Hello Friends, Family, and Mysterious Blog Lurkers,
Australia is full of sunshine, cheery people, and places to explore. As such, I encourage you to make a trip to this side of the planet to visit me. I'm planning to do many of the awesome things normally associated with Australia over the next year or so, including going to Byron Bay, the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru / Ayers Rock, the Great Australian Outback, Cairns, and many other places. Australia is a big place to explore and I would like to do it with you.
There are certain difficulties involved with travelling to the ends of the earth, namely the time and cost of travel. While I can't create vacation days for you or lower the cost of flights, I can guarantee you a free couch / futon to crash on along with some wonderful (OK, annoying) company during your stay. Think of it this way, it's an expensive flight but really cheap accommodation.
However, there is a bit of a restraint on this. I'm in the process of making travel plans as well as attempting to move apartments. As such, I need a rough estimate of when you would like to come visit. It doesn't have to be anything specific, but I don't want you to go through the trouble of looking up flights to Sydney then have me tell you I'll be out of town that weekend. So, if you could kindly drop me an email, or just respond in the comments below with a rough month, season, or even year estimate of when you'll be in Sydney and I'll do my best to adjust my plans around yours.
Many Thanks.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Craps Table Differences in Australia
- Can't tip the dealers. Less fun when you can't get everyone at the table going for you. I think this, like anything else in Australia, when you don't tip, you get shittier service.
- Odds on points is only 2X. No exceptions.
- Table minimum on all prop bets. How is this fun?
- You pay for drinks at the table. WTF.
- It just seems less fun. There's even more electronic craps games going on next to the real craps action. People just seem to be there to gamble. Come on Aussies, loosen up!
I won about $100 at the Crown Casinos. Nice place. Very much like the Venetian or Aria in Vegas, restaurants, shops, casino, resort. Very upscale. But I didn't enjoy gambling here as much as I do in Vegas. But of course I don't.
- Odds on points is only 2X. No exceptions.
- Table minimum on all prop bets. How is this fun?
- You pay for drinks at the table. WTF.
- It just seems less fun. There's even more electronic craps games going on next to the real craps action. People just seem to be there to gamble. Come on Aussies, loosen up!
I won about $100 at the Crown Casinos. Nice place. Very much like the Venetian or Aria in Vegas, restaurants, shops, casino, resort. Very upscale. But I didn't enjoy gambling here as much as I do in Vegas. But of course I don't.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
What I learned from starving myself for 45 hours.
- Hunger is a mental thing. You can survive a month without food, so that feeling of a grumbling, empty stomach is only temporary. By the second day, it wasn't even a feeling in my stomach anymore, mostly just the thoughts of food that got to be pretty prevalent.
- I eat a lot when I'm not actually hungry or in need of food. Sometimes I just eat because I'm bored. This is both unhealthy and wasteful.
- It's surprising how much your stomach shrinks in just two days. I got pretty sick from eating a big meal of pasta right after.
- My friends are awesome and generous. Won't get too sappy on you all, but thanks. Thanks for both the monetary donations and the care and concern.
- I eat a lot when I'm not actually hungry or in need of food. Sometimes I just eat because I'm bored. This is both unhealthy and wasteful.
- It's surprising how much your stomach shrinks in just two days. I got pretty sick from eating a big meal of pasta right after.
- My friends are awesome and generous. Won't get too sappy on you all, but thanks. Thanks for both the monetary donations and the care and concern.
Inception. Wow.
OK, so I know I'm more than a month late on this, but whatever. I'm not gonna talk about the movie...too much.
So I'm subscribed to a bunch of deals websites in Sydney for free / cheap stuff and sales. Why? Because since coming to Australia, I decided mimicking the spending habits of the Democratic People's Republic of The Obama-Socialist Commune wasn't a prudent financial strategy; I shouldn't have worked for 4 years at Google and have no savings to show for it. Budgeting, gonna try it.
Anyways, where was I? Oh right. One of the lists is a "cheap" movie of the week. This is because movies in Australia are ridiculously expensive. Upwards of $18 for an adult ticket. "Cheap" in this case means $9 + $1 online booking fee. One good part about Australian movies, you book your seat ahead of time, so no need to show up early.
Damn it! Why do I keep getting side-tracked. I made a spur of the moment decision upon seeing the online offer and just bought a ticket. I had wanted to see a movie by myself for some time now. One, because I have no friends, but also to see what it's like to just quietly enjoy a movie all to myself, without worrying about where/when to go, how to get seats all together, this that and the other. That and it was nice to make up my own mind about the movie. I have surprisingly not read too much about the film beforehand, and I didn't have to listen to someone else's analysis right after*.
So, I bought some skittles, an Orange Fanta, and an ice cream cone (because I'm a fat kid trapped in a tall man's body), and got ready to enjoy the experience.
It's not a bad experience really. It allows me to stew in my own enjoyment of the movie, and damn if I didn't enjoy the shit out of that movie. Ending was a bit weak, but there was no part of the movie where I felt less than 100% psyched to be watching. And this is something considering how badly I had to piss. Chirstopher Nolan is a genius. I just hope he doesn't get a big head now and either start making crap or stop making movies. Also, Joseph Gordon Levitt's zero-gravity fight scene was the tits. Batman 3, I expect at least THIS MUCH awesome.
*Not that I don't value the opinion of my friends immensely. Just know I consider it worthless.
So I'm subscribed to a bunch of deals websites in Sydney for free / cheap stuff and sales. Why? Because since coming to Australia, I decided mimicking the spending habits of the Democratic People's Republic of The Obama-Socialist Commune wasn't a prudent financial strategy; I shouldn't have worked for 4 years at Google and have no savings to show for it. Budgeting, gonna try it.
Anyways, where was I? Oh right. One of the lists is a "cheap" movie of the week. This is because movies in Australia are ridiculously expensive. Upwards of $18 for an adult ticket. "Cheap" in this case means $9 + $1 online booking fee. One good part about Australian movies, you book your seat ahead of time, so no need to show up early.
Damn it! Why do I keep getting side-tracked. I made a spur of the moment decision upon seeing the online offer and just bought a ticket. I had wanted to see a movie by myself for some time now. One, because I have no friends, but also to see what it's like to just quietly enjoy a movie all to myself, without worrying about where/when to go, how to get seats all together, this that and the other. That and it was nice to make up my own mind about the movie. I have surprisingly not read too much about the film beforehand, and I didn't have to listen to someone else's analysis right after*.
So, I bought some skittles, an Orange Fanta, and an ice cream cone (because I'm a fat kid trapped in a tall man's body), and got ready to enjoy the experience.
It's not a bad experience really. It allows me to stew in my own enjoyment of the movie, and damn if I didn't enjoy the shit out of that movie. Ending was a bit weak, but there was no part of the movie where I felt less than 100% psyched to be watching. And this is something considering how badly I had to piss. Chirstopher Nolan is a genius. I just hope he doesn't get a big head now and either start making crap or stop making movies. Also, Joseph Gordon Levitt's zero-gravity fight scene was the tits. Batman 3, I expect at least THIS MUCH awesome.
*Not that I don't value the opinion of my friends immensely. Just know I consider it worthless.
Friday, August 20, 2010
40 Hour Famine -- Live* Blog
(*Well, not really minute-by-minute, but I will be updating this post as I go along.)
Firstly, thanks to all my friends for their generosity. So far, I've raised $360 for these very worthy causes. It's still not too late to donate at http://40hf.com/zhi.
2010-08-20 20:15 -- Started the fast. 15 minutes late because of the slow service at the restaurant. I'll extend the total time by 15 min.
2010-08-21 3:35 -- I've had a few drinks so far (booze is not food, despite my best efforts to qualify it on the contrary). Usually would be neck deep in drunk food by now, but not so much. Not yet "hungry" per se. We'll see how it goes from here. Going to bed now.
2010-08-21 8:47 -- Woke up. Hungover to all hell. Not yet hungry, so maybe this won't be so hard. Actually had a dream about accidentally breaking the fast with a PB&J sandwich and woke up in a panic.
2010-08-21 8:50 -- Was reprimanded that alcohol is indeed caloric and by some definition is food. Perhaps, but other people doing this cheat by eating cane sugar and lollipops, so I'm still ahead on that curve. Also, drinking and being hungover make me want to eat more, so I'm actually adding to my temptation and making it harder on myself.
2010-08-21 9:43 -- Just had to run an errand in the city. It would be too easy to simply stay in bed all weekend, but I guess part of going hungry is still being able to function without food. I'm going to go about the weekend as normally as I can, although I just realized how much of social activities revolve around eating or drinking.
2010-08-21 9:45 -- This puts into perspective how much I snack just because I'm bored. Not a good thing.
2010-08-21 10:50 -- First stomach rumble.
2010-08-21 14:09 -- The empty feeling in my stomach is starting to be irksome. Not yet all-consuming, but definitely something I am thinking about. At this point, I would normally be desperate to find food. Actually working and cleaning up some tasks though. Still functioning.
2010-08-21 14:58 -- Taking a nap now. The sleepy outweighs the hungry right now.
2010-08-21 18:00 -- Nap helped. Not feeling hungry anymore. Although I should wait a while before saying for sure.
2010-08-21 18:35 -- Actually the empty feeling in my stomach is gone. Is it supposed to be temporary?
2010-08-21 19:37 -- Mostly just thinking about food now.
2010-08-21 21:40 -- This sucks.
2010-08-21 21:54 -- This wouldn't be so bad if every other commercial on TV wasn't food related.
2010-08-21 23:33 -- Going to bed hungry is unsettling.
2010-08-22 4:33 -- Getting woken up by a page is more unsettling. Stomach is growling unhappily.
2010-08-22 10:47 -- Woke up after having a dream about carrots and green peas. And spaghetti.
2010-08-22 11:48 -- Decided that since my friends helped me hit 114% of my fundraising target, I'm going to continue this challenge for 14% longer. New target is 45.7 hours, or 18:00 local time. 6 hours more.
2010-08-22 15:51 -- Weak and unable to focus now. Have a slight headache. 2+ hours to go. Not a good time to get paged.
2010-08-22 17:54 -- Almost over. Thinking a lot about food now.
2010-08-22 17:58 -- Staring at the first thing I'm going to eat now. Oreos, Tim Tams, and some Chinese Funnel Cake.
2010-08-22 18:01 -- Food is good. Glad that I did this little experiment, but I know how fortunate I am not to have to worry about food on a daily basis because that is not a good feeling.
Thanks again to everyone for their support!
Firstly, thanks to all my friends for their generosity. So far, I've raised $360 for these very worthy causes. It's still not too late to donate at http://40hf.com/zhi.
2010-08-20 20:15 -- Started the fast. 15 minutes late because of the slow service at the restaurant. I'll extend the total time by 15 min.
2010-08-21 3:35 -- I've had a few drinks so far (booze is not food, despite my best efforts to qualify it on the contrary). Usually would be neck deep in drunk food by now, but not so much. Not yet "hungry" per se. We'll see how it goes from here. Going to bed now.
2010-08-21 8:47 -- Woke up. Hungover to all hell. Not yet hungry, so maybe this won't be so hard. Actually had a dream about accidentally breaking the fast with a PB&J sandwich and woke up in a panic.
2010-08-21 8:50 -- Was reprimanded that alcohol is indeed caloric and by some definition is food. Perhaps, but other people doing this cheat by eating cane sugar and lollipops, so I'm still ahead on that curve. Also, drinking and being hungover make me want to eat more, so I'm actually adding to my temptation and making it harder on myself.
2010-08-21 9:43 -- Just had to run an errand in the city. It would be too easy to simply stay in bed all weekend, but I guess part of going hungry is still being able to function without food. I'm going to go about the weekend as normally as I can, although I just realized how much of social activities revolve around eating or drinking.
2010-08-21 9:45 -- This puts into perspective how much I snack just because I'm bored. Not a good thing.
2010-08-21 10:50 -- First stomach rumble.
2010-08-21 14:09 -- The empty feeling in my stomach is starting to be irksome. Not yet all-consuming, but definitely something I am thinking about. At this point, I would normally be desperate to find food. Actually working and cleaning up some tasks though. Still functioning.
2010-08-21 14:58 -- Taking a nap now. The sleepy outweighs the hungry right now.
2010-08-21 18:00 -- Nap helped. Not feeling hungry anymore. Although I should wait a while before saying for sure.
2010-08-21 18:35 -- Actually the empty feeling in my stomach is gone. Is it supposed to be temporary?
2010-08-21 19:37 -- Mostly just thinking about food now.
2010-08-21 21:40 -- This sucks.
2010-08-21 21:54 -- This wouldn't be so bad if every other commercial on TV wasn't food related.
2010-08-21 23:33 -- Going to bed hungry is unsettling.
2010-08-22 4:33 -- Getting woken up by a page is more unsettling. Stomach is growling unhappily.
2010-08-22 10:47 -- Woke up after having a dream about carrots and green peas. And spaghetti.
2010-08-22 11:48 -- Decided that since my friends helped me hit 114% of my fundraising target, I'm going to continue this challenge for 14% longer. New target is 45.7 hours, or 18:00 local time. 6 hours more.
2010-08-22 15:51 -- Weak and unable to focus now. Have a slight headache. 2+ hours to go. Not a good time to get paged.
2010-08-22 17:54 -- Almost over. Thinking a lot about food now.
2010-08-22 17:58 -- Staring at the first thing I'm going to eat now. Oreos, Tim Tams, and some Chinese Funnel Cake.
2010-08-22 18:01 -- Food is good. Glad that I did this little experiment, but I know how fortunate I am not to have to worry about food on a daily basis because that is not a good feeling.
Thanks again to everyone for their support!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
40 Hour Famine
I am asking for your support in a fundraising task I am undertaking this upcoming weekend. It is called the 40 Hour Famine wherein volunteers spend forty consecutive hours from (Sydney Time) 8PM 2010-08-20 to 12PM 2010-08-22 going without something. In my case, I have chosen to follow the spirit of the event and picked going hungry for 40 hours. I'll also be putting updates during the 40 hours on this very blog so you can follow along.
Why am I doing this?
Firstly, the funds my fellow participants and I raise are going to worthy causes, namely:
- Addressing climate change and increasing agricultural production in Nepal
- Tackling childhood malnutrition in Kenya
- Fighting child labor and trafficking in India
- Providing supplementary food support to families in Cambodia
- Assisting with food security in Laos.
Secondly, it is a personal experience for me. I have been extremely fortunate to live a privileged life free from want and often times filled with excess. I am treating this as a learning experience to go through what too many of our fellow human beings suffer on a daily basis. This period of want is willingly undertaken and very temporary, but many people all over the world experience this unwillingly and without foreseeable relief. I will not go into the details of how these problems persist and how many are affected, but I hope you will join me in doing something, even if it is only a small gesture, to provide relief for those who are in need.
You can find out more information and donate to the cause at here
UPDATE: Yes, you can use a US credit card to make a donation. You may be charged a foreign transaction fee based on which card you use, but the exchange rate of USD:AUD is roughly US$1 to AU$1.1
Thank You.
Why am I doing this?
Firstly, the funds my fellow participants and I raise are going to worthy causes, namely:
- Addressing climate change and increasing agricultural production in Nepal
- Tackling childhood malnutrition in Kenya
- Fighting child labor and trafficking in India
- Providing supplementary food support to families in Cambodia
- Assisting with food security in Laos.
Secondly, it is a personal experience for me. I have been extremely fortunate to live a privileged life free from want and often times filled with excess. I am treating this as a learning experience to go through what too many of our fellow human beings suffer on a daily basis. This period of want is willingly undertaken and very temporary, but many people all over the world experience this unwillingly and without foreseeable relief. I will not go into the details of how these problems persist and how many are affected, but I hope you will join me in doing something, even if it is only a small gesture, to provide relief for those who are in need.
You can find out more information and donate to the cause at here
UPDATE: Yes, you can use a US credit card to make a donation. You may be charged a foreign transaction fee based on which card you use, but the exchange rate of USD:AUD is roughly US$1 to AU$1.1
Thank You.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Things I hate about Sydney, #1: Cab Drivers
If you really can't navigate around the city, you shouldn't be a cab driver. To each and every Sydney cab driver who has failed me, and that includes every single cab I have taken so far: die. Please go crawl into a hole and die. Go support yourselves and your family doing something else, because you are clearly not qualified to drive around this city. There's no reason you can only drop me off 2 block away from my house. It's really not that hard.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Dear Dressed Up Australian Bros
Please stop buttoning all the buttons on your suit jackets and blazers. It makes you look ridiculous.
Fairly simple rules:
- One button, no real choice here
- Two buttons, top button only
- Three buttons, middle button only, or at most, top two
- Four+ buttons, can't help you here because you're beyond saving
Fairly simple rules:
- One button, no real choice here
- Two buttons, top button only
- Three buttons, middle button only, or at most, top two
- Four+ buttons, can't help you here because you're beyond saving
Haters to the Left.
I recently passed my 4 year anniversary at Google. Other than being fully vested, it makes me an old timer at the company. From the free food and perks to the awesome scale of technology available to us employees, nothings seems as amazing as it did 4 years ago. It's easy to be complacent. It's easy to become spoiled and take things for granted. It's easy to overlook us now as we're no longer the new hotness in the Valley as we've since been overtaken by the likes of Facebook and others.
We've been in the news a lot recently. Not always for good things either. From sampling Wi-Fi data, to defending (or condemning, depending on who you listen to) Net Neutrality, and even because early adopters of Android phones are awkward, unloved freaks. It can make you a little wary of saying you work for Google; defending your company to strangers and acquaintances can be as much of a full-time job as the full-time job.
But something happened this past Sunday as I was running the City2Surf race. As I was sponsored by the company, I ran all 14k decked out in full Google regalia. All along the way, I got cheers of "Go Google!" and "Yeah, Google!". From complete strangers. People who recognized the company. And not in the way you recognize a Fortune 500 corporation and brand name, but because they have a genuine affinity for us.
Why? We're the world's largest advertising company. We deliver search results. To some folks, we also run an e-mail service. Host their documents, blogs, and videos. What makes us so special? Why to people believe in us? I'm probably not qualified to say. But I do know this:
I am proud to work somewhere where "Don't Be Evil" is our company motto.
I am proud I've never had to describe the company I work for.
I am proud we champion Open Source and open systems. That we don't cave into demands of censorship. That our founders still stand in front of the entire company, on a weekly basis to face whatever questions and charges we have.
I understand how fortunate I am to have graduated at the right time, from a school that gave me the right background, and in the right situation to have found this job.
I have never regretted for a single day to work for Google. I hope to never forget how lucky and proud I am to do so.
Haters gonna hate. But watch out and get out of the way, because we're going places. Just you wait and see.
We've been in the news a lot recently. Not always for good things either. From sampling Wi-Fi data, to defending (or condemning, depending on who you listen to) Net Neutrality, and even because early adopters of Android phones are awkward, unloved freaks. It can make you a little wary of saying you work for Google; defending your company to strangers and acquaintances can be as much of a full-time job as the full-time job.
But something happened this past Sunday as I was running the City2Surf race. As I was sponsored by the company, I ran all 14k decked out in full Google regalia. All along the way, I got cheers of "Go Google!" and "Yeah, Google!". From complete strangers. People who recognized the company. And not in the way you recognize a Fortune 500 corporation and brand name, but because they have a genuine affinity for us.
Why? We're the world's largest advertising company. We deliver search results. To some folks, we also run an e-mail service. Host their documents, blogs, and videos. What makes us so special? Why to people believe in us? I'm probably not qualified to say. But I do know this:
I am proud to work somewhere where "Don't Be Evil" is our company motto.
I am proud I've never had to describe the company I work for.
I am proud we champion Open Source and open systems. That we don't cave into demands of censorship. That our founders still stand in front of the entire company, on a weekly basis to face whatever questions and charges we have.
I understand how fortunate I am to have graduated at the right time, from a school that gave me the right background, and in the right situation to have found this job.
I have never regretted for a single day to work for Google. I hope to never forget how lucky and proud I am to do so.
Haters gonna hate. But watch out and get out of the way, because we're going places. Just you wait and see.
GLEEk-ing out over Wicked.
As per the Google Doodle, today is the 71st anniversary of the first screening of the Wizard of Oz. It was coincidental and oddly appropriate because I saw Glee this past weekend. Between getting hooked on Glee and humming "Defying Gravity" at awkward and inappropriate moments, it took travelling half-way around the world for me to admit it, but I love musicals.
I think everyone does. For the folks who claim otherwise, stop pretending. Everyone loves to sing and dance. You just don't do it because you're self conscious how it makes you look in front of others. But I've never met a single person who doesn't enjoy music in some way. That doesn't feel good after cutting loose on either the dance floor or in the privacy of their bedroom. Singing and dancing make you happier. It's baked into our brains.
I had a larger point I was gonna make, but a Glee re-run in on TV now. Gotta run.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
City2Surf Part Deux
This post is late, and I'm not particularly chipper today, so I'm gonna just cop out and do a bullet point post:
- City2Surf is actually based on Bay 2 Breakers.
- It has since surpassed Bay to Breakers in size, now the largest fun run in the world.
- 80,000+ people registered to run this year.
- 67,974 runners finished.
- City2Surf is packed. At Bay to Breakers, I stopped having to dodge people after about mile 3. At C2S, I was still weaving back and forth at the finish line.
- No naked people.
- Almost no drunk people. At least many fewer than B2B.
- Best costumes: Squad of Storm Troopers. Stretcher Carriers. "City to Smurf".
- Finishing at Bondi Beach was awesome. Google sponsored a tent with burgers, hot dogs, shrimp cocktail, even raw oysters and chocolate dipped strawberries. Also, beer. Lots of beer. I had 5 to rehydrate.
- Your humble author finished in 1:14:07, quite a feat considering I started in the last, "Back of the Pack" group.
- This qualifies me to run next year in the 2nd starting group. Guess I'm running it again next year. Goal: sub-65 min.
- I finished in 11,627th place.
- I sweat like an animal.
(more pics)
- City2Surf is actually based on Bay 2 Breakers.
- It has since surpassed Bay to Breakers in size, now the largest fun run in the world.
- 80,000+ people registered to run this year.
- 67,974 runners finished.
- City2Surf is packed. At Bay to Breakers, I stopped having to dodge people after about mile 3. At C2S, I was still weaving back and forth at the finish line.
- No naked people.
- Almost no drunk people. At least many fewer than B2B.
- Best costumes: Squad of Storm Troopers. Stretcher Carriers. "City to Smurf".
- Finishing at Bondi Beach was awesome. Google sponsored a tent with burgers, hot dogs, shrimp cocktail, even raw oysters and chocolate dipped strawberries. Also, beer. Lots of beer. I had 5 to rehydrate.
- Your humble author finished in 1:14:07, quite a feat considering I started in the last, "Back of the Pack" group.
- This qualifies me to run next year in the 2nd starting group. Guess I'm running it again next year. Goal: sub-65 min.
- I finished in 11,627th place.
- I sweat like an animal.
(more pics)
Ultimate Game #4
I am terrible. Fucking terrible.
Can't throw. Can't catch. Can't mark. Can't defend. Can't even run. I hate it. I want to quit.
Can't throw. Can't catch. Can't mark. Can't defend. Can't even run. I hate it. I want to quit.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Travel Plans
In San Francisco:
- 2010-09-03 to 2010-09-10 (This include Labor Day)
- 2010-09-13 to 2010-09-18
- 2010-10-22 to 2010-10-24
In Philadelphia:
- 2010-09-10 to 2010-09-12
- 2010-10-25 to 2010-10-28
In NYC:
- 2010-10-29 to 2010-10-30
My US cell and Google Voice numbers remain the same. Holla at your boy.
- 2010-09-03 to 2010-09-10 (This include Labor Day)
- 2010-09-13 to 2010-09-18
- 2010-10-22 to 2010-10-24
In Philadelphia:
- 2010-09-10 to 2010-09-12
- 2010-10-25 to 2010-10-28
In NYC:
- 2010-10-29 to 2010-10-30
My US cell and Google Voice numbers remain the same. Holla at your boy.
Monday, August 9, 2010
The NFL Season is less than one month away.
I am so excited, I may have just peed myself.
This upcoming NFL season may just test how much I want to live in Sydney. Watching gamecast of baseball games during work is OK. Even having to check the score because the game started at 4AM local time, it's only a regular season baseball game.
But there is no way I will accept anything less than real-time updates on my NFL.
This upcoming NFL season may just test how much I want to live in Sydney. Watching gamecast of baseball games during work is OK. Even having to check the score because the game started at 4AM local time, it's only a regular season baseball game.
But there is no way I will accept anything less than real-time updates on my NFL.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
City2Surf: Or How I Learned to Stop Drinking and Love the Pain.
Holy Crap! I haven't posted in over a week! More importantly, the reason I haven't posted is because I've been busy! Doing things! Fun, interesting* things!
Anyways, just to throw some crap together because like my father always said, "Son, if you're going to do something, make sure you do it half-assed. And don't ever stick with anything, especially if it doesn't make you any money or get you chicks. Also, I never loved you.^"
In five days, I'm going to run in City2Surf, the Sydney equivalent of Bay2Breakers, with slight differences.
B2B: 12k
C2S: 14k
B2B: Lots of old, naked hippies getting sunburned.
C2S: Lots of fit, athletic runner-types, getting sunburned.
B2B: More drinking, more costumes.
C2S: Less drinking, fewer costumes.
B2B: Finish line party at GG Park and throughout the city.
C2S: Finish line party at Bondi Beach.
Not sure which is better yet. I'll post on Monday regarding my experiences. Maybe Tuesday if I am not yet out of my alcohol induced coma by Monday.
Now, why would I choose to drink myself into oblivion for something so trivial as the completion of a 14k race? It is clearly not as awesome as what this guy did.
The reason is because I've done the foolish thing of choosing not to drink in preparation for this race. Since last Friday, after my friend's birthday, I have not had a drop of sweet nectar. This has actually brought to light a phenomena for me: why is it whenever I consciously choose not to drink, the fun seems to be sapped out of life itself? When I just moved to Sydney and was just feeling my way out in the city, I easily went two plus weeks without so much as a sip of alcohol with barely a thought. But since loudly and definitively swearing off drink for merely the next 8 days, I can't make it through two days without going into a flop sweat at the sight of a tall, cold beer glistening under the dark musky barroom lighting.
For those of you who may remember, my last venture into "never drinking again" lasted all of six days, until it was St. Patrick's Day 2009, and I had no choice but to take shots of Jameson at the Irish Bank. (Honestly, no choice! It was for world peace, you know.) Mind you, I had this on my face to remind me why I shouldn't drink, but even that didn't stop me. Why is it so hard to give something up willingly?
Anyway, I've already begun planning my Sunday, post-race debauchery:
- Drink my face off.
- Eat the greasiest bacon cheeseburger I can force an Aussie cook to make. Maybe with a side of pizza.
- Lie on my pull-out sofa and watch crappy TV until I pass out, a la
(except replace the grapes with a nice single-barrel bourbon.)
It's gonna be amazeballs.
Alright. Seacrest, out.
* Yes, I do consider crying myself to sleep "fun" and "interesting".
^ Paraphrasing.
Anyways, just to throw some crap together because like my father always said, "Son, if you're going to do something, make sure you do it half-assed. And don't ever stick with anything, especially if it doesn't make you any money or get you chicks. Also, I never loved you.^"
In five days, I'm going to run in City2Surf, the Sydney equivalent of Bay2Breakers, with slight differences.
B2B: 12k
C2S: 14k
B2B: Lots of old, naked hippies getting sunburned.
C2S: Lots of fit, athletic runner-types, getting sunburned.
B2B: More drinking, more costumes.
C2S: Less drinking, fewer costumes.
B2B: Finish line party at GG Park and throughout the city.
C2S: Finish line party at Bondi Beach.
Not sure which is better yet. I'll post on Monday regarding my experiences. Maybe Tuesday if I am not yet out of my alcohol induced coma by Monday.
Now, why would I choose to drink myself into oblivion for something so trivial as the completion of a 14k race? It is clearly not as awesome as what this guy did.
The reason is because I've done the foolish thing of choosing not to drink in preparation for this race. Since last Friday, after my friend's birthday, I have not had a drop of sweet nectar. This has actually brought to light a phenomena for me: why is it whenever I consciously choose not to drink, the fun seems to be sapped out of life itself? When I just moved to Sydney and was just feeling my way out in the city, I easily went two plus weeks without so much as a sip of alcohol with barely a thought. But since loudly and definitively swearing off drink for merely the next 8 days, I can't make it through two days without going into a flop sweat at the sight of a tall, cold beer glistening under the dark musky barroom lighting.
For those of you who may remember, my last venture into "never drinking again" lasted all of six days, until it was St. Patrick's Day 2009, and I had no choice but to take shots of Jameson at the Irish Bank. (Honestly, no choice! It was for world peace, you know.) Mind you, I had this on my face to remind me why I shouldn't drink, but even that didn't stop me. Why is it so hard to give something up willingly?
Anyway, I've already begun planning my Sunday, post-race debauchery:
- Drink my face off.
- Eat the greasiest bacon cheeseburger I can force an Aussie cook to make. Maybe with a side of pizza.
- Lie on my pull-out sofa and watch crappy TV until I pass out, a la
(except replace the grapes with a nice single-barrel bourbon.)
It's gonna be amazeballs.
Alright. Seacrest, out.
* Yes, I do consider crying myself to sleep "fun" and "interesting".
^ Paraphrasing.
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