Month: November 2004

Lest we forget? Too late!

We call it “Armistice Day” but it’s also known as “Rememberance Day” and also “Veterans’ Day.” Whatever it’s name, it serves as a time to honor those who have died in war, no matter where it was fought, whether it was a “real war” or which side they served.

The day started in memory of the end of World War 1 when the leaders of several countries signed an agreement to stop fighting. The signing took place at 11am on November 11th, 1918. The thought was that there would be no more wars because the horrors of WW1 would stop anyone thinking war was an answer.

Less than 21 years later, World War 2 broke out. Since its end, there have been very few days without some form of fighting occuring on the planet.

Now we’re in the middle of what could very well become known as Vietnam 2. Just as Vietnam turned into a disaster for the USA in the 60’s and 70’s, so too could the situation in Iraq.

Lest we forget? Too late – it would appear that we as a whole have forgotten entirely – our illustrious leaders certainly appear to have… :(

The Price of Rebuilding

Just found out that it’s going to cost about $4,500 to repair the old HD (new rails, panels, gear, respray, labour, etc). That’ll take the total investment to about $7.5k (not including rego) for a $3k car which, when all’s been done, is still a pain in the butt to drive on wet roads.

Just found out that it’s going to cost about $4,500 to repair the old HD (new rails, panels, gear, respray, labour, etc). That’ll take the total investment to about $7.5k (not including rego) for a $3k car which, when all’s been done, is still a pain in the butt to drive on wet roads.

Lest we forget

Today is “Rememberance Day” where we take a minute’s silence to remember those who have died in war. If we truely wish to honor them, shouldn’t we stop sending people into pointless military actions (eg: Vietnam, Iraq, etc)? It’s sad that we seem to have forgotten that which we’re supposed to never forget… Lest we … Continue reading “Lest we forget”

Today is “Rememberance Day” where we take a minute’s silence to remember those who have died in war. If we truely wish to honor them, shouldn’t we stop sending people into pointless military actions (eg: Vietnam, Iraq, etc)?

It’s sad that we seem to have forgotten that which we’re supposed to never forget…

Lest we forget…

Nykolai’s School Concert

Nykolai’s school held their concert tonight and it wasn’t too bad. This year we were in the National Theatre in St Kilda (a beautiful old style performing arts theatre) which really helped the atmosphere. Perhaps I’m getting used to it, but it did seem better – I felt very much less like the Addams Family … Continue reading “Nykolai’s School Concert”

Nykolai’s school held their concert tonight and it wasn’t too bad. This year we were in the National Theatre in St Kilda (a beautiful old style performing arts theatre) which really helped the atmosphere. Perhaps I’m getting used to it, but it did seem better – I felt very much less like the Addams Family when they go to the school concert this time :)

At least Nykolai and the other kids had a blast – that’s what’s important in the end.

The Crashed Chariot

Went down to the tow truck yard today to pay for my HD to be towed to Holdies for assessment. Took some photos of it for the record. Not a happy looking vehicle at all. I’m dubious as to whether it can be salvaged or if it’s time to consign it to the wreckers… Bugger … Continue reading “The Crashed Chariot”

Went down to the tow truck yard today to pay for my HD to be towed to Holdies for assessment. Took some photos of it for the record. Not a happy looking vehicle at all. I’m dubious as to whether it can be salvaged or if it’s time to consign it to the wreckers…

Bugger :(

Hey, it’s my birthday

Wow – another year gone and here I am turning 37. All those of you who took bets that I’d be dead before now have, despite my best efforts, lost again :) Keeping it quiet, not making a big thing of it and just cruising through the day. Thanks to those who called, emailed and/or … Continue reading “Hey, it’s my birthday”

Wow – another year gone and here I am turning 37. All those of you who took bets that I’d be dead before now have, despite my best efforts, lost again :)

Keeping it quiet, not making a big thing of it and just cruising through the day.

Thanks to those who called, emailed and/or sent cards :)

Crash go the Chariots

Well, guess who managed to crash the car… Yup – the ol’ HD never did behave too nicely in the wet and tonight on the way home from the office, I let my concentration lapse while going up a left hand bend onto an on ramp. The back end started to slide out so I … Continue reading “Crash go the Chariots”

Well, guess who managed to crash the car… Yup – the ol’ HD never did behave too nicely in the wet and tonight on the way home from the office, I let my concentration lapse while going up a left hand bend onto an on ramp. The back end started to slide out so I turned into the slide, the front end snapped around and WHAM, nose first into the concrete wall of the ramp. Bounced back into the lanes, turning around 180 degrees and tapping the back left corner against the wall as it came to a halt.

Wasn’t going that fast, but the impact banged up the front, knocked my glasses off and bruised my knees on the dash. The engine was pushed around and would not respond properly as I tried to fire it up so I could get off the road. Managed to find my glasses in the passenger seat footwell and got out to push the car as best I could out of the way (wound up blocking 1 of 2 lanes).

It was after midnight so not much traffic (none at the time of the crash). I called for a tow truck and spent the next 3/4 of an hour waving down traffic so they’d slow down and get past the car safely. A few stopped to check if I was OK and chat, a couple wizzed passed, while most took my “thumbs up” as a sign all was fine, waved and headed on.

So, the HD is now in the towie’s yard waiting for me to pay the towing fee (will get it shipped down to Greg – my mechanic – for assessment). Bloody annoying but, there are some good points:

1. I bruised myself and took a major hit to my ego but no other people were injured/killed/etc

2. No other cars were involved and the onramp isn’t even scratched

3. Nykolai wasn’t in the car with me

4. The office didn’t pay me on Friday night as they usually do – if they had, I would have just paid $500+ rego on the car over the weekend via online payments

5. I’ll be taking public transport for a while – less convenient and probably a bit more expensive than the fuel I was burning, but the walking to & from trains/trams/buses will do me good :)

So, yeah, it’s annoying as hell and rather inconvenient, but I’m OK and other things are going OK, so I’ll get through alright. C’est la vie and all that :)