able to sleep in. Oh well. After a brief and small breakfast I put my shoes on and went for a run. I managed to run all the way up Alexander St, which is very steep, without breaking stride once. Then it was along Collaroy Plateau before coming back down along Narrabeen Lake and back along Pittwater Road. Then a swim. A glorious swim. Ohh man that was a good swim! It got deep early, no seaweed, and the cool felt so good after the run. I'll have to do it again tomorrow.

I spent most of the day visiting Cinnabunny away from the house, and didn't return until nearly 9pm after a further visit to the gym.

TW: 200 leg presses, 100 closers, 100 openers, 50 calf extensions, 50 bench jumps (with 6kg medicine ball)

Right now everyone is playing bridge. I know how to play. They taught me when I was about 15 and they needed a fourth to play with my parents and grandmother on holiday. I never got into it though. I've heard it described as the perfect game for people who don't find quantum physics quite complicated enough. Lucky they have four because they would have a tough time roping me into their games now.

Tomorrow they are either going shopping or into the city so I may spend the day at home.

Friday afternoon I drove up to Sydney after work and made it to a nice Italian place in Haberfield after Ma Cherie Zoologiste, CG, CG's "Houseguest" and a few others had ordered. Lucky I ate on the way up. I wouldn't have made it otherwise. Still, I was goaded into eating half of MCZ's tagliatelle.

Then it was off to the party where fun was had. MCZ and I didn't spend a lot of time together there and I spent most of my time talking to some of our mutual friends and meeting a few others including our hosts whom I had heard about plenty of times but never really spoken to. One girl there told me how her old school Italian grandmother gave her the birds and the bees talk that started by her being given a bowl of pasta. After one bite granny took it away and said "Once you let one man taste your pasta, no other man gonna wanna taste your pasta. More cheese?"

We made it back to MCZ's place where we didn't last long before turning in. I wouldn't have minded staying a bit longer but we were having an early start in the morning.

Early in the morning we were up ot Balmoral for brunch with dad. Eggs Benedict was consumed, a walk on the beach was had, and approvals were approved. I think MCZ is the type who is pretty easy to approve of, although she did point out that whilst my neuroses are pretty simple and relatively straightforward, hers are hidden. An odd thing to say perhaps? Dad knows a bit about our arrangement (i.e. the lack of expectation that it will progress to something long term) and only once mentioned her visiting Canada, and even that was done in an abstract rather than a specific way. Once mum invited a girl I was seeing fairly casually to Canada for Christmas a few months later. GAHHHHHHH! SHe remarked later on how uncomfortable that made her feel. It's probably best that mum wasn't there. Dad can generally be counted on not to get into anything personal. Mum will probably meet MCZ when she comes out in December/January but by then MCZ and I might be more accustomed to our arrangement. I don't think either of them really know the nuts and bolts of what we have or that they really understand the concept of being in a relationship you don't expect to develop, but then again, this concept is pretty new to me too.

Today's workout was a longer than average swim. I'm still mulling over whether or not I want to do the Bondi to Bronte swim in December. I've done a shorter ocean swim and finished late but without any drama. I may be better off waiting until such time as I can actually train. Last time I did a long distance ocean swim I lived in Sydney and had regular access to the beach. There will be plenty of people around at the event to take care of me and if I can take the time I still think I should be ok. Can I swim at least 40 lengths of an olympic pool without stopping? If I have enough time I think the answer is yes.

Also I found some old photos of the family. They might make an appearance in the near future. This place is like a museum!

Literally I mean. Not in the euphemistic way. Sorry to disappoint.

I had a rare day off on account of tomorrow being a public holiday in the ACT (ACT Family Day is a pretty lame cover story for giving people Melbourne Cup Day off, but I'll take it.) So Uncle Robert and I spent the morning doing some landscaping. I dug up several small trees that needed to go.

Behold my awesome saw and pickaxe skills. Rahhhhhhh!

Uncle Robert seems to have a particular way of doing things. He sarcastically described himself as not being a perfectionist at all, a trait he picked up from his grandfather, that skipped his father, and seems to have also skipped me for the most part. He makes two cups of tea by dipping one bag into two cups. A relic of when he was growing up and tea was in short supply perhaps? At any rate, I've been drinking weak tea all weekend and seem to have temporarily adjusted my own way of making tea. So tired!

Once I got all covered in dirt I did a bit of work (there's still legislation to legislate) it was off to the gym.

TW: 100 pull ups, 150 bicep curls, 100 seated rows. My calves and legs are still sore from the beach run yesterday.

Still people haven't sorted out it is bad sauna etiquette to stand in the open doorway having a conversation. Close the door!

Also, I spotted an ad for a future sporting pursuit. (Never let it be said that the gym television network has no redeeming features, even if they are apparently legally required to play at least three Black Eyed Peas songs per hour.)

I give you the annual Bondi to Bronte Swim. I've done one ocean swim from one beach to another. I can swim, but I can't swim anything like fast enough to compete the way I can in other things. Out of 728 people in the Warriewood to Mona Vale swim in 2006 I finished in the bottom 20. No matter. It's still an interesting challenge, and there are plenty of surf life savers aroiund if I hit any strife (or any blue bottles.)

I'm thinking about this. Can I swim 2.1-2.4km in the open ocean?

Dad flies in at 8:10 tomorrow morning. Hooray!

P.S. I was happy to see a brief clip of a wife carrying race on an episode of Skins, which was won by an eccentric aspie type. Oh yeah. I've got my own impressive track record in this field, but that's for another day.