The Spillard.

Posted on 24 June, 2010 by Anne

I am so excited. I love it when Australian politics gets
interesting, and I love it even more when it leaves me feeling positive (something it's never really done before).

I know I don’t usually get political on this blog, but
today was historic. Today, we have a female Prime Minister. And a sassy red
headed one at that! It is extremely rare that I am filled with a feeling
that something big has happened, and I’ll always remember what I was doing when
I found out.

I’ve never really liked Rudd. And I get that I’m biased
because he was nasty to my mother once, but the man is a bully. They didn’t
call him “Dr. Death” for nothing. And he kept his humanity away from us until today, and while we all felt for him, it was too late. The deed was done.

For me, he was always just another Howard. The conservative candidate the
ALP put forward to get back into power. For me, there was never a great
difference between the two – it was all rhetoric. And like Howard before him, he was rudely ousted.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t by us. But to be honest, our alternative to Rudd was
something that left me with a cold sense of dread (Abbott be thy name).

I feel so relieved. I can vote Labor again, which I suppose
was the point of the whole debacle. Although to his credit, Rudd did say Sorry.
That was a big effin' deal. It would’ve been nice to see some kind of commitment to actions follow from that day, but that’s besides the point.

Another thing I realised during #spill 2010 was just how much I love the
digital age. I found out about it via sms. I looked up some news online, felt dissatisfied and logged onto Twitter where I was treated to a wealth of commentary. Then I got excited.

This morning I checked the Twitter feed between
appointments and received another sms letting me know that our new leading
lady was a red head. After some more Twitter, I put my radio on to AM (AM!) on my way to the office, and then tonight – oh! The blogs! The Facebook!! They
did not disappoint.

It has been interesting seeing the breadth of reactions
– horror at the nasal tones, horror that this could happen, rejoice that it had
happened, and the celebration of many, many women. Indeed, at one point a
shiver ran through me and I though that perhaps it was the sound of glass breaking. A female PM! Amazing!!

Her path to leadership was not perfect, but I have to say, I
feel significantly less hopeless about the next election. What a fight it will
be! And what a woman to be doing it!

And to think, only yesterday I was at a seminar about the
ongoing presence and pressures of the gender order (on both genders), nodding
along that we needed more women in politics. Little did we know!

Some commentary/bits ….

Rudd's Downfall: He never really got it.

Julia Gillard: Australia's first female PM.

Hotlanta and the 10NTC

Posted on 13 April, 2010 by Anne

While my time in DC was characterised by cocktails, malls and gay bars, my time in 'Hotlanta' was of an entirely different nature. Apart from the fabulous people and the interesting food options, what drew me to the States this year was what I suspected would an unbridled geek fest of technology and social change. And I wasn't disappointed. NTEN's 10th annual conference, aka 10NTC was everything I had hoped for and more.

The minute I walked into the conference hotel, I was excited. Everywhere I turned, people were talking about Twitter, they had laptops, smart phones and friendly, passionate attitudes. I felt like I was home. Of course, I felt drastically technologically disabled and unprepared. Not only was I too lazy to carry my laptop from my much cheaper hotel down the road, my iPhone functionality was limited (curse you Optus!). Oh, and I didn't have any business cards. I had bought a small notepad and was handing out my details on pieces of paper. So ridiculously old school. I like to think it made me more selective about who I gave my details to, but no. It didn't. I feel vaguely concerned I did my country a disservice – those Australians, so provincial don't you know? Also, I kept forgetting my camera.

My alarming unpreparedness aside, I had the most amazing time. For the first time ever, I really felt like I was a part of something exciting and I absolutely, cannot wait to come home and start talking to people about it all. We were fortunate enough to hear Andrew Sullivan speak, whose words reminded me that I am a part of a new era of information and interaction, an era that sees the flattening of media hierarchies and news and stories being shared through dialogue. Which to this social working nerd is perhaps the most exciting thing ever. *gush*gush*gush*

I saw some great panels and sessions and heard ideas from some amazing people. I could gush about them all right now, but I won't. A key learning I took away was that I need to start developing a 'professional' online presence. Do not fret! The stream of consciousness and silly tales of 'JustAnne' will continue unabated – but other things are in the mix now, and I have to be at least vaguely strategic.

Oh, and the people! I met some of the most amazing people!! It is so distressing that there must soon be a rather largish ocean between us – but thanks to technology, I still get to talk to them from afar. But then, I always knew that the people would be fantastic, as I am rather in love with Americans. Despite what the rest of the world thinks, I have always found them to be a warm, welcoming people. I think this sentiment shocked a few of my fellow conference go-ers, and I suppose I shouldn't speak too soon as I still have a couple of days left in LA – but oh! It was a joy!!

Ultimately, NTC was exactly the kind of career changing stimulus I needed. As for Atlanta, it was a pretty groovy town. Although I didn't see too much of it. Most of my time spent outside hotels was trailing after large groups of people and exclaiming every so often "I have no idea where I am right now". I suspect it may have gotten old, but true to form, everyone was still lovely to me. I was encouraged to try a variety of Southern delicacies, including sweet tea, shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, black-eyed peas (who knew they were more than just a band!?) and pecan pie. And that was all in one dinner. You can rest assured that I was one full lady.

After the conference was over I treated myself to a proper stroll around some of downtown Atlanta. It was quite beautiful and I quickly grabbed a few snaps to prove I had been there (I took absolutely none in DC, which was equally beautiful). I also bought an Obama t-shirt, which was very exciting (I'm going to wear it to work!).

So once again, a great big thank you and virtual hug goes out to all of the 10NTC peeps who were so amazingly cool. Not too mention v accepting of lil' ol' me. You are all, rock stars.

Beautiful Brisbane Times

Posted on 12 September, 2009 by Anne

I am SO Excited!

Posted on 25 June, 2009 by Anne

And I simply cannot hide it. My cat is faaaaaaammmmmmmoooooooooouuuuuuuuuuussssssssssssssss!

Clearly the incredibly articulate (and incredibly booze fueled) email submission to Chris (of world renowned kitty cat blog, Cute With Chris) paid off. And to think, only today I was feeling mildly abashed about the whole thing. It was the same night I wrote that post on Younger Men.

Meanwhile, I could totally do with some YM action this weekend. Hopefully I'll be able to squeeze something in between the almost outrageous quantity of Bollywood dancing I will be doing. It is taking over my life. Performance on Saturday night (at the Gold Coast), rehearsal Sunday and two, I repeat, two Indian weddings next weekend. And while I am incredibly excited about attending my first Indian wedding, I remain concerned that I will not have the time or energy required to find myself some hot young man flesh. Life can be so difficult at times.

But at least my cat is famous. :)

A Ha!!

Posted on 5 June, 2009 by Anne

I feel so vindicated. I have just read the following tidbit . . .

"Fitness fanatics reach orgasm more easily and more often, according to research by Harvard University. Studies reveal that the sex life of a female swimminer in her forties is similar to that of a 20-year-old woman, since extra blood-flow to her vagina makes her feel like "sexy time"."

Unless you over do it and find yourself hobbling around town like an old grandma. Note to Self: Starting a new weights program the day before starting a new Pilates program: not okay.

Why I needed a man to see Star Trek with.**

Posted on 20 May, 2009 by Anne

A man would have been way more likely to appreciate and share all of the intensely geeky moments I had during this most spectacular of films.

Unable to source a man to escort me to the film (and look, to be fair, I probably could have tried a little harder), I saw it by myself tonight while I bunkered down for a few hours to avoid the horrific traffic courtesy of the Brisbane Floods. Don't get me wrong, I really love seeing movies on my own. I can sprawl all over the seats and express my emotions freely. But these sorts of geek-fest films really are good to share with others – it's mildly embarrassing walking out of a major cinema complex squealing all by yourself. All I can say is thank God for Twitter, which provided me with an instant outlet for my excitement. Still, I felt a bit remiss when I noted that all the other female patrons (all two of them) were at the film with their man-nerds. What happened to my man-nerds? I am sure I used to have a couple of them stashed away, where are they in my moment of geek-need? Sigh.

Oh, and can I just say that had a nice single man escorted me to this film, they would currently be reaping the benefits of the Captain James T. Kirk Effect. That man, he just does things to me. I can't believe I have lusty feelings towards a character that was once played by William Shatner, but Oh. My. God. I think he may be my new fantasy man.

Oh! And here is a wonderful clip that I meant to share last week, but now is probably an appropriate time to share.

Trekkies Bash New Star Trek Film As 'Fun, Watchable'

**And look, it is not often that admit I need a man for anything. But none of my fabulous female friends really get my geek thang. Some of them do, but you know, not in the same way.

Wordles.

Posted on 13 April, 2009 by Anne

I do really love these. It is like they somehow capture snippets of my consciousness. I may try and do one every few months.

I am very taken with this.

Posted on 24 February, 2009 by Anne

It is an amalgamation of random words from my blog. I am rather proud of the prominence of 'hoodies' and a little bit embarrassed by the prominence of 'guitar'.

Crossing Over.

Posted on 22 January, 2009 by Anne

So, after 6 months on WW and slowly building up my exercise routine I have finally joined a gym. It is a smelly gym, with bad carpet, but it is my gym.

I think I mildly perplexed the 20ish blonde 'membership' consultant. I do not really fit into the usual groups of people seeking gym membership – the fitness junkies and those just starting out on their 'road to fitness'. I think my favourite part of the whole exchange was when I was made to identify three parts of my body that I would change if I could. Then I was asked why I had chosen those, and if I felt at all emotional about them.

I chose them because I was made to. To date I have not really thought about my body in such specific, targeted ways. I joined the gym because they have an indoor pool, and some classes that I would like to get to. I joined the gym to spice up my current routine, and to have more flexibility around my exercise. Sure, toning is on the agenda but I don't have any specific target areas in mind. It is really just about developing a sustainable active lifestyle, which for me means having lots of options that I can slot easily around my work and play.

I have a lot of issues around the health and fitness industry exploiting people's low self-esteem. It is certainly an industry that has sucked me in and spat me out a few times over the years. But I could not quite get over a membership grabbing process that forced me to hone in on my body and select its most defective parts.

It is moments like these I get all angsty about the way things are and want to change them. I mean, how hard can it be to talk to someone realistically about their health and fitness goals in a sincere and sensitive way that focuses on their strengths and interests rather than their deficits and vulnerabilities? Grah!!

Oh well, at least the gym has a reasonably high perv factor. Goodness knows I need more eye candy in my life. I love being a social worker and all, but it is not exactly 'man-central'.

A Note on Birthdays.

Posted on 14 January, 2009 by Anne

Well, for the next few minutes, today marks the beginning of the 26th year of my existence on this planet. And might I say it has been a bloody corker of a day. I slept in, I dozed, I got up, I got sushi, then got a manicure/pedicure, followed by some dozing, then a swim, I played some nintendo, and finally had a bath. The only thing that could have made the day perfect would have been some shopping. But between all of the dozing and the pampering, there just was not the time.

I feel so wonderfully relaxed and cleansed that I think I will start my new year as of today.

I love birthdays. But then, I love celebrating. And Birthdays are the one time of year where everything gets to be about you and no-one can snidely refer to you as an egotist. At least not without incurring the wrath of your nearest and dearest. This year I find myself celebrating myself for about a week. Weeklong birthdays are all well and good, but I must say that the end of it all I am very pleased to hand the torch to the next January babe. I guess my modesty does kick in at a certain point.

It's a bit of a shame really, that we only get to celebrate ourselves once a year. Surely we should be celebrating ourselves and others every day. Or at least every second day.

Oh well.

Birthdays are also fabulous because they replenish your stock of gift bags and boxes for another year.