a few days and many late nights later...

Well, it's been quite a week for me, had my first real Karaoke experience last Wednesday night at hilarious isikaye (I think that's right). Was very drunk, tuneless and completely uninspiring, so perfect. Had fabulous time at lovely English girl Kate's birthday. Felt very stinge at only having drawn her little picture of nearby bridge scene for present, embarrassingly handed over said piece, but quickly became hero of the night for being the only person to have actually gotten her anything at all. Spent too much money on cheap beer, but definitely worth it.

Poon Yu and I still looking for the ideal place to set up our fabulous new life of Kung Fu and Fusion cooking. He's an excellent cook, and a Kung Fu master, so I can't wait to learn everything I can, have already been introduced to a few ideas, and the skill is amazing. It is not about force, or reaction, but about using you entire body, concentrating you strength and thoughts on maybe one seemingly insignificant task, which imbues you with a ridiculous amount of power and strength. It's not about resisting with isolated parts of your body, but relaxing the whole. Can't wait to learn more!

Went out with Poon and some of his workmates the night before last and had a brilliant time. Met some wonderful people, including "flaming" Dan and his man Masato, an adorable Japanese girl Miki, and a funny man from Leeds, whose name escapes me. Once more Karaoke was on the agenda and this time, in a room full of Japanese mafia types (or so I was told by funny little Japanese guy who, according to Miki who was translating, wanted to be my boyfriend, whatever that means!). Anyway, compared to the woeful voices around me, I kicked a little arse and got a standing ovation, which for Karaoke is not a common sight. Anyway, had a great time and then almost missed my last train home again. So very tired. Work has been rather trying, just can't wait until the end of each day, thinking all I want to do is crawl into bed, but inevitably there's something way more exciting going on, so the whole process starts all over again.

Anyway, that's it for now. I hope everyone is happy and well. Geord, Pete and Vee, what's the new house like, please send me news, I hear it's an absolute winner. Heatherbell, hope everything's going well with you - don't leave me hanging. Nadsie Noo Noo, how's your job, demanding as usual? How's Sharpie, is he president of the chess club yet? Kels, I want piccies of the loverly little ones (and of course ma and pa). Tell me all about Sydney! Webby and Al, and photos of Kel's trip to Sydney would be sweet. Al, hope you're not working too hard (of course you are). That's it for now. God, my trainer (Tim) is right, I am too wordy.