Festivities
Went to a book launch last friday. The imfamous Seamus has just released a new book which he is co-editor of called Go! Melbourne in the Sixties, which included chapters by many noted historians and social commentators (many former teachers or research aids of mine). The launch was at Readings in Carlton, a store so great i would move to Carlton just to be near it (anyone know anyone who lives around there....say Cardigan St or somewhere??). All the Monash historians were there, so it was great to see all them again. Also a few people i did my Masters program with. This is where it became a little depressing.....in fact most depressing. First person i met was Kathrine, a nice, yet somewhat assured former classmate. She greeted me warmly and we chatted about the event. Eventually curiosity got the better of me and i asked "so what are you up to now".She smiled pleasantly and said "Sarah (another former classmate) and i run our own historical consultancy company. It's going quite well". I prayed for Reading to catch fire at the second or a bookshelf to fall on me. I should have known. This event was going to be one big reminder of my lack of acheivement. Of course she asked me a similar question and as i mumbled something about overseas, i was saved by the appearance of my dear friend Bel so i was able to excuse myself. Later at diner i told Bel about this, and we bemoaned our lack of success thus far (although she is doing better than me) and how we expected to have achieved so much more by 25. This "woe is us" continued long for many hours.
Still, the book so far is great and it was wonderful to spend some quality time with Bel again. Also got introduced to the assistant director of the Public History Institute and we had a bit of a chat. Don't wanna say too much but stay tuned.
The other big event of last week was Rod's 25 years at Prouds surprise party. It went so incredibly well, he had no idea whatsoever and was so surprised and pleased that it made us feel so happy. And he loved the gift - a trip to the Northern Territory. We had lots of fun and got quite merry (as you do when the company is paying) and it was a good night.
Not much else to report of consequence. Next big event is the Prouds Xmas party in a few weeks then its into the retail nightmare period. We have Nationwide Xmas set up night tomorrow night. And to think, i said last year that i would not, could not, work another xmas in retail. Yet here i am, still without a real job. Unthinkable. Absurd. True. And undoubtedly the same for years to come.
The Bob Dylan doco "No direction home" is on SBS tomorrow night. I am so excited, i can't wait. It will sustain me through the day knowing it is on. I was supposed to be going to Cheers with the girls (i know, i know) but i really can't see me standing at the bar, in someone elses clothes, listening to crap music, knowing Bob Dylan is on the TV. It is supposed to be brilliant. I know it will be. How could it not - it's Uncle Bob!!
Oh, before i go - met the iconic Sylvia Harrison at the book launch and told her i knew one of her former pupils. When presented with the name she reflected then said "Gemma Lye.......tall, dark hair, very attentive, a deep thinker, i remember her". I was dying to ask her about Californian migrants, but perhaps that is best left between a few people.
Still, the book so far is great and it was wonderful to spend some quality time with Bel again. Also got introduced to the assistant director of the Public History Institute and we had a bit of a chat. Don't wanna say too much but stay tuned.
The other big event of last week was Rod's 25 years at Prouds surprise party. It went so incredibly well, he had no idea whatsoever and was so surprised and pleased that it made us feel so happy. And he loved the gift - a trip to the Northern Territory. We had lots of fun and got quite merry (as you do when the company is paying) and it was a good night.
Not much else to report of consequence. Next big event is the Prouds Xmas party in a few weeks then its into the retail nightmare period. We have Nationwide Xmas set up night tomorrow night. And to think, i said last year that i would not, could not, work another xmas in retail. Yet here i am, still without a real job. Unthinkable. Absurd. True. And undoubtedly the same for years to come.
The Bob Dylan doco "No direction home" is on SBS tomorrow night. I am so excited, i can't wait. It will sustain me through the day knowing it is on. I was supposed to be going to Cheers with the girls (i know, i know) but i really can't see me standing at the bar, in someone elses clothes, listening to crap music, knowing Bob Dylan is on the TV. It is supposed to be brilliant. I know it will be. How could it not - it's Uncle Bob!!
Oh, before i go - met the iconic Sylvia Harrison at the book launch and told her i knew one of her former pupils. When presented with the name she reflected then said "Gemma Lye.......tall, dark hair, very attentive, a deep thinker, i remember her". I was dying to ask her about Californian migrants, but perhaps that is best left between a few people.