Ski 2001

Perisher August 2001

I took a week off work to go skiing with my cousins and their friends (12 of us in all 4 cars). It was the first time for me on skis, so I made sure I got lessons. It's not easy as they make it look but I managed to pick it up quickly after two lessons. Every morning we'd get up early, have breakfast, then make our way to Perisher, where we would then split up, so that those that could ski, could go on the harder runs while I stayed on the beginner slopes at Blue Cow, until I had enough confidence to tackle the intermediate slopes.

On the last day of skiing, the other girls and guys managed to convince me to try some traversing. It wasn't too bad. I managed to keep up with them, unlike my cousin, Evan, who was on a snowboard and had to turn back halfway on the first run after stacking it. Anyway, I had a go of all the different chairlifts, did a lot of s-bends and v-stops and was enjoying myself until I got cocky. While going down a run called "Bloody Mary" I managed to run into a wooden fence, or should I say the fence stopped me from going too fast. No blood, broken bones or fractured ankles, but a very damaged pride and a ripped jacket. I was doing so well up until that point, but as they say, if you fall over, you pick yourself up and try again..well I picked myself up, finished the run, went back up the slope and quit...once was enough.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

April 2001

Visited Kuala Lumpur for 2 weeks with my sisters, Janet, Lily and her family and Veronica. Stayed at the same timeshare resort as last year, Duta Vista.

The holiday started off horribly when Darren and Justin left one of their backpacks in the back of the taxi that took us to the resort. Easter showbags, books and two new swatch watches which their mum had bought for them for their Confirmation went with the bag. With so many of us, we didn't notice the bag was missing until we had checked in. By that time the taxi had driven off. With only the name of the driver to go on..we didn't see that bag again.

Anyway, after that the boys just wanted to go home. But with shopping, swimming, and eating, they soon put the incident behind them. We visited the Mi Valley Mega Mall, which is the biggest shopping centre in KL. Spent a few days walking the various shops and shopping centres. Travel to and from the resort was in taxis. Managed to buy myself a whole new summer wardrobe. Visited the Bangsar night markets with lots of food stalls and other nic nacs for sale. Otherwise just relaxed, swimming and lazing by the resort pool.

2001 Corporate Dragonboat Races

18 March 2001 Corporate Games at Penrith Rowing Centre

After all the fun that was had the first time around, I put myself back into the boat and rowed for AAPT in the Corporate Games Dragon Boat Races.

Since I had roped in Veronica to row for Burwood Council, she thought to see fit that I return the favour by rowing for her company, AAPT.

Several practice sessions on the weekends at Black Wattle Bay and we were rowing like professionals, NOT!

 No idea how we ended up being strokers/pacers for the team, but this is how I got my start into dragonboating after resisting all attempts by my cousins to join their group ACCA. Didn't manage to get any trophies, but we improved with every race, giving it all in the finals to be pipped at the post.

 The whole family turned up to support us bringing along a picnic lunch.

 Here's Kaylene munching on a corn.

 And below are photos of the ACCA dragonboat team

I've Had the Climb of My Life

On Sunday 4th March, I celebrated my birthday by climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge with a group of friends.

Sunday morning, I along with Veronica (who also shares the same birthdate, took a jet boat ride on the Sydney Harbour with Harbour Jets. Lots of thrills, but no spills, just a bit of a drenching.

Then we stopped for lunch at Cockle Bay with some of Veronica's friends. After which we made our way down to The Rocks at 2.30pm to meet up with my friends from work and an old school friends, Christina, who I was delighted to see.

As we got suited up in our distinctive grey coveralls, excitement was building. Sitting in our groups being debriefed, we could not wait to get going. Soon we were on our way up the bridge pylon and making our way over 1,500 metre sof steel as we ventured across catwalks, ladders and arches. We wondered at the courage of the men who built the Bridge, with the guide telling us stories of incidents that happened when the bridge was built.

As we climbed before us lay a spectacular 360 degree view of one of the greatest harbours, Sydney Harbour.  It was a clear day and we could see as far as the Blue Mountains.

Chinese New Year Corporate Dragon Boat Racing 2001

Darling Harbour 4th February 2001

For the first time since I've been working at Burwood Library, the Burwood Council decided to enter the Dragon Boat racing competition for the Chinese New Year Festival.

Having never paddled before, I decided that I should try out this new sport, so volunteered my services. I also managed to round up other family members, Veronica, Nathan, Renee and Belinda.

A lot of first timers, so you can imagine - we had a few quick dry session runs, from some experts that were roped in by my Library Manager, John Cumberford - but we didn't come first, as we were all hoping for.  Most memorable moment was watching John's girlfriend/partner wearing high platforms and a dress in the boat paddling.