Belly dancing

I’m now a belly dancer in training! :) Cassie and I went to a free trial class on Saturday, and it was pretty fun, although harder than it looks (especially as I’m not really built for it, I'm hardly curvy!). The teacher explains the meaning beind movements in terms of Arabic culture etc, so it's pretty informative, kinda cool. And everyone wears one of these hip scarves covered in coins, so you make plenty of noise and feel a bit special :) They run about 40 classes each week at various levels – I had no idea there were so many people in Adelaide interested in it! Who would have guessed? Anyway, we signed up for 10 weeks of classes starting from May (which coincides nicely with aerobic kickboxing classes finishing – wow so many new things to try this year) so we’ll see how it goes!

My Hero!

Yes, Michael Palin! I want to be like him when I grow up... Seriously, he doesn't make "travel shows", he runs around the world meeting people, staying in their homes, getting a glimpse of what their daily lives are like and learning what is important to them, and then sharing it with the rest of the world. It's all about the people. And his attitude is so great, always ready to try something new, trying not to be too "English", and able to step back and see the funny side in the more challenging situations (of which there are many).

I've just started reading the book of his latest adventure, "Himalaya". Diary format, pretty entertaining, and making me want to go exploring! I'd love to attend the annual 3 day "freestyle" polo event along with 1500 spectators on a plateau between two pakistani towns in the shadow of the world's second largest mountain - wow!

Vegemite in a Biskit

Yup, if you thought 'Chicken in a biskit' was cool (or even if, like me, you didn't) you'll love this new variety! All the goodness of vegemite, in a biscuit. It's got to be the simplest way to eat vegemite yet. I'm not a fan of those things where you dip a wedge of biscuit into vegemite.... it does nothing for me. But these I can really get behind. Not as good as vegemite spread onto a biscuit... but this is a world of convenience, and almost as good is good enough! Mel, Cassie and I had them at the races on Monday (no not exactly a 'classy' snack but I couldn't wait to try them!) and we all agree they're great. And highly addictive - watch out!

Bobby Pins

Where do they all go? Who or what is eating them?

To play or not to play?

I finally went to soccer! After several missed opportunities due to 1) dinner 2) dinner again 3) illness i FINALLY made it on Monday! I so nearly didn't make it. No real reason, mostly just sheer laziness, and possibly the thought of how tiring it can be to do so much running around after, well, not much running around, while also trying to not do anything toooo stupid, and start making friends. WELL I got there, and couldn't see them. The fields are big and a funny shape, and the sun was in a bad spot, so I kept walking around them, just in case... but kinda looking forward to going home, making dinner and watching tv like a real bum ;) But I found them, sitting in a teeny tiny corner where the fields turn into trees!! Anyway, all was good. I had SOOOOOO much fun! Despite being a little unfit (thank goodness for my trusty exercise bike and those aerobic kickboxing classes, otherwise I would have really been in strife!) and not really knowing how to play soccer or what the rules are (I'm pretty sure I offended some girl when I got the ball by fouling her.. oops!) it was GREAT! Running around DOES make you feel good, I love tackling (hockey flashbacks!), and it's oh so much fun to play on a team. PLUS I learnt how to 'control' *cough* the ball with my thigh and with my chest - scary when someone chucks a ball at your waist or head, but cool when you can do it without getting hurt! Now, that was the good part. The bad part is two-fold. ONE, I was sore later that night and in considerable pain on Tuesday! But hey, it was to be expected. TWO, is that the cost to join for the season is more than double what I was told at O'Week (ie more than I'm willing to pay), the games are at a really inconvenient time (when I can't use the car) and the location of games and training and everything seems kind of.... vague. Which doesn't suit me at all! SO despite the much fun had on Monday, after much deliberation, I don't think I'll join. Ugh... never mind. Anyway... there's always dance classes at the uni and STACKS of classes at the WEA I can try to keep me entertained!

In other news, can't wait for the long weekend. Dinner on Sat with Em, Maz & Jamie then a fringe comedy show. Maybe Glendi (Greek) Festival on Sunday, definitely Molly's birthday party with the rellies! And going to the races for the first time in my 23 years on Monday with Cassie etc! :)