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| Wednesday, August 30, 2006 |
| Random Acts of Bizarreness |
Last week, Ata and her Friend-Around-the-Corner (hereon referred to as FAC) went to the shops. This is not uncommon. They go to the shops on a fairly regular basis, once a week or so, to have coffee or lunch and carry out small tasks such as restock on lettuce or shower cleaner or visit the post office.
FAC is now quite heavily pregnant, just two weeks off her due date, and has managed to put all her babyweight on the front. From the back, she looks much the same as she always has, and not pregnant at all.
Ata and FAC were gazing wistfully into the Darrell Lea window when a stranger approached. Darrell Lea sell an assortment of tasty chocolatey sugary things, including some Very Nice liquorice allsorts. The stranger approached with confidence and a spring in his step, as if walking up to someone he had not seen in a long time but used to be good friends with. FAC has quite a wide social network, so Ata assumed he must know her.
The stranger - looking relatively normal in a suit and carrying a briefcase - said, with energy,
"I thought you had a pillow up your jumper! I thought, why has this woman got a pillow up her jumper! And then I realised you were pregnant! Ha!" And, evidently pleased with the humour of his observation, he strode off.
One look at FAC told Ata that FAC had never seen the stranger before in her life. Ata and FAC stood for a second, swapping stunned expressions.
Now, I understand that pregnant women often feel that they are treated as community property, but really - in which universe is that appropriate? |
posted by Ata @ 9:18 pm  |
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| Tuesday, August 29, 2006 |
| I am not a donkey |
Someone has dangled a carrot for Ata. A little carrot, mind you, just a little one. Little, but sweet and crunchy-looking, with the promise of further carrots to come.
So.
Having taken one step forward, the carrot - of course - is now a little further away, as is the nature of dangling carrots. And taking the next step is outside Ata's ability, as the carrot is now entirely under the control of the dangler.
The question, therefore, is this: what to do? What to do? Should Ata plunge head-first into preparation, so that if and when the carrot comes into reach she can sink her teeth in deep? Or pause and wait and bide her time, knowing it could be weeks - or months - before anything happens? IF anything happens. And not wanting to become too excited over the prospect of juicy carrots, in case none eventuate.
It is, after all, only a carrot. |
| posted by Ata @ 11:12 am |
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| Sunday, August 27, 2006 |
| Little knots in space-time |
Today I discovered that I live in the very same suburb as a physicist who studies non-string theory. I cannot remember what the actual name of his theory was, despite the fact that I listened very hard to his explanation, because at the crucial moment I spotted (out of the very corner of my eye) the party hostess unveiling a half-finished mosaic of Frodo and was immediately distracted. Besides which, I'd already learnt why the physicist didn't like Babylon 5 and I could see that the hostess was about to re-veil the mosaic so I had to move quickly - while Mr Ata had asked a question and the physicist was looking at him to answer it - if I was to get a closer inspection. And then the friend of the hostess - who, it turned out, had studied Computer Stuff with Mr Ata, began explaining her very interesting work in Human Factors, so by the time we'd gotten through that AND her current Masters topic (the impact of chronic fatigue on cognition and memory), the physicist had moved on. And later in the evening we were talking about soil instability in our suburb and how they recently bought a house where a previous owner seemed to have basically sawed a movement joint into the walls at specific locations, which was why their house did not suffer from the cracks so prevalent in the heavy clay soil in our area. And even when we gave him and his partner a lift home, I forgot to ask.
So I cannot tell everyone the name of his brilliant non-string theory.
Sorry. |
| posted by Ata @ 12:45 am |
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| Friday, August 25, 2006 |
| The Beasty Cats |
Pictures that I wanted to post a while back, but I couldn't make images work and I gave up in disgust. I shall try again.
I know this one isn't a cat, but look well upon it anyway. This is the Atayard. It is currently under construction. "After" photos shall be posted in due course.
This is what Bosco does when he gets to go Outside. This is in the front yard. 
 This is what Roswell does when she goes outside. You just don't get good cement indoors. Roswell does not like walking on grass. She prefers to keep her paws clean and her back scratched.
That's all. There ain't no more. Go do something outside, like roll on the pavers - it's good for you.
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| posted by Ata @ 7:39 pm |
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| Tuesday, August 22, 2006 |
| Numbers game |
Ata had something Scheduled for today. On arrival, she could not find the people she was supposed to meet. After some searching, she started making phone calls.
On the third call, she tracked someone down.
"I am here," said Ata, "Where are you?"
"We had to cancel," said the someone. "I couldn't get through on your mobile, so I sent you an SMS."
"Okay," said Ata - who's mobile had been off until she turned it on to make these particular calls. "Talk to you later to reschedule. Seeya."
On arrival at home (feeling a little disgruntled about Disorganised People who Don't Know What They're Doing - and still not having received a text message), Ata had a sudden nasty feeling. She went straight to the computer and checked - and, sure enough, her CV has the wrong mobile phone number on it. All the other contact details are correct, but the mobile number has one digit wrong - it says 773 instead of 774.
This, of course, makes one think of how many people one has given one's CV to. Three? Four? Could be five or six. Of course, everyone else has called on Ata's home number, or emailed, or - occasionally - returned mobile calls to the number Ata called them from. Which the Someone today could have done, but evidently did not. This is somewhat fortunate for Ata, as she has now been prompted to discover the mistake - before further embarrassment could occur. There is the one or two that haven't called... is this because they had the wrong number? Or just because they didn't call?
Ata called the wrong number to experiment. It rang once, then went to an engaged signal. So at least a Person does not pick up and complain about getting calls for Ata. Unlike the last time Ata put a wrong number on a CV, as she had recently moved house and the new number was not firmly implanted when she wrote the CV up. When Ata finally called a prospective employer to query the status of her application, the prospective employer was both relieved and annoyed.
"I have been trying to call you!" she said. "But I just keep getting a woman named Rosa who insists you don't live there!"
Human. Ata is only human. |
| posted by Ata @ 4:56 pm |
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| Friday, August 18, 2006 |
| Procreation for a Better Australia |
I am a little nervous about posting this link but... well, what the hell. MrAzrael is a friend of mine, and I am sure you will all forgive me. The warning: it takes about ten minutes to play through. Unsuitable for small children and nervous adults.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTQMIz5Rvo4
Oh... and anyone curious about the identity of MrAzrael can see the man himself by clicking on his profile and watching The Man Trailer. Unsuitable for anyone who doesn't like superhero films. Or possibly extra suitable for those who don't like superhero films. |
| posted by Ata @ 6:39 pm |
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| Wednesday, August 16, 2006 |
| Liftoff! |
Mr Ata has Acquired a server. Note I say 'Acquired', not 'Purchased'. It is very old and slow, hence it could be 'Acquired'.
It has been installed in the Computer Room.
It is the size of a fairly generous suitcase.
It makes a noise similar to that of a remote-controlled aeroplane taking off. I keep expecting to turn around and see it levitating. Apparently it is just two of the six disks that create most of the noise, though, so perhaps something could be Done about it.
I am still deciding how to feel about the Server. Perhaps naming it would make me more kindly disposed. Or perhaps it could be made into a Sculpture. Or possibly a small bedside table.
I am not sure that Mr Ata likes it either. |
| posted by Ata @ 10:41 pm |
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| Monday, August 14, 2006 |
| Just in case you were wondering... |
| ...There was no little old lady doing embroidery in my front yard this morning when I got up. So I now suspect that dreaming the plot to blow up planes with liquid explosives had less to do with me being psychic and more to do with me sleeping through a news report on the radio. Given that my radio goes off in the morning and I typically sleep through at least ten minutes of it. |
| posted by Ata @ 2:08 pm |
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| More from Mr Ata |
Mr Ata wants to buy a HP server. To practice stuff on. There is one available on EBay.
He showed Ata the picture. It is an unpromising grey box.
"It'll be about this big by this big" he explains, measuring in the air with his hands. "And it'll make a lot of noise 'cause it's a server." Ata looks uncertain. "And it'll use a crapload of power. Maybe we could turn the spare room into a server room."
Ata frowns. "But then where will our guests sleep?"
Mr Ata has thought this through already. "In the backyard." Ata raises her eyebrows. He continues "In a tent!"
Ata is not amused. Perhaps he harbours secret discontentment about having AM and AF stay when they visit Adelaide. Mr Ata continues considering the server.
"We might have to get three-phase power put in. It's gonna cost a FORTUNE!"
Now we see why Mr Ata makes a living by providing technical support, rather than through a sales or negotiation type career. |
| posted by Ata @ 1:49 pm |
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| Saturday, August 12, 2006 |
| Mr Ata puts Foot in Mouth |
No, he has not decided to become a contortionist.
Today, Ata went out at 11:15. Shortly after she left, the census-form-collecting-lady came to collect our census form. She knocked at the door.
Mr Ata thought it was Ata, returning because she had forgotten something. So he yelled out:
"We don't want any!"
There was a pause. The census form lady (who is a Nice Woman, and likes cats) called back:
"Err... I'm not selling anything - I just want to pick up your census form!"
Mr Ata was highly embarrassed, and apologise profusely to the Nice Census Lady, explaining that he thought it was his wife at the door.
In relating the story to Ata, Mr Ata added, "... and it was just as well she called back. I was going to answer the door naked!"
While I realise that last might be Too Much Information, it was too funny not to finish the story with. |
| posted by Ata @ 4:37 pm |
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| Friday, August 11, 2006 |
| Wired in |
I had the weirdest dream last night.
I dreamed that someone was attempting to carry out a terror plot by taking liquid explosives on board airplanes. To prevent disaster, airport security was refusing to let anyone carry hand luggage on board. Travellers had to put their effects in a clear plastic bag, and anyone wanting to bring baby formula in bottles on board had to be prepared to drink from the bottles in front of security.
Then I woke up, and it was true! Well, I don't know about the baby formula bit.
Now I fear to go to sleep, in case the world should be overrun by vampire zombies.
Not only that, but I have had a request in to the IT support people at work for four whole weeks, and today I thought ,"they still haven't fixed this. I shall send them another email". But then I didn't because I thought I should check on something first - and then IT called me to get the problem fixed!
I am wired in to the system, I tell you. Vibrating in tune with the universe. |
| posted by Ata @ 6:56 pm |
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| Wednesday, August 09, 2006 |
| Backyard Blitz |
I have decided that the back yard needs an overhaul. I have been attempting to post a picture, however, it is NOT WORKING!
So instead I will tell you. The Atayard contains a very large, completely unused Hills Hoist, a very small orange tree that continues to cheerfully produce fruit despite my dogged mistreatment of it, a grape vine grown over a high frame, an overgrown jasmine piled up on the fence near the grapevine, and an odd brick construction which serves as a handy place to hide crap behind. It currently disguises a hacked-up ladder, a collection of old bricks, about 50 pavers left over from paving the front of the house, an assortment of pipes and bits of wire and other junk that can't go in the regular rubbish bin.
Oh, and then there is the grass. Uneven, lumpy, clumpy kikuyu grass. Scabby and patchy and unloved, it gets long and shaggy in the warm weather and brown and unhappy in the winter months. Having begun to dig, Ata has discovered that there are many fat white-grey grubs nestled in the grass roots. The soil is heavy clay, thick and dark and sticky. One could quite possibly make bricks out of it, if one had the inclination. It is, however, also full of worms.
This presents a new dilemma in beginning to dig up the lawn. Lots of earth comes up with it, bound together by invasive kikuyu roots. And in the earth - worms. So. Ata wants to remove the grass, but she wants to keep the worms. So the process goes: dig up a half-a-shovel-sized clump; put it in the wheelbarrow; break off the dirt and tease out the grass; dispose of the grass, rescuing the odd stubborn worm that insists on clinging to the grass roots instead of the earth; and put grass in the green waste bin. It is very slow. However, the other option is to poison the grass and dig it all out with a dingo, thus clearing the space to lay pavers. And the very strange thing? Ata is too impatient for this approach. She wants to do it NOW, not wait for the grass to dies. NOW, not wait to hire the dingo. NOW, not wait until all the rest of the project is organised. NOW NOW NOW.
And so she does it the hard way. One half-a-shovel at a time.
Oh well. At least she has good worms. |
| posted by Ata @ 4:42 pm |
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| Monday, August 07, 2006 |
| Hot in the House |
{dances} Hooray! Hooray!
{throws blossoms about}
It is done! It has happened! Finally and at last!
{removes layers}
THE HEATER IS FIXED!!
No more waking up shivering and freezing, no more huddling in front of the little heater at night, THE HEATER IS FIXED!
Just in time for spring. |
| posted by Ata @ 5:55 pm |
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| Sunday, August 06, 2006 |
| Small children, falling like rain |
Well, Ata has survived her third ever baby shower. At this one there was an overwhelming emphasis on pink and white, as the prospective parents are having a girl, and it is nigh-on impossible to find baby clothes that don't come in either pink or blue. The only option for gender-uncertain pregnancies is white or beige, it seems. And honestly, do white baby clothes seem practical? Although I guess they don't dirty them so much when they're not ambulatory or eating solids.
Mr Ata can now also say that he has survived a baby shower, as this one was a couples event. And there were no silly games (really, who wants to identify the contents of a nappy from smell - even when you KNOW it's only melted chocolate?), which I have to say is my preference.
The mother-to-be seems to have plenty of baby toiletries now, along with the abundance of pink and white clothes. Mostly socks. Lots of socks. And some really cute singlets with the Superman logo on the front. And a couple of baby tracksuits (the father-to-be is a gym trainer, and rarely seen wearing anything other than a tracksuit). But definately plenty of toiletries. Lotion and massage oil in particular - that is going to be one well moisturised baby. Slippery little sucker.
Okay, it is cup-of-tea time now. Auntie Ata wants to put her feet up in front of the telly and eat some more of the mint slice left over from the afternoon tea that no-one else wanted. Mmmm, biscuity chocolatey condensed milky mint slice. |
| posted by Ata @ 9:40 pm |
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| Saturday, August 05, 2006 |
| An Evening at the Talkies |
Okay, time to work on pushing those pics off the bottom of the screen.
Last week we went to the cinema. Not just any cinema. The Balmoral Regent.
What is the Balmoral Regent, and why is it special? Well, seeing as you asked, I shall tell you. http://www.caths.org.au/arccinerecd.htm has this to say about the Balmoral Regent:
The history of John Thiele's Balmoral Regent Theatre is a fine follow-up to the CATHS visit in 2003. It commenced with the salvage of some plasterwork from the renovated Regent Theatre in Rundle Street Adelaide during the major renovation into 38 shops and two theatres of the mid sixties. In 1980 an opportunity to recreate a 'Regent' came with the purchase of a house with carport and shed. Aquiring more original material in the way of marble slabs from the Adelaide Regent and a previously salvaged leadlight window from The Regent, South Yarra the project stayed true to the style of the marque. Ornate in every way, the Balmoral Regent now allows original bits and pieces from many Regent Theatres to live on, providing enjoyment for theatre buffs and organists. A number of John's fine photos enhance this article. A truly remarkable effort, in leafy Dernancourt.
Yes, you understood correctly. This fine gentleman has recreated an old-style movie theatre in his backyard shed, using fittings from a couple of old cinemas. One walks in through the front door, up the marble steps, and past the projection booth to sit in the genuine ancient cinema seats. No couple seats or cupholders here, no sirree. The viewing kicked off in grand style with "God Save the Queen", then we watched a couple of travelogues, a newsreel (featuring a very young Queen Elizabeth looking uncomfortable sitting side-saddle on her charger - Winston, if I recall correctly), a cartoon, a Little Rascals short, then - wonder of wonders - a silent film, accompanied very ably by a gentleman on an organ. An electric organ, but I suppose one must make allowances for the circumstances. Intermission brought a candy lady around to sell chocolate. The feature was "Orchestra Wives", which was notable for being one of only two films to feature Glenn Miller and his orchestra prior to the fatal plane crash. I don't think Glenn featured in any films following the plane crash, which is probably a relief for everyone.
It was, on the whole, fascinating. I felt somewhat sorry for Queen Elizabeth, who certainly didn't appear to relish taking over from her father. One of the travelogues was about Disneyland, made shortly after the park was opened, and to be honest, I've never wanted to visit Disneyland before - but now I'm sorely tempted.
The cinema itself is quite impressive - it looks exactly like an old cinema scaled down. Even the regulation emergency exit sign has been blended in to the decor so that it doesn't spoil the setting. The theatre seats 24, and I think he opens it for occasional showings or for fundraisers, group events, and so forth.
Fantastic. Man, I would love to have a cinema in my backyard.
Although mine would have more comfortable seats. |
| posted by Ata @ 11:17 pm |
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| Tuesday, August 01, 2006 |
| I promised, didn't I? |
At long last, some wedding photos. You may drool now.
The Ladies Cometh This is us leaving Feathers Sanctuary, where we dressed for the Event. () Tropical Oasis The mother-of-the-groom's backyard, where the ceremony was held just on sunset.  Pretty in Pink
A trio of bridesmaids. Ata is.... should I tell you? Or can you guess? You must take a moment to admire the jewellery, as it was made special for us by an acquaintance of the Bride. And just look at all those lovely... flowers. 
Everyone Loves a Good Signing
Alright, I'll tell you. AB, with whom Ata did the mad dress shopping run, is on the left. Ata in the centre. The youngest bridesmaid on the right. Then, of course, we have the Bride herself, the Groom, and the Groom's Brother. There is half a celebrant on the far left, but don't let that distract you. 
Happy now? Photos have been posted. |
| posted by Ata @ 11:45 am |
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