Growth demands a temporary surrender of security.

 
I am so glad I accepted a friends invite to see James Brown in 2002 at Leeds University. Was a brilliant concert.
posted by Leesa at 1:41 AM

 
Robbie Williams. Wow.






posted by Leesa at 10:01 PM

 
Welcome to the world of blogging Ali!
posted by Leesa at 4:36 AM

 
X Rated Christmas window. How funny...
posted by Leesa at 4:40 AM

 
Bono AND Pearl Jam (UJam)were the suprise guests at the Make Poverty History Concert on Friday night!!
posted by Leesa at 9:57 PM

 
Jet have been announced in the line up for tomorrow nights Make Poverty History Concert. Can't wait! Rumours that U2 may also make an appearance...

Snowing in Whistler - was even snowing in an hour out of Melbourne yesterday - two weeks away from summer!
posted by Leesa at 1:24 AM

 
What a sad weekend. I guess as a female, we are all vunerable.
posted by Leesa at 1:53 AM

 
Axle Whitehead looks set to MC at next week's "Make Poverty History" concert. OH NO! I really dislike him.
Consolation is that there is a chance Bono will perform!
posted by Leesa at 2:20 AM

 
I woke up this morning to much needed rain here in Melbourne, then heard on the radio that tv host Axle has quit. Could this day get any better?
All that is needed is news that Human Nature (how embarrassing that I just looked up that site) have broken up - then this day would go down truly be remembered as a great one...
posted by Leesa at 1:35 AM

 
Positive attitude!
Have been using Nellie's "why not me?" mantra over the past few days. It has been working exceptionally well...
posted by Leesa at 6:07 AM

 
Its not so difficult to buy a birthday card and send it. Although, it does seem that way. HAPPY BIRTHDAY GILLIAN! Sorry for not sending you at least a card for you birthday - you could always come to Australia to collect it??
posted by Leesa at 5:58 AM

 
Weekend has gone past way too quickly. Enjoyable girls night this evening, though Jacqui's discussion of the 'older gent' on Saturday has really made my weekend!
posted by Leesa at 12:15 PM

 
36.3 degrees in mid October? Must invest in some air conditioning…. Thankfully I’ve found a great new beer garden close to work with lovely views of the city. Air is going to love it in March!
Evening drinks
posted by Leesa at 7:20 AM

 
I have been fooling myself all these years, maybe I don't really like change. Company restructuring although my role is safe. I guess after those years of travelling and living out of suitcases, working temp jobs and not really having a home, I like the idea of having stability in my employment.

NBC has bought the rights to Thank God You're Here. One of the funniest shows on television at the moment.
posted by Leesa at 6:34 AM

 
I love this photo. I think Baby Meike may have inherited her father sense of humour! Baby Meike
posted by Leesa at 3:08 AM

 
Finally, after 10 years of nagging, my work maybe about to pay off...
posted by Leesa at 5:40 AM

 
Only 8 more sleeps until The Cat Empire show (coinciding with end of next year's budget preparation). Definitely looking forward to an exciting night!
posted by Leesa at 3:02 AM

 
Oh my. Oh my... the Godmother part 2 AND 3....
posted by Leesa at 7:27 AM

 
"Someday...."
Tickets have been purchased to The Cat Empire in September! (The painting of the lime green wall in the living room can wait another month...)
posted by Leesa at 2:42 AM

 
Welcome to the world baby Sebastian Balestra!

Your daddy sure is handy with a camera!
posted by Leesa at 6:31 AM

 
I love the way a well-timed phone call from a friend can turn an unhappy me into a crying me (from laughter!). The girls appreciate it!!!
posted by Leesa at 6:52 AM

 

posted by Leesa at 6:09 AM

 
Well done Anna! (a.k.a Air)

Jet are playing a show in Melbourne during August. Woo hoo! Very high expectations for the long awaited second album.

The Cat Empire are also home for a couple of shows in September. Its going to be an expensive couple of months!
posted by Leesa at 2:31 AM

 

Ennea and Robbie
Originally uploaded by LPATT2006.

Still one of my favourite all time photos!

posted by Leesa at 7:52 AM

 
Winter Sunrise (photo taken with not-so-good camera phone). Was cool 5 degree this morning, but I somehow found the motivation to walk to work.

Hunting for a lamp that I'm not even sure exists....
posted by Leesa at 3:07 AM

 
According to my calculations, Dr Huffstodt should be waiting for me at home…
posted by Leesa at 5:05 AM

 
Holiday? What holiday? Have been back at work now for a week - New York and Vancouver seem like a distant memory...

On a happier note though, I just found out we are getting free shares (in addition to the larger than expected bonus). I may actually be able to afford to have another holiday next year!

(I just ordered the first series of Huff on DVD to cheer myself up from the post-holiday blues...)
posted by Leesa at 10:45 PM

 
Met the members of Limbeck on my flight from LA to Australia. Going to see them play with Kiss Chasey at the Corner Hotel in Richmond on Saturday night if anyone is interested in attending with me.
posted by Leesa at 6:12 AM

 
Photos taken last night at The Cat Empire at the Commodore Ballroom. Brilliant, brilliant show.

In 24 hours I get to cuddle my god daughter again. I can't wait to see her!
posted by Leesa at 8:05 PM

 
Looking forward to see The Cat Empire tonight at the Commodore who are playing as part of the Vancouver Jazz Festival. Come all the way across the other side of the world to see a band from Melbourne...
posted by Leesa at 9:18 PM

 
Can it be true? Can the second season of Huff be even better than the first? I think I have to agree with Air that Hank Azaria is a very very attractive man....

(Although that hasn't always been the case...)
posted by Leesa at 10:24 PM

 
Bad, bad form Black Pigeon.
posted by Leesa at 8:21 AM

 
Looks like Commercial Drive is the place to be on Sunday. At this stage I am planning on watching the World Cup game at 9am. Need to ensure Saturday night isn't too outrageous!
posted by Leesa at 4:16 AM

 
Huff. I love that show so much...
posted by Leesa at 12:28 AM

 
Went to theWatermark Restaurant in Kitsilano last night. Beautiful sunset.
posted by Leesa at 3:02 AM

 
Welcome to the world baby Meike Lyfke Maria De Visser! I can't wait to meet you!

(baby boom going on amongst my friends at the moment...)
posted by Leesa at 2:50 PM

 
Thankfully a lovely dinner at The Salmon House dragged me away from my Second Life. Some people should know better than to introduce me to addictive games!
posted by Leesa at 5:26 AM

 
New York post in the next few days.

Currently on the dance floor....

(Second Life is bizarre....)
posted by Leesa at 6:21 AM

 
Start spreading the news, I'm leaving tomorrow, I want to be a part of it, New York New York! (can't stop humming the tune now....)
After 2 1/2 years of planning, I'm finally going to New York!

Welcome to the world baby Jake William Newsom. (You owe your mother big time!)

And in other baby news...Ennea at her christening this weekend (where I became her fairy god mother!). She is just so lovely.
(Derek, be warned: I'm going to need assistance with the layout of this post....)
posted by Leesa at 10:40 PM

 
Have just been asked to make a speech at the after-party of the christening I am attending on Sunday. What do I say? Looking forward to becoming a Godparent, wonder if I can postpone the speech until her 21st where I’m sure I will have a collection of embarrassing stories!

5 sleeps to go! (Only 2 work days….)
posted by Leesa at 6:54 AM

 
This time next week I will be in New York although not looking forward to the 24 hour commute.
posted by Leesa at 3:16 AM

 
$3.30 for a banana??
posted by Leesa at 11:33 PM

 
Miners freed. Was addictive television this morning watching the Breaking News.
posted by Leesa at 3:05 AM

 
What the boss says goes! Three more weeks to go!
posted by Leesa at 10:29 PM

 
Had been unwell last week, but I did make it out to the Yarra Valley this weekend and visited some wineries. Not so keen on drinking at 11am though...

Passport photo now complete. Not willing to spend another $11 for a better photo (ie. when the yearly good-hair day comes around), so intend to just go ahead and organise my passport this afternoon.
posted by Leesa at 3:10 AM

 
36 days to go.
posted by Leesa at 11:50 PM

 
Putting off the task of having my photo taken for my passport which is up for renewal. Its a photo that will be with me for the next 10 years. Thats a huge commitment!

I am going to be seeing G in 6 weeks exactly! Woo hoo!
posted by Leesa at 3:06 AM

 
One of my first visitors!

Ennea is just lovely!
posted by Leesa at 6:07 AM

 
This time in 8 weeks I will be sitting on a plane - 6 hours into a 24 hour flight. This travel bug maybe expensive, but it sure is enjoyable!
posted by Leesa at 5:56 AM

 
I was asked this weekend to be a godmother.... hope I'm not expected to change any nappies....
posted by Leesa at 9:50 PM

 
I so glad to see that G hasn’t changed. Already planning dinner options in New York and the holiday still two and a half months away! Between the two of us, I just about guarantee that every meal will be planned out before either of us leaves our respective countries!

Camping chairs are not a good alternative for a couch. Thankfully only 10 more days until arrival of the new couches.
posted by Leesa at 11:10 PM

 
Is anyone ever going to visit our country again?
posted by Leesa at 3:20 AM

 
Settlement is today. Going to book overseas holiday today.
Goodbye my savings.
Goodbye my friend.
You have been the one….

(dealing with this debt thing mighty well so far)
posted by Leesa at 11:06 PM

 
Banks and solicitors are certainly not on my "things I love" list at the moment. A bit of drama adds to the excitement I guess.
posted by Leesa at 2:16 AM

 
Interesting that the English decided to ban the latest commercial promoting Australia because they found it offensive..hmmm....
posted by Leesa at 9:44 AM

 
Final inspection of property this Friday. Nine sleeps to go until settlement! Hopefully I’ve bought everything I need. Will be setting up camping chairs in the living room for a couple of weeks until my couch arrives. Getting excited now – have waited a long time for this day to finally come!

City starting to fill with people for the Commonwealth Games. Will be an interesting couple of weeks commuting…
posted by Leesa at 3:41 AM

 
Wonder if I can sneak out of a wedding next month attend this event. Would be awesome...
posted by Leesa at 2:52 AM

 
Damn those friendly Canadians. Looking on the bright side - we beat the Dutch! ;)
posted by Leesa at 1:32 AM

 
Countdown….

29 days until settlement.

66 days until long weekend camping adventure.

Approximately 100 days until I go overseas.

I need a fast-forward button!
posted by Leesa at 5:15 AM

 
It may not involve drag queens, but I think Bogan Bingo could be on the cards next week. Anyone care to join me?
posted by Leesa at 3:59 AM

 
Breakfast catch up with people met while travelling in Canada. Random man from kitchen decided to also jump in the shot (see left)! Busy weekend!
posted by Leesa at 2:43 AM

 
This little boy is so lovely. A sad story, but can't help smiling all the same...

35 days until settlement. Really, really looking forward to finally moving into my very own place!
posted by Leesa at 1:11 AM

 
Jon Stevens to tour again next month. Woo hoo!!
posted by Leesa at 4:07 AM

 
Start spreading the news….

I think this weekend is the weekend I book my next holiday. Have been working for over two years only taking off one week last May. A vacation could be in order!

Hmmmm, wonder where I’ll go….?
posted by Leesa at 5:58 AM

 
My lovely new Furi knives. I think I’m finally starting to enjoy shopping… (or more like enjoying the search for bargains!)
posted by Leesa at 4:30 AM

 
I hate ebay. Have been notified that I lost my first ebay auction….

My two and a half year old niece has apparently named her doll “Baby Leesa”. Very sweet, although I have been informed that Baby Leesa spent quite a bit of time on the naughty spot yesterday…… still not sure of my ability to “aunt”…

I think she appreciated my efforts to take her swimming three times while they were in Melbourne recently (any excuse to go to the wave pool!). And I’m sure she enjoyed my finely crafted “Simpsons Cocktail” – water in a Simpsons mug accompanied by a paper umbrella!)
posted by Leesa at 4:50 AM

 
Any suggestions for accommodation in New York? Email me!
posted by Leesa at 2:23 AM