drewiquin

!!!!!!!!!
Asif my below post isn't enough to make all of my wet dreams come true..
SOMEHOW someone has managed to top my excitement...

REEL BIG FISH
Supported by LESS THAN JAKE & STREETLIGHT MANIFESTO
DECEMBER 14th
CAPITOL


!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Entertaining weekend, so I figured I might elaborate on my previous entry a little.
Drove down to Busselton on friday at midday with Ray. We went straight to the dive shop in Bunbury to pickup a couple of extra tanks.. well.. we ended up leaving with:

1x Aqualung Pro QD I3 BCD (to test)
2x Brand new prototype spearguns (had to fill out a bunch of confidential docos and whatnot) (to test)
1x Oceanic Expedition BCD (to test)

Spent 2 hours in the shop, chatting with the owner, and wandering around. We eventually made it to Busselton and bought a couple of cartons of booze (the new redback "cristal" sucks, and "the cidery" apple cider is absolutely incredible).

We toyed with the idea of heading out for a dive but decided not to, so we played a bit of Wii and waited for Mick and Gibbs to arrive.

The next day we got up and headed out for a dive. Tested the new BCD (pro qd i3) and it was -awesome-, so I bought it. Was playing with the new gun and had issues loading it (it's a rubber gun, I usually use pneaumatics) because of the butt of the gun digging my wetsuit zip into my chest. So I went along and enjoyed the dive for what it was.. Came across a nice size dhuie and decided to attempt to load the gun again.. Then the dhuie vanished and I got this wierd sinking feeling over me... I look up to see (what I estimated at the time to be 3.5m, but thinking about it later... it was well over twice my size.. so 4-4.5m)a great white swim straight over my head from behind, about 2m up. It buzzed over, didn't even look back, and swam straight into the blue. Well.. to say that was unsettling (it appearing from behind, and right above my head) would be an understatement, so i surfaced and jumped back on the boat.. we followed ray's bubbles around till he surfaced and got him (and the boar fish he had just shot) into the boat nice and quickly.

We came in and did some jobs around the house after that and went to dinner that night at the Vasse (awesome food).

Next couple of days diving wasn't as notable unfortunately (but what would compare to one of the things i've always wanted to do?).

But I have many a new toy after spending too much time at coastal water dive!

1x new BCD (pro qd i3)
1x new set of regs/first stage (CDX5 with delta 4 reg)
1x new dive watch (mares nemo)
2x new pelaj shirts and a hat
1x loader for my pneaumatic gun, and new shot line for it.
1x new chest plate for my BC so i can get a rubber speargun (the test guns sold me)

not to mention buying a nokia n95 on friday

expensive expensive weekend :(
wallet feeling 4k lighter =(

But wouldn't trade that weekend for the world :D

bring on the goldcoast in 2 weeks!

1. Bad Religion - New Maps of Hell. One word: Incredible.
2. Reel Big Fish - Money for Nothin' & The Chimps for free. Pretty good :)
3. I'm now 23.
4. I bought a new BCD (diving vest), it's beautiful. Wallet feeling $900 lighter though :/
5. I can now scratch "Swimming with great white shark" off my things-to-do-before-i-die list. Unfortunately it wasn't quite how I had imagined I'd be doing it (ie. In a cage with a LOADED speargun.. not in open water, having all 3.5ish metres of it appear above my head from behind about 2m above me).. Nearly soiled new BCD :)
6. Buying sharkshield tomorrow :)

And I'd die in absolute bliss :)

After a quick moral debate, I caved in and downloaded the leaked Strung Out Album... I've already bought the preorder and a shirt.. so It's not like it's wrong. right?:p


And wow.
That is all.

Strung Out - Blackhawks over Los Angeles (12th June)
Bad Religion - New Maps of Hell (10th July)
Reel Big Fish - Monkeys For Nothin And The Chimps For Free (11th July - Happy b'day! :D)

that and the new harry potter book out on 21st July shall be cool!


WIN!

I'm back at that stage in my life where I'm questioning who I am, what I've done, and why I've done it. I really really don't enjoy it at all.
I know that everything I've done, or had done to me, has come down to my choices at some point. But I'm struggling to work out why.. or what i've done for this shit to keep happening to me?
Do I invite people to betray me? simply for the fact that i'll forgive them soon after? Because I try to please everyone? I don't get it.
I can't remember the last relationship or even fling, where I haven't felt used afterwards. I can't remember the last time I haven't been betrayed in a relationship, be it cheated on, or with the intent to cheat on. Am I constantly being played? Do I do something to deserve this? I could be completely wrong, but I think I treat the girls I'm with great. Maybe not? Am I missing something?

So anyway, I've just been to the movies with work, and I was sitting on the bus home talking with a girl from work, and her boyfriend. Great couple - Nice girl, Nice guy, and it got me thinking.. I haven't been that happy in a relationship for years. And only once have I ever felt as happy as they looked together, and it wasn't even a real relationship.

I know I'm young and blah blah, but are all the decent ones gone? Atleast the ones that'd go for me? My last 4 relationships have been complete failures. One of which was completely my fault.. The rest of which I don't think I deserved.

I'm still winding down from being hurt on the last one.. but it doesn't help having constant reminders. Staying somewhere which should have only been a temporary stay.. Constant messages begging me for explanations.. YOU DONT DESERVE ONE. People still tell me we should be together, even after a few weeks.. That we'll get married blah blah.. But how can I forgive them twice for the same thing which is effectively cheating? I didn't learn the first time.. I'd like to think I learnt the second. Apparently people assume that they know best for me though.. and that 'good ol' AB will just forgive her anyway'.. well guess what. Good ol' AB is in control of his own life, and is going to make his own choices. He's going to learn from past mistakes, and not forgive people so easily anymore. I've fucking had it with people thinking they can walk over me.

I've given enough up over the last year because of her, I'm not giving up anymore.
I barely go diving anymore, no Zone to unwind at, no peace at home now, and msot of all, I've lost contact with a lot of good mates. Something which I'm trying my best to rectify at the moment. All of these on account of her. Directly or not.

This is me claiming my life back.

this is a post

I thought I was immature. However, these last couple of weeks, and especially today, have been a real eye opener. What I don't get, is that in all of my friendship groups and all the people I know, I have never heard of people being as childish as has been described to me over the last couple of days. I know this is slightly hypocritical, because I certainly have my moments of anger, and I've been known to be a bit of a drama-queen at times. But the events that I've heard over the last few months is just frustrating.

What gets me more is that it seems to be whole social groups of people that have no idea how to be sensible. Whole groups of guys that act like 8yr old spoilt brats. Children who if they don't get their own way, will bring down the person that is refusing them. Children who will make up rumours and spread them around just to upset someone, or to force them back closer to them. As a rule, you WILL get found out, and believe it or not, it doesn't make you the good guy, it makes you pathetic.
So not only is it whole social groups who seem to feed off each others immaturity, but it seems to be from the same state. From this, I've been able to draw the conclusion that all eastern states boys, are fuckheads. I guess that sucks to be me, cause I'm one of them, or does Canberra not count?

Thankfully, this will all get better by the end of the week. The catalyst (for lack of a better word) will have moved over here, to be looked after by people who actually care about them. And I'm sure the gaggle of giggling school girls (also known as eastern states zone players) will move on to do something equally as pathetic as what they are doing now.

I am aware that this is all a massive generalisation, and for that I'm sorry. There have been a small amount of guys that actually seem like they have a clue about life, and if this offended you, then I'm sorry. For the people that this directed at, grow up or you'll be as miserable as you are now in 30 years time too.

Hugs and lollipops,
Drew.

These are all reasons why
I'll be exploding tonight
and why this chip on my shoulder
feels like a mile wide
it's from the overwork
overtime compromise

[Chorus:]
So I'm looking tonight
for some peace of mind
maybe then I'll find
Some strength inside
'cause I've lost any hope of ever changing
I'm a short fuse burning [x2]

And remember who I
who I used to be
Because this one-trick pony's
so strung on routine
yeah, stuck on repeat
like you wouldn't even believe

[Chorus]

Hey, everybody don't forget me
Forget me
Hey, everybody don't forget me
I forgot who I used to be
And I'm a short fuse burning
I'm so close to exploding
So everybody don't forget me
I forgot who I used to be

[Chorus]

Hey, everybody don't forget me
Forget me
Hey, everybody don't forget me
I forgot who I used to be
And I'm a short fuse burning
I'm so close to exploding
Hey, everybody don't forget me
I forgot who I used to be

I know everyone sets themselves goals, and often likes challenges. But I think the way I approach these things is quite different to most. Reflecting on it over the last few days, I think I have a twisted (almost perverse) obsession with challenging myself. I will always do things the hard way, regardless of which other paths lie ahead of me. No matter what the choice relates to.. Be it work, hobbies, relationships, money, etc.. I will -always- choose the road that is uncertain, the one that is not straight forward, the one with more surprises and thrills, more ups and downs, regardless of what it does to me during the time, THAT road must be the best one to take because I don't know how it ends.. Why do things normally?

On a completely different note, what is the deal with guys? (myself included) Do we always fuck things up? Do we have a sick pleasure built into our genetics that lets us walk away from brilliant things, hurting whoever happens to be in our path?
For once this rant isn't going to be about something that I've fucked up, instead, just an observation?
I'd do absolutely anything for my friends, no matter what their mood, or what they say, I'd stick by them. I know this is the case for all of my friends. But outside my friendship group, is it that different? Have I misjudged the rest of society? Have I held them in too high a regard to have some sort of decency and sense?
Does the word 'love' mean different things to different people? I mean, I understand there are different types of love - Love between family, love between best friends, 2 people being 'in love'.. In this case I'm talking about the latter. How can definitions of this single word change so much from person to person? How can you walk away from something like that without a hint of regret? How can you drag the person that loves you through the mud without showing some kind of remorse? How can you walk away from someone that is THAT incredible, that you fall in love with them.. that you've spent so much time with.. that would do ANYTHING for you?

I'm sure it's obvious to some that this has been triggered by a recent event, but this rant has been a long time coming.. and I don't how else I can articulate it, except that if they've done this, they aren't deserving of your love or your tears. They are deserving of months of regret after they realise they've walked away from the best thing that will ever happen to them.. they'll regret it more when they realise you've moved on, and are happier and stronger with someone else who does deserve them.

</rant>

http://www.boozle.com.au

That is all.

I'm slack, I admit it. But if anyone wants an update then just tell me to write one. Otherwise I just lurk around and read all of you less-slack peoples updates, figuring that if anyone wants to know what i'm doing they'll find another way to contact me =P

Me and Megan have broken up, likely like for good (or atleast for a long long while), couldn't deal with the way I was treated when she was down, or the inability to do things that I enjoy doing and the people I like seeing. Still think she's a great girl, but I really hated the relationship, so unless things drastically change (ie. one or both of us grow up), then I won't consider getting back with her. Things pretty much continue as they were, still getting pushed away.. so I think I made the right choice.

Things have been much less stressful since, and I've been a lot happier. I've caught up with people I haven't been able to see in a while, go out diving more often, talk to people that were otherwise frowned apon, and not have to do anything on a weekend if I don't want to!

So anyway, went fishing a couple of weekends ago, pretty quiet trip with only a few decent fish brought up.. got a few decent bites though. Highlight of the trip was seeing a ~18m humpback whale breach the surface between 3 and 5m from the boat, and then see it's baby do the same about 10 - 15m away. Then further in we saw a bunch of seals sun baking and playing on top of the water. T'was very, very cool.

Other than work and Zone, I haven't been doing much.
Speaking of Zone, As mentioned in my last *real* post, Zone Nationals were held in Campbelltown. We did pretty well for a last minute scrap together team for Northbridge. 6th overall after the cascade rounds, but made some bad calls in the first finals match which sunk as back to 9th (out of 18), little disappointed, but mroe then happy with how we did. Got to catch up with some people I hadn't seen since northbridge nats, 2004, which was cool. And generally just had a good time. Can't wait for 2007 nats in Bendigo, and 2008 in Willetton!!

I've been spending a lot of time talking to a friend from Zone (interstate) lately actually. It's amazing that we never really talked much in the 2 nationals I've seen her at, but then after nationals we do, and since then, we've been talking for rediculously long times, and just generally getting very close, it's really cool. I don't think I've had a similar experience to this before, so I'm excited to see where it will lead to! At the very least, I have a new very-close-friend. Even better if thoughts of moving to Perth go ahead.

This weekend, I'm going to watch the footy and hope the eagles progress no further, and hope the dockers do. I think Adelaide will take the flag, but I want Sydney to! Also catching up with an ex on Saturday, see how she is before she has her baby and then I won't see her for a while. It's kind of wierd knowing that 2 of your ex's are pregnant, ot sure why, just spins me out.

Speaking of babies, is it just me, or is nearly every female pregnant at the moment? I think there are 4 or 5 at work, some are now on maternity leave, a few friends, and yeah.. is there babies in the water? or are we all tryign to outdo china for the most citizens in the next year?

I'm back into playing WoW again. I know, I'm ashamed too. But it's a good time sink on weeknights when I'm bored. And i'm playing it socially (as social as WoW gets, anyway.). Still fun. You can find me on Bleeding hollow or Stormscale - character name = harlickwin.

I went and saw Dashboard Confessional on the weekend. I've liked them for a long while, but I was a little skeptical about how good their live show could possibly be? Well, I was very impressed. Oh and Chris can have my babies.

Still have Less than Jake, Rise Against, Strassman, Frenzal, Something for Kate, and perhaps even Kylie to goto! So busy few months of music to come! Looks to be fun.

Anyway,
I'm off.
Take care everyone.
Drew.

My housemate fails at photography, however.....




We're going to the ashes bay-bee :D
*dances*

Woo, look at me, I'm on Livejournal! praise me.. PRAISE ME!

It's been an interesting.. 6 months.. since my last post..
New position at work, which is -awesome-. I never thought being a Sys Admin for our mail stuff at work would actually be fun.. I mean, as NMC i shuddered at the word email, but, it's actually quite interesting.
I couldn't ask for a better team to work for either. It's all fun and laughter, while doing work. Everyone is quite open with eachother, and everyone can take a joke. So all is well in that department.

Moving into that position has also taught me about this wonderful thign called sleep, and how having it at a regular time everyday, can actually improve life. I feel so much more alive then I did on NMC (for those who didn't know, NMC required me to do a 6 day rotation, consisting (in order) of 2x 7am - 3pm shifts, 2x 3pm - 11pm shifts, and 2x 11pm - 7am shifts, and then four days off). So having energy has enabled me to go out more, and in doing so I've been able to catch up with some old friends, which is long over due.

So other then work, I've been doing a fair bit of Spearfishing/Diving, Darkzone, and Basketball, aswell as (obviously) hanging out with Megan.
Has been a while since I've had regular dives here in Perth, most of the time it's just on and off until I go away. But nearly every weekend I've been out on a boat with some new-found mates. It's been great, and there has been some tasty dinners brought home :o)

Heading off to Sydney on Thursday for the Darkzone national titles, held in Campbelltown, NSW. I'm looking forward to them, regardless of the nazi-like rules that are being imposed. Going to be a good chance to see people I haven't seen since last time I attended nats. Good times, beer and lasergames, tis hard to get a better week and a half off work =)

Strung Out were here this time last month.. so myself and Nick went to each show they played in WA. What a week... Wednesday play darkzone finals (lose), goto Strung Out @ the Foundry, sleep for 5 hours, goto work, get picked up from work goto Bunbury to see them @ Prince of Wales (awesome awesome awesome show), sleep for 3 hours, catch 6:30am train back to perth to work at 8:30... after work.. go see Strung Out again @ The Capitol... Saturday = die :D
Got to talk to all the guys again, and have a Kebab with Dan from Death by Stereo.
Speaking of Death by Stereo, I usually don't like that style of music (yay for screaming?), but they are *really* good at what they do, and their live show is incredible, check em out.

I think I've said this every post so far, but I am going to make an effort to post to my LJ more frequently (i've even installed a client on my work pc woo!)

anyway..
Heres a picture from last weeks antics..

Below is Shays desk after me and DL attacked it with 270m of cling wrap.. Long story :)



And here is a photo of the catch last time we went spearing ..

Yeah so I suck. I obviously can't keep this updated frequently.. I mean, I look at it everyday.. but I just can't be bothered typing random snippits about life and thoughts and stuff. Nothing thats worth writing anyway.

So anyway.. News since my last post. Me and Megan are back together (all of you - save the I told you so's .. I've had enough of 'em)
I got a promotion at work, which I should be starting on Monday if all goes well, I'm looking forward to adding a little more 'normalness' to my life when I start doing normal hours again - none of this damn shift work :]

My fishtank is all setup, Snowflake (Snowflake Moray Eel) has been in there for about 2 months now, and I got Aker (The Lionfish) a couple of weeks ago.
I also have 1 remaining cobbler (Cucumber - ask Megan) in the tank out of 4 (after Aker ate them).


Aker = Egyption God of Earth (He was a represented as a Lion)
Wiki entry on Aker


Snowflake = Well.. He's a Snowflake Eel... And this may have been influenced by the Dolphin in Ace Ventura ;)
-


I've also moved recently, into an apartment in East Perth with jenovaa and Dembo, Both of which I work with. It's a really nice Apartment, and I believe there are photos of the place on Will's (jenovaa) LJ.

In other news, It's almost time that I goto Bali with Megan for Mums wedding (29th April) for a week, and then from there I'm going back to Banda with Dad for another Diving holiday. Can't wait. I'll get to use my new camera for the first time in *decent* water (ie. Not the murky/silty water) that we have hear in Perth.
Should have some decent photos when I return :)

Byefornow

It's Christmas Eve, wow. I still can't believe how quickly this year has gone, and how little I've done in it, compared to other years.
I'm at work again, it's extremely quiet, and we are contemplating sending -nearly- everyone home, and then i'll take calls *yeay*.

Today I went and did some last minute shopping before I started work. Since then I've been sitting at my desk listening to music, and pretending to monitor a network that is barely being touched >.<

I'm going to head out to North Mole tonight, and grab a few crays for christmas lunch.
If anyone would like to come (I need a person to help me out of the water after the dive - it's tricky (and I promise you won't get wet)), i'll only be in the water for an hour, and i'll pay you in Crayfish, ask nicely, and I'll process/cook them for you too. If you wanted something to do while you are down there, you can fish :P
Give me a call or leave a message if you want to come, otherwise, i'll just have to wake my housemate up, and drag him along =p

Anyway,
I hope everyone has an awesome Christmas, and I will hopefully catch up with you all soon.

<3 Drew.

Ashamed!

I've managed to sellout twice in one day, it's terrible!
I've done 2 things that I swore I wouldn't do (or atleast, do again), so I'm wondering what the rest of the day will bring? There's still 7 hours left in the day for me to continue my downward spiral into something I don't want to become (I have no idea what that is, but I think I'm getting there.)

Firstly, after the failure of my first livejournal, and my inability to remember my password (for anyone who knows me well, you'll know I've used the same password since I started on the internet, or atleast a variation of it.), I've been convinced to remake another one. Will this one fail too? Probably. But I'll atleast try to post more then twice a year in this one. Not that I have much to write about =]

Secondly, after much deliberation, and much convincing from a certain other LJ'er, I went and sold my soul to EB. I felt terrible as I picked up the colourful box(es) and handed them to the staff at Electronics Boutique, who gave me a very smug smirk, as if he knew what I'm like with games like this. I've decided to set myself some rules in order for me not to get addicted to this game, I'm sure my housemate (Lee) will be happy to enforce the punishments.
Yes, I'm now a WoW player >;/

Please forward all abuse to girltengu as she 'made' me do both of these things (that's my excuse anyway).

Anyway, I'm bored at work, so there might be another post or 3 later tonight, but for now, I'm going to Taka's for dinner.

Enjoy!
Drew.