Monday 27 December 2010

I spoke to my grandad this morning for his birthday. 


He said that the last time it rained like this in Queensland was 60 years ago and became what is known as the '74 Floods. 


Great.


And as much as we like to whinge and moan about how sunny and gorgeous it will be when we return to work in a week or two and how cruel mother nature is and how mad the baby Jesus is at us to steal our summer away, I like to think it is a fantastic opportunity to 1) Sleep 2) write lists and 3) sleep.


This limbo period between the finish of 2010 and the impending 20-heaven (read: 11) is always a time of reflection and projections for me. I am a BIG list writer. I have lists all over the place, for everything. I like the idea of organisation, that all the things I need to have or do or see are itemised in the one area and I love the satisfaction of crossing items off - 'completion energy' as my dad calls it.


For the most part I've always written goals for the coming year. But this year mum reminded me that we should really write a "Gratitude List" first, giving thanks and acknowledging all the really wonderful things that happened during the year that was. 


At the top of my list will be my gratitude for my family and friends for just being there for me and being gorgeous. Sometimes I forget how much I actually need you all and love being around you.


My new apartment purchase most recently, being one of the highlights of the year.


Next will be my travel to London and lovely Mr Frog who made that a reality. 


Discovering my spiritual path, spiritual growth and the awe inspiring people I've met through meditation.

I'm thankful for my job this year as I've learnt so much in this capacity, not only about my role but also about handling and interacting with people from all walks of life. 


I'm thankful for the jasmine that smells so sweet along my river walk.


There is more but this is a good start and probably enough for this forum. Writing a Gratitude List will also help you identify things that you didn't do which you would like to then do in 2011 - to put on your Goals List. 


What are you grateful for? What will you plan for in 2011?

Thursday 23 December 2010

WISH LIST

Art Deco Teapot light fitting from Liberty - here

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8:50pm

Dating games are bullshit.


There's nothing I love more than a good challenge. 


But COME ON!

Wednesday 15 December 2010

Book Nook

This book is rocking my world.


Psycho-cybernetics 2000 by Maxwell Maltz


If you're all up in your head like I am give it a read you guys. It provides you with the actual tools to achieve your goals in life. It demystifies The Secret and puts the onus back on us, rather than the universe or a mysterious force, so that we are in control of our lives, our achievements and aspirations based on fundamental human nature and psychology. 


Now, don't get me wrong, I'm bang into all the universe malarkey too. But Maltz's tools are practical, like street lamps on a darkened highway, shedding light and giving guidance to help you get to where you want to go quickly and easily.


The book is premised on the theory that if you can expand your self image, you can expand your talents and capabilities, achieve your aspirations and goals in life. It's a heavy book. There is so much to digest I will need to read it a few times over for the messages to sink in, they are so plentiful.


I'm enjoying working through the exercises and the first one that has truly stumped me is the question "What is it that you most want to do in your life?" written like this:


"The thing I most want to do with my life is _____________________________________________".


I never thought a line could scare me as much as this one has. I challenge you to finish it for yourself.

Monday 13 December 2010

Garage Sales

My mum sells real estate for a living. And apart from the fact that she's damn good at it, she also gets access to 'left over' bits and pieces of furniture that sellers don't want to deal with.

So yesterday was spent with my mum, dad and sister all happily trawling through what was the remains of an elderly couple's life. It was a fascinating journey that obviously began in that house in the 1920's when the house was built.

Old everything. 30's furniture, 60's baking dishes and glasses, retro golf clubs, bags, lawn mowers, tools, sewing books and patterns, music manuscripts so old the paper was almost disintegrating, solid wooden chairs, camping paraphernalia, 70's hair rollers, 50's hair dryer in its own suitcase.

I snapped up a brass table lamp, a solid wooden chair, 6 old school champagne glasses, 6 seafood cocktail glasses, some pirex baking dishes and a hand blown crystal plate for $35. BARGAIN.

And seeing as I am a homeowner now I really must be on the look out for every bargain I can negotiate!

Sunday 12 December 2010

8:59am EST

Last night I had three of my closest girlfriends around for a "Chrissie Cook-Off" and I must say it was the most pleasant evening I've had in a while.


We cooked and chatted and ate for about five hours - the most wonderful way to spend a Saturday night - no hangovers this morning, only more love for the ladies who have stood by me for over 7 years, or longer.


Then I got to thinking about the little story I posted a few days ago about how women just need women in their lives. And it's so true. When I think of the few times I've been thrown a few hefty curve balls in life, my girls were there for me. Listening to me, handing me Kleenex, sending messages, hosting coffees, workshopping, or just being there with me. 


And they've been with me through all the amazing times too - I have so many wonderful memories of roll-on-the-floor-almost-peeing your-pants laughter, parties, weddings, celebrations. 


I feel quite blessed to have these women in my life. They are an amazing, caring group and I love and appreciate them so much.

Friday 10 December 2010

WISH LIST

This divine Hamptons couch from Coco Republic is going to go so well in my new digs

LOVE

Thursday 9 December 2010

Yo! Sisters!

A gorgeous girlfriend of mine sent this to me yesterday and I loved it so much. Thank you to the anonymous author who penned it. This is for all my sisters out there, word.


"A young wife sat on a sofa on a hot humid day,
drinking iced tea and visiting with her mother. And
they talked about life, about marriage, about the
responsibilities of life and the obligations of
adulthood, the mother clinked the ice cubes in her
glass thoughtfully and turned a clear, sober glance
upon her daughter.
'Don't forget your sisters,' she advised, swirling
the tea leaves to the bottom of her glass. 'They'll
be more important as you get older. No matter how
much you love your husband, no matter how much you
love the children you may have, you are still going
to need sisters. Remember to go places with them now
and then; do things with them.'
'Remember that 'sisters' means ALL the women...
your girlfriends, your daughters, and all your other
women relatives too. 'You'll need other women. Women
always do.'
What a funny piece of advice!' the young woman
thought. Haven't I just gotten married?
Haven't I just joined the couple-world? I'm now a
married woman, for goodness sake! A grownup! Surely
my husband and the family we may start will be all I
need to make my life worthwhile!'
But she listened to her mother. She kept contact
with her sisters and made more women friends each
year. As the years tumbled by, one after another,
she gradually came to understand that her mother really
knew what she was talking about. As time and nature
work their changes and their mysteries upon a woman,
sisters are the mainstays of her life.
After more than 50 years of living in this world,
here is what I've learned:
THIS SAYS IT ALL:
Time passes.
Life happens.
Distance separates.
Children grow up.
Jobs come and go.
Love waxes and wanes.
Men don't do what they're supposed to do.
Hearts break.
Parents die.
Colleagues forget favors.
Careers end.

BUT.........
Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how
many miles are
between you. A girl friend is never farther away
than needing her can reach.


When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you
have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life
will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on,
praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on
your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the
valley's end.

Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk
beside you....Or come in and carry you out.

Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters,

daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, Mothers,
Grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins, and extended
family: all bless our life!"

Sunday 5 December 2010

6:54am

This is a rainy cosy Sunday.


Now is probably the time to begin the first of a long trail of posts relating to my latest and greatest purchase - my lovely art deco apartment.


Can I first start by saying that notwithstanding I studied Real Estate Transactions as an elective (I know, was completely out of my mind) at Law School, the entire process, in practice, was hectic! I thought I knew all there was to know about purchasing property! Turns out, when you've got 30 years of mortgage repayments and the fact that you've found 'the one' riding on it the whole thing can be incredibly stressful and nerve wracking! 


Time is of the essence in these contracts so almost everyday there will be a document due or a meeting staged. 


On any one day I would call:


1. Mum/Dad
2. Real estate agent
3. Finance Broker
4. Solicitor
5. Builder
6. Pest inspector
7. Insurance brokers


Multiple times. 


Granted, I put undue influence on the deal by insisting the sale was subject to a 7 day building and pest AND 7 days finance, sending my posse into a tailspin to complete everything before Christmas.


But I truly believe (mum as a real estate guru backing me up) that we needed to act swiftly and forcefully to secure this little slice of  New Farm. At the price it was being advertised and with our knowledge of all the other 'shoe boxes' on the market we knew we had to snap it up. 


The sale went unconditional on Tuesday and that's when I finally started to breathe again. And to really settle into the fact that I am now a proud homeowner, a landlord (almost) and a TRUE adult. 


The beauty about Adelea (yes its art deco charm extends to its name as well) is that for the most part it is in original condition (Lead light windows and door features, a cloak closet in the entry way, a brass door knocker, ceiling cornice features) but it needs work. 


The kitchen and bathrooms are old and in desperate need of a make-over and the mint green walls throughout really don't do much for it, or me for that matter.


This is my new project. I take possession on 31 January 2011 and until then I need to procure furniture, interior design ideas, paint colours, and all sorts of Bunnings related paraphernalia so when my friends and family come over for the 'working bee' I'm hosting we can hit the ground running. We'll be a make-over machine!


Look out The Block, Look out The Renovators....

Wednesday 1 December 2010

Hairy Situation

It's hair cut time again tomorrow. Having just scraped through the 7 week mark my locks are in desperate need of some attention. 


That being said, I am always tempted to go something completely wild and out of the ordinary. It's almost become a ritual that I scan through the latest hair styles from the pages of vogue and celeb mags to pick out the complete opposite of my current 'look', ask 5000 people their opinion and then back out at the last minute opting for the usual "root and trim" like a coward.


So rather than drop a hair crisis bomb on myself just prior to party season I'm doing changes a little bit at a time which is of course less dramatic but far less impacting on my soul (a bad hair cut goes to the heart and soul of me; many a time I've been caught out and forced to wear a pony tail for two weeks - horrors).


My hair is currently blonde with verrry dark roots (hence always the threats consideration of going darker) and quite long. It's dragging and lanky in this Brisbane humidity. I'm opting for more volume and bounce, less weight and length and maybe a more honey blonde....a la the latest Chloe ads featuring Raquel Zimmerman....

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Raquel+Zimmermann+for+Chloe+01.jpg


Raquel+Zimmermann+Chloe+Love+Fragrance.jpg


Also loved this one of Kate's LOB: chic and sophisticated and as I'm trying to grow my fringe out is probably a good starting point.


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Monday 29 November 2010

Pink Glitter

This nail polish makes me happy when I wear it. 


But it's a bitch to remove.

Sunday 28 November 2010

8:49pm

These are the beginnings of Christmas....










Thursday 25 November 2010

BOUGHT

You guys, as of two days ago I am the proud owner of a stunning art deco apartment!!


The story is one I will tell soon. But just know that I'm beside myself and can't sleep at night for the all the excitement running through my veins!


It's long been a goal of mine and now it has a massive tick next to it and I can't tell you how immensely satisfying that is. 


It feels like home, it feels right. It's MINE!!!

JT and his box

So much to post about over the last week and as a teaser it has to do with work, apartments, site and boys. All the juicy stuff I suppose. 


But for the meantime, this is gross but makes me laugh. JT has quite the sense of humour....

Saturday 20 November 2010

7:20pm EST

This is a sad day.


I loved this blog: Scenes-from-my-hood.


It inspired me to blog, to buy my camera and take photos of what I see.


I loved Kate's writing style. She spoke truthfully. She was entertaining. I could relate.


The blogosphere is less rad with her no longer posting.


Thanks Kate, for being a brilliant damn blogger. We will miss you.

Thursday 18 November 2010

Obvious Crush Thursday

Ryan Reynolds



I would love to give him an "Adult Hug"

8:56am EST

This is a big FU*K YOU to my arse wipe flat mate.

This morning I got up to find he had stacked all of his dishes into the dishwasher EXCEPT for my two measly cereal bowls.

WHAT?

When I asked why he said it was to prove a point - ????

Ohhh, he means the point that I've been cleaning up his shit for the last five months without complaint constantly and that he's a fu*king arsehole flat mate?

POINT TAKEN WANKER

Added to which two weekends ago his parents landed on our doorstep for four nights over the weekend without giving me any notice (we live in a two bedroom apartment). He has five mates descending upon the place this weekend. He has no manners whatsoever. Sometimes I can't see the friggin furniture for his socks and jocks. GROSS. OVER IT. Over his cheapness and over his attitude.

I am hereby looking for a new place to live and a new flat mate.

8:51am EST

This is a shout out to my good friend Lanes who, despite having an intensely high flying and important international job, has an incredibly relaxed countenance and approach to life.

Cheers to your 'Zen' Lanes. Inspirational.

Wednesday 17 November 2010

10:15am EST

Today is a day where I'm feeling completely flat.

I had to wear white to detract from the green tinge my face is taking on today. Prince William and Cate are an amazing couple and I'm beside myself for them but I can't help but feel completely jealous. Not because she will one day be queen, but because someone loves her enough to want to spend the rest of their life with her. I deserve that too.

They are a team. They decided together. They've shared 8 years together so far and many more. I deserve this too.

It's following that everything in my life has momentarily lost its rosey glow. I feel completely used and underappreciated at work. Terribly unmotivating.

The only saving grace today is that I know my lovely friend is returning to the homelands after three long years abroad and I cannot wait to have her grounding and caring presence more local.

Monday 15 November 2010

12:52pm EST

Today is a day I can't get into work.


I'm distracted wholly.


After backing up on the party front both Friday and Saturday night I am feeling a little worse for wear still.


I want to hydrate, have a facial, inject nutrients back into my skin.


I also want to pass a motion to not drink in excess ever again. What is the point? It only serves to make me a damn fool who doesn't know what time it is.


I had an epiphany this morning and this is largely feeding my lack of concentration, that I drink and smoke to cover up stuff. There is a need in me to do it. But what is that need? Where does it come from?


Is it because I feel like I can't be myself when I am out with friends/boys?


Is it a confidence thing?


Is it a mystery veil, a barrier that stands between the me deep down and everyone else getting to know that deep down me?


Is it sheer boredom?


Perhaps it's a combination of these things. All I know at this point; it can't go on like this.


I am willing to change. I am willing to release the need.

Sunday 14 November 2010

Terry Tate - Office Linebacker



We need Triple T in our office sometimes...


"your ass must be crazy!!"

Saturday 6 November 2010

Saturday

Aside from getting up at 5am and going for a super athlete work out at the gym I have spent the majority of today on my couch, napping, watching crap tv and gazing out at the amazing blue sky.


For reasons unknown to me I'm completely lazy and unmotivated to get off it. 


I know I should. Saturdays minus hangovers are fabulous. 


But I'm so tired. And I feel like carb loading because of my tiredness. 


Also, I feel like some trifle. I do love trifle. Maybe with some syrup in it as well.


Boo is in Sydney and I miss him. 


Mama L is going back to France soon too but I wish she would stay. It would be so nice to have her here full time. 


Also, I just bought some white converse sneakers and a red dress on ASOS. 

Friday 5 November 2010

Piaf Cafe Bar Bistro

Friday night drinks and eating was conducted at a favourite haunt at Southbank - Piaf.


It has the best eye fillet in Brisbane. At $22 for an eye fillet with mushroom duxelle, jus and beetroot pure, this is the best value steak, hands down.


It is flavoursome, always cooked to perfection and the perfect portion with a delicate French twist.


The service is 10 out of 10. On a busy night we were seated straight away with no booking. Out waiter was attentive and everything came out within 15 minutes, all at once.


I am well impressed with this place. It is easily one of the top restaurants around this joint without the pomp and matching pricing tag.


People of Brisbane - check out Piaf - I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

10:37pm EST

Big Friday. Big week.


I'm completely exhausted from being flirtatious and fabulous at work, having been distracted and on edge for most of the day. 


B is on a mission to tell me how he feels, in as many words.


It's disarming. I get the feeling he's a true, good natured, honest country boy from Adelaide. But I've been wrong before. 


He also gives me the feeling that I've rocked his boat to the point where he's about to tip right out. 


Terribly flattering, yes. 


What is happening? Where did all this come from all of a damn sudden? And will it please stop so I can get some bloody work done! 

Thursday 4 November 2010

10:30pm EST

Long walk with Boo tonight. We chatted about our life. He's considering lipo on the spare tyre. I'm considering lipo on my life. 


It now seems that I have this Pied Piper-esque ability to attract unavailable men. 


B has a girlfriend down south who is/was apparently supposed to be moving up to join him.


He isn't "fussed" about the girlfriend sitch explaining that a "rut" would be an understatement, and apparently I am "doing his head in". 


Let's face it, I'm flattered and all, but really?


1. I hate whingers; and


2. I don't get involved with guys who are unavailable (emotionally and mentally) (And OK so I learnt my lesson the first time with T).


So this is a shout out to B - and all those dudes out there who are having a mare:


BE HONEST - SORT YOUR SHIT and don't move on to other pastures until you do.


It's a shame because I really do fancy B. We get along well. He makes me laugh. 

Wednesday 3 November 2010

9:06pm EST

Rock Dust Light Star - new Jamiroquai album.




That guy is uber cool, love his moves.

And B is glad I'm back from Site. 


That is all.

Tuesday 2 November 2010

Melbourne Cup Cap

This is my head wear for the Melbourne Cup today.



I cannot believe I'm on Site, the LEAST glamorous place on earth. I vow this time next year I will be in one of the Marquees among the Mumm and celebs with the chicest outfit to boot.


Hmff!

Sunday 31 October 2010

12:54pm EST

B and I had a drink together after work on Friday.


We share the same humour. 


He continues to entertain me. 

Makes me laugh, a lot. 

That is all.

WISH LIST

Siren Platforms "Luggage" colour - but they're all sold out online!! Gah...
www.sirenshoes.com.au

Thursday 28 October 2010

9:15pm EST

Today was super busy.


And entertaining. 


B entertains me.


I'm looking forward to going to work tomorrow. Again.


That is all. 

Kate Moss - Olympia

Coke or no coke


She is exquisite


Two timeless artists collaborating


This is intense


Kate Moss for Bryan Ferry's first solo album in 8 years - Olympia

Wednesday 27 October 2010

8:43pm EST

I'm back in Brisbane.


And I believe I'm actually looking forward to going into work tomorrow.


That is all.

Protein Smash

Site has its benefits. 


No partying when I'm up there (honestly, who would I party with? The blokes over at the Mine Workers Club? Don't think so.)


Just work, eat, sleep. Work, eat, sleep.


The benefit being that I have been sans alcohol, ciggies, partying, late nights and heavy carb loading for almost two weeks now and I must tell you I feel bloody fantastic!


Having consulted a PT at my local SNAP he gave me a little heads up with the whole eating plan. What I didn't realise was that there are carbs in everything and loads of sugars in fruit. Here I was thinking that an all fruit diet would work when actually it was just packed full of sugars, albeit the better sugars. 


Added to which, I've stopped trying to eat less and have started eating more regularly. 5-6 little meals a day. It may be 7 almonds, a can of tuna or a spoonful of peanut butter for a snack in between meals. And  because I'm such a grazer I love it. I have never felt starving hungry or deprived.


So fast forward two weeks, I've drastically reduced carb intake (relegated to some salady bits at lunch), upped the anti on the protein fix and I've managed to drop at least 1.5kg!  


It's amazing how bloated breads, rices, starchy stuff can make you feel.

Sunday 24 October 2010

8:45pm EST

This was an amazing Sunday.


Brunch with the girls was wonderful. It's so good to see them. We all get so busy in our lives but there is reason why we all continue to catch up. We are such good company for each other. I love hearing their news and I love telling them mine. 


It left a warm glow in my chest. 


Bought a gorgeous little white summer dress with metal beading neckline feature. LOVE


Visited with the parents for a few hours to chat and have tea. 


Scoped out my sister's new living arrangements at West End.


Sat and watched the afternoon clouds roll around the sun on the Kangaroo Point cliffs. Beautiful. The warm sun with a cooler afternoon breeze drifting across my skin carrying the scent of jasmine and jacaranda blossoms. There is purple every where. 
(NB this was taken with my blackberry camera, not my big girl camera - amazing.)


Went for a massive hour + walk on the River walk with Boo and the Jets. 


Dyed my eyelashes black so I don't need to wear mascara.


Cleaned my fishies out. And fed them. They're hungry boys.


Packed my bags for another three days at site. 


It was a full, balanced, beautiful Spring Sunday.

Angel Cards

I did an angel card reading last night and drew:


Power


Soulmate


Manifestation


Meditation


Listening


The first three are huge cards to get in a row. The last two are giving me instructions. 


That's how I see it anyway.


7:27am downloaded antivirus software for the Mac


Workout at the gym


Manicure/pedicure


Brunch with the girls at 10:30am


Nothing but blue skies and the scent of the jasmine in the air


It is a beautiful Sunday

Saturday 23 October 2010

Business of Fashion

LV-Heritage-Bono-Ali.jpg

Louis Vuitton - hot add. I feel like I could dive right in there, knee deep in the grass with bono and a suitably saggy vuitton number over my shoulder....

Take me there....

Friday 22 October 2010

8:54pm EST

4 days at site down.


Tonight is a night for doing washing. 


Stocking the fridge with protein.


Sitting on the couch watching crap tv. 


Having a long hot shower to wash the coal and dust from my pores.


I'm ever so slightly melancholy. Tears welled in my eyes five minutes ago. For what? Exhaustion maybe? 


Burgeoning loneliness?


I'm doing so well keeping out negative thoughts from my mind. Focusing on all positive stuff and knowing that the universe has me on a divine path. 


Yet, I can't help but feel the need for some pure love in my life. 


Someone to put their arm around me. 


Someone to touch my face.


Someone to chat with.


Someone to make me a hot cup of tea.


Some one's neck to snuggle into when I go to bed. 


Someone who will snuggle me back. 


I miss that warm glow deep inside my soul that is love. And security through that love. 


I haven't felt that way for a long time and I think that's what I'm craving. 


More than a donut or chunk of chocolate cake.


Love come get me.  

WISH LIST

HS.jpg

I love this style - the cloudy wall feature, the parquet flooring, the yellow shoes. All of it I love. 

Monday 18 October 2010

10:04pm EST

This is my first foray into my professional photography career. If I could call it that...I'm an ambitious person, what can I say?


Check out Sticky Baby's Christening Day - blonde curls, blue eyes and blue icing over everything! 


Happy Christening little Stickster! 


More to come. 

Friday 15 October 2010

WISH LIST

This is the RADDEST thing I've seen in a long time. 


Introducing the Chandon Chill Out Box!!! It's a glamorous take on the traditional esky, fits six bottles of champers at a time and features an ipod doc with rad speakers!!!


Perfect for Summer picnics in the park. This is my ideal present right now. HEYYO

Wednesday 13 October 2010

Trapped Chillies

This is amazing. What a journey these guys must have gone through.

Tuesday 12 October 2010

9:49pm EST

I had a good day at work today. Got a few things done.


A newbie colleague, B, and I went to Sono for lunch.






It was fun. He's entertaining.


That is all.

Chat

Flattie,


For shit's sake, don't sit on loudspeaker at 9:35pm talking crap for the world to hear. 


Shut it dude!!

24 hour fitness

Joined the gym. 


Did it. 


Have been twice already. 


Planning to go in the morning again. Burning the calories is fun - the treadmill tells me. 


Feeling sore. Surprisingly woke up feeling fat, tired and ugly. 


No pain, no gain. 

Monday 11 October 2010

To join, or not to join?

Post London party holls I am now contemplating joining the 24 hour gym up the road. 


I'm that desperate. Bloated does not even begin to describe it. 


Normally I would walk along the bike track on the river but there has been torrential rain in the "Sunshine State" over the last week - continuing into next week. 


Gah. 

Also, this is what I have to look like come 1 December:


It's totally doable you guys. 

Commitment. 

Focus. 

No boozing.

Have another look:


It will be tough - I've given myself 6 weeks to get this fit.

Boo is doing it with me for support. He wants to lose 6kg. That's a kg each week.

We'll be high-fiving each other on the treadmills at Snap

Sunday 10 October 2010

Long Haul Flight Tips

Firstly, I am pleased to report that the compression tights worked a treat! And while I was glad to be rid of them after the 26 hours I have to owe my skinny feet to them. 


Secondly, Emirates.


Reasons to fly Emirates:


1. Hot male hosties. It's TRUE. They are hot. 


2. The roof of the cabin lights up with tiny stars for sleep time.


Reasons not to fly Emirates:


1. Rude female hosties. I wasn't on the receiving end of this rudeness but I did hear the attitude flying all around me. 


2. No night pack. Qantas gives you a rad little night pack with an eye mask, cotton socks, mini tooth brush and tooth paste and mini bottles of water and snacks. Emirates does none of this. Boo. 


3. The "one stopover" trip when really there are two. We got off the plane at Singapore AND Dubai. TWO


4. Then monotone blather of the Arabic that seemed to go on FOREVER. For someone who speaks a few languages, and enjoys studying them, Arabic is truly a hideous succession of clicking hiccuping and gulping. 


There you have it.