The End

After more than eight years working on this site, I've decided to finish up planet margeaux.

It also means the end of this blog too.

All the posts and other content will be removed by 21 January 2008.

Thanks to everyone who read anything on here, especially those who took the time to email or comment on the posts.

Bye!
Dxx

Another New Year Beckons

I can't tell you how glad I was to see the back of 2007. A year that for me was punctuated with enormous sadness and loss, amongst some of the most amazing highs of my life.

A year that was a complete contradiction.

I won't go over the year month by month, but I will give some thoughts on it now that it is over.

I loved that I travelled overseas again in 2007.

Although China was never on my hit list, I did enjoy the experience and I often fondly remember parts of that trip - the pyrotechnics in Beijing for Chinese New Year; walking The Great Wall at Simitai; having complete sensory overload the first time I was out and about in Shanghai; my unbridled joy at seeing Michael for the first time in months.

Phuket in May was a wonderful holiday. My perfect beach holiday. Fabulous weather, exceptional company in Richard, great resort and friendly Thai people. I had a ball. It was just what I needed after the torturous months that preceded it. My relationship with Michael was breaking down or broken even, and I was burnt out from work. All Rich and I seemed to do was eat, drink, swim and lay in the sun. Just heaven.

I flirted all year with the idea of starting my own Tupperware business and despite gently prods from Portia, I managed to resist until late September when I finally gave in and said YES! It's turned out to be one of the best decisions I've ever made. Apart from the fact that I could sell ice to Eskimo's so plasticware is a bloody cinch for me, I've gained a whole lot of stuff that I didn't realise was missing. I love the team support, the recognition for achievements and the interaction with lots of people. I've gained confidence in meeting new people and in general I feel much more involved with life again, rather than just doing my same old stuff week in week out. Not to mention that the money is fantastic and my kitchen has never been more organised! Since starting I've been the top demonstrator for November, topped a special week and got to meet the Managing Director of Tupperware, came second in Record Breaker Week and I've won or earned a host of fabulous prizes and Tupperware. I used to roll my eyes and laugh at Portia when he said that Tupperware had changed his life, but now I think the same thing.

It's been an interesting year for some of my friendships. Some have fallen by the wayside, some have petered out, some have taken off and some new folk have emerged as friends. I think that with some of the events, stresses and experiences that I've gone through this past year it's fair to say that some of the friendships have been burdened with needs that some couldn't meet, some were just due to wind down anyway and some perhaps were always destined to take off once a more common ground was forged. I try not to give too much thought about such matters, instead I tend to believe that friendships are cyclical and often based on mutual needs. That they can grow and die and fall apart and be put back together again. That they are malleable, changeable and evolving. I am grateful for all my friends and although some fall in and out of favour, as I seem to with them, I know that this may not be the end of them, in fact, it may only be the beginning. You need to let some things go to appreciate their value, or vice versa, or indeed to allow the others to see what you really gave to them.

As the year drew to a close, when life was literally pulling me in a million directions all at once, a good friend decided that the time was right for them to leave us. It was a sobering experience that drew me closer to the ones that I adore and cherish. It made me appreciate the frailty of life and the wonderment that is this life I lead. Whether good bad or oftentimes ugly, it's life and when my friend chose to end his, it only reaffirmed mine. Although I have enormous respect for his decision, I'm still sad that he's not with us, to share in this amazing life. He wass a truly wonderful man, a gently soul with enormous capacity to make you feel special and appreciated. He had a wickedly dark sense of humour, a michievous slant on the world. I think of him nearly every day. I hope that never changes.

I've made some resolutions for the year ahead, if only to act as signposts for what I'd like to achieve. I never used to be big on them, however a few years ago (7 in fact, sheesh) in a time of real despair whilst in the midst of significant change intense personal scrutiny and accountability, I made a list that became a blueprint for change, growth, success and even failure. I was amazed that as that year ended, I'd actually made enormous progress. No, I didn't achieve all that I set out to. In fact, some things I'd only just begun to scratch the surface of let alone really sinking my teeth into. And whilst I didn't feel like it before I revisited that list late in the year, by reviewing the list I'd written out months before, I was able to properly assess what sort of year I'd had, away from biases and emotions. This was black and white, this was the truth. Since then, I've really been a big fan of these yearly lists and it's really quite comforting to have something to review as the year progresses to track the changes and to see where I'm at with it all.

Anyways, this post has ended up being longer than I intended, thanks if you've read all of it. I hope its not too much drivel :P

Dxx

work christmas party

Hi y'all

Sorry for the huge gap in posts but I have been so busy flogging photobooks and plasticware that I've barely had time to scratch myself.

Last night was the work Christmas party and it was a fantastic night that reminded me why I don't socialise with the people I work with. We had dinner and drinks, lots and lots of drinks, at Rambutan on Oxford Street. The food there is just amazing - so fresh and tasty. After many glasses of wine I got stuck into the lychee martinis after dinner which was what most probably brough me undone.

I don't remember getting home. I don't remember being refused entry to several bars along the strip because I was too intoxicated. I don't remember going to the Colombian. I don't remember getting on my knees and rubbing my face into strangers crotches as a form of greeting. (I am assured that they were hot at least). I don't remember how I got a cigarette burn on the side of my face. I don't remember very much in general from the later part of my night out.

What I do know is that I passed out on the sofa again and woke up late morning, still feeling very drunk. I've only just started to feel like I might actually be sober enough to try and get home using public transport rather than a taxi like I used this morning to get to work.

I'm not alone in feeling like utter crap today - there are many, many sore heads around the office and some that haven't even slept/passed out yet.

And so let me state it once again, this is why I don't socialise with the people I work with.

Merry Christmas y'all!
Dxx

brother, can you spare a time?

It's official - I'm time poor.

In my schedule this week, I have only one night for me, and me alone. I have no time for anyone else. In between my very demanding and rewarding full time job, Tupperware, Rosie and keeping a reasonable house, I'm bushed!

But, can I tell you, I've never been more happy or content. I get such a buzz from all the things I do and I am truly thankful for these wonderful gifts in my life - great income opportunities, great people to work with, great friends that love and understand, a great apartment, and the greatest love of my life, Rosie.

Sure there are things that stress me out or get me down, but I'm still happy - inside and out.

Now if only I could find an extra 5 hours a night for some decent, regular sleep!

Dx

my new life in plastic

Hi everyone! Sorry for not updating this thing in weeks, absolute weeks. I got an email from a regular reader who was checking to make sure I was ok. Hi Musical_Devotee! I'm still here - just bloody busy is all :)

There's a few reasons for my prolonged absence from here, obviously a distinct lack of time plays the biggest part. I've been a lot more social these past weeks, out nearly every weekend with friends and the dogs. Tupperware is slowly taking over what little spare time I have had but I'm loving it so far and am so excited about what I might be able to achieve with it. My regular work is good, steady and demanding but I feel like we're moving forward again, even if I'm totally drowning in work to do there.

The highlights of the past month or so have been:

• Undersleaze - an underwear party last week pre Sleaze Ball which was soooo much fun. If it sounds dirty to you then you are absolutely spot on! Altogether too much fun!
• A lunch with some dear friends that just went on and on and on and on but again, was just ridiculous amounts of fun
• catching up with friends at Twilight at the Shift on Sunday just gone
• Going to Barb's 70th birthday party back on the 22/9
• Going dancing at Manacle on a Sunday morning, just to get my fill before they closed.
• having to say goodbye to my friend Ivan who's just moved to San Francisco (bastard!)
• Looking after Ivan's mini Schnauzer, Gus, until he gets settled in SF

So lots to do and always lots yet to happen.

The other reason I think I spend less time updating this is due to Facebook. I've never been that big on social networking sites like MySpace or Friendster even though I had profiles on them, but Facebook has captured my attention like nothing else before it. If you want to, go and add me :P

I better get back to real work, there's a mountain of it here to get through before I go.

Oh one last thing, I'm going to try and quit smoking one more time. I've been on the gum all day and don't feel too bad for now, but I could really do with some messages of support! A couple of my close friends have recently quit and stayed quit so I figure if they can do it, I can too. Wish me luck and cross your fingers for me!

Dxxx

ow! my head hurts

Just a quick post as I can barely string a sentence together. I had a fabulous party yesterday to celebrate my birthday. Loads of wonderful friends dropped by and helped me get very drunk. There are so many empty bottles around the place which means I have a rotten hangover now. But it was all more than worth it. I'll do a proper post with photos when I am more sober :)

Dxx

best friends

There is nothing like a best friend. Some of us are lucky enough to have more than one best friend to share everything with including silliness. Here are some photos of two of my besties...

(I was a little drunk in these, and Rich and I nearly fell over as that second photo was taken, hence my expression!)

xx

weekend happenings

I had one of those weekends that was pretty good - at times social, exciting, lazy and relaxing. A good mix for what turned into a pretty ordinary weekend weather wise.

So, Saturday morning I slept in and then took miss out for a walk like a good daddy does. Then off to coffee at Cafe Nikki on Bourke Street with Matt which was lovely. I haven't seen him or spoken with him properly in several months and we both seemed to enjoy the catch-up.

After that Rosie and I headed home for a bit then I took off for the Convention Centre to meet Portia Turbo, whom some of you will know is the Tupperware sales person of the century! Tupperware were holding their half yearly sales convention pow-wow and as Portia is trying to get me to join her sales team, invited me along for a look-see! I was skeptical as to how much fun I'd have even though I LOVE Tupperware but within minutes I had a big grin on my face and was clapping and cheering as enthusiastically as the hard-core Tupperfreaks.

Maybe I should go and sell, err....I mean demonstrate Tupperware, I do love it so and the new season stock is really something else. Once you get over the initial shock of the prices and realise how well made their stuff is, it's actually exceptional value. If anyone is interested in having a demo, let me know :P

Oh and big congrats to Portia who ran away with an award for the highest sales of any NSW demonstrator for their last sales period. It was fab seeing your name up on the big screen as #1! Woohoo!

Saturday night I was supposed to go for dinner with some friends at the newly opened Hooters restaurant at Parramatta but that got cancelled which I wasn't at all upset about. Meant I could spend the night in watching the AFL game on TV, Sydney Swans Vs Brisbane Lions. Although the game ended in a draw it was still ok to watch. Looks like Sydney will miss a Top 4 finish however which I'm sure all the boys will be disappointed about.

Sunday was lazy, I spent it in bed and on the couch watching old Sex & The City episodes on DVD. It's one of my favourite things to do on a wet and cold Sunday afternoon and I felt completely indulgent :)

Rosie doesn't care if it's been raining though and she still needs to go out. I recently bought her a new puppy spray jacket so she doesn't get so wet when we do go out in the rain. Works well and she looks adorable too. I'll take and post some pics for you all when I take her out this evening.

Anyways I should get back to work, have lots on as always!

Dx

site maintenance

Hi y'all

How's it going? I've been making some minor tweaks to the blog part of the site these past days, cleaning up the labels that I give to the blog posts. I had a fairly long list but I've culled it back to a few main ones. I'll redo the sidebar over the weekend and add them in there so it's easy for you to find particular themes of posts I make.

Having a good week, very interesting actually. May post later on about all that :)

Dx

on the verge

Of yet another weekend! Golly this one came around fast. Friday already! I've planned to do not much this weekend. Probably just hang out with friends and Rosie and take it easy. I should do some house stuff and give Rosie a bath and clean the house and sort out some paperwork and prepare my tax stuff and clean the balcony and cook some yummy food and repot the plant and clean the laundry recess and god a whole big long list of so much to do. But all I want to do is sleep in, play with Rosie, get drunk, have a shag with a hottie, cruise around. Especially if the weather stays like it's been - sunshine drenched days that are sooo good to be out and about in. I want to wander around in a tee shirt and jeans and not have to wear 3 or 4 layers just to be warm. I want to feel the sunshine on my face and feel like I'm being rejuvenated. I love the sun.

So we'll see how it all pans out but fingers crossed something really surprising and exciting happens. That'd be fantastic!

Hope you all enjoy yours!

Dx

thanks for the comments

It's always lovely to know that people actually read these things so I appreciate enormously the comments that have been left on my blog over the past weeks. It also encourages me to post a little more :P

Dx

Big Brother's Zach

Regardless of tonights result, I've been so impressed with the way Zach has handled himself and the harsh Big Brother spotlight. He's been so true to himself, so genuine and down to earth. He's been unafraid to express himself, make himself vulnerable, open himself up to the other housemates and to himself. He's embraced new people, new experiences and all with a genuine charm that has suckered me in. When his mum & dad went in tonight and you saw how genuinely moved they all were, how proud they were of him and how much it meant to him to have their love and support.

Despite the fact that I loathe the term role model to be thrust upon anyone, he has represented gay people in such a positive way. He should be enormously proud of his efforts because of all of the gays that have gone into the house over the years, I truly believe he's done the best job of it.

I suspect that once everything inevitably dies down in a few weeks or months, most of the other housemates will have been long forgotten. But I think Zach did enough to ensure that he'll be remembered warmly and in high regard.

I doubt we've seen the last of him.

Dx

the truth about the truth

Gee where do you start with this one? It's a bit of a theme at the moment, so thank you for indulging me once more. I promise I'm nearly done with it and hopefully things will pick up around here again soon :)

But back to the topic at hand. The truth about the truth. Has a certain resonance to it doesn't it? Like it's going to be something blindingly earth-shattering or something.

But it's not like that really. It's actually very simple.

So many people are afraid of the truth for so many different reasons. Some feel that the truth will result in the ones they love not loving them anymore. Some are scared of the legal ramifications of their truth. Some are just not comfortable looking in the mirror and seeing themselves reflected.

Whatever the reason, truth is not something to be feared - it is to be embraced.

The truth, although awful at times, is incredibly liberating. When given the opportunity to be honest - with themselves or whomever - most are just shitscared of what the repercussions might be instead of thinking of how fucking amazing it would be to live a life without fear of the truth.

I've lied in my past. I'm not proud of that because it hurt people that I did care about. It caused me so much distress, let alone them. But a funny thing happened along the way. As I embraced the truth, about who I was and am, the things that I believe in, what I want out of life - so many amazing things started to happen.

And from someone who was so scared of the truth for so long, it completely reaffirmed to myself the value of my life and relationships. My world got so much better when I was telling the truth and living my life as truthfully as I could. It was amazing, I couldn't believe the change.

So for any of you out there that are contemplating the truth in your own lives - take it from me, although there may be negative consequences of you coming clean with yourself, your friends and lovers, or anyone else that you are lying to - the rewards of honesty far outweigh anything bad that may initially come of it all.

I wish you all success in your own quests for the truth.

Dx

true colours

Just a quick couple of things before bed.

1. I just adore Rosie O'Donnell. You should go and read her website now (if you don't already) and watch her video blogs. Not only is the woman funny, but she's super smart and asks all of us the tough questions that so few want to know about. Go do it now! http://www.rosie.com/

2. I just adore Cyndi Lauper. Everyone knows this. The woman sings some of the worlds finest inspiring songs like True Colours and Shine. If you haven't heard her, go to iTunes or a music store now! She's just wrapped up a 16 date concert tour of the US called True Colours (which is rumoured to be coming here next year in time for Mardi Gras' 30th birthday celebrations). It not only featured her, but also had Debbie Harry, Erasure, Margaret Cho and Rosie on the bill as well. A portion of all proceeds supported the Human Rights Campaign which specifically addresses discrimination faced by gay, lesbian and transgendered folk. Cyndi is straight. But a complete fag hag. And the gays just adore her. What a woman! Go and buy a CD today!

Dx

weekend - what a bore!

I want to write about my exciting weekend but I can't. A simple stuff up with pays meant that I had no money this weekend when I should've been out on the town splashin' it around. Not to worry too much, it'll come through this week and I can give it a whirl next weekend. I have a shopping list a mile long for new clothes, gadgets and other stuff that I've been hanging out to buy.

The only thing that I did get up to on the weekend was to catch up with my dear friend David N for dinner on Saturday night. We dined down at the Finger Wharf at Woolloomooloo which I'd never been to before. The food was pretty good, if not a little on the expensive side. The company was, err, well a bit hit & miss, but I went to spend some time with David which I was able to do. He's off to Germany in a couple of weeks so his trips home will probably be a little less frequent than they've been from Singapore. But on the plus side, there's now free accomodation in Germany! hehe

Back to work tomorrow for another big week. Hopefully something special will happen this week to put a smile on my face.

Oh, and to all who've been commenting and emailing of late, thank you for your kind words :)

Dx

bitter & twisted

I'd hoped that it wouldn't happen but I can feel the tendrils tightening their grasp around me. As time goes on since the demise of my relationship, I'm becoming bitter and twisted about the whole thing. I try not to think so much about it but I can't seem to help myself. I just want to know what I did wrong to deserve such apalling treatment.

I gave him everything that he asked for. Everything that he said he needed to be happy within the relationship. I gave him so much money so that his life there would be easier. So that we'd have a great holiday when I came over to China to see him. So that he could come home and see me, his family and his friends.

And all the while he was lying to me. Lying to me about love. Lying to me about how much I meant to him. Lying to me about what he was doing. Lying to me about who he was. I feel so used and betrayed. I'm trying so hard not to let it get to me because I know that it's what he's done, not what I've done. But I'm still so angry and hurt. I don't want to feel this way. I don't want to think about it the way I am.

One of my dear friends over the weekend was reminding me of what I'd been feeling when I thought it was good and for all the good things that did happen. And there were some good things but those good memories are overshadowed at the moment by the hurt, pain, anger and resentment. I want to be able to look at the last year and get some joy from it but right now it's pretty bleak.

I know it will pass in time but like everything in my life, I want it now, I don't want to wait. I just want to be happy again.

Dx

head cold

I'm at home with a nasty head cold. Thankfully it's not the flu (yet) but it's knocked me about just the same. I was home yesterday too, which the dogs are enjoying. I was hoping to make it through unscathed although I kind of figured I'd get sick at some point with all the work I've doing of late.

Hope you're all well :P

Dx

too much work

just finished what was a very long work week - 7 days straight at trade shows. My company had a stand at the Sydney Craft Fair at the Convention Centre this week, the show went for 5 days and only closed this afternoon. I'm pretty well rooted now. I worked out I've only had 2 days off for the whole of June. Sigh.

This afternoon was pretty good though, Mum, Nan and my uncle Peter came through for a look. Then my sister Jackie turned up too so it was all a bit family. It was so good to see Nan and I ended up sitting with her for a while as the show was quietening down. I know its not the best pic but I love it just the same :) Dxx

random pics #1

Rosie & Harriet @ Frog Hollow 23/6/07

View from the balcony, 6.37am 27/6/07

A friend learning new skills @ Sydney Craft Fair 28/6/07

City skyline 6pm 28/6/07

I know they're not the best pics but I'm trying to take more and post more often. Made easier with my new LG Shine phone :)

Dx

questions and answers

Even though I have most of the answers, I still seem to have more questions. I often wonder whether this insistence I have to learn the truth is to protect myself, or indeed as I fear, it's actually to save me from myself.

thank you dear friends

The past week has been incredibly difficult and to all who've been so understanding and compassionate, thoughtful and generous, thank you.

Dxxx

about last night...

Woweeee! Man did I have some fun last night! While I was hard at work yesterday, my friend David rang and asked me to go to dinner with him. The restaurant was Glass in the new Sydney Hilton Hotel. David was there to review it for the AHA Awards to be held later this year so for me it was all free, which is just lovely. Even better was that David and I were going to be able to have a proper catch up since our respective overseas jaunts.

So I headed into the city about 7.30 and we had a drink at the bar first and then headed into eat. The restaurant itself is pretty nice, even if the tables are pretty close together and it's noisy because of all the stone/cement/wood finishes. Noise just seemed to bounce around and David and I were forever leaning in to listen and talk.

The menu is created by Luke Mangan who's pretty well known in culinary circles and seemed to have a pretty good mix. Sticking to my policy of trying to eat stuff that I can't/never cook for myself, I ordered the scallops for entree and the 500g T-bone for main. I can't remember the name of the bottle of red we drank but it was really delicious too and a perfect compliment to the meals.

Our conversations covered all sorts of topics, David full of lots of stories from his past that I didn't know anything about - incredibly interesting. I'd never really had a chance to chat with him one on one like this before and I really enjoyed myself.

After dinner we went down to Marble Bar for a drink but they had some crazy hip-hop urban band playing down there and it was very young, straight and loud. So we headed up to the Shift instead which was surprisingly fun. I haven't spent much time there over the past couple of years and had never even seen their new downstairs bar which has been open many months. After a couple of drinks downstairs we whisked ourselves up the stairs to see what was happening but it was pretty quiet.

David and I were getting a bit drunk by this stage so around 3am we called it a night and he headed back to the hotel and I came home to walk little Miss for a bit which is quite enjoyable at that time of night. Then home to bed for a well deserved sleep.

This weekend is gonna be busy and social, lots of people to catch up with but I've already cancelled some of the social things due to a sleep in and now the onset of a mild hangover. But going to FatCat's tonight to watch the footy and have a BBQ which should be lots of fun.

Catchya later!
Dx

do u have the time?

While I was at lunch I was on the phone to one of my best girlfriends, Karen, and trying to sort out a time for us to get together. We've had this idea for a couple of months of doing a girls night/slumber party type of thing - just us - cause we haven't seen each other properly in months. We'd go out for a nice dinner, get a bit drunk, gossip about boys and do facials and all that back at hers up on the Northern Beaches. But, we've already missed the one date that we had pencilled in and now we're looking at something in mid July instead as I am too busy between now and then. How is it that I can't seem to find the time to spend with one of my besties until July?? Something's not quite right here is it?

Work is pretty busy - actually make that super dooper busy. I have loads of stuff on - new products, trade shows, marketing plans, activities, hiring new staff and more. I'm feeling under pressure as I have to get most of this stuff done before I head off to Phuket in mid May with Rich for a well deserved beach holiday. Michael arrives from China in less than a fortnight for a quick visit which, in the middle of, I have to go to Melbourne for 4 nights for a major photo trade show. After Phuket it's straight back into gearing up for a major and exciting new product that we are launching up in Brisvegas at a trade show over the long weekend. So I even miss out on that one as a chance to kick back for a few days.

I get home most nights from work around 7ish and grab Rosie for a walk. Post walk there's dinner to get ready and then eat and by the time I've finished cleaning it all again, it's usually nudging 10pm. Then it's off to bed around 11 and up again around 6.30am for the whole cycle to start all over again. No wonder I'm always tired and seemingly busy just about every moment of every day.

But through all that, I'm not unhappy, I'm just challenged and working harder than I ever have before. I wish I had more time and less to do but who doesn't? I'm getting paid well at work, I still have some free time to enjoy my friends company, but anything more than a coffee here and there seems to be impossible to achieve.

Does anyone out there have any suggestions on what to do to get more time for the things that I love?

Dx

the good & the bad

So this weekend is turning out pretty good, although something happened yesterday which wass pretty bad too.

I caught up with a friend of mine, Prashant, on Friday night which was really fun. We dated last year for a moment and although that never really went anywhere we seem to be starting a friendship now. I saw him out last weekend and didn't really chat much but had a really good yak on Friday night. He's a sweet guy who's trying to figure out a bit of stuff at the moment and seems like he could do with a friend who's maybe lived a bit more life than he. So that was good.

Yesterday afternoon Portia dropped off all the Tupperware that was ordered from the 2 parties we did. I did wonder what $2000 worth of Tupperware looked like and the 2 big boxes confirmed that it was indeed a helluva lot! Friends dropped by over the afternoon to start collecting their orders and all left with big grins and ideas of what they were gonna do with their stuff. So that was all good too.

I took Rosie to the groomers to get tidied up. I've decided not to give her a full haircut this time round with winter approaching quickly, so she just got a face/bum/feet trim instead. When I went to pick her up the girls there asked me if she was ok as she'd been misbehavig for them which was out of character for her. Something about waking up on the wrong side of the kennel they suggested. Beats me what got into her, she's fine with me. I had a haircut too, a budget one this month thanks to a severe lack of funds. I ended up getting a very short (#1) buzzcut all over. I quite like it and seem to get one at least once every year or so and the reactions so far have all been good. So that was pretty good as well.

Last night my friend Mark threw a surprise birthday drinks for his on again off again on again boyfriend David at their place over in Bellevue Hill. I trekked over with their big Tupperware order a few cans of Johnny Walker and had a really great time. Mark and I are friends from when I very first moved to Sydney and over the years have spent loads of time together doing all sorts of stuff. But when he started seeing David and trying to get his business off the ground, we stopped seeing so much of each other but that seems to be swinging back to more often of late. Which is really really good. He's an amazing guy that I love being around.

So, the bad. As someone that's had a few issues over the years with gambling (I have a very addictive personality) I should've known better than to go to the casino on Friday night. But something got into my head that Friday the 13th would be a good day to go. I haven't been in years due to my, errr, issues....and I really shouldn't have gone this time either. I was proud of the fact that I set myself a limit which I stuck to and although I did lose a bit more than I really should've. I didn't go too crazy just the same. Still it would've been nice to have left there a winner rather than the loser that I was. So that was pretty bad.

And then yesterday during all the excitememt of Tupperware, I decided that I'd photograph everyone as they picked up their Tupperware for a series of blog photos. Great idea, wass going really well till Rich and I fumbled the camera and dropped it onto the floor where the lens smashed and is really, well, f*cked. So I can kiss another few hundred goodbye in replacing it. Which is definitely bad.

Today I'm off to see Joy in the big house for the first time since before China, so a good couple of months. In the meantime she's plead guilty to her charges and it looks like she's gonna be there for a lot of years left. I'm not altogether sure how the visit will be but I do know I'm looking forward to seeing her just the same. Ian and I are going together so at least there will be someone else to share the load and conversations. Tonight I want to have a quiet one and do some work that needs doing before Monday morning. And play with my Rosie of course.

Hope you're having a good weekend!

Dx

easter weekend shenanigans

Howdy y'all

Hope the Easter Bunny came to you all and you had a great break. Mine was pretty good, very relaxed and lazy for the first part. mainly I just hung out with Rosie and slept and ate. I caught up with friends for coffee and food which was really good, the weekend just had a really lovely pace to it.

On Sunday eve I dropped into Slide for their massively fun Soda Pop party. Dan Murphy was spinning the camp tunes and the place was packed with some of Sydney's hottest guys - Yum! I managed to get myself pretty drunk and danced around for a bit, whilst chatting to some new friends. After I left Slide I stuffed a Hungry Jack's Junior Whopper with Cheese into my gob and wandered home to take Rosie for a walk.

We did a quick lap up to Taylor Square and seeing the huge queue over the road outside Arq, I couldn't resist the opportunity to freak a few unknowing gay boys out by pretending she is a crack-trained sniffer dog, and we were on the hunt for illegal drugs. Hilarious!

Monday was spent in bed and lounging around the house nursing a hangover, playing with Rosie and eating chocolate cake. Yum!

Dx

what a disgrace...

Just got in from the Swans Vs West Coast Eagles match at Telstra Stadium and what a shocker it was. Sydney confirmed yet again that they are slow starters to the AFL season, letting the Eagles get away to a flying start. Although they managed somehow to scrape back the lead to a nail-biting single point loss at full-time, the score belies the fact that they are flat and without consistency. Barry Hall had a shocker and looks to be back to his thuggish ways of old, thoroughly selfish and unskilled. New recruit Peter Everitt was only on the ground what seemed like half the game and looked well past his prime. The Swans were undisciplined in the first half and West Coast should've been further in front but injuries to key players, plus the absence of drug addicted Ben Cousins slowed them down a beat or two.

All in all a disappointing start to the Swans season and really doesn't bode well for the fans. They were pretty horrible to watch for most of 2006 and so far, 2007 looks like following the same way.

Dx

Suzhou

So here we are in Suzhou, got in yesterday after a very long day, lots of waiting around at Shanghai Railway station. I've been fighting a rotten cold for the past couple of days so have been no fun at all. Michael is being an angel and very helpful and patient while I'm a grumble bum. Feel a lot better today and am taking lots of cold & flu tablets to combat it. We're here for another night and then back to Shanghai before we head off to Beijing for a week. One thing about China, the beds are sooooo hard. I barely sleep and certainly when I do it's a very restless sleep because I can't get comfortable. We had sleeping tablets last night which helped but I still woke up a few times. Anyways we're about to head off to see the gardens of suzhou so will write more later on.

Dxx

that's it - i'm outta here

So in about 4 hours my flight should be taking off to Shanghai. Michael and I are beside ourselves with excitement as you'd hope and expect. The bags are finally packed and I think I am ready.

I'll try and let you know how its going, catch you soon!

Dx

margeaux: I'm not dead!

Despite rumours to the contrary, I'm not dead. I'm just busy.

So with that disclaimer, I do plan on writing something significant here within the coming days that should fill you in on the past months including:

1. My hot boyfriend in China
2. Christmas hijinks
3. Toybox NYD
4. Work update
5. New Rosie pics

So please, come back soon and let me know if you're reading this blog and what you're interested in so I can make it all about you, rather than all about me! Rah - like that's ever gonna happen! It's always about me!

Dx

Remember our friends, lovers, family

On today, World AIDS Day, please spare a moment to remember those who've fallen to the scourge that is AIDS. So many lives lost, so many battles still being fought. On this day (and many others), I remember my friends Andrew, James and Sister Carmen Get-It.

Rich and I attended the Candlelight service here in Sydney and although smaller each year, it's every bit as relevant today as always. The service was simple but honoured those who were remembered with love by the many who attended.

However you do it, please remember our friends, our lovers, our family today.

Dxx

lazy sunday

So I'm laying on the bed whilst two adorable little pups, one mine and the other on loan, rumble raucously throughout my neat but homey apartment. I've just read the Sydney Morning Herald Saturday edition cover to cover. Joey came by this morning and we sipped take away coffee's and caught up on each others weeks. Rosie and I took a longish walk at the park to kick it all off this morning and whilst she played with the other dogs and fetched her squeaky green ball, I gossiped and traded doggie talk with the other pooch owners. All in all a terribly relaxing and indulgent Sunday.

My biggest dilemma currently stands as what to cook for dinner tonight. Last night's experimental meal of creamy chicken pasta tasted even better this afternoon for lunch so I must remember that for another time. But it's certainly added to the pressure of tonights meal. With a Woolworths at my immediate disposal, it should help to alleviate the stress I currently feel, but instead, the aisles filled with all sorts of culinary delights only serves to muddy the choices. Damn it, I don't want more choice, I just want nicer things!

And someone to cook me dinner it seems....

Dx

sleazey long weekend

In years gone by this would be a big clubbing/partying weekend for me but this year I'm giving it all a wide berth. It's not cause I don't like to go partying anymore, I do, but with Michael in China and so much work on my plate for the next few weeks, I need to keep my head on straight and I need all the energy I can muster just to get through it all.

But get through it all I will because the potential spoils are worth the efforts. For me to spend a couple of weeks with Michael in China in January will mean hard work between now and then, discipline with what I spend and ensuring that I do all the right things to make this wonderful man in my life happy.

So as usual I've set the bar as high as I can, because mediocrity is something that I fear more than anything else. Plus after meeting Cher last year (twice!), I know that there is nothing that I cannot do.

Let's go!

Dx

These are crazy times!

I know I keep promising more regular posts on here, but try as I might I just never seem to have any time for it. Work has gone crazy and I'm lucky to leave there before 7pm each night, its usually later than that. When I do get home, nearly every other night I grab Rosie and head over to Michael's house at Moore Park for dinner and to stay the night. If I'm not at Michaels, I take Rosie for a walk and then Michael and I have dinner here and stay in watching TV or a movie. Most nights I just fall asleep exhausted. The weekends are for chores and trying to rest, but usually full of stuff to do as well. I feel like I've been non-stop busy for a few months now and that week off in August seems like a lifetime ago. Work is about to hit the crazy period with Xmas nearly upon us and I stupidly did a huge deal with HN that should change the face of the business entirely within a month or two. It's our day of reckoning for sure.

*Yawn*

Time for bed me thinks, but I'll leave you with a pic of Michael and I taken by Pete from PetezImagez at my birthday drinks at Slide a week or so ago. Cute huh? Dxx

a relaxing weekend

When I took on the extra writing work, it was originally for 4 weeks, starting at the beginning of April. It ended up being extended by 7 weeks and the start got pushed back, so we only just wrapped it all up mid July. I can't begin to tell you what a relief it's been to not have to do that anymore and I can get back to doing my own creative writing for here.

It's taken me a couple of weekends to get settled again and this past weekend felt so luxurious as I had very little to do. Rosie and I had a blissful time hanging out at the park and on the sofa together, she's just an adorable little pup and my heart swells with love when I'm with her. To be honest, I am a little surprised by just how much I've started to adore her and incorporate her into my world, and by just how much she comes first in my life now. No complaints, she gives me so much love. Aahhhh! hehe!

On Saturday after a stroll through the park I went shopping and bought some fabulous new candle holders which will look super on my new dining table when it arrives in a few weeks. They are goblet style, all glass, in a rich ruby colour. I also picked up a new dining setting, just a basic one but one that should suit me well for years to come. On the way home from David Jones, I stopped into my favourite DVD store, JB Hi-Fi and picked up 'Driving Miss Daisy' for only $5, and a Tina Turner concert DVD for only $10 - bargains!

Rich came by late afternoon for mud cake and coffee which was lovely. After he left I took Rosie for another walk and was supposed to head over to the SCG to watch the Swans play Richmond but I stayed home instead and started on organising all my files and bills while I watched the game. It was great to see the Swans get a win, and such a good win too. They've not been playing so great of late, so a win was very welcome by the fans.

Sunday morning Rosie and I headed over to Prince Alfred Park to meet Joey and his dogs, Rosie's parents for some play time. Rosie loves to chase and fetch her yellow ball with the bells inside so we played that game for an hour or so before Joey arrived. Then the dogs played for a bit longer and Rich joined us there too. Rich and I headed back to St Margarets to have breakfast and then in the afternoon I kicked back and enjoyed the rest of my day, very lazy.

One of my favourite things to do on a Sunday at the moment is to cook a big lasagne. I'm still perfecting my recipe but it's very yummy and means that from one afternoons cooking I have meals for the first few nights of the week, which makes a huge difference to my time in the evenings. When my table arrives I can see a few dinner parties with the lasagne as the main meal. Can't wait!

Anyhoo, I'm rambling as I'm at work and I need to get this done plus a whole heap of work before I go home, it's busier than ever here but all good.

Hope you are all well and happy!

Dx

resuming normal programming

I know it's been a long time coming - I mean the last time I posted regularly was nigh on 3 months ago. Practically an eternity on the internet. But I still have lots to say, perhaps even more than ever before. So settle in dear readers and I will try and get you all up to date on everything that has been happening here in my life. Shouldn't take too long and because I love yous all, I'll even break it up into small yet wholesome chunks for you to love and enjoy.

So, the time is ripe again for some Margeaux magic!

Stand by!

Mx

Howdy!

Well, life is still pretty much out of control. I never seem to have any time anymore for me or the things that I used to love to do including updating this blog. But that will all start to change again in the coming weeks when my writing gig ends and now that Rosie is a wee bit bigger, she seems to be taking less of my time. We've been hanging out at the park on the weekends and some mornings when I get out of bed early enough to take her there. She loves it of course and has been meeting lots of other dogs, plenty of other Schnauzer pups too.

This is a pic that I took yesterday after she's been running around in the mud and playing.



Dx

The end of planetmargeaux.com?

So I've just found out that due to a myriad of stuff-ups and what have you, my planetmargeaux.com domain wasn't renewed back in February and is now awaiting deletion before being put back out into the general internet world for purchasing.

WebCentral, who used to host it for me want $210 to get it back during this "redemption period". (MelbIt want US$255 for the same thing). Renewal is only $25 per year so you can see that this is an expensive exercise to go through. And frustrating.

And I'm not sure what to do. To be honest, that domain has been my online identity for years, since 1999 in fact when Joey and I first registered it.

But maybe, it's time for a change.

I've been using my dwatson.com domain for email as it's more professional, not to mention easier to spell, so maybe I'll let planetmargeaux go (no jokes please).

As always intrepid readers, I'm dying to know what you think?

Dx

Yes, I'm still alive

Hi All!

Sorry that there has been a distinct lack of activity here of late but I have just been so busy.

The extra writing gig that I took on for realestate.com.au has just been extended for another 4 weeks which is great on one hand (the extra money) but bad on the other as I have no spare time for another 4 weeks.

Rosie is wonderful, growing up so fast. I'll try and get some new pics done soon enough for you all so please bear with me.

Much love
Dxx

another week gone

So ends yet another week - this year is flying by at breakneck speed. Rosie and I had a fun week, learning new things and getting used to being separated during the work day. I'm not sure if it was more traumatic for her or me. But we survived and it's all going well.

I have a reasonably busy weekend as usual. People coming by to meet Rosie and coffee's with friends. Have to do some chores about the house and that sort of thing. The Swans are playing Melbourne Demons tomorrow at the SCG so I'll go to that, and I'm also going to see my friend in the jail tomorrow morning.

I've taken Monday off work as Tuesday is a public holiday for Anzac Day, and so now I have a 4 day weekend. I needed the extra day because I start my first paid freelance writing job on Monday. Realestate.com.au have hired me to be the Editor of a new marketing blog about weird flatmates. If anyone is more qualified than me to write about such things then point em in the direction of the site - www.weirdflatmate.com from Monday and they can share their stories with me and the world. Should be a lot of fun and keep me out of trouble for the next month that it runs for. If my postings on here become a little brief or irregular, at least you know it's cause I am genuinely busy.

So I hope all is well with you, drop me a line or make a comment. I got some new comments this week regarding Toybox party which is either about to sell out or has indeed sold out by now. Some of the comments were unpublishable but a couple have been posted. Tsk tsk to the naughty ones!

Catchya soon!
Dx

PS - Here is one of Rosie I took earlier this week! [click on the image to enlarge]

oh my stars - part 2

From AstrologyZone.com:

If you are single and open to meeting new people on the dating scene, this month will bring several opportunities to make the acquaintance of several new romantic interests, and one person in particular may stand out. If you suffered a breakup recently, even though it may be a bit soon to date someone new, keep an open mind - this month you may unexpectedly be introduced to someone who will be far better suited to you.


How fun is that?? I have a few social outings and get togethers planned for this month so who knows what that might lead to? I may have been hurt, but I'm not out of the game by any means!

Dx