The plane touched down at some ungodly hour of the morning (I’m not sure exactly when; my brain doesn’t quite grasp the concept of time before 6am). There had been a terrific view of London from the plane – but only for the people over the other side. And trying to get a glimpse out ... [More]
The check-in chick asked me “Just going to London today, Mr Bowen?” Ahem. JUST London? Isn’t that far enough to be going? It’s halfway around the world for heaven’s sake. Perhaps being booked to go on to Portugal via Greenland and Luxembourg might have made her job more exciting. Leaving my family at the doors ... [More]
I must admit that now, with about 36 hours until I stagger with my backpack through the big glass doors of International Departures at Tullamarine for my big trip overseas, the excitement of travel is starting to mix with the trepidation of missing (and being missed by) my family while I’m gone for the month. ... [More]
Well, take-off day is only 8 days away now. I’m getting less nervous about getting everything organised, and more excited at the prospect of stepping down on foreign soil for a bit of a wander round. I’m not really nervous of flying – the two airlines I’m using, Qantas and British Airways, seem to have ... [More]
I’m finding shoes to be a real pain in the arse right now. I mean figuratively, not literally. What a shame that the standards of western society demand that people have footwear. Maybe it’s just me, but I seem to have pretty bad luck with shoes. The shoes I usually wear to work decided last ... [More]
The past few weeks I’ve been rushing around like a headless chook, and haven’t had much time to update my diary. So here’s the latest, including tying up some loose ends from last month: Isaac’s hair was eventually cut by a friendly neighbourhood barber – while Isaac was asleep The beard got shaved off a ... [More]
Last night found me seated with a few friends in row F of the Palais Theatre stalls, once again watching legendary musician Paul Kelly and his band in a dazzling performance of masterful rock’n’roll. A satisfying blend of songs from the new album and old favourites too. But what’s also worth mentioning was the support ... [More]
At lunch… Steve: Ugh, this tastes like horses hooves. Me: Hope it doesn’t give you the trots. (Don’t ask me how he knew what horses’ hooves taste like.)
My three year old son Isaac has an aversion to haircuts. And being a three year old, this doesn’t mean that when faced with a haircut, he says "no, I don’t particularly like this", and grimaces slightly while it happens. This is not an adult’s aversion. No, being a three year old, it means he ... [More]
The beard is still intact. Still irritating, but I’m getting more used to it, even if I do forget sometimes that it’s there. We’ve been attempting to have a major clear out of stuff at home. The spare room was getting so crowded that sometimes you could barely get in the door. At least twice ... [More]
Well, after allowing people to vote yea or nay on the whole facial hair question for a week, the results were as follows: Keep it 34% Shave it 41% Shave off the beard, keep the moustache 8% Shave off the moustache, keep the beard (eg look like a dwarf) 6% Not sure 10% plus a ... [More]
It’s now been two and a half weeks since I shaved. The resulting beard is still merrily growing. I’m still not sure if I want to keep it, so I’ll probably give it at least a few more days before I decide to shave it off or not. It’s a big decision to make – ... [More]