http://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/en-EUMokoFeed10http://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/e5/d335dbda22308cbdd65f8c9432b07c_160x200.jpghttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/11/04/work-house-sick-friends-7308109/tag:berlinlights.blog.co.uk,2009-11-04:/2009/11/04/work-house-sick-friends-7308109/Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:38:45 +0100 <p>New job is fine. 3 Kids are functionally retarded and I want to throw them out of the window. 1 of them was screaming for about 2 1/2 hours straight today. Not in such a "Happy Matt" mood this evening.</p> <p>2 Weeks on the sofa and counting. Still can't find a place. Grrrr. Went to see a WG today, the room was smaller than the bathroom in Belfast.</p> <p>Been sick since the weekend. Feeling alot better but still got the runs and the occasional need to hurl. However I have lost alot of weight in the last few days, that is one bonus at least. When I start eating again ill just have to take it easy.</p> <p>My grand plans to surprise people when I came back went out the window. Word spreads here quicker than a hooker with the HIV. Anyway went to go out and see a show on Friday. Being nowhere near prepared I fell alseep on the Ubahn, woke up on the other side of town and had to make it all the way back. Had no idea where the place was so at about 0145h I gave up and returned home. Got sick Saturday night so that has sent any plans in the near future out of the window. They all know I'm back anyway.</p> <p>Stay black</p> <p>Peace out. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/11/04/work-house-sick-friends-7308109/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>friendssickberlinworkhousehttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/11/04/work-house-sick-friends-7308109/#commentshttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/10/20/what-a-surpise-7210675/tag:berlinlights.blog.co.uk,2009-10-20:/2009/10/20/what-a-surpise-7210675/Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:06:28 +0200 <p>Well this has been fun but it's time for a change. I wonder what they will say... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/10/20/what-a-surpise-7210675/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>peopleberlinjobbelfastcrazyhttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/10/20/what-a-surpise-7210675/#commentshttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/09/29/that-s-what-i-get-7064797/tag:berlinlights.blog.co.uk,2009-09-29:/2009/09/29/that-s-what-i-get-7064797/Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:22:19 +0200 <p>Ex-employer paid me very late so the payment on my credit card didn't go though on time. Turns out that because of this they have reduced my limit by 1000 euro and I can no longer draw cash on it. That's fantastic, I can't begin to describe my emotions tonight... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/09/29/that-s-what-i-get-7064797/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>pissed-offworkcredit-cardhttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/09/29/that-s-what-i-get-7064797/#commentshttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/09/27/last-night-7049115/tag:berlinlights.blog.co.uk,2009-09-27:/2009/09/27/last-night-7049115/Sun, 27 Sep 2009 15:01:25 +0200 <p>Went to a party last night. A girl brought a cassette tape containing all the 80's hits with her. It went something like this...</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPgMTIgwS6s">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPgMTIgwS6s</a></p> <p>My head hurts.</p> <p>The end</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/09/27/last-night-7049115/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>drinkingfunbeerpartydrunkhttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/09/27/last-night-7049115/#commentshttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/09/15/i-gots-me-a-job-6971963/tag:berlinlights.blog.co.uk,2009-09-15:/2009/09/15/i-gots-me-a-job-6971963/Tue, 15 Sep 2009 20:53:40 +0200 <p>I got a job today. 1 week and a day after arriving here. Take that Berlin. So anyone with SKY broadband.. if you have a problem, question or complaint... you could be chatting with me soon. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/09/15/i-gots-me-a-job-6971963/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>skyjobhttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/09/15/i-gots-me-a-job-6971963/#commentshttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/09/12/boys-weekend-6945792/tag:berlinlights.blog.co.uk,2009-09-12:/2009/09/12/boys-weekend-6945792/Sat, 12 Sep 2009 01:52:05 +0200 <p>Connor and I have been playing Xbox on our bachelor weekend... Fight Night - Me, Pro Evo Soccer - Connor, and about 4 1/2hrs of Rock Band - Xbox. So its a three way between us for the best player. Got further on rock band than ever before and might even finish the damn thing by the end of the weekend.</p> <p>We ate a 1 1/2 pizzas and downed about 5 bottles of pear cider each. A good night was had by all (Both).</p> <p>I dare you guys to come up with something more interesting or compelling... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/09/12/boys-weekend-6945792/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>rock-bandciderpizzaxboxbachelorhttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/09/12/boys-weekend-6945792/#commentshttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/08/31/the-last-week-6861138/tag:berlinlights.blog.co.uk,2009-08-31:/2009/08/31/the-last-week-6861138/Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:48:55 +0200 <p>As I sit here, soon after finishing my farewell party invite on Facebook, I wonder to myself how much have I achieved, what have I learned and how will it help/hinder me later on in life.</p> <p>Overall I have been a bit of a party animal and bum here. I have worked and provided for myself as I have needed. I have also made many great friends that I will cherish for years to come. I have had the odd girlfriend and fling that have sometimes been heartbreaking, frustrating, badly timed and sometimes just downright funny. (Also ending up as the punchline to many a joke might I add... Don't use the sauna <img src="/img/smilies/graybigrazz.gif" alt=":P" class="middle" border="0"> )</p> <p>I have no doubt that I will be telling stories of Berlin down the line to friends that will begin with the words "When I was living in Berlin...."</p> <p>I just wish that I could have achieved a little more perhaps. I don't know what in particular but I suppose that is only natural to say when doing this kind of thing as we all would have liked to do just a little more.</p> <p>Overall its been a trip that was well worth making. This time next week I will be living in Northern Ireland. I am dreading learning yet another language (Belfastish) but I am welcoming the new opportunity to expand my horizons. </p> <p>I would like to live back here in Berlin someday. As to when that day will be, I can not say.</p> <p>Peace out y'all </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/08/31/the-last-week-6861138/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>goodbyeleavingnorthern-irelandpartyberlinhttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/08/31/the-last-week-6861138/#commentshttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/08/23/random-rundown-of-the-weekends-sport-6803852/tag:berlinlights.blog.co.uk,2009-08-23:/2009/08/23/random-rundown-of-the-weekends-sport-6803852/Sun, 23 Aug 2009 21:45:14 +0200 <p><strong>Rugby: </strong><br> I followed the Australia vs New Zealand in the vain hope that Australia would be able to revive some credibility. 79 min penalty to New Zealand. Bastards. I lost my shit over that.</p> <p><strong>Football:</strong><br> Hertha played today and lost. I'm glad that I wasn't expecting anything out of this season because it looks like they are well and truly f$%ked. I have been tipping quite well in the past few weeks. I predicted the results for this pass weekend of football, even the Hoffenheim vs Schalke score. Everyone had schalke by 3.. ha . There was one MAJOR upset this week though... Mainz vs Bayern Munich. 2-1... Hilarious.. looks like they will need another new manager in leiderhosen by the middle of the season.</p> <p>Westham hd a good old fashion slug with Spurs but lost to what looks like is going to be the team to beat this year. If you can believe that... I must say that no matter how much I hate them, Everton is going to have to do something soon otherwise the loosing streak is going to be hard to break. Their next game is against Wigan and after that lesson from Manchester Utd this week, I am hoping that Wigan will be on their game. But I suppose if Everton go from the Premier League it means Liverpool will have more room for a new stadium <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Speaking of Liverpool, I can't believe that Voronin (Returned this season after loan to Hertha BSC) got on the pitch for them last week and I believe that he is in the team for tomorrow as well. But tomorrows game against Villa will be a cracker, I hope.</p> <p>I know its only very early in the season but things are already starting to look interesting on the table</p> <p><strong>Cricket:</strong><br> Well I don't particularly want to talk about this. I'm sure that the English players were brought off for the previous test just so Australia could save some face. But credit where credit is due and congrats to the English team for taking the ashes despite fair-weather support from your countrymen.</p> <p><strong>F1</strong><br> The European Grand Prix held in Valencia resulted in a good battle today. Barrichello took the win from Hamilton after a mix up during Hamiltons last pit stop when his tires were not ready for him when he arrived in the pits. Although revised timing says that Barrichello would have taken the race without the pit mix-up, I tend to think that if Hamilton could have put pressure on Rubens in the final laps the result could have been quite different. But thats the way it goes sometimes. Webber finished 9th but maintains 2nd position on the points after Jensen Button. The next race is in only a week in Belgium at Spa and with the drivers championship pretty close it will be interesting to see if Barrichello can back up and get some more points to put pressure on the leaders. This was Barrichellos first win in 5 years. He naturally seemed like a pretty happy guy after winning and dedicated his victory to Filipe Masa, his fellow country man. On the same subject, Masa's replacement Luca Badoer did actually manage to finish the race. He came in 2nd last and was lapped but at least Ferrari can use the car again so I guess its a win for all concerned.</p> <p>Anyway This was a random rant from my life of sport. I hope that you all had a great weekend and didn't get into too much trouble, because no matter how cool it may seem, paying bail is never cool. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/08/23/random-rundown-of-the-weekends-sport-6803852/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>rugbysportfootballcricketf1http://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/08/23/random-rundown-of-the-weekends-sport-6803852/#commentshttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/08/03/technology-6645114/tag:berlinlights.blog.co.uk,2009-08-03:/2009/08/03/technology-6645114/Mon, 03 Aug 2009 20:43:49 +0200 <p>I am beginning to hate technology. </p> <p>First of all chat programs. You can't see or hear the person and therefore don't get a good feel for what is said. Seeing as most of what is "said" is through visual communication, conversations can easily go south...</p> <p>Second. Facebook. I was venting last night about a phone call I got from Australia. I called someone an unstable bitch. A bit harsh? Definitely. However this person does not posses a Facebook account nor the ability to do so. It was done so that no-one could know who I was talking about and lets face it, we all think this about somepeople sometimes. It was wrong but I was venting and changed my status quickly afterward. Anyway to the crux of the matter. A certain female in Berlin though that this was about her. She used a chat program (see above)to contact me and ask me why she is an unstable bitch. </p> <p>I was quite bewildered as to how she could think it was her. Anyway she let go some of the feelings that she must have been holding in about me for some time and didn't she let me know... We had had a chat conversation (see above) a short time before I got the phone call and it was a bit weird and it has been for the past week due to her not answering her phone and always making plans with me then canceling them to go out with other friends. Something that does piss me off as I schedule it in then get stuck with my finger up my ass on any given day while she is out with her friends. But I have come to accept this as a standard part of who she is.</p> <p>Anyway back to the conversation, she didn't accept that it was not about her and proceeded to give me a written tirade about how I react and that this is not the first time this has happened but she felt that she must say something. It takes a lot for me to tell someone that they are pissing me off and even more to shout at them. She said that this is the reason she is not answering my "lines" which I take to be "messages." What about last week when I was away and needed something off the internet or help with something. Phone calls throughout the week went unanswered... So she must have been pissed before this. She did answer an email giving me some info that I requested and explained that she hasn't been near the phone, which is a load of crap but I didn't say anything because I assumed that she might have been in a bad mood or trouble at home or something. I let alot slide but now I must vent this.</p> <p>Originally I was just confused at the whole thing but now as I write this it is starting to make me angry. As someone that I have helped out with numerous assignments and questions when needed, even when it meant that I lost a significant amount of sleep, I feel cheated. She has got what she needed out of me and now I can be tossed away with the rest of the rubbish.</p> <p>Now that I have vented I feel better. She is someone that I would do alot for without question but fear that she is lost now. And has made up her mind about whatever she wants to think.</p> <p>My advice to young players... don't write anything on Facebook that is negative because this sort of confusion will happen. </p> <p>This is just the latest in a string of shit happenings. Spent a long time in hospital and rehab for a kaput back, lost my job, house got robbed and so on... I am just thinking that I must be saving some serious Karma points here. I must be going to win the lotto soon... I am trying to put a happy face on it all but I think that this is the straw. It is supposed to be winter that is shit in Berlin, not summer.</p> <p>Anyway I hope all is going well in your worlds. Just remember, if its not on, its not on. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/08/03/technology-6645114/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>crazyberlinshithad-enoughkarmawomenhttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/08/03/technology-6645114/#commentshttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/05/30/this-is-a-little-song-called-i-m-always-in-love-6203516/tag:berlinlights.blog.co.uk,2009-05-30:/2009/05/30/this-is-a-little-song-called-i-m-always-in-love-6203516/Sat, 30 May 2009 17:16:15 +0200 <p>Blogging... yeah. Nick is playing the G-tar, Stephen and I are drinking even though I am on some cool pills. Trying to outlast the rain and the pain from the defeat of Everton in the FA cup final. Stephen is leaving, because my blog is so awful. Its time to leave Stephen, its stopped raining. Its not quite but I'm heading out anyway. Ok hes gone.. Im outa here too.. have a good one </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/05/30/this-is-a-little-song-called-i-m-always-in-love-6203516/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>beerdrunkgermanyhttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/05/30/this-is-a-little-song-called-i-m-always-in-love-6203516/#commentshttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/05/26/i-just-have-to-share-this-6182300/tag:berlinlights.blog.co.uk,2009-05-26:/2009/05/26/i-just-have-to-share-this-6182300/Tue, 26 May 2009 20:55:23 +0200 <p>I found this page while getting my daily fill of wiki. It touts itself as the "Trustworthy" encyclopedia. It was setup to counter Wiki's alleged left wing bias. I think it is just a page so that right-wingers can have a rant.<br> <a href="http://www.conservapedia.com/Main_Page">Conservapedia</a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/05/26/i-just-have-to-share-this-6182300/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>crapscre-tacticsright-winghttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/05/26/i-just-have-to-share-this-6182300/#commentshttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/05/14/women-6116513/tag:berlinlights.blog.co.uk,2009-05-14:/2009/05/14/women-6116513/Thu, 14 May 2009 19:36:51 +0200 <p>Women... huh... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/05/14/women-6116513/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>womenhttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/05/14/women-6116513/#commentshttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/02/14/trip-so-far-5573967/tag:berlinlights.blog.co.uk,2009-02-14:/2009/02/14/trip-so-far-5573967/Sat, 14 Feb 2009 18:30:40 +0100 <p>Well I have made it to the ugly city that is Frankfurt. Not very impressed at all. Looks more like communism than the whole of Romania put together, except there are advertising posters everywhere without the hammer and sickle.</p> <p>Currently on the free wireless at Frankfurt airport and charging my iPhone at the same time... So I guess this blog is just me biding my time until the battery is full.</p> <p>The trip on the ICE was rather pleasant. The coffee on the train was terrible but I accepted that due to the ample amount of leg room. I used to have an aversion to train travel but now I am willing to travel by train as an acceptable alternative to flying.</p> <p>I got the half time score of the Hertha vs Bayern game whilst on board via a friend sending me an email from the stadium. The guy next to me asked what the score was and proceeded to tell all the people in the carriage (which was filled with southern Germans.) News didn't go down to well and as I feared for my life at that point I neglected to mention that I have a season ticket for Hertha (even though I have been a Bayern fan since conception.)</p> <p>I must say that for Valentines day, I have only seen 1 display of affection today. That would be the young German couple sitting opposite me sucking each others tongues out. I am trying to look away but I am just so confused as to how that ugly bastard got his supermodel looking girlfriend. Big wallet...? or big something else maybe.... Heart?</p> <p>Anyway I will head off and spend some money at the duty free getting some presents for the family that I have had a whole year to purchase and that now I have left until the last 4 hours.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/02/14/trip-so-far-5573967/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>germanyvalentines-dayeuropeansberlinairporthttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/02/14/trip-so-far-5573967/#commentshttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/02/13/australia-here-i-come-5569176/tag:berlinlights.blog.co.uk,2009-02-13:/2009/02/13/australia-here-i-come-5569176/Fri, 13 Feb 2009 22:35:23 +0100 <p>Well, it's less than 24 hours until the big trip. Everything is booked, sorted, cleaned (due to Australian quarantine) and packed. I am not as excited about going home this time as I was the last. Don't get me wrong I am looking forward to seeing my family and friends for the first time in 12 months but I see this as my scouting trip for moving back to Aus for good. A bit sad maybe but I suppose it had to happen one day.</p> <p>But I won't dwell on that... for now. I have been trying to work out the best way to recover quickly from jet-lag. Last time it took me a good 7 days before I was fully on Aus time. This time I hope to make it 3-4 days. The chances you ask... Well for the first time, ever, I managed to sleep on the plane back from Ireland. I don't know if it was because I was so sick or drunk but it broke my jinx of not sleeping on planes. This time I hope to get sleep on the way back which must surely help me... To those of you that may want to know, I have always stayed awake for the 48 hour trip to and from Europe, even when I was just 4 years old.</p> <p>I watched a program a few years ago that tested people flying from Aus to the US. Long story short, the people that slept when they felt like it recovered better than people that took sleeping pills to sleep the whole flight, those that slept according to the time zone that they were traveling to or the people that stayed awake throughout the whole flight.</p> <p>So here goes nothing. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/02/13/australia-here-i-come-5569176/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>australiatiredjet-lagsleephttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/02/13/australia-here-i-come-5569176/#commentshttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/02/12/random-crap-5562688/tag:berlinlights.blog.co.uk,2009-02-12:/2009/02/12/random-crap-5562688/Thu, 12 Feb 2009 21:51:15 +0100 <p>Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at an Elingsh uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht frist and lsat ltteer is at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae we do not raed ervey lteter by itslef but the wrod as a wlohe. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/02/12/random-crap-5562688/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>wordscrazyhttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/02/12/random-crap-5562688/#commentshttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/02/07/flying-back-home-5524800/tag:berlinlights.blog.co.uk,2009-02-07:/2009/02/07/flying-back-home-5524800/Sat, 07 Feb 2009 13:21:08 +0100 <p>One week from now I will be heading back to Australia. I am looking forward to it. Getting back to the heat, sun and family. Not looking forward to the two days travel but I guess that's the price I have to pay for being born in Australia and living in Berlin.</p> <p>I tried to arrange flights from Berlin to Frankfurt to catch my connection to Australia but it means that I would have to wait 14 hours in Frankfurt airport... Not going to happen. I once spent 8 1/2 hours in Sydney airport waiting for a connection to Brisbane. So I have decided to travel by train. DB will be my chauffeur and my limo will be the ICE. Never traveled on it but I hear good things.</p> <p>Its been pretty hot back home, in case you haven't seen on the TV. 47.5 degrees, nice. To add to that 2/3 of Queensland is under flood waters. To give you a rough guide as to how big the state is ; Queensland 1,730,648 km2, GB 241,590 km2. So thats about 7 times the size of GB and 2/3 of that is under water. Why are the Poms complaining about snow? There are snow ploughs, there are no water ploughs.</p> <p>Anyway, I am on a mission to get alcohol from Australia for a party tonight. I have no idea where I am going to find some here in Berlin but have been given the name of a bottle shop in P'Berg to try. If i am unsuccessful then I will just have to stick an Aussie label on a bottle of Becks.</p> <p>I am so proud of myself that it wasn't 4 months since my last post. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Hope all is well with you lot. Talk to you later.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/02/07/flying-back-home-5524800/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>partyfloodberlinaustraliaheatalcoholhttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/02/07/flying-back-home-5524800/#commentshttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/01/25/141-days-5443163/tag:berlinlights.blog.co.uk,2009-01-25:/2009/01/25/141-days-5443163/Sun, 25 Jan 2009 14:58:48 +0100 <p>141 Days, Roughly 4 1/2 months, 3384 hours, 203040 minutes or 12182400 seconds since my last post. My excuse? I am lazy, I will attempt to get back into it. What has happened since then?</p> <p>These are not necessarily in order. Well they are sort of, they way they came out of my head.</p> <p>A good mate of mine was killed in the Ghan. I lived with him for 1 1/2 years in the Royal Military College. It was a real shock for us (as you can expect.) I took it hard but have managed to come to grips with it. I will always remember my mate Lt Michael "Ginger Ninja" Fussell.</p> <p>Well broke up with the girlfriend. She is 8 years older than me, wanting a husband and despite the fantastic sex we enjoyed, I just cant cope with a hippie, drama queen girlfriend (wife). </p> <p>Had a major allergic reaction to pineapple that was in a cocktail I was drinking when I was out one night with friends. So bad that I chucked everywhere, collapsed and got rushed to hospital. Thanks to my friends that were with me and drugs (medical) I am here today. I have had to put up with the pineapple jokes but I guess that's better than not being around to hear them. Its never a dull night when I am around or so i have been told.</p> <p>Went on a diet. I am still on it and going to the gym most days. So far I think i have lost 15 kgs. I say I think because i don't weigh myself that often and am aiming for the "Do I look good in the mirror test." So far the results are good and I am feeling much better for it. I am on a major exercise kick right now because I am going back to Australia for a holiday in 3 weeks and want to be able to lay on the beech without Greenpeace trying to push me back out to sea.</p> <p>Obama won the presidency. Must say I have a pretty much a "Don't care" attitude towards America in general but something seemed different so I actually went to an election night party for the Berlin Democrats. Nothing was decided while I was there due to the time difference but the early results showed clearly who was in charge. Unfortunately for a lot of hippies here nothing changed overnight, there are still wars and famine and the world wasn't holding hands and singing "Coombyah" together. However now that he is in charge officially now lets give him a year to see how he handles himself. I for one am hopeful.</p> <p>Went to Ireland on the invite of two friends with another mate for Christmas. Managed to make a fool of myself a few times and got to meet the mayor on the first day at a Christmas concert (I was very drunk when this happened.) Got a photo to prove it too. I had an absolutely wonderful time. I think it may have been the best holiday of my life.</p> <p>Two friends left Berlin to re-settle in Ireland. The two that I stayed with for my holiday went back last week for good and I am going to miss them dearly.</p> <p>Luck with the ladies. Well its been pouring women in my area. Don't really know why... Maybe the weight loss, certainly not my winning personality but whatever it is, its working.</p> <p>I managed to consume large amounts of alcohol up until new years. I think there is some liver damage (See Ireland holiday a bit above.) Have really restricted the amount of drinking I have been doing since returning from Ireland. Except for one Wednesday night two weeks ago, I have probably consumed the equivalent of 2 bottles of wine and 8 beers. I don't know if this has to do with my diet thing, the fact of my horrid farts and passing's relating to Guinness that I was drinking in Ireland or that I just don't feel like drinking to excess anymore.</p> <p>Started rock climbing again. Went with three girls to a place on the other side of Berlin and had my ego bruised almost beyond repair when I displayed my inability to negotiate some walls. A couple more weeks and I will get the hang of it again (excuse the pun.) When I stop feeling like my upper body had a run in with a tank, I will be sure to let you know although it could be a while.</p> <p>Job offers. I have had a few recently that look rather attractive. But this means that I would have to relocate back to Australia. Although the money is good, I am unwilling to do this at the moment.</p> <p>Managed to see Hertha BSC (Berlins football team) climb to an unbelievable third place before the winter break. I'm not too sure how long it will last but I am hopeful of a top five finish this year. Last year they actually made it into first position for about 24 hours before finishing the season in the middle of the table.</p> <p>Started a new job working at a kindergarten. Job is great. So easy. Apart from the occasional kick in the nuts from a 3 year old is by far the easiest and most relaxed job I have ever had.</p> <p>Caught up on Movies and TV shows. Long neglected shows like BSG, Scrubs and South Park have once again been my motivation for viewing. Also have liked a couple of new movies like, Marley and Me, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and How to Lose Friends & Alienate People.</p> <p>Well that will about do for me today... I can't honestly say when the next time I will post something on here but I hope its soon.</p> <p>Thanks for all those with the patience to still have me in their contacts. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/01/25/141-days-5443163/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>drinkingfitnesswomenfootballgermanychristmashttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2009/01/25/141-days-5443163/#commentshttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2008/09/05/toys-4687549/tag:berlinlights.blog.co.uk,2008-09-05:/2008/09/05/toys-4687549/Fri, 05 Sep 2008 21:00:10 +0200 <p>Im sitting here drinking listening to Rampage cry about life on the balcony of my mates place. After a few drinks things are pretty good, just thought that I would keep in touch. How's life in your guys world? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2008/09/05/toys-4687549/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>beerbalconyrampagehttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2008/09/05/toys-4687549/#commentshttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2008/08/25/holiday-4633921/tag:berlinlights.blog.co.uk,2008-08-25:/2008/08/25/holiday-4633921/Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:16:51 +0200 <p>I need a holiday... When I get paid I am off to somewhere nice... After paying some people back that is... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2008/08/25/holiday-4633921/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>holidayhttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2008/08/25/holiday-4633921/#commentshttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2008/07/12/25-and-video-games-4438436/tag:berlinlights.blog.co.uk,2008-07-12:/2008/07/12/25-and-video-games-4438436/Sat, 12 Jul 2008 14:21:03 +0200 <p>Im 25 and I still love video games, is there something wrong with me? I grew up with them from a young age having all the nintendo and sega consoles... and an atari if I remember correctly. Rampage made a good observation that video games are aimed at adults now so its all cool. That means I have been targeted by game producers since I was young and still continue to be even though their target market has changed. Will my generation be the first in the retirement home to have 3d battles around the halls with other geriatrics...? Probably. And you know what... that sounds cool to me. As long as I dont throw my hip out doing it. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2008/07/12/25-and-video-games-4438436/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>funoldvideo-gameshttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2008/07/12/25-and-video-games-4438436/#commentshttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2008/07/10/a-fallen-mate-4428624/tag:berlinlights.blog.co.uk,2008-07-10:/2008/07/10/a-fallen-mate-4428624/Thu, 10 Jul 2008 10:06:14 +0200 <p>RIP Sean McCarthy</p> <p>They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:<br> Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.<br> At the going down of the sun and in the morning<br> We will remember them. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2008/07/10/a-fallen-mate-4428624/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>armysasfriendafghanistanhttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2008/07/10/a-fallen-mate-4428624/#commentshttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2008/07/04/things-i-miss-4402033/tag:berlinlights.blog.co.uk,2008-07-04:/2008/07/04/things-i-miss-4402033/Fri, 04 Jul 2008 10:22:43 +0200 <p>Things I miss about my old life...</p> <p>Not being able to buy anything that I want when I want... and requiring to save money to buy food etc. I never had this problem in my old job, as I was paid rather well...</p> <p>My car. Ohhh my sporty red little Mitsubishi MR Lancer. I miss you baby... We used to have so much fun speeding down outback highways... *crying* I shed a tear for you, but at least I know the person you went to will look after you... <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>My family. Not being able to take my car <img src="/img/smilies/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" class="middle" border="0"> and drive to see them on the weekends or if I was living in another city it was a Friday afternoon flight back to Brisbane for the weekend.</p> <p>My Army mates. Miss them alot. Havn't had a party like we used to have since I left. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" class="middle" border="0"> Although I do like my friends here because we do have good parties. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Respect. I used to be pretty good at my job.. I presume. Now I am just someone who has no credentials except for whats written on a piece of paper. And as such people dont listen to me like they used to... I dont mean to sound power hungry here but if you want advice on something, I dont care if you do what I suggest, but at least listen to me and any experience or opinions I may have, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ASK FOR IT!!!</p> <p>I miss much more but I think that this will do for the moment..</p> <p>Peace Out </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2008/07/04/things-i-miss-4402033/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>brisbaneold-timeshttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2008/07/04/things-i-miss-4402033/#commentshttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2008/07/03/omg-4396944/tag:berlinlights.blog.co.uk,2008-07-03:/2008/07/03/omg-4396944/Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:19:20 +0200 <p><a href="http://gizmodo.com/5018552/regular-russian-city-immortalizes-enema-with-42000-statue-held-aloft-by-angels">Well here is what crazy ex-commies will do for a laugh</a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2008/07/03/omg-4396944/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>enemahttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2008/07/03/omg-4396944/#commentshttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2008/07/02/been-a-little-while-again-4394798/tag:berlinlights.blog.co.uk,2008-07-02:/2008/07/02/been-a-little-while-again-4394798/Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:35:28 +0200 <p>OK sorry I know its been a while but lack of computer access and my laziness is to blame.</p> <p>Whats happened.. in a nut shell... a nut has grown.</p> <p>Been playing football.. and actually getting better. I can now run the length of the pitch with only 1 drinks break.</p> <p>Too many problems with choosing which woman I want. Argghh what ever happened to beggars cant be choosers?</p> <p>Moved alot of furniture. Moved a few people, got to drive a truck again.. yay and got to drive on the crazy side of the road through Berlin... <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Been working a fair bit and am currently procrastinating writing e-mails for camps... but I know as soon as I am done with sending stupid eggs that hatch on facebook I will do it... (Got to do all the important stuff first.)</p> <p>Applied first aid to a few people <a href="http://berlin2007.blog.co.uk/">Rampage </a>for example and yet still ahve to do another first aid course.. hummm. If it wasn't for me Rampie would have lost the leg im sure... hehehe</p> <p>Done alot of training for work... Although it has been most informative and did answer all the questions I wanted...</p> <p>Made an ass of myself at work. Trying to help out... Crash and burn Maveric</p> <p>Drank alot of beer during the Euro Football Championships... Way too much.. so I have given up since Sunday</p> <p>Cant wait until summer camps so that I can get outa Berlin for a while... <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>That should about do for now.. lots of facebook before I can write these e-mails</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2008/07/02/been-a-little-while-again-4394798/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>germanyfootballbeerfunberlinhttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2008/07/02/been-a-little-while-again-4394798/#commentshttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2008/06/02/whats-going-on-4257213/tag:berlinlights.blog.co.uk,2008-06-02:/2008/06/02/whats-going-on-4257213/Mon, 02 Jun 2008 08:34:48 +0200 <p>Well I havn't written in a while. Its because I have been quite busy and lacking the energy to do so. So here is a short rap of whats happened in the past week. 5 Nights of drunken partying. 2 Games of football played. 1 Game of football seen (Could have been 3) 2 HOT chicks phone numbers.. Bulgarian or Polish, decisions, decisions.... 1 Art gallery repainted white and .3 kilo lost.</p> <p>That about sums it up. Cheers for now. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2008/06/02/whats-going-on-4257213/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2008/06/02/whats-going-on-4257213/#commentshttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2008/04/24/feeling-a-bit-better-4087473/tag:berlinlights.blog.co.uk,2008-04-24:/2008/04/24/feeling-a-bit-better-4087473/Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:09:20 +0200 <p>Well after what can only be called a shit week. I am feeling a bit better, thanks to my friends, a haircut and way too much beer.</p> <p>Thanks</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2008/04/24/feeling-a-bit-better-4087473/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2008/04/24/feeling-a-bit-better-4087473/#commentshttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2008/04/10/the-gym-update-4025481/tag:berlinlights.blog.co.uk,2008-04-10:/2008/04/10/the-gym-update-4025481/Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:16:44 +0200 <p>Well I made it through my first gym session since I left the Army and I am still alive. I feel great actually. My arms are feeling a little ... humm whats the right word... lethargic.??? </p> <p>Anyway after 2 hours I thought that I had had enough for my first day back in the slog. Not a bad place really. There was a whole mix of people there. From the standard "I work out 19 times a week" guys, to the "I purchased a membership but I only use it once a month" women. There was a couple of pretty good looking girls that had absolutley no need to be there. I think that they go to get out of the house for a while while their husbands are at work. </p> <p>The staff are friendly (although don't speak a word of English) but I wasn't really expecting them to. They walk around correcting peoples technique on the weight machines, which is important given that you can do some serious damage if you use some of those bastard the wrong way.</p> <p>They have their own in-house TV channel too. It plays the standard up-beat dance music to get you pumping. They also show clips from random things as well. I watched truck rally crashes, skateboarders eating concrete and the red bull air races.</p> <p>Much more than I expected to get for the price. €16.50 per month. Not too bad considering that the other gyms I went to wanted €40+, one even wanted €72.50 per month. I had to control myself from laughting my way outa there. Anyho.. Thats all for now I will let you know how it goes... If I can get outa bed tomorrow. Ciao </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2008/04/10/the-gym-update-4025481/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>workoutgymfitnesshttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2008/04/10/the-gym-update-4025481/#commentshttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2008/04/10/the-gym-4024623/tag:berlinlights.blog.co.uk,2008-04-10:/2008/04/10/the-gym-4024623/Thu, 10 Apr 2008 10:50:43 +0200 <p>OK I signed up tp a gym yesterday. Now I am getting ready to go kill myself... in a workout I mean. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2008/04/10/the-gym-4024623/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>fitnessgymhttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2008/04/10/the-gym-4024623/#commentshttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2008/04/07/german-dance-clubs-and-spong-bob-4009314/tag:berlinlights.blog.co.uk,2008-04-07:/2008/04/07/german-dance-clubs-and-spong-bob-4009314/Mon, 07 Apr 2008 11:25:35 +0200 <p>While I was out on Friday, in the club I heard the stangest thing. Now I am unsure wheather it was the alcohol or extacy everyone else was on but when they play the Spong Bob Square Pants theme (In German of course) in the club and everyone goes mental with excitement I have to think that there is something wrong. Don't you? Perhaps Sponge Bob had subconcious lyrics and they have all been brainwashed into buying a certain type of soap. Whatever the answer is.. it is disturbing. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2008/04/07/german-dance-clubs-and-spong-bob-4009314/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>clubsspong-bobdancegermanypartyhttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2008/04/07/german-dance-clubs-and-spong-bob-4009314/#commentshttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2008/04/07/friday-night-date-4009255/tag:berlinlights.blog.co.uk,2008-04-07:/2008/04/07/friday-night-date-4009255/Mon, 07 Apr 2008 11:12:21 +0200 <p>Well, after an anxious week I finally had the date (Her name was Michelle as I found out.) Total disaster. She showed up 30 mins late (kind of expected though, she is a girl.) She wasn't in a good mood from the start, but we went to dinner anyway. I asked her what was wrong.. she said "Nothing is wrong" which obviously means that "Everything is wrong" (I know womens vocab.) </p> <p>Anyway after a very one sided dinner conversation she wanted to go to a club. So we went and after loosing her for 30 mins and finding her outside where she had obviously been crying she suggested that we go back to my place. We went back and were getting into bed and I asked her again what is going on. She explained to me that the day we met she had broken up with her boyfriend and thought that having a date with me would get him out of her head. Good idea - NOT</p> <p>So we talked (and she cried) for a while and then she said that she had to go home. Because it was 2am I offered for her to stay the night.. no strings attached but she said that because she had embarrased herself too much that she couldn't face me and had to go home.</p> <p>I told her to call me when she feels better. I would have liked to have said "Call me when you straiten yourself out", but somehow I don't think it translates that well. I am not expecting nor wanting her call. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2008/04/07/friday-night-date-4009255/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>datewomencrazyberlinhttp://berlinlights.blog.co.uk/2008/04/07/friday-night-date-4009255/#comments