Where the Grass is Greener

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    31 January 2008

    21 Pirate Salute

    Little sister turned 21 over the long weekend and we celebrated in the 'Berra on a pirate ship. Well, more of a boat really, but the fake shark and pirate dummies on the top deck certainly made it piratey. Oh, and the forty pirate attired guests.

    The less piratey side of things was the pole for pole dancing and the strangely gross and slightly creepy 'captain' (read: dude who drives boat).

    I felt v creative and talented as hubby and I sported home made costumes that I had actually made. I am soooooo the domestic goddess! I bought some cheap pirate flags - the $2 shop (where everything is not actually $2) was having a 20% off closing down sale so I bought all of their pirate flags - and turned two into a dress for me and two into pants for the man.

    Unfortunately I don't own a sewing machine and was only able to borrow an over-locker. Over-locking is a commitment and one not to be taken lightly - once you over-lock there is no turning back!

    How does one make pants and a dress without patterns? Deconstruct old clothes of course! The dress was easy enough - all I really did was cut around another dress and sew up the sides. Pretty straight forward. Pants on the other hand are more of a challenge. I wanted each leg to be wrapped in a flag so only want to do the pants in two pieces (usually you'd do four I think) so I cut up an old pair of my jeans to make the man's pants. I had the idea that because I'm bigger than him that they'd be sure to fit, so did a quick 'fitting' with the pants pinned up and the went merrily on my over-locking way and made a pair of pants.

    All was travelling well, they looked like an actual pair of pants and because I had no elastic, zipper or button hole maker so I decided I'd be clever and make wrap around top that he'd just tie up so they'd stay on. Hurrah for me! The domestic goddess reigns supreme!

    Then he tried the pants on.

    Turns out when you copy a pair of girls pants to make a pair of boy pants there isn't enough doodle space (to put it delicately...). This small (but tight) problem was no problem for the domestic goddess though - ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce to you... THE GUSSET!!!

    Yes, through the help of a gusset, or modesty panel, my husband was contained and was ready to party! Although he seemed to have a slight squint all day, which originally I attributed to the glare form the water, but in hindsight it may have been a pants problem.

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      22 January 2008

      Peanut butter is good for the soul

      Saw this on a road sign in North Fitzroy - the only correction I'd make is that the drawing should be of crunchy peanut butter, but I think the message still rings true.

      Peanut butter has been useful the last couple of days - best way to get the dogs to take tablets. Both puppies are on antibiotics after a $270 trip to the vets on the weekend. Hurrah. So the peanut butter has saved the day again.

      Actually I'm slightly addicted to nut butter at the moment. Bought a jar at the supermarket which had cashews, almonds, peanuts and something else - basically it is crushed oily nutty goodness and I wish I could eat it all day... instead it encourages me to get up early and walk the dogs, because this means I have time to have breakfast at home rather than having cereal when I get to work.

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        11 January 2008

        Liquid Nitrogen - I resisted

        I managed to resist the urge to pour liquid nitrogen over myself in the heat, so froze some metal, a balloon, a flower and some lettuce instead. Not quite as satisfyingly cooling, but it was better than nothing. And I suppose the 500-odd people watching probably found that more interesting than watching me hurt myself.

        We are in for another scorcher here today, and very cheekily slept with the air con on all night (it is already 33degrees outside at 8.30am). Hanging out for that cool change...

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          05 January 2008

          No more holidays.

          Had such a ncie Chrissy break at the beach with my bee-atches that it was hard to come back home and go to work. Actaully, it is quite a relief to be back in my own bed and my own town - I just wish I lived at Potato Point!

          Weather has been ridiculously hot here in Melbs, and I'm glad we have air con in the lounge room. I am very not amused by the lack of cooling down at night though.

          I'm pretty sure I used to like summer, but maybe I just think that in winter, cos I'm pretty sure I don't like winter during winter...

          Currently presenting a liquid nitrogen/Antarctica show outside at work during the hols. Even though I know liquid N would burn me/cause cell death I still get urges on those hot days to maybe just pour some over me. Have managed not to give into that one, so snaps for me.

          Haven't got much work on, which is boring and a little frustrating. This is what you get when your manager forgets they are your manager and goes on leave without giving you any work... ho hum. Am about to spend 4hrs straight in the Planetarium, which I am not all that excited about. Boredom usually hits about 15mins in.

          Gee I sound liek a happy little sparrow today! That's what working weekends will do for you I suppose!