Sometimes I feel like things can get a bit "work, work, work - sleep, sleep, sleep" around here, with nary a spot of fun in-between.
However... Summer is a time for play, and the call of the warm evenings is irresistible. Unless you're a millionaire with a private jet, warm weather is a once-a-year occasion, and it needs to be enjoyed. So, set a slacking-off regime and stick to it diligently. I've provided a few suggestions to get you started:
1. To watch:
David Attenborough's "Frozen Planet"
Nobody wants to watch a documentary after a long day squinting at a computer. Accordingly, I was loathe to get stuck in to David Attenborough's latest offering. However, beneath the boring (nay, frosty) exterior is gorgeous, heart-warming, heart-breaking and engaging arctic tale. It's a serious must for animal-lovers, dog-lovers (seals do look a bit like pups) and anyone who's forgotten that there's a big wide world out there. (Especially recommended for a good laugh and cry after a hard day, with a glass/bottle of wine).
Our Idiot Brother
Another heartwarming tale - this time of the cinematic orientation.
I don't want to say any more in case I ruin it.
2. To eat:
$6 baguette at Rue Bebelon, Melbourne
This little baby hasn't changed price, or deliciousness, in about 5 years. Choose your filling (I like pastrami) and the friendly staff will stuff it into a delicious and huge, chewy baguette. In the middle of a work day, it feels like some kind of brown-paper-wrapped victory. Yum!!
Snags done extra special
Heralded by the beer-and-BBQ at Riverland, Melbournian eateries seem to have been slowly won over by the humble sausage sizzle.
The rumblings reached a climax this sunny-season, with the introduction of The Snag Stand from Sydney, as well as the mobile Le Sausage.
However, if you remain a steadfast traditionalist, maybe try a sausage roll at your local petrol station...Or not.
3. To drink:
Iced coffee
"Skim milk latte" you say?
No more!!
These days, I prefer my coffee with ice, sugar and a dash of milk. It's like a holiday-in-a-cup. Probably a bit worse for you - but so much more funnnn!!
4. To wear:
Boy-meets-girl
I have a confession... I had a fling this spring.
It was just for few hours - mere minutes even - in the womenswear section of Myer.
=Sigh=
Fine, fine....It was DION LEE.
I COULDN'T HELP IT!!
But we met, we mingled and then we parted ways. Let's just say that my savings plan and the gorgeous, deconstructed business shirts just couldn't have a long-term relationship. (Have a look at their website here - the show in the very distinctive Sydney Opera House is mesmerising).
Eventually however, I found long-term love with Cue, whose boyish pointed collars and fine tailoring won me over. Long term.
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| Prim collars and tea, please |
5. To do
Build some brain
Let's face it: we don't know everything and we never will. On the plus-side, that leaves a lot of things to learn, many of them very fun.
I started a short-term course at the Centre for Adult Education in Melbourne this week and I think that I'm addicted.
Some other short courses that I've been eyeing off in Melbourne:
Sewing classes at the Thread Den;
Paddleboard lessons;
Swedish massage (mmmmm...)
