Well normally on this day of the year I have a hangover and I am still in bed at 10am (when I am writing this). However this year I am at work and I feel great.
It's January 27th 2007.
Last night I took Gwen to the Yatala drive-in. We saw Epic Movie and De-Ja-Vu. The entry price was great, $13 each, that is less than a single ticket to a movie in a cinema, and we got to see two movies.
They broadcastered the sound over a FM radio station and they also had the window mounted sound boxes if we wanted them. I was a little concerned about leaving the radio on in the car, but I did it anyway, the sound was much better then then window box.
Epic Movie, was a little disappointing. It was done along the same lines as the Scary Movie series, just not as good.
De Ja Vu, that was a great movie staring Denzel Washington and Val Kilmer. It was a story about a bombing in New Orleans and the attempts to solve the case using a new technology that allows people to see four days and six hours in the past.
Saturday, 27 January 2007
Thursday, 25 January 2007
http://www.patrickandcarolkelly.com/
I'd just like to give a plug for my Dad and Carol's website.
They are living and working in Cambodia with children who have to work on the street so their families can survive. They educate the children and supplement the income the children would have made with food for the family.
It is such a great cause, if you are interested in donating or helping please email patrickandcarol@everyday.com.kh
They are living and working in Cambodia with children who have to work on the street so their families can survive. They educate the children and supplement the income the children would have made with food for the family.
It is such a great cause, if you are interested in donating or helping please email patrickandcarol@everyday.com.kh
Wednesday, 24 January 2007
I'm Back..... Again
I feel that I can start blogging again, it seems that I do this is stages, on and off again...
Well where am I at since I last posted, I am in Qld and Gwen and I have moved into our new
place after about 6 weeks living in her parents place. We found a nice two story place in
Toowong that has a pool and a carport (but we don't have a car :-)) We moved in the Friday
before Christmas 2006 and we both had the following week off work so we set up the place in
that time.
I am still working for Ericsson, and things are going well there. I have started doing a lot
more post processing / analysis / optimisation work but I have still been getting in a lot of
driving. Although I have not spent any nights away since I have been in Qld I have still seen
a lot of the area. I have been as for North as Gympie (past the sunshine coast) and as far
south as NSW (but not as far as Sydney). There has also been night work and early morning
work.
On my first day of work we drove past Wet'n'Wild and Dreamworld and I instantly wanted to go.
I have driven past them both countless times with work but I kept telling my self that I'd
wait until school went back before I went so the lines weren’t as
long. That was until I
heard that they did a cheap afternoon rate and that also included the movie that they show at
night. Gwen and I went to Wet'n'Wild last Saturday night and had a great time. We rode all
the new rides as well most of the old ones. One of my favourites was the Tornado.... What a
ride. It is a giant funnel that is lying on it's side, you enter it via a slide and then go from one side to the other bouncing over the flow of water in the middle.
Today I have been down south, not quite to the Gold coast, more around the area where Wet'n'Wild and Dreamworld.
Well where am I at since I last posted, I am in Qld and Gwen and I have moved into our new
place after about 6 weeks living in her parents place. We found a nice two story place in
Toowong that has a pool and a carport (but we don't have a car :-)) We moved in the Friday
before Christmas 2006 and we both had the following week off work so we set up the place in
that time.
I am still working for Ericsson, and things are going well there. I have started doing a lot
more post processing / analysis / optimisation work but I have still been getting in a lot of
driving. Although I have not spent any nights away since I have been in Qld I have still seen
a lot of the area. I have been as for North as Gympie (past the sunshine coast) and as far
south as NSW (but not as far as Sydney). There has also been night work and early morning
work.
On my first day of work we drove past Wet'n'Wild and Dreamworld and I instantly wanted to go.
I have driven past them both countless times with work but I kept telling my self that I'd
wait until school went back before I went so the lines weren’t as
long. That was until Iheard that they did a cheap afternoon rate and that also included the movie that they show at
night. Gwen and I went to Wet'n'Wild last Saturday night and had a great time. We rode all
the new rides as well most of the old ones. One of my favourites was the Tornado.... What a
ride. It is a giant funnel that is lying on it's side, you enter it via a slide and then go from one side to the other bouncing over the flow of water in the middle.
Today I have been down south, not quite to the Gold coast, more around the area where Wet'n'Wild and Dreamworld.
Friday, 20 October 2006
Lazy me
I know that I have been a little lazy with updating this, but I will make up for it by putting a pictur of me in a to-to at the bottom of this post.
I am on my second trip since my last entry, last week I was up in Port Hedland and Karrattha with work. There is nothing to great about those places but then again they arn't really hoiday places. Everone there is on good money, and they work bloody hard for it as well, but that also means that the price of everything there is high.
At the moment I am in Bunbury and it is the first time that they have sent me away with out an engineer. It is a lot better as I am in control of what we do and when we do it, but of coarse that means that I am working harder than I have been while away in the past.
The beaches are amazing down here, but the photo's always say more than I can.
I am on my second trip since my last entry, last week I was up in Port Hedland and Karrattha with work. There is nothing to great about those places but then again they arn't really hoiday places. Everone there is on good money, and they work bloody hard for it as well, but that also means that the price of everything there is high.
At the moment I am in Bunbury and it is the first time that they have sent me away with out an engineer. It is a lot better as I am in control of what we do and when we do it, but of coarse that means that I am working harder than I have been while away in the past.
The beaches are amazing down here, but the photo's always say more than I can.
and of coarse there is that I promised you all:
Tuesday, 3 October 2006
Away again
Towards the end of last week I started some night shifts at work. The first one was a bit tough but after that they got easier as I was able to sleep during the day. One thing I noticed was that if I had to much coffee or redbull during the night I couldn't sleep during the day and that meant that I had to have more the next night.
Neil and I spent Sunday cruising Freo and visiting the beach. That night I had Neil, Chris and Caz around for a barbie. It was a good night and I think that the Dog was a bigger hit than me. They loved him, but most people usually do.
I got the call Sunday lunch time letting me know that I am going country. Tonight I am in Pinjarra and the only accommodation that we could find was in the local pub. The rooms are small, no private bathroom TV or anything like that. It's a bit of a shame when I'm spending less than a third of what the company is willing to spend on me.
I am not to sure what the next few days have in store for us. We are going to head in the direction of Albany tomorrow. If we are giving more work we will stay there, if not we will head back to Perth.
Neil and I spent Sunday cruising Freo and visiting the beach. That night I had Neil, Chris and Caz around for a barbie. It was a good night and I think that the Dog was a bigger hit than me. They loved him, but most people usually do.
I got the call Sunday lunch time letting me know that I am going country. Tonight I am in Pinjarra and the only accommodation that we could find was in the local pub. The rooms are small, no private bathroom TV or anything like that. It's a bit of a shame when I'm spending less than a third of what the company is willing to spend on me.
I am not to sure what the next few days have in store for us. We are going to head in the direction of Albany tomorrow. If we are giving more work we will stay there, if not we will head back to Perth.
Wednesday, 27 September 2006
Monday, 25 September 2006
A decision made...
Over the weekend Gwen was here, she arrived on Thursday and left again on Saturday night. We spent most of our time in Margaret River, such an awesome place.
It was hard to say goodbye a second time, but I have made a decision. I am moving to QLD at the end of this job. Not sure the date yet, if the job finishes mid December I am going to hang around Perth until Chrissy.
I also hope to drop in on a few friends on my way over, maybe a stop in Adelaide and a stop in Melbourne.
It was hard to say goodbye a second time, but I have made a decision. I am moving to QLD at the end of this job. Not sure the date yet, if the job finishes mid December I am going to hang around Perth until Chrissy.
I also hope to drop in on a few friends on my way over, maybe a stop in Adelaide and a stop in Melbourne.
Thursday, 14 September 2006
Away again
Well I have been back in Perth for a few days, but it is time to move on again. Still with work I am off to Collie tomorrow.
The plan is to be back on Sunday, but I am well aware of how easily that can change.
There is one thing that I know, and that is that I am going to be back in Perth for Wednesday night when Gwen arrives. We are planning to go away for a couple of days.
The plan is to be back on Sunday, but I am well aware of how easily that can change.
There is one thing that I know, and that is that I am going to be back in Perth for Wednesday night when Gwen arrives. We are planning to go away for a couple of days.
Friday, 8 September 2006
Back in Perth
Well I have been back in Perth for a couple of days now after being away for a week and a half. Work is good, things seem a lot quieter in the office then they are on the road, it is 0825 while I am typing this and there is 4 people in the office, while we where on the road we always started at 8 some times earlier....
Last night Pete Pat and I played squash, we played for about 2 hours. I think that is the longest that we have played since I've been back in Australia. We where fairly well matched up last night with all of us taking away some good victories.
I am not to sure when I am heading off into the country again, I think that it may be as early as tomorrow but I'll find that out later on today. I would be happy to work another weekend as I need the money and the tax man doesn't hit me to hard for working 7 days compared to 5 so it is still worth it.
Last night Pete Pat and I played squash, we played for about 2 hours. I think that is the longest that we have played since I've been back in Australia. We where fairly well matched up last night with all of us taking away some good victories.
I am not to sure when I am heading off into the country again, I think that it may be as early as tomorrow but I'll find that out later on today. I would be happy to work another weekend as I need the money and the tax man doesn't hit me to hard for working 7 days compared to 5 so it is still worth it.
Monday, 4 September 2006
Steve Irwin, RIP
I heard the news when I got back into the car after lunch. Steve Irwin has died while filming an underwater documentary on the Great Barrier Reef.
He leaves behind a wife and two children.
This is a tragedy for all of Australia. I used to always watch him on a Saturday or Sunday morning when I was in the UK. He was always such an emotion charged figure, a true icon of Australia.
He leaves behind a wife and two children.
This is a tragedy for all of Australia. I used to always watch him on a Saturday or Sunday morning when I was in the UK. He was always such an emotion charged figure, a true icon of Australia.
Rest in Peace Steve
22 February 1962 – 4 September 2006
Margaret River
Well we have been in Margaret River now for 3 nights and we have just booked in for a 4th. The test numbers still aren't working and we can't call 3G TO 3G so there is not much to do. But being Monday we are being paid again so it is all good.
On the weekend we managed to get out and about, but I only got a couple of photos. On Saturday we headed out to see one of the caves. We went to Jewel Cave but missed the tour by about 10 min and the wait to the next one was about 50 min. So we headed off to Mammoth Cave. We got a audio guide so we could see that cave at our own pace. The cave was amazing, but I much prefer going through a cave with a torch, but I understand that with thousands of people going through these caves there needs to be some systems in place to protect the cave it's self.
After we went to the cave we moved on to the beach for lunch. We went to The Sea Garden Cafe for lunch, it was a mazing, it looked over the ocean and the food was good. We then moved on to the Leeuwin Winery where we sampled some nice wine, but not to much as I still had to drive. After that we found the chocolate facturty and then another winery on our way back to Margaret River for the game (you shouldn't have to ask what game).
I went to the Settlers Tav to watch the Docker vs Port Adaliade. Of coarse the dockers thumped them and cemented their place in the top 4 teams for the finals. Next week they play Adaliade in Adailade, it will be a tough game but we are playing very well and we should win the game.
On Sunday we hung around town for the morning to see if they could get the problem fixed, come lunch time we realised that they wern't going to so we moved on. We spent the afternoon in Busselton and then went out to my Uncle and Aunty's farm in the afternoon.
Now we are sitting out side the local IGA Supermarket just trying to kill time until we can do some work.......
On the weekend we managed to get out and about, but I only got a couple of photos. On Saturday we headed out to see one of the caves. We went to Jewel Cave but missed the tour by about 10 min and the wait to the next one was about 50 min. So we headed off to Mammoth Cave. We got a audio guide so we could see that cave at our own pace. The cave was amazing, but I much prefer going through a cave with a torch, but I understand that with thousands of people going through these caves there needs to be some systems in place to protect the cave it's self.
After we went to the cave we moved on to the beach for lunch. We went to The Sea Garden Cafe for lunch, it was a mazing, it looked over the ocean and the food was good. We then moved on to the Leeuwin Winery where we sampled some nice wine, but not to much as I still had to drive. After that we found the chocolate facturty and then another winery on our way back to Margaret River for the game (you shouldn't have to ask what game).
I went to the Settlers Tav to watch the Docker vs Port Adaliade. Of coarse the dockers thumped them and cemented their place in the top 4 teams for the finals. Next week they play Adaliade in Adailade, it will be a tough game but we are playing very well and we should win the game.
On Sunday we hung around town for the morning to see if they could get the problem fixed, come lunch time we realised that they wern't going to so we moved on. We spent the afternoon in Busselton and then went out to my Uncle and Aunty's farm in the afternoon.
Now we are sitting out side the local IGA Supermarket just trying to kill time until we can do some work.......
Sunday, 3 September 2006
Cow Crossing
Saturday, 2 September 2006
Margaret River
Well it is confirmed that we are not going to be able to do any work today (Saturday), and there have even been rumors of me returning to Perth on Monday. It seems that Marcio has to get an X-Ray to forfill some visa requirement. Marcio is an RF Engineer that I have been working with. Most of the engineers on this job have been brought in from overseas and there fore visa requirements are always hampering the time line for the project. I think we might spend a bit of the day today checking out the wine region as well as some of the caves in the area.
We are testing the 3G network for telstra. It hasn't been launched yet but as we go around we turn on the network. We are testing Video and Voice calls as well as HSDPA (high speed internet) calls. What this means is that from your mobile you can get speeds faster then most people have in their home from the internet. It also means that where ever we go we have access to the internet. At the moment I am sitting in the car out the front of my motel in Margaret River typing this as the internet here is faster than everyone else.
Well I am not sure what we are doing this weekend but I'll keep people posted.
We are testing the 3G network for telstra. It hasn't been launched yet but as we go around we turn on the network. We are testing Video and Voice calls as well as HSDPA (high speed internet) calls. What this means is that from your mobile you can get speeds faster then most people have in their home from the internet. It also means that where ever we go we have access to the internet. At the moment I am sitting in the car out the front of my motel in Margaret River typing this as the internet here is faster than everyone else.
Well I am not sure what we are doing this weekend but I'll keep people posted.
Friday, 1 September 2006
Just a quickie
Well at the moment we are in Margaret River, we are going to spend the night here but we still have about 2 hours of work.......
The number that we are using isn't working, hopefully it will start working soon otherwise this job is going to take longer than we ever thought.....
Well once again things go wrong in a nice town, lets hope we aren't here for 3 days this time. I am looking forward to getting to the Settlers tavern for a drink tonight. I am almost turning into an alcoholic on this trip, if I didn't have to drive every day I think I would.
The number that we are using isn't working, hopefully it will start working soon otherwise this job is going to take longer than we ever thought.....
Well once again things go wrong in a nice town, lets hope we aren't here for 3 days this time. I am looking forward to getting to the Settlers tavern for a drink tonight. I am almost turning into an alcoholic on this trip, if I didn't have to drive every day I think I would.
Wednesday, 30 August 2006
Pemberton
Well what was meant to be just an overnight stop has now been extended to at least 3 days. It seems that there is a problem affecting all of WA and it means that we can't continue until it is working.
I can think of a lot worse places to be stuck, this place is amazing, it is unfortunate that we can't take some time to do some tours as we are still working, even though we aren't doing anything. We have to wait and see if we can make a call, and when we can we will start working again. There is one good thing coming out of this, I am still being paid for hanging out here not doing much :-)
I can think of a lot worse places to be stuck, this place is amazing, it is unfortunate that we can't take some time to do some tours as we are still working, even though we aren't doing anything. We have to wait and see if we can make a call, and when we can we will start working again. There is one good thing coming out of this, I am still being paid for hanging out here not doing much :-)
Tuesday, 29 August 2006
Photos
I was going through some of the photos on my phone, thought I'd post some of them:
It looks just like a road in Australia, but it is a road linking LA Beach and Hollywood
These are the great busses you heard about in my earlier posts
My brother Dave at Michaels house in Rossmoyne
See, I told you
My desk in Edinburgh, clean isn't it.....
Empire State Building
Some Bastard in Edinburgh
Sunday, 27 August 2006
Sunday - Walpole and Denmark
On Sunday we decided to go and do a half day as to ensure that Monday wasn't going to take 14 hours to complete. We left Albany at about 9am, and plan to be back for the derby that kicks off at 2pm, however I am not sure that we are going to make it. As I type this it is 1245 and we are still 45Km from Denmark, but we are making progress.
While we where out this morning we stopped at the Walpole Tree Top Walk, Valley of the Giants. It was so worth it, only $6.00 to get in and there was a tree top walk over a bridge that wobbled with every step and then a 
ground Forrest walk, past some great old trees that had been hollowed out with years of fire and fungi growth.
We also stopped at a look out, over looking the Walpole Inlet. A number of times during the morning we have seen parts of the Biblinum Track, seeing it again almost makes me want to try walking it. It's amazing that there is a walking track that links Albany and Perth, a trip that takes you about 6 hours to drive at 110km/h.....
While we where out this morning we stopped at the Walpole Tree Top Walk, Valley of the Giants. It was so worth it, only $6.00 to get in and there was a tree top walk over a bridge that wobbled with every step and then a 
ground Forrest walk, past some great old trees that had been hollowed out with years of fire and fungi growth.
We also stopped at a look out, over looking the Walpole Inlet. A number of times during the morning we have seen parts of the Biblinum Track, seeing it again almost makes me want to try walking it. It's amazing that there is a walking track that links Albany and Perth, a trip that takes you about 6 hours to drive at 110km/h.....
Saturday, 26 August 2006
Away Again
Well less than 4 weeks after I landed back in Perth I am on the move again. Nothing as fancy as round the world this time, nor anywhere as relaxing. I am away with work, traveling the south west of WA.
I am working for Ericsson testing the new Telstra 3G/HSDPA network. I started on the 16 Aug and after a bit of training I was sent off with another guy (more on him later). At the moment I am in Albany and we are testing the network in this area. I haven't been away with work before so getting my accommodation, food and any work related expenses covered is a bit of a novelty. Even the internet that I am using to type this is paid for by the company.
We are staying in Albany, and we plan on being here for a few days. It is great to be somewhere a bit different for work. Not that Edinburgh wasn't different, but when I was there I was living there, I called it home. When I am in Albany I am here as a tourist. On our time off we are seeing some of the sights, having a look around the town, doing the normal tourist thing.
I am traveling with a RF Engineer from Brazil, Marcio. Spending a lot of time with him makes me realise how well we have it. I am hearing stories about corrupt governments, bad healthcare and education, poor unemployment benefits and still high taxes.
We are making our way around in a new Ford Territory and I must say that I am glad I don't have to pay for petrol. It is about 1.40 a liter here..... No wonder I don't own a car yet.
We are staying at the best western motel, it is a nice place and of coarse I have my own room, with foxtel, a clean shower and toilet. It is a lot different to hostelling it around the world.
Well until next time, I might tell you a bit more about what I am doing, and how I am typing this blog.
I am working for Ericsson testing the new Telstra 3G/HSDPA network. I started on the 16 Aug and after a bit of training I was sent off with another guy (more on him later). At the moment I am in Albany and we are testing the network in this area. I haven't been away with work before so getting my accommodation, food and any work related expenses covered is a bit of a novelty. Even the internet that I am using to type this is paid for by the company.
We are staying in Albany, and we plan on being here for a few days. It is great to be somewhere a bit different for work. Not that Edinburgh wasn't different, but when I was there I was living there, I called it home. When I am in Albany I am here as a tourist. On our time off we are seeing some of the sights, having a look around the town, doing the normal tourist thing.
I am traveling with a RF Engineer from Brazil, Marcio. Spending a lot of time with him makes me realise how well we have it. I am hearing stories about corrupt governments, bad healthcare and education, poor unemployment benefits and still high taxes.
We are making our way around in a new Ford Territory and I must say that I am glad I don't have to pay for petrol. It is about 1.40 a liter here..... No wonder I don't own a car yet.We are staying at the best western motel, it is a nice place and of coarse I have my own room, with foxtel, a clean shower and toilet. It is a lot different to hostelling it around the world.
Well until next time, I might tell you a bit more about what I am doing, and how I am typing this blog.
Thursday, 3 August 2006
Back in Perth
Well I got back in Perth late on Friday night and since then I have been taking it fairly easy. Playing a bit of squash, walking the dog things like that.
I am back living with my Mum, which is fairly weird but she is an awesome house mate :-). She is also allowing me to use her car when she doesn't need it.
In the last few days I have been spending a bit more time looking for a job. I am looking for a Technical Analyst position or really anything in IT. I have a job interview on Friday lunch time and as long as the pay is right I think it'll be a good job. I have also registered for the Dole, I don't plan on being on it for more than a couple of weeks, but just in case I will have some access to money.
I am back living with my Mum, which is fairly weird but she is an awesome house mate :-). She is also allowing me to use her car when she doesn't need it.
In the last few days I have been spending a bit more time looking for a job. I am looking for a Technical Analyst position or really anything in IT. I have a job interview on Friday lunch time and as long as the pay is right I think it'll be a good job. I have also registered for the Dole, I don't plan on being on it for more than a couple of weeks, but just in case I will have some access to money.
Sunday, 30 July 2006
Honolulu
I landed in Honolulu late on Tuesday night and I had one day to see the place. I decided that I wanted to learn to surf, and what better place than in Honolulu to learn? I headed to the beach early on Wednesday morning and I booked my self into a surfing lesson at 1000.
After breaky I went back and meet up with my instructor, she ran us through the basics and we hit the water. I managed to catch the first wave that I went for and I even stood up on the board. Now admittedly we where using long boards but I was still fairly happy with myself. I stayed on the water for about an hour and by that time I was well and truly stuffed. I managed to catch a number of other waves, now I don't think that I am going to be winning the Ripcurl Masters or anything but I am happy with the progress that I made in only a couple of hours.
Later that night the hostel was having a pub crawl, so I decided to tag along. We went to a lot of bars, but I did get the feeling that it was a bit of a cash for guests thing. We went to a few bars and they where quite, not really the pumping bars that I was hoping for. But as always after a few drinks I didn't really care.
I headed back to the hostel at about 2330 as I did have a plane to catch the next day and I didn't want to be to tired for the long trip back to Perth.
After breaky I went back and meet up with my instructor, she ran us through the basics and we hit the water. I managed to catch the first wave that I went for and I even stood up on the board. Now admittedly we where using long boards but I was still fairly happy with myself. I stayed on the water for about an hour and by that time I was well and truly stuffed. I managed to catch a number of other waves, now I don't think that I am going to be winning the Ripcurl Masters or anything but I am happy with the progress that I made in only a couple of hours.
Later that night the hostel was having a pub crawl, so I decided to tag along. We went to a lot of bars, but I did get the feeling that it was a bit of a cash for guests thing. We went to a few bars and they where quite, not really the pumping bars that I was hoping for. But as always after a few drinks I didn't really care.
I headed back to the hostel at about 2330 as I did have a plane to catch the next day and I didn't want to be to tired for the long trip back to Perth.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)