tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35182592012-01-25T13:38:17.967-07:00Follow James and Michelle (and Oliver!) as they explore their hometown of Sydney, Australia. The twitter and flickr streams are for the minor stuff, anything major will make it to this blog... evenutally.Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.comBlogger1331100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-73863358500156541302011-05-30T15:54:00.003-07:002011-05-30T16:07:07.270-07:00

So James and I have been here for nearly two months. Repatriation can be a bitch- especially since we have been away for nearly six years. My nesting instinct kicked in full bore and started renovating 4 weeks ago. So grateful that the company James works for have put us up in a fab little apartment with sweeping views across Sydney. Sydney has changed. Its a little meaner, people eat like pooh

Michy1973http://www.blogger.com/profile/11618929343911641093noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-74917378056623719432011-03-19T14:37:00.001-07:002011-03-19T14:38:18.903-07:00

If there's one thing we need to do before we leave SLC ... it's the Grand Canyon. We've been saying that for years, so we finally did it. You might remember we said the same thing about Tofino and Canada and look what happened there .... Flew to Las Vegas, stayed in the death ray hotel (Vdara), spent a lot of time by the pool and hanging out with Heidi and Gary. For the GC, we took a plane (and a

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-27056890064007385172011-03-03T22:13:00.003-07:002011-03-03T22:18:41.319-07:00

Today I had my last research study session at LDS Hospital. I was really excited to go and then they gave me this- WOW! BabyMac is now a whole kilogram ( 2.2lbs). It was totally surreal seeing his face.A day of firsts- I drove a Prius today. Not sure what to make of cars with a push start button. But I do like the idea of 2 gears- drive & reverse.

Michy1973http://www.blogger.com/profile/11618929343911641093noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-35792130749725118592011-02-23T18:53:00.002-07:002011-02-23T19:34:04.053-07:00

New Orleans! Who Dat Nation!1st time we tried to visit we were living in Vancouver, I was going for work and we had bought Michelle a ticket. Then she decided to get meningitis which meant isolation in hospital and no trip. This time it we made it all the way to big easy for a few days, ate way too much and enjoyed summer in February! There are more photos on the flickr photostream here.On the

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-91369268488688496372011-02-07T14:21:00.005-07:002011-02-07T14:28:49.074-07:00

BabyMac and I like tea. Well I love tea and no doubt BabyMac has this coursing through his veins.

Michy1973http://www.blogger.com/profile/11618929343911641093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-86411183386368713442011-01-30T13:41:00.006-07:002011-01-30T13:52:25.024-07:00

On Friday January 28, we hit the half way mark-20 weeks and had another ultrasound. James and I were adamant not to find out the sex of BabyMac, but after three games of solitaire and James winning two, it was a snap decision that we find out what Baby Mac was. I spyed it's boy parts and it was confirmed by our doctor. What is funny is I have been singing John Lennon's Beautiful Boy to it for a

Michy1973http://www.blogger.com/profile/11618929343911641093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-65178000229272973352011-01-26T13:28:00.001-07:002011-01-26T13:30:13.127-07:00

@font-face { font-family: "Arial"; }@font-face { font-family: "Courier New"; }@font-face { font-family: "Wingdings"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 10pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }ol { margin-bottom: 0in; }ul { margin-bottom: 0in; } Cheesymite Scrolls

Michy1973http://www.blogger.com/profile/11618929343911641093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-60044029053112881152011-01-14T14:08:00.003-07:002011-01-14T14:17:43.185-07:00

Today Baby Mac is at 18 weeks in utero- and the milestone for this week is he/she can hear! Well at the moment I am learning a beautiful baroque aria, " Un Momento di Contento" from the Handel opera Alcina, for some reason I really want to listen to Kate Bush and I am rehearsing a monologue from the Vagina Monologues. And boy is that piece angry. BabyMac this is not directed at you love. I wonder

Michy1973http://www.blogger.com/profile/11618929343911641093noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-10036830421810360612011-01-06T18:30:00.004-07:002011-01-06T19:02:58.230-07:00

Here's BabyMac at 16 weeks 6 days. BabyMac has a new due date based on his/her measurements- June 7. Here's BabyMac's first feature film.

Michy1973http://www.blogger.com/profile/11618929343911641093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-51566894458952317452011-01-01T09:20:00.000-07:002011-01-01T09:20:06.381-07:00

2010 will go down as one of the best years ever, far exceeding 2008 and 2009 in terms of overall happiness and significant events. What started as a hard slog with Michelle working at Chase, eBay’s stock price significantly lower than acceptable and an IT band injury ended up with many long term wins and major life changing events. Almost everything should be in a previous blog post. Here’s a

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-27211378805978398882010-12-28T15:43:00.001-07:002010-12-28T15:44:34.459-07:00

Thank you all! And well done. Yellow is now my 2nd favourite colour, after green.

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-4223983681621144832010-12-21T10:53:00.004-07:002010-12-24T08:19:18.700-07:00

Baby Mac has a new cousin- Taylor. Born December 21,2010 at 4.32pm AEST - 6lb 4oz and 20.9 inches (53cm) long.She is absolutely beautiful. I can't wait 'til they meet each other in June. Congratulations Kath & Matt.

Michy1973http://www.blogger.com/profile/11618929343911641093noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-53311223144799256442010-12-02T19:04:00.003-07:002010-12-02T19:11:55.074-07:00

It has legs and arms and eyes and a nose. It was bouncing around all hiccupy like, almost like it was performing for the ultrasound!

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-53012166434018979802010-12-02T08:44:00.002-07:002010-12-02T19:03:40.835-07:00

Thanks to David and Kim for hosting us for a few days in Seattle, ran the Seattle Marathon and in general getting into trouble :) Black tux restaurants, hole in the wall Gin bars, the locks, new United/Continental airlines route from Houston to Auckland, Pike Place and Michelle eating an entire crab and lots more.KimDavid and TrilbyAfter the run, finished in 3.50! 9 minutes faster than last time.

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-58031543741715615172010-11-18T21:45:00.002-07:002010-11-18T21:47:11.656-07:00

9 weeks 6 days in ... 1st ultrasound. Michelle has joined a research study at LDS hospital, which means more prodding and free ultrasounds. It's 4cm, equivalent to 11 weeks at this point. So now we have seen it, and heard it, i guess it must be real :)

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-57586215316548846832010-11-18T08:57:00.001-07:002010-11-18T08:57:32.435-07:00

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-15480102084035927362010-11-17T10:33:00.002-07:002010-11-17T10:35:07.094-07:00

There's a heartbeat. There's something GROWING inside Michelle. All healthy and normal at this stage. One heartbeat could be heard, not bad for 10 weeks. All of sudden this feels real.

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-19364829785048981002010-11-09T18:33:00.003-07:002010-11-09T18:40:28.228-07:00

1 year after the first half marathon, thought i should go back and do it again! Snow Canyon Half Marathon, St George, Utah, slightly different course, faster, no annoying trail section and 1150 people. Beautiful day, started running at sunrise and finished in 1 hour 34 minutes - that's 20 minutes faster than last year! 15 minutes faster than my previous best set in January. Stats are here (

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-59515837925480642852010-11-05T08:23:00.004-07:002010-11-19T07:52:21.025-07:00

So since becoming pregnant, one of the nightmares I have had is what role will religion have in my kid's life. I was brought up Church Of England, went to a Catholic school, but after much questioning since I was 10, am now atheist. I remember as a kid, the only thing I liked about going to church was the choir and my grandma's singing. The priest's costume was pretty cool too.I found this

Michy1973http://www.blogger.com/profile/11618929343911641093noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-32995116834961042372010-10-31T19:30:00.002-07:002010-10-31T19:32:05.522-07:00

Michelle just whooped James' butt at Scrabble with this move. Oh yeah- we are pregnant. Baby Mac due about mid June.Won't be posting anything on facebook, but please feel free to share with family.

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-38109998213492321472010-10-27T15:11:00.001-07:002010-10-27T15:11:37.317-07:00

Beats the lines on election day.

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-56162647854968290832010-10-20T19:22:00.003-07:002010-10-20T19:29:21.138-07:00

Cousin Amanda visited us on her way from Hawaii to Colorado.Michelle and Amanda - band shot on the Bonneville Salt Flats, no smiles allowed.James and Amanda - floating in the Salt LakeSLC OlympicsMeat pies and sausage rolls at the Kiwi Bakery. Chek'm out bro.Next to the mormon teleporter (inside the gates!).Merry christmas Sydney McCamey family.

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-16176225779723074502010-09-30T06:43:00.002-07:002010-09-30T06:50:19.886-07:00

Four years of eBay golf teams. Placed 3rd in 2008 and 2009!2007 - Matt, Erin, Nate, James @ Bonneville2008 - Erin, John, Matt, James @ Meadowbrook2009 - James, Erin, Eric, John @ Old Mill2010 - James, John, Joe, Erin @ Wingpointe

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-22958496859376770042010-09-23T19:16:00.001-07:002010-09-23T19:19:06.711-07:00

Michelle took some lovely photos while we were at the Salt Lake on Sunday. Floating in the lake is quite meditative.

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-30646137564614319362010-09-22T15:03:00.000-07:002010-09-22T15:02:46.292-07:00

Nice having a dog around. Not pictured is Sota the cat, she's off exploring and didn't want to pose for a photo.

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-39825532389263645772010-08-22T11:13:00.007-07:002010-08-22T11:39:00.806-07:00

After exactly one year of training, finished my first marathon yesterday. Park City was the host, 42km through the trails of the Wasatch mountains. We stayed at the Canyons, driving up the day before to get used to the altitude. 1st 10km went according to plan, nothing too unusual apart from the tiny tunnel under the freeway. The next 20km were killers, 100% uphill, gained about 1000ft, into the

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-16681157447054328842010-08-20T09:04:00.000-07:002010-08-20T09:05:10.829-07:00

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-73716451456330272212010-07-18T19:29:00.001-07:002010-07-18T19:29:58.984-07:00

Between SLC and Cedar City.

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-51703642308310985712010-06-30T19:23:00.001-07:002010-06-30T19:23:58.762-07:00

Last minute trip to San Fran, staying downtown and visiting the stubhub office. Meetings went well I think! Also did 7 mile run around the peninsula, not quite all the way to the bridge. Interesting town, feels like Sydney. Busy.

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-34753581268115074282010-06-22T15:57:00.000-07:002010-07-11T16:03:11.288-07:00

Dad visited in late June, we had a great time at Snowbird for Father's Day, lounging by the pool, and seeing Michelle star in Jane Eyre the Musical! Enjoyable show, very professional (as professional if not more professional than the most professional play i've seen in Utah). Those many many weeks of Michelle singing at home paid off. In other news, she has quit her job at the bank and is 10,000x

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-68951946290651526622010-06-14T19:22:00.001-07:002010-06-14T19:51:07.347-07:00

Still cleaning up after a Chevron pipe burst. No birds, too quiet. Sad for SLC.

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-41114936401631545592010-05-31T17:36:00.003-07:002010-06-02T16:24:12.751-07:00

Waking up at 5am to run the State Canyon Half Marathon? Starting at Olympus Hills Shopping Center and finishing at the Utah State Capitol, with trips through Parley's Canyon, the U of U and some crazy hills. Easily the hardest long run i've ever attempted, even had a couple of miles of trails (usually straight up). Very pretty course, highly recommended. Knee held up well, i think i'm more tired

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-48297383254547611142010-05-29T16:16:00.000-07:002010-05-29T16:17:02.726-07:00

First corn of the year means it's summer BBQ season.

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-58982119624115977422010-05-03T19:11:00.002-07:002010-05-03T19:19:02.221-07:00

Karen visited us for a week, she was in the US for the Boston Marathon/work trip and stopped by!Spent time in Las Vegas, saw Beatles Love, fantastic!Best photo ever of Karen holding up the Eiffel Tower, not.Michelle and Karen at Bryce Canyon.Me on a horse at Bryce Canyon.Thanks for visiting sis! Come back soon.

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-2566327812621061862010-04-15T17:57:00.001-07:002010-04-15T17:57:38.932-07:00

http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_14893002

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-1822307121546760462010-03-31T18:03:00.001-07:002010-03-31T18:03:35.377-07:00

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-64822345961381829492010-03-28T16:49:00.000-07:002010-03-28T16:49:32.269-07:00

Broke par for the 2nd time ever today, in our first game of the season at Glendale GC. Solid 1 under par with 3 birdies, great putting, lots of luck (including hitting into a hazard and it hitting a rock and bouncing out) and a 200 yard hybrid into the wind to 4 feet. Michelle had a great game as well going 2 under her handicap!

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-33964066954285719932010-03-27T15:46:00.000-07:002010-03-27T15:47:07.074-07:00

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-48670050928677005242010-03-25T07:46:00.001-07:002010-03-25T07:46:37.332-07:00

 

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-91633707696756434122010-03-19T18:13:00.001-07:002010-03-19T18:13:51.970-07:00

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-27524960549358003422010-03-18T19:02:00.001-07:002010-03-18T19:02:57.121-07:00

Now at Las Vegas airport and ready to go home.

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-68569498813485386012010-03-14T19:09:00.000-07:002010-03-14T20:30:57.956-07:00

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-68238674605226414052010-03-14T16:56:00.001-07:002010-03-14T16:56:54.190-07:00

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-56238195895678297142010-03-14T16:41:00.002-07:002010-03-14T16:42:43.147-07:00

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-80868442961678229522010-02-21T20:44:00.015-07:002010-02-25T09:16:17.968-07:00

Let’s try something different this time. Haven’t done a travel diary for a long time. Day 1 Uneventful check in and to the Sky Club lounge in SLC, it was packed, i took what must have been the last seat in there. Some author was sitting across from me, they were quite funny, although i don’t remember what they were talking about. I attended a work call from the lounge, was quite interesting.

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-83831405292810101932010-01-30T08:52:00.004-07:002010-01-30T08:59:58.433-07:00

Back to St George for another race, this time the St. George Half Marathon & 5K Presented by Painter's RV and Boat (Jan 23). Drove down Thursday to avoid the 3 feet of snow forecast for the I-15, the snow was so bad Friday they required chains through Cedar City. Race day was great, 42F and cloudy, felt great, new PB (1:49:07 - link), top half this time! Also dropped by the Hoover Dam and Las

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-20974160366306506522010-01-02T14:29:00.004-07:002010-01-02T14:38:44.324-07:00

Matt & Kath's wedding, ready in Cherrybrook, limo to Manly, then to Whale Beach for the reception.Michelle, James, Craig and Dad in the limo.Craig, Dad, Michelle, James, Matt and Mum before leaving.Family at the reception.Wedding party.Meeting the inlaws.Kath and her kids.

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-47667401855747287742009-12-26T14:02:00.005-07:002009-12-26T14:08:21.589-07:00

Couple of days visiting Appley, Darryl and Skye in Christchurch, NZ.Cancer warnings are a little more extreme here than in the US.View from plane over South Island mountains.Kiwirail, from CHC to Greymouth on the west coast.End of CHC pier @ Brighton beach.Cathedral in town.Tram through the mall.Big arse tree.Hybrid duck-goose. Doose.

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-43992682215561682152009-11-20T22:59:00.006-07:002009-11-20T23:12:23.517-07:00

Finished first ever half marathon! Snow Canyon, just outside St George, Utah. Beautiful scenery down the canyon, then across a lava field. ~1200 people, training went perfectly, fun run, felt fantastic. Hopefully a lot more to come in 2010, assuming this winter running thing works out (neg 20F is pretty cold).Mountain meadows:Lower part of the canyon, you can see the track down the middle.I was

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-78600008761786216082009-07-28T12:59:00.006-07:002009-08-22T14:14:30.332-07:00

• Cancun with Dane & Jaci.• First time ever in Georgia, even if being in transit doesn't count towards the number of states i've been to. • First time ever in Atlanta, huge airport, need to take a train to get to the next terminal. So excited, i saw planes flying to Madrid, Lima and Cleveland, mmmm Cleveland. • Sit down for lunch at the airport, order a beer, server asks 'would you

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-16170246818896813602009-07-19T20:28:00.004-07:002009-07-19T20:37:04.346-07:00

July 18 @ Fiddler's Elbow in Sugar House, Salt Lake City.James & MichelleErin & TinaEric & CaseyToni & JeffKim & DavidMichelle, Chris & JeremyChris & HeidiJames, Tina, Mapu & EricThe table

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-46668947029138448762009-07-12T09:48:00.006-07:002009-07-12T09:58:23.383-07:00

A normal golfing weekend started pretty average, with an 82 on Saturday at Wingpointe.We then foolishly booked a 6.30am tee time for Sunday at Bonneville. Turned out to be a very good idea! Shot a 1 under 71 off the stick.First game under par ever. Have been playing for 20 years, handicap never better than 4 (currently 5), had a few chances with 72s at Glendale and Rose Park (both in SLC), 73 at

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-4592252004299543352009-06-27T08:47:00.004-07:002009-06-27T08:55:17.767-07:00

Long weekend means quick trip to a new west coast city! This closed out the mainland-west coast-proper city tour, we've now been to the major ones in California, Oregon and Washington. We need to get to Alaska, then figure out how to see the Pacific from completely new angles - like South America and Asia.Portland, awesome, smallish, best walking neighbourhoods i've ever seen, great food, great

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-21696432489874240472009-05-10T16:13:00.002-07:002009-05-10T16:16:30.155-07:00

We took up curling:James went skiing:Went to the beach:Mich went to Seattle:

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-61102358833212117922009-03-17T09:47:00.000-07:002009-08-09T08:48:51.969-07:00

Driving back from Moab, just east Green River, Utah. Sudden change from road to ice from a spring storm, going around a bend, car goes sideways, hits the side and flips a few times.Thought process:- what is that?- oh crap, it's ice- driving fast on ice is silly, some drivers should be more careful- wait, i'm driving, this is really really dangerous- why am i going sideways?- we're going to have

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-6477302141538436702009-03-16T16:19:00.004-07:002009-03-16T16:25:44.169-07:00

2nd big part of this sabbatical was Moab - realized Michelle had a few extra days off work, so we left. Spent a lot of time in Arches (2nd time), Corona Arch, Negro Bill Canyon, and we even found this highly advanced 'metal viewing cylinder' (photo below), i kid you not, it's called a metal viewing cylinder - to the rest of us it's a piece of pipe. Anyway ...Unfortunately, on the way home, we

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-87793032202870208732009-03-16T16:11:00.003-07:002009-03-16T16:17:34.770-07:00

Every 5 years, i get a sabbatical from work (4 weeks paid holidays). First two weeks were spent in Australia, doing such fun things as:- family meals/events- boating on Pittwater- many many beaches- bush walks- catch up with many friends- taking the kids to school- Forster- Melbourne (stayed @ Richmond & saw Black Mountain @ The Corner Hotel)- eating and drinking way too much, every single night.

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-86425437241113149052009-01-31T08:57:00.004-07:002009-01-31T09:03:21.064-07:00

My Jetta turned 77777 yesterday. To recognize this special mile, thought i'd record the momentous occasion by recording the actual moment whilst driving down the I-215. This is currently legal in Utah, and if it's legal it must be good so says the law ... no bad driving comments please. I was staying under the 65 speed limit. It's a little fuzzy i know...VW Jetta was born in Mexico by German

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-28759144785981995812009-01-21T09:37:00.002-07:002009-01-21T09:38:45.209-07:00

Just lovely.

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-49796239813167336542008-12-21T17:37:00.001-07:002008-12-21T17:39:47.296-07:00

Well here's a quick note to let the world know about the ongoing adventures of James and Michelle. It's been an eventful year with 2008 proving to be a right pain in the butt type of year. But what kills us only makes us stronger and here's looking to a stress- free, uneventful 2009.We started the year with Michelle's employer telling her that in the grand scheme of things her quaint, homely

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-9878893186451166932008-12-11T21:06:00.005-07:002008-12-11T21:10:54.310-07:00

We spent the other night in emergency. Michelle had good intentions and moved a bunch of kids at theatre away from a suspiciously placed pole, only to have it fall on her head. She's fine now, staples are gone as of today!

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-18708327904882658252008-11-28T17:55:00.003-07:002008-11-28T17:56:20.833-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving.

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-37000494179870192542008-10-27T19:43:00.001-07:002008-10-27T19:43:58.719-07:00

I invented a word today: foshitmo.Search for it on google.

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-73629913531937850072008-10-12T09:31:00.002-07:002008-10-12T09:36:31.277-07:00

Anniversary weekend, good time to visit the outdoors! Back to Cedar City and saw another show at the Shakespeare festival (Julius Caesar), then Zion NP again. It was very wet.

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-11780392188964912102008-09-07T08:47:00.003-07:002008-09-07T08:53:57.547-07:00

So I was chatting with the kids at theatre. I get asked all sorts of questions about religion esp as most of them are LDS. As i don't subscribe to any faith except belief in simple things and nature, it's tough playing the straight line without upsetting many, many parents. This one is gold.LDS Little person: So I think my bishop is seriously dementedMe: And why is that?LDS Little Person: Because

Michy1973http://www.blogger.com/profile/11618929343911641093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-53851411571967861822008-09-01T14:52:00.002-07:002008-09-01T14:58:18.081-07:00

Michelle is back in action as the Fairy Godmother @ the Phoenix Theatre, SLC. Details for the show here and here.

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-53474157883775981852008-08-27T19:59:00.004-07:002008-08-27T20:08:10.041-07:00

10 very short days on the other side of the Atlantic. Spent most of my time in Dreilinden, a day sightseeing in Berlin, then one night free in Dublin. In 5 words/phrases ...Berlin: Pork, history, apartments, public transport and languagesDublin: Green, Guinness, cobblestones, rain, trafficHorses by the Brandenburg Gate:The Berlin Wall:Little red guy with a hat:View of Smithfield Plaza in Dublin:

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-68445344902028382842008-08-11T18:20:00.003-07:002008-08-11T18:24:57.834-07:00

Everyone should take a long weekend every month ... we spent one down in Cedar City & saw The Two Gentlemen of Verona @ the Utah Shakespeare Festival (in a fantastic replica of the globe, Cedar Breaks National Monument (surprisingly great!), and some reasonably dodgy chinese food.

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-12030292044301218302008-08-03T19:35:00.005-07:002008-12-10T17:05:01.541-07:00

5 days in San Diego by the beach! Went with Jaci & Dane, rented a house by the ocean and enjoyed the humidity and bearable heat. San Diego Zoo, Seaworld (complete with it's own deity - Shamu), ocean kayaking, swimming, bbq, sleeping in ... southern California was very very nice :)The sharks were hungry:The frogs were bright:Got a little wet:A few times actually...this is pilot whale spit:We were

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-34598493309848995032008-06-16T06:36:00.003-07:002008-12-10T17:05:01.783-07:00

Stone Temple Pilots 11th June 2008 @ the E Center.Thought it could be fun seeing everyone's 6th favourite band from the 90s on their reunion tour. For the most part it was, pretty much a greatest hits set, nothing too unexpected. Sex Type Thing was amazing. Scott can still move, although his voice isn't all that good, the rest of the band were tight. Glad i got to finally see them (always missed

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-37859527763222775912008-06-02T16:53:00.003-07:002008-12-10T17:05:02.909-07:00

Just returned from a fabulous weekend in Northern California. Amazing weather, wonderful company ( James) and just a beautiful part of the US. Had so much fun I didn't want to leave...

Michy1973http://www.blogger.com/profile/11618929343911641093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-89404923132399588012008-05-09T21:40:00.003-07:002008-12-10T17:05:03.470-07:00

Amazing show at the the Avalon Theatre. Saw David Ford supporting a bunch of bands( Wild Sweet Orange, Mesa Drive and Augustana). His set was waaaaay too short- 30 minutes- Bah!. So James & I went up to him and asked why he doesn't do his own shows and I guess he has to for the mean time ( record company bullshite). Being the eternal groupies we said he could play for us only!!! He giggled and

Michy1973http://www.blogger.com/profile/11618929343911641093noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-3081566778257070292008-04-24T16:38:00.004-07:002008-12-10T17:05:03.624-07:00

Concert Quench, last night at the Great Salt Air, featuring Ben Folds and Ben Lee! Jaci made some amazing jelly (note: quite difficult to eat jelly & drive at the same time). We also got to meet Placid (Ben Lee)!

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-84030279903496296172008-04-09T17:37:00.003-07:002008-12-10T17:05:05.391-07:00

With Michelle in Sydney, i took off for a quick trip to Capitol Reef National Park.The trip started in the coolest way possible - with the car telling me something was up:(it says 66666-stupid disposable camera)Then arrived here:Drove through some rather narrow canyons, i can see how these things flood in about 4 seconds:Climbed the odd mountain or two, this one was my favourite.Then visited this

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-31390503493355152542008-02-29T19:58:00.002-07:002008-12-10T17:05:05.755-07:00

So this is what is happening to my neighbourhood where I work and live... so sad. The Sugar Shack will be gone in 6 weeks as well. I am unsure where I will be working and trying to remain zen like and serene about the whole situation. I think a huge birthday bash in July will be fantastic and there's always a spot of cricket in the Caribbean to think about.

Michy1973http://www.blogger.com/profile/11618929343911641093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-47702102128482468192008-02-17T16:24:00.003-07:002008-12-10T17:05:06.369-07:00

Amazing bush at our apartment block, it's under a dripping drain, and it's really really cold, resulting in this:

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-54224893810528654822008-02-11T22:19:00.001-07:002008-12-10T17:05:06.483-07:00

Question for all ... in July, both Michelle and I have rather significant birthday's coming up. Neither of us really like parties, yet it has been such a long time since we had a good bash.Do we:a/ celebrate by nicking off out of town (road trip to Monument Valley?)b/ have a jolly rocking ol' time at the Irving Schoolhouse clubhouse or Fiddler's.?

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-64954708021748212832008-02-02T12:49:00.000-07:002008-12-10T17:05:06.857-07:00

Celebrated the convict landing by drinking beer (NOT Fosters), eating aussie food and watching the Castle at the McAldenhoveney's. That's our esky in the 2nd photo!

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-6596336810286362782007-12-31T17:17:00.000-07:002008-12-10T17:05:07.422-07:00

Some photos for those that missed the show - Michelle was Jadis. Once again, her character died.

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-16594443890529606752007-12-25T10:08:00.001-07:002007-12-25T10:14:12.479-07:00

So today is Christmas day... and it started sadly- our fish Paikea died- I suspect from Swim Bladder Disease.He just couldn't breathe anymore and he eventually became a belly slider. He was a very cool fighting fish and he will be missed.James is sick with the flu and I have the sniffles. Just finished The Lion,the Witch and the Wardrobe. Awesome run of sold out shows. Will be auditioning for The

Michy1973http://www.blogger.com/profile/11618929343911641093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-14673848176061568932007-12-20T18:04:00.000-07:002008-12-10T17:05:08.745-07:00

Holiday Party! At the U of U, great venue, views over downtown and the Salt Lake valley on one side, and of the football field on the other. Good food, drinks and conversations. Here's some fun pics.Lynette grooving:Tina smiling:Michelle and Erin talking shop:Matt and Mandy, our soon to be neighbours(ish):And since no one took a photo of me, here's a nice view of my chin (look I'm wearing a tie).

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-34097643375780363412007-12-08T21:41:00.000-07:002008-12-10T17:05:09.349-07:00

Iron & Wine, supported by Arthur and YuVenue: The Great Salt Air, Magna, UtahDate: December 7th, 2007Pretty good show, he had a rough voice, but really it was hard to tell with this kind of music. The snow storm that came in during the show made for an interesting drive home (20mph in the 75 zone), but good night overall. 

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-36556107322685252142007-12-01T22:09:00.000-07:002008-12-10T17:05:10.209-07:00

Quick 4 day trip to San Jose. Did some work here:Then drove up here:Visited Licks Observatory's, however it was a little cold and foggy, so no photos. I did see this nice tree:Then returned home to my Jetta. There was no snow when i left Salt Lake!

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-70079666701990318472007-11-24T08:26:00.000-07:002008-12-10T17:05:11.440-07:00

Thanks to the Daniel Johns show... err Silverchair for the show last night. Lots of old songs, not many new songs, but a fun night nonetheless! Amusing facts - you can get big arse beers in Utah, but only one, UNLESS you buy one, then put the drink on a table then immediately line up again. Also, if you happen to see a drum key on stage, please let the support band know. They lost it (after

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-11468810235079102062007-11-20T21:28:00.000-07:002008-12-10T17:05:11.609-07:00

See Michelle starring in her first lead performance as Jadis! Click here for more details and tickets.A strong cast, a timeless message, and a Black Box Theatre with heart are the weapons The Phoenix Theatre Company will draw upon for their holiday production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe opening Nov. 30 and running through Dec. 22, 2007.This beautiful story filled with magical,

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-16566398587424155082007-11-20T19:00:00.001-07:002008-12-10T17:05:11.787-07:00

Thanks to the WAMU crowd. It was the best xmas party i think i've ever been to! Kids museum = lots of things that make noise and go whirrrrl, and a persistent nappy smell.

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-39158622090904570792007-11-03T11:37:00.001-07:002008-12-10T17:05:12.699-07:00

Nice walk up the hill this morning. Just wanted to see what was on top.View Larger MapSupposedly there are bears up here. I didn't see any thankfully.One of the side effects of living in Canada in the past is this compulsion to put rocks on top of one another. I built this.If you look closely, you can see the car park.

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-91566785512914070522007-10-13T10:47:00.000-07:002008-12-10T17:05:13.763-07:00

Work & pleasure trip to Vancouver last week. Nice being wet again after a long hot dry Utah summer. That said, just a few hours of sunshine wouldn't hurt would it now Canada? Had a rather nice room in the Pan Pacific, pretty ok view :) Caught up with friends, who i think are now old friends since i've known them for 4 years! Next trip for us is either Quebec City, Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon.

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-28434522093724846512007-09-29T16:45:00.000-07:002008-12-10T17:05:14.445-07:00

oooo aaaa what a night! Pumpkins were in fine form last night at the David McKay Center-Orem A show we nearly ditched due a conflict with another band we love- Black Mountain- turned out to be the best reason to head to Utah County. WOW. Felt like I was a youngster again... especially when they played Drown. Glory days hahahaha Orem is in Utah county- the most conservative locale in the US. Felt

Michy1973http://www.blogger.com/profile/11618929343911641093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-60235690773479139512007-09-21T19:45:00.000-07:002008-12-10T17:05:15.854-07:00

Managed to catch up with nearly everyone on the recent trip to Sydney for Kazza and Davo's wedding. Including:Rachel:The Masefield family:The Bridesmaids:The angel wife:The Nieces:And of course, the married couple!Whilst not pictured here, we also had the priveledge of seeing the Wiezels and the Lances and the McCameys and the Whipps. Thanks all, and see you all again soon.

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-51029329264764960892007-09-10T16:13:00.000-07:002008-12-10T17:05:16.123-07:00

Thanks to one Darren Hanlon for dropping by Salt Lake City, playing a gig at Slowtrain Records. Must've been around 30 people in there, donation only (no cover), and a great time! Even had very cool pyro-technics and smoke coming from the amp - who knew fire and electricity would make for such fun? Two things struck me about the show:1/ music is still cool, perhaps even better when play at small

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-74126725195348850882007-08-26T19:56:00.000-07:002008-12-10T17:05:17.533-07:00

Sheryl flew into Salt Lake and we drove to Vegas for Clint & Kelly's wedding, stopping by Zions on the way. Great weekend!

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-45939631789933071982007-08-23T16:37:00.000-07:002008-12-10T17:05:18.573-07:00

Here's some pics from our trip to Arches & Canyonlands National Parks in South-East Utah. This was early July.

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-23793391484012969392007-07-28T08:33:00.000-07:002007-07-28T08:34:17.865-07:00

And when Michelle sets eBay to go we get .....

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-92111681982076781872007-07-26T12:56:00.000-07:002007-07-26T13:04:43.800-07:00

I'm really not into shameless promotion of where i work... but i think this is pretty DANG cool.

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-90345540328524924862007-07-06T08:04:00.001-07:002007-07-06T08:06:23.631-07:00

Michelle and her theatre were on TV yesterday morning. She woke up at 2.30am for makeup! Introduced by Sarah.

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-31290384103133006832007-05-20T20:39:00.001-07:002008-12-10T17:05:20.042-07:00

Back from a weekend in Bay Area California! Reconnected with the ocean and Michelle's frizzy hair. Very very livable, and beautiful place.

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-5016342721055311822007-05-01T20:10:00.000-07:002008-12-10T17:05:20.164-07:00

Michelle currently starring as Akela in the Jungle Book! Finishes this weekend, thanks for the pic Kimbo!

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-73295687056254455062007-03-28T07:59:00.001-07:002007-03-28T07:59:50.484-07:00

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518259.post-24046004450589684102007-02-25T07:51:00.000-07:002008-12-10T17:05:20.887-07:00

1600 miles from Grand Rapids to Salt Lake over two days last week in our new (used) car! Fun VW Jetta, finally i get to drive a manual again! Pretty much one road the whole way (I-80). Fun sights on the way:For the claustrophobic amongst us, this is the one and only tunnel between Chicago & Salt Lake.

Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607533058209254339noreply@blogger.com1