penneylaneonline for Sunday, September 30, 2007

I have a short attention span that doesn't bode well for longish meetings or the like. My brain is particularly wired for incisive, no bull decision-making, anything more becomes contentious. The trouble with that kind of style is that it doesn't allow for people with a more up the garden path and sniff the daisies kind of style. So, here's the thing. Who gives in to whom? In short, I do! Or least that's been my experience because the thing about the daisy-sniffers is that making the leap in... Sign in to see full entry.

My friend George's son Emile is four years old. He's been sick over the past few days. But even sick can't hide his genuinely cute self! He has eyelashes that would make a jersey cow jealous and a face like an angel. His dad is Greek and his mum Anne has a Polish heritage. He's a gorgeous kid. And smart. And has manners to boot, imagine that! Today, George and I were having a meeting in my lounge but all I could think of was how to make this little one comfortable. Being sick is no blast, trust... Sign in to see full entry.

I got on a roll with the dressing gown-out thing. My girlfriend Debs and me went to a Drive Through (both of us wearing our night attire) because we could! There was a major risk of course but I felt comfortable that if an Accountant was willing to give it a burl (australianism for "have a go") then I would be too! On reflection, I think the 'shot' to the bum (read pain killer after an op) anthetises the sensibilities. In my right mind I would NEVER have gone out to a Drive Through in my PJ's... Sign in to see full entry.

Last Sunday I went to dinner at my friends Jen and Graes home in Balmain. It was the first time I'd gone to dinner wearing my dressing gown and my PJ's. I have to admit I've never done that before, ever! Gone to dinner in this particular attire I mean. Have you ever? It was a revelation to me because once I got over myself I actually enjoyed it! I was as smug-as-a-bug-a-rug lounge lizard. Actually, I think I'll do it again sometime soon because Jen says, "wear the dressing gown because it's so... Sign in to see full entry.

The other day my friend did an interesting thing. He licked his finger and wiped the sleep out of my eye. But just to put you in the picture, I've been confined to my bed for a time since an operation almost 10 days ago now. I hardly had the energy or the inclination to get naffy about a little saliva exchange! What it did do however was highlight the intimacy of what we allow true friends to do for us. I've wondered where or if we cared where we draw the line? If you've ever read "Tuesdays with... Sign in to see full entry.

Some of the best food is simple. It's honest as it is nourishing and as tasty as it is uncomplicated by garnishes. My favourite is homemade spaghetti. Spaghetti with a sauce I've concocted (of the likes that's never to be repeated because I couldn't tell you the amounts of a particular ingredient(s) I've used) and because it's totally subjective! Of course, there is the obligatory glass of wine (you'd never read that as an 'ingredient' in the recipe) during the prep and cook time but really and... Sign in to see full entry.

Every once in a while I consider taking a break somewhere exotic. The problem with that intention is that no matter how well-meaning my intention 'something' always comes up! That 'something' usually comes in the form of this argument I have inside my head about where and why. The deal-breaker is the where. I mean, I like the idea of an exotic place but in the past 'exotic' had all the implications of heat. Humid heat. And I dislike humid heat. Even a well air-conditioned room to escape back... Sign in to see full entry.

Once upon a time I would have been fondly referred to as an 'old boiler'. I take by their comment the person delivering the description was saying I was no longer a spring chicken. Fair enough. I suppose being 48 years old could be considered quite old to some people. Not me though! I feel young and coincidently it was just a matter of a month ago I was asked to show some I.D. to verify my age when I visited a night club with my some younger friends!!! I was definitely stunned by the request.... Sign in to see full entry.

The funniest thing happened to me on my way to the Palace Pantry (my Corner Store) the other day. I met a Gnome who at first seemed lost, then puzzled then lost some more. I felt perplexed as to how best I could help him, so I enquired and was promptly told to "mind my own business". Fair enough! The thing about being concerned for someone (and in this case, a complete and utter stranger) is that their response can dictate whether or not you offer your help and assistance to the next person who... Sign in to see full entry.