Stuff

A few things had happened since my last post. I don't really have the time nor the patience to keep this updated as often as I intended.

1. Computer

The hard drive is stuffed and all the data was lost and we took it someplace to recover them. Jerry had a lot of data stored on those hard drives and losing them is not an option. So at the moment, the network isn't accessible.

My two laptops have problems. I'm currently using my old one but can't set it up yet because it needs reformating... again. My new one is also having problems and can't be used. We don't know what the problems are and reformating it is not doing any good. So it must be a hardware problem but we don't know what's wrong with them. Therefore, we don't know how to fix it.

2. The Madhappies

• The Madhappies had a few gigs in the past month. They played at the "Living Room" and the "Alley Bar". As I've mentioned, computers and networks in this house is not fuctioning properly so no photos yet. Everything is everywhere at the moment and it's very frustrating. Photos and data are scattered everywhere.
  
  
• They're having a live broadcast gig on Raw Audio Sofa Session this Sunday 8pm Brisbane time.
  
  
• The CDs have been created and the album launch is going to be at "The Zoo" (a venue in the valley) on the 29th of June 2006.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• They might be playing at "The Rev" (another venue in the valley) in September. I'm not sure if it's confirmed yet or not.

3. Work

They relocated me from DFO (Direct Factory Outlet) to the Myer Centre (in the city) a few weeks ago, which is a good thing... a sign of growth. I still get paid the same though.

There are going to be some changes at work. We're going to have a whole season of "It's Black" where everything is black, grey, dark purple, etc. But it's only for a season. Then the next season, it would be all about jeans and the season after that would be all about linen. That's what they're doing at the moment. I went to the "It's Black" presentation at the Fringe Bar last night (June 21, 2006 Wednesday) and we were told of what it's going to be like. There's going to be a launch party at Carindale on the 7th of July (Friday) and the Carindale store will be set up for this Black Launch.

4. Rio

Rio and I got acquainted here in Australia (at CQU and Unilodge). Even though we both went to Thames, we didn't know each other then. She studied here for a few years and now she's leaving. She's going back to the Philippines and there's a job there waiting for her. I was at the goodbye party last night (after the work function at the Fringe Bar). It was also Josh's birthday last night so while I was at the fringe bar, Jerry went to have dinner with Josh and his other circle of friends and Jerry and I went to Rio's party afterwards. They were having a kareoke night at "Fat Louis". Josh dropped in with his lady friend, Sophie, a little while after we got there.

The End.

The Madhappies Showcase Gig (May 18, 2006 Thursday)

The Madhappies had a showcase gig on the 18th of May 2006. That was last Thursday. It was held at "The Browns Plains Hotel", which was about 45 minutes away. We drove, paid toll, got lost and arrived just in time to unload and have a few drinks. Three bands played that night. The first band was shit. The Madhappies was the 2nd band to go on. The third band was an o.k. cover band called "The College of Beer". Brad Buckley is some guy who works for Pushworth Group. He puts on industry nights and from what I've heard, he liked The Madhappies. So did the bartender who said that The Madhappies was the best band there that night.

They have another gig on the 30th of May 2006 at The Living Room on Caxton St., Paddington. They go on at 11pm. Good thing I don't have to work the next day. They have another gig on the 1st of June 2006 at the Alley Bar, Milton. They go on at 10:45pm.

Their first album "Bad Motivator" has been mastered. They're just waiting for the artwork to finish before releasing it. They're also making a video for "Dying Breed". They've had airplay. They already have a few new songs for the next album. One awesome song is "Go Faster". I can't wait for them to do a proper recording of that song.

Updates (April 21, 2006 Friday)

Jerry won tickets to the advance screening of "Scary Movie 4". We went to see that at Indooroopilly a week ago. I haven't seen any of the Scary movies. "Scary Movie 4" was the first one that I saw. The movie was crappy but I had a good time. We went to Indooroopilly a bit early and we just walked around and looked at the shops. (April 12, 2006)

We spent easter with Jerry's mother, aunt, cousin and sister at Beachmere. Anne, Jerry's aunt, tought me how to knit. Jerry and I went fishing. He caught four and one of them was a baby baracuda.

We witnessed the full moon rising from the ocean. It was majestic! Here are some photos:

The dogs were there with us. Rocky, Jacque and Inca. Someone had fleas! I had bites when I got home and they're still here! It's going to take a very long time to get rid of them. The bites that I got from more than a year ago are still here! >=(

We came home at midnight and the highway was dark, deserted and foggy. It was so serene. (April 14, 2006)

My birthday was a few days ago. Jerry had flowers delivered to me at work. Jerry and I got a bucket of chicken (KFC) and a bottle of vodka and 4 liters of orange juice. He gave me a silver necklace with an amethyst pendant. He also gave me a bath pillow, bath salts, bath milk and a bath bomb. I'm looking forward to a relaxing bath with candles and music..

I'm working full time from this week. I got my contract the other day. All I have to do now is sign it and send it off.

All that is left for my permanent residency is their decision. I've done everything on my part. I've sent my NBI clearance and my medicals to Suzanne. All I have to do now is wait. (April 20, 2006)

Madhappies has a showcase gig on the 18th of May.

Second Chances

Do you remeber "This" post (Scroll down to mobile phones)? As you may recall, I sold my Sony Ericsson v800. I often look at phones on the net. I was browsing on eBay one night when I saw a seller selling a Sony Ericsson z800i (z800i is the same as v800 only v800 is a Vodafone version) for $386.50 (including postage) and I just couldn't resist! As I am reunited with this phone, I couldn't help but wonder if this relationship will be satisfying the second time around.

It All Starts with V

For those of you who doesn't know what V is, it's an energy drink. It taste a bit citrusy. Jerry offered me a taste of this and I didn't like it at first. But then I needed to stay awake one night and V is all I can find so I did. From then on, everytime I needed to be awake, I have a couple of Vs and it sort of grew on me. I really like it now. Especially now that my work hours starts really early, I've been having V almost every morning. But I still try not to get dependent on it to the point that I can't function without it. I only have it as I see fit. It's not that expensive at all. Most of the time, I can get them for 2 for $5. Looking at how I started longing for Vs, there's only one person to blame.. The same person that collects the bottles.

Immigration

Immigration is asking a lot of crap from us. I went to the interview on Monday and everything seemed fine. She said that the things that we are waiting for are the results from my medicals and the AFP record and that's it. Yesterday, I got a call from DIMIA asking me to provide an NBI clearance from overseas. The agent told me that a police clearance would suffice. Apparently not! Now I have to ask my parents to get me my NBI clearance, which might take a while since it's the national bureau and Suzie, my mother's agent, is no longer with us and won't be able to make special arrangements. Also, postage time and cost is taken into consideration. So much hassle and inconvenience! That's on top of all those crap that Jerry and I had to provide for them.

March 10, 2006 Friday

PERMANENT RESIDENCY

In the last week, I've been taking care of my permanent residency visa. Jerry and I were putting all the documents together. Also I've had help from my family overseas by sending over the necessary statements and paperworks. I had my xray, medicals and blood test that bruised me not so terribly. On monday, Jerry and I have an interview.

GIORDANO

I've requsted to go full time a while ago. There's no full time position available at the moment. Hope is our new area manager. She seems nice. She told me she's been pushing them to let me go full time.

FOOTY

As I write this, Jerry is watching the first game of the rugby league season. As I've previously mentioned before, I'm not into footy but we've decided to make a night of it. We had pizza and drinks. It's been a while since I had vodka. Also, Jerry hasn't had bundy in a while.

JANE'S RENOVATION

Jane, Jerry's mother, is renovating her home. She has to be out of the house for four months while it's being done. She's going to let Gypsy stay with Jerry and me. She's jerry's childhood pet and we're going to have her here for four months. She's getting old. She's about 15 or 16 years old. I wish Rocky can be with us too but I don't think we have the facilities to accomodate him.

MADHAPPIES

Remastering was suppose to be today but it was cancelled. It's going to be on Tuesday. Scheduled gig is on the 1st of June at the Alley Bar. That gig would be the first gig that they have after the album is completed.

MINUS LIFE

Awesome Australian band! They're having another gig on the 29th of April 2006 at HMB. It's going to be a Rock Vs Metal night. "Repeat Offender" will also be playing that night. Definitely worth seeing!

Mall of Asia

The following are pictures of the "Mall of Asia":

(Well, pictures of blueprints and plans, anyway. I found the pictures on the Internet)

Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

YESTERDAY: THE MADHAPPIES MASTERING (Feb 27, 2006)

Yesterday was The Madhappies mastering at Albion at the Grevillea studio. The CD is complete. The next step is CD pressing. I think they're going to make about 500 copies. Paul said that they're going to have the album launch in about a month or two. Jerry told me that before they do the album launch, they're going to have gigs first so they won't sound rusty at the launch.

TODAY: MOVIES WITH RIO (Feb 28, 2006)

I went to the city to pick up the graduation DVD today and went to pick up the necessary documents at Unilodge for my PR. After which, I met up with Rio. We had lunch at KFC and went to see a movie. We were going to watch "Hostel" but then I didn't bring my ID and they won't sell me a ticket. So we watched "Just Friends" instead.

Anyway, I was telling Rio how much I missed Philippines. I told her everything is good here and all and I am aware of the fact that Philippines is not really an ideal place to live in for most people but it's still different. I told her I like it here but I also like it in Phili too. She completely understands and that's why she's going back after she graduates. I was telling her about Michelle Yap and how we used to have fun when we go out even if it's just sitting at some restaurant and talking all afternoon. She told me about the "Mall of Asia" that's about to open soon. I can't wait to see it when I visit.

Rio's parents visited her here in Australia some time ago and she was telling me how much fun it was. Good for her!

TOMORROW: X-RAY (Feb 29, 2006)

I have an appointment to get an x-ray tomorrow for my permanent residency. It's in the valley at 1:45pm. I hope it won't take very long.

Rio's birthday and whatnot (Feb. 25 to 26, 2006)

Rio's birthday was on the 24th of Feb. but we celebrated Rio's birthday on the 25th. We went to this kareoke place in the valley and had a few drinks. Jerry had about six to seven VBs (Victoria Bitter). It was only yesterday that he told me that he hates VB and the only reason he had that much was because he was singing. He's a rum and coke guy. I only had about four or five VBs. He sang, Rock and Roll All Night - KISS (I was sort of singing along with him), Stairway to Heaven - Led Zeppelin, Roxanne - Police, Diana, Yesterday - Beatles, Runaway, One - Metallica, etc.

After that, we went to a restaurant because everyone was getting hungry. They didn't have Vodka or Crownies (Jerry's beer) so i got him another VB (I didn't know he hates it at that time. I would've thought that he won't have that much at the kareoke place if he hates it.) and I got a Rusky for myself. Everyone is thinking of what to do next and Jerry asked me to ask everyone if everyone wants to come over to our place to play pool and listen to some music and have more drinks. We rang Josh and invited him over to join us. There's only one problem. I was out of Vodka. So I asked Josh to bring some with him. But he didn't have any Vodka and doesn't know where to get some. So I just asked him to bring any alcohol he's got at home.

Everyone was on the way to our place. Jerry wasn't feeling very well. When we got home, Josh just arrived. Everyone was downstairs playing pool while I took Jerry to the bedroom to rest. I couldn't play music because it would be too loud for Jerry. I stayed with him for a while when Josh came calling, wanting to play pool. So we played doubles. Josh brought bourbon. I had a taste and I didn't like it that much. I don't like dark spirits. Anyway, I don't know how long everyone stayed because most of the time I was upstairs with Jerry. After the game, Josh wanted to watch a movie but everyone else had to go. So Josh and I watched Bug's Life and had some Tequilla. It was about 4am+ when we finished the movie and I had an 8:30am-4:30pm shift the next day. Josh was not in the state to drive so he crashed on the couch. Jerry was in dispose and probably couldn't take me to work and I won't be able to drive myself to work so Josh would have to but he escaped while Jerry and I were asleep.

I only had a few hours of sleep and shouldn't be working at all that day. But I had to go in and open up the shop because I would be the only there. So I asked Jerry to drive me to work. He still wasn't feeling very well that time. We got there at about 8:30am and waited for Hayden (workmate) to arrive. He was suppose to arrive at 10am. But he arrived half an hour early. He asked me if I'm sick. because I look it. I said yes and I had to go. So he started ringing poeple asking who could come in. Hayden wasn't feeling very well too. He called Michelle and she was still sick.

Jerry took us home and we had breakfast at about 12pm. We had bacon and eggs and toast. We haven't had that in a very long time.

We went to Chris and Kimbo's at 2pm for lunch. Tammy and I played pool. We had several games and I won most of them. Alex, Chris and myself were playing darts. I was beating them! But we had to go and Alex and I came to a tie.

Didn't do anything else for the rest of the day.

Updates (Feb 9, 2006)

I haven't been doing much lately. Here are a few things that have happened. I'm not sure if I can remember all the details but anyway, here goes:

PANTERA TRIBUTE (Dec. 10, 2005)

Jerry and I went to a Pantera tribute at the Arena on the 10th of December. We didn't stay all night. It started at about 9pm. Tim and Tammy are suppose to go with us but Tammy didn't have I.D. so they cancelled leaving us with two extra tickets. We invited Lucia and her husband. Lucia and I got acquainted a few months before the tribute. She's from uni.

Anyway, gates opened at 7pm, I think. Lucia and her husband arrived a bit later after that. They left just as soon as the tribute started! We left at about 12am. the band was pissed and making fools of themselves by then.

Since it was 2 months ago, I hardly remember the songs that they did.

Ohwell, it was a fun night anyway.

GRADUATION (Dec. 18, 2005)

I graduated on the 18th of December. It was held at the Carlton Crest Hotel in the city. Finally, I'm done with uni. At long last.

Our manager had an xmas BBQ that night and Jerry and I were invited. It was mentioned that Michelle, our assistant manager, was at the tribute too for "State of Integrity". They're one of the bands that played at the Arena before the tribute and the State of Integrity's bassist, Ben, is her boyfriend.

XMAS

Presents... Jerry gave me a lot of things. He gave me a hotdog steamer, a hotdog grill, sewing machine (not one of those travel ones. The real thing!), a crystal to dispel negativity (because he thinks I'm too negative), pens and notepad papers (because I like stationeries). I gave him a poker table top because he likes poker and he had poker nights and more to come, I presume. Bootsie got new toys and a new collar. It was really endearing that Jerry put "from santa" on some of the presents. I guess he did it because I never believed in santa when I was a kid and he's sort of creating the fantasy.

NEW YEAR

We spent new year's at his Jane's (his mother). Mel (Jerry's sister), Paul (Mel's friend/housemate. Also, the vocalist of MadHappies), and Ali (Paul's girlfriend) was there too. We had a few drinks, lit up some sparkles, and played "cranium" (it's a board game that I'm not good at).

MADHAPPIES RECORDING AT AIRLOCK STUDIO (Jan 7-13, 2006)

Madhappies is launching an album. They've been recording their stuff and its all done and good. They're just finishing the mixing now. Jerry is at Airlock Studio right now. He's with Paul and Emerson (mixer). Here are a few photos:

Josh, the bassist, is out of town at the moment. He's coming back. I'm just not sure when. I have his travel blog address. I gotta read it soon.

Well, Thats it. Jerry is creating a MadHappies site, which is still under construction. He has put on a few sample tracks. I'll make the link public next time when it's all ready and maybe I'll put on some sample tracks here next time, if I'm not too lazy.