Diving Adventures

2008-04-10T20:09:00.002+10:00

just more proof i dont update enough here anymore Mack wishing me a happy birthday in april on a blog from january.
life is going which is good, still diving, riding and getting amongst it.
more updates to come ... one day...

2008-01-29T09:00:00.000+11:00

I finally finished my instructor rating and got that ratified on the weekend so one less thing to be concerned with. Now I can teach people to dive without another instructor present so long as I'm associated with an SSI dive facility.
t seems things are starting to work out and life is coming up with the answers all in good time. No need to rush to find solutions just sit back relax enjoy it while you still can.
I have also decided to take up rock climbing (indoor to begin with) to build some upper body strength and fitness. so be interesting to see how that all goes.

2008-01-24T21:00:00.000+11:00

To continue on from yesterday's some what rant and confusing post.
Some of life's questions I have determined cannot be answered and others I really don't / didn't want answers to.
I am several steps closer to finding the meaning of life I mean, I finally understand life requires you to grow up some time or another and start dealing with things like a mature person, who'd have thought? I really need to get back into some reading again to continue expanding my very narrow view on life, love, and God. There must be so much to experience live and learn, yet I sit abeyant watching life pass by as though scared to move on, expand my horizons and break free of the anxiety that confines me and limits my potential (what ever that may be).
Maybe it's time to be the hare, race forth hastily, carelessly and take little consideration for the world which lies in wait. The tortoise seems to be the way to get no where and go "nowhere fast" and keep moving in circles. The old saying goes those who don't learn from their mistakes are destined to repeat them and I guess I'm a slow learner.
Anyhow most other things seem to be OK at the moment ...
take care.

2008-01-23T20:36:00.000+11:00

Well having been to South West Rocks (SWR) and survived, barely, I am home again.
Plenty to contemplate and work through. It's kinda weird having the world suddenly turn you on your head and all these questions presenting themselves what seemed like immediately.
Firstly the trip to SWR was short and interesting, 2 dives and a bit over 1200 KM covered in a bit over 40 hours, got to visit Nan briefly and help with a tiny bit of work around the yard but much more to do.
Not as many sharks as I'd hoped only about 10 but based on the average conditions it was better than could have been expected. The wind was up a bit and made the surface rough, then the current running south seemed to be bringing more cold water. Around the thermocline was nice up in the shallows. Anyhow this isn't a dive log page so I'll leave it there and post pics later.
As for life and these questions it sort of makes me want to take off escape this wretched hole that hath presented it's self and run away! run away! life was so much simpler a few years ago but "I guess this is growing up" Some may argue that 22 is about time to "grow up" and reluctantly I agree. Still searching for answers can often lead to more questions.
On a lighter note I watched several movies today firstly 'Juno' then when I got home '10 Things I Hate About You' funnily enough I had a sense of hey could this be life? despite Juno being labelled as a comedy i found some rather sobering and thought provoking lines throughout and not to live in the past but if only (the wonderful thing called hindsight) I had watched 10 Things I Hate About You about 6-8 weeks ago meh what is time if you can't waste it year after year.
After such laziness i went for a ride to clear my head some more all this thinking for the past week has drained me more mentally than physically so the extra energy Couldn't be wasted. the ride was good plenty of scenery loose surfaces and heat but at least I didn't fall off like last time I rode the trails.
in ...there is no summary, what the??? yeah i just had to type some stuff so to clear some thoughts. May be more to come let's see what life brings

2008-01-17T22:34:00.000+11:00

Due to the lack of updates I feel I should inform you I am alive just have joined the "facebook" craze so spend far more time on there rather than here. In life news just alot of diving going on off to South West Rocks next week to do the grey nurses and turtles (well not do them so much as see them) and am looking forward to it. Also I have been keeping up my tempo of 3 dives a week for several months now and am at about 245 dives most of which logged until 2 weeks ago when I ran out of logbook pages, soon to be corrected. Other than that summer is much like last year, chasing things, riding, diving, walking, family and work. much to be done but all with time hope all is well, take care

A life update

2007-11-28T20:05:00.000+11:00

so lately i have; gone diving, riding, snorkelling, camping and voted nothing much else at this point infact life has been cruisy during this season which has been marvellous. water is warming up which means i might actually get out of my drysuit soon and back to the wetsuit. the only thing i miss about the old wetsuit is beeing able to pee during a dive and not bust a body part trying to hold it in other than that not much good can be said when you start comparing wet and dry suits. i have taken photos some have been ok but most have been crap and they are now on my facebok page not here sorry oh yeah and i did my 200th dive a bit over a month ago.
in the riding side of news i am unfit and havn't ridden too far but now the days are longer i have planned to ride after work several days a week (nothing has come of this thinking as i lack motivation). the trails are great and plenty of good weather just me being lazy.
snorkelling not back at clovelly but in the royal national park at wattamolla nice easy bay area to snorkel or dive just a long walk in if you were to take dive gear.
camping was in canberra a bit cold and in the middle of the forest on my own was a bit scary to be honest.
as for voting yeah it was that time of that year again and i had to vote to avoid a fine incase you didnt hear yet the liberals got knocked out and labour party took a huge chunk of the seats not that it really bothers me to much who ever got in working for a small company means it doesnt really affect me but good on em for having a go just be an interesting 3-4 years to see how the labour party handles the power and what the aging liberal party front benchers decide to do.
no other news so have a good one enjoy yourself what ever you are doing.

2007-11-12T18:44:00.000+11:00

update coming soon, lots going on and to write about but no time now i need to consolidate my thoughts.

Umm, hmm

2007-08-21T21:13:00.000+10:00

a few pics from south west rocks there were atleast 5 turtles and 30 + grey nurses have to be my fave dive site in N.S.W. no offence to Cronulla diving i do love diving locally

Yeah I've been diving lately in fact Last week I did seven dives in 4 days an average depth of 20 meters and can't wait to be teaching some students in the next few weeks. Oh yeah and I'm getting a dry suit soon I mean hopefully it arrives by Friday so I have it for the weekend, water temps have been about 15 degrees in the open water and 12-14 up stream a bit. Bloody freezing me bits off if you know what I mean. anyhow not much else to report looking forward to summer so i can get out and do more stuff winter has made me lazy and i feel the fat building shame on me

a brief catch up

2007-06-26T21:09:00.000+10:00

Well yeah it's been about a month to the day since I last got frustrated with this blogger thing so I figured it was about time for another bout.
in life a lot has happened I passed my dive controller exam with 95% and have finished all watermanship except for some demonstrations in the open water. speaking of, We went to go for a dive last Friday at Lilli Pilli and after all the rain we have had and the cold weather it was horrible, 11 degree water, and vis of about 1/2 a metre so we canned the dive. It was after trying to do this dive i realised it had been more than 3 weeks since i got any real depth and had only been diving in the pool in between such times.
In non diving related news i caught up with my brother last weekend for a ride in the national park and got drenched from head to toe riding through puddles (lakes) that came up around my knees a few times, then went to the city to have a few drinks with a mate only problem was I wasn't feeling heaps well and left after about an hour so much for a big night out.
anyhow that's about all I have been up to lately, hope your life's an adventure and you're living your dreams
Take care, Narked

2007-05-26T21:46:00.000+10:00

well sure its been a bit over 2 months since my last update and some would argue not a lot has happened in that time. right you are the true reasons for my lack of updates are: ! i forgot my password, and 2 since Google took over this blogger thingy majiggy the whole thing has gone to crap running at about 1/2 the speed it used to and every time i go to log on it frustrates me so much i give up trying. but anyhow here's some photos from my week on the G.B.R. earlier this month...
and once again the good old blogger system is giving me grief so screw the pics they'll come some other time

2007-03-23T18:31:00.000+11:00

I would have to say the best night dive I've ever done an hour with a leaking occy and still an hour long and 130+ photos! snap happy you say? well maybe a bit the deepest we went was 4.1 metres but a slow dive looking for sea horses, yeah they aren't as big as real horses makes them harder to see. (duh). the worst thing about the dive is that it wasn't even in The Shire in fact its on the other side of Sydney harbour near the zoo.

in other news work has been great this week Monday was diving, Tue / Wed off then Thur and today were doing dive controller training ready for tomorrow when we sit in on the open water course.

oh and more bad news i have to go to cairns for an interview with the traineeship company that i am doing the traineeship with i am just trying to convince Lee i should go up a few days early and do a "famil" on a live-a-board for 3 days.

Anyhow here's the photos from last night's dive ...

Living the Dream

2007-03-18T17:41:00.000+11:00

After last weeks perfect Sunday the dream has continued. I started work at Aquatic Explorers on Tuesday and was at a conference for Tue, Wed and Thur, where I learned the wonderful saying from Bruce, one of the speakers, "living the dream" and I already realise why. Work is so cruisy and it is so relaxed with customers and stuff coz you know they're there to have fun and chill out.
I understand that there is a lot of training and hard work to be done between now and the end of my traineeship but with the great people I work with how hard can it be?
Hope you're living your dreams, having fun and enjoying life.

Pleae make this day groundhog day

2007-03-11T20:59:00.000+11:00

If only today were groundhog day, or if this was any sort of example of what being a dive instructor is like then I’m in for one great career. I guess it all started yesterday when I heard from a great mate and he told me he’s sort of very addicted to diving and that he’s doing well (I am slowly succeeding in my mission to get everyone addicted.)Perfect would be an understatement for how good the weather, sea conditions and diving was today. One that only the master himself could have created.
We went deep diving today to 40mtrs just off Cronulla / Kurnell and had perfect 15 metre vis which is great for the area, went down came up had lunch moved the boat about 600 yards then went in again slightly down on the vis but the new dive site was fabulous and the accelerated decompression works a treat if you accidentally slip into decompression obligations I had a 40% nitrox mix in a pony sling and with my fabulous vt3 dive computer pre-programmed in the second gas and all went so well I was shocked (no I don’t want to advertise for oceanic but the VT3 is incredible) and a very smooth trip back on the boat without drama. even the music in my car fitted so well today muse and the postal service and filling out my wonderful log book was so easy to write heaps about the dives today no photos sorry as my camera is limited to 40mtrs and I was a bit worried about taking it down there just in case. My ride on friday went well at the blue mountains where I did the Oaks fire trail again only thins time it took just over 1.5 hrs and seemed to fly by made for a short day out for all the travel time but well worth the trip for the fresh air and the exercise.

The photos below are from the past few dives (last weekend at 25 - 30mtrs) I was sort of narked and just took photos of everything.

Life ... Past, Present, Future (and other stuff in brackets)

2007-03-08T21:45:00.000+11:00

While still not at a conclusive answer to the whole philosophy thing and the part in which society plays in each persons life weather for better or worse (crikey sounds like a marriage) and that’s before the whole creation part is bought into the equation.. It’s easy to say well God created the earth and then should be as simple as well God also says man is good and created in his image but if we’re in his image why did he give us free will? Could this be why society is how it is? (so much thinking)
I left my job today after nearly 3 years as a warehouse operations assistant (or store person for short) having declined the offer to stay on as warehouse supervisor with the more than generous pay rise figuring that this is the time that I have, here and now so I’d best not stuff up another opportunity if you catch my drift. Somehow I got a bonus for leaving my job? (how does that work?)
So now I have a four day weekend to fill with life stuff how exciting car service, bike ride (at the blue mountains), diving (deep) and then maybe another bike ride (possible locally), I could work on my place like I have planned for who knows how long but what fun is that on a day off? (have I used enough brackets yet?) (ok a couple more)
To my mate who declined the happy ending, good on you. Keep on those cultural learnings of Asia mate! (maybe you could be the Borat of Asia ;-) I hope your back’s ok soon)
Have a great day, keep on smiling and make the most of today.

Philosophy

2007-02-26T21:53:00.000+11:00

Are you lost or incomplete?
Do you feel like a puzzle, you can't find your missing piece? - Coldplay, talk

In a confused state here are my thoughts …
"Good and evil, reward and punishment, are the only motives to a rational creature: these are the spur and reins whereby all mankind are set on work, and guided." (Locke.)
“Man is essentially good, a "noble savage" when in the "state of nature" and good people are made unhappy and corrupted by their experiences in society.” Society is "artificial" and "corrupt" and that the furthering of society results in the continuing unhappiness of man. (Rousseau)
Man is not the creature of circumstances, circumstances are the creatures of men.We are free agents, and man is more powerful than matter. (Benjamin Disraeli)
Man is made both good and evil, corrupted or corrected by a society formed by these ‘men’ who create a capitalistic society full of laws, rules and regulation, as a way to control and to keep man good and ‘normal’ as part of the social contract yet we have the right to control these circumstances within our society through the choices we make.
I would like to say I agree with both sides because we live in a society full of good and evil with rules and regulations. It is within this society that we sit quietly enjoying the comfort of being like or the same as everybody else however we loose the opportunity to be individuals but reduce the risk of tyranny. Having never tried living without society I can’t say which I prefer or that I understand. It is commonly said that money is the root of all evil and perhaps there is truth to that statement. Natives lived in relative peace trading in things they needed for thousands of years prior to modern ‘settlement’.
So perhaps the question shouldn't be, man good or evil but perhaps, the society in which man exists, good or evil?

Some more photos

2007-02-25T17:54:00.000+11:00

I got some great news yesturday just two weeks today until i satrt work at Aquatic Explorers and begin my traineeship.
Although I have a long way to go, I noticed for the first time my pictures actually improving slightly from when I started. In my album of dive photos I have had processed and looking back to last years photos and to ones from yesterday and today and there is actually colour in the more recent ones not just various shades of green. A strobe is something very useful for underwater photography which one day I will acquire all with time and finance. here are some photos from this weekend please understand the visibility was terrible and the fact that colour at depth fades needing a flash to restore colour similar to using a torch to see the true colour of objects at depth. The flash (without a strobe) also lights up the scatter and causes problems where a strobe causes cross lighting and reduces or eliminates the scatter problem.
Click picture to view a larger image.

night dive

2007-02-22T21:20:00.000+11:00

An EEl
nudibranch
A very rare sight a frog fish
some random peice of coral
Rock cod?

Night diving is my newest addiction, lately I have done numerous night dives and just love the extra challenges and the far better photography opportunities. Tonight there were two of us diving and both of us had cameras so it was a wonderfully slow dive at Ship Rock Lilli Pilli. (I took just over 70 photos) Another advantage of night diving is the longer bottom times because it seems only more experienced people dive at night :-P
I'm also being presented an award on Tuesday night at the dive club dinner, for all the diving I have done. Even though it is just another certification card in a little box, it might motivate some people to order their cards or to dive more to earn a new certification level (level 5 S.S.I.) so next stop Dive Control Specialist, then instructor here I come.

I start my new job in little over two weeks and am becoming increasingly enthusiastic about it. Although today was good fun setting up a trade show stand the first time I've worked a whole day with my brother and we haven't had a big argument, times are changing or we're maturing hmm... but the stand was up in record time which meant early finish for me wahoo.
Anyhow have a gooder.

Wrapping up summer

2007-02-16T22:56:00.000+11:00

(the pics above are a cuttle fish and a eastern blue groper taken at Magic point N.S.W.)

Well now all is returning back to the ‘normal’ sort of life I have had some time to reflect, to ponder and to plan. In the reflecting it can be both advantageous and of disadvantage to look back. To look back and learn is one thing, but to look back and wonder what if, can send you in a downward spiral. So in learning without wondering what if… I have learned not go into something so blind and without direction. Family and friends (are the family we choose for ourselves) can and are a great help to learn from and spend time with, negligently I failed to do this over summer as I was blinded chasing another dream. So whilst I regret not spending as much time as was possible with Mack and my family while they were here I was overwhelmed that that they took the time to visit and really enjoyed seeing them. It is amazing that a simple calendar can wake me to the fact something isn’t right “I’d love to go out with you, but my favourite commercial is on TV.” Similar to something I heard recently which suggests that I must be a bore and painful to spend time with, when TV becomes more important than friends. Admittedly we had just been for a drink and wasn’t the most striking of conversations happening.In pondering through random thoughts in my head not much there (what can you expect from an air head) just a few loose ends to tie up with the changing of jobs etc. Thus being much the same as planning looking forward to this course starting soon and working at Aquatic Explorers should be great fun being able to share the experience of scuba diving with people and watching their expressions I’m anticipating will be a great thing. Then the opportunity to travel to some of the most beautiful places on earth and work there will be fantastic.

I would also like to encourage everybody to go and watch the new shark documentary called shark water I believe it will be good and remove some of the misconceptions people have of sharks and hopefully change peoples minds to not fearing sharks. No I am not suggesting that all sharks are tame friendly creatures they are a wild animal with wild instincts, occasionally “shit happens” and someone or something gets eaten by a shark, this isn’t a reason to go out killing every shark in the ocean because of one shark attack it is like suggesting when a plane crashes that nobody should fly anymore…

The weekend that was

2007-02-11T21:20:00.000+11:00

After another full on weekend I ind myself exhausted and feeling of little accomplishment. Sure I had loads of fun friday in the city was good caught up with a mate that I hadn't hung out with for a good while. So stoked for the guy a big congrats on your achievements (even helping IKEA every spare minute of his day) but always has time for a chat and some great advice when needed.
Saturday was indiffernt as I hadn't been home on friday and my head hurt, I went straight to the Dive Store from the city hired the snorkelling gear and went back to Clovelly. The weather was average and about 1/2 the people showed up that said they would but never the less relaxed and enjoyable way to get over a hang over.
Today was good on the boat didn't see the Grey Nurse Sharks which was the intention of the first dive but as things go it ws enjoyable. dives 111 and 112 now done which is good considering I only need to have done 100 to be and instructor (along with the academic training ... still to come.)
The decision was made about other areas of life and that has proven to be fruitful moved on to chase dreams and achieve more.

Stuck in a moment

2007-01-31T20:46:00.000+11:00

Well this one is one that no amount of solitaire can help me solve, a good few hours siting in solace thinking, trying to conjure up a solution. What to do and how to go about it? Diamonds and coal is all I can consider now which isn’t helping with this situation when there is always something there to remind me. Sleep is the easy answer but the predicament is still unsolved. To deal with it, to solve it and to move along live the rest of life which feels as though I’m going along without it at the moment while I search for a solution everything else left in limbo. People’s feelings and emotions are involved and I believe they are something that can not be toyed with so to tread lightly but to express true honest feelings. Thus being my dilemma …

2007-01-29T12:22:00.000+11:00

Well that was a very exhausting weekend a late happy Australia Day to all for friday, which is where it all began. Diving on the boat a couple of times then home and out for a ride around the 15 - 18 kms distance the longest I've done for ages. Saturday was a little easier went diving watched a movie, then went for a short run at the oval kicking a soccer ball around. Yesturday was great fun but today is another story, shoulders, arms and legs are all a bit sore but for the experience and a day out with a friend it was well worth it, plus now if I ever want to torture myself again I know where to find this 26 km track of every type of riding available. Other than the heat it was fantastic riding, up hills were at times a bit sketchy with soft gravel making it that bit trickier the downhills were great but it's obvious I hadn't been out on the bike for ages as it usually meant a slower decent than normal. Great company with three other people had a good chat with the guide up front for a while just cruising along. Towards the then (last 5 kms) we hit the single track section and it was also good in fairly good condition not to eroded fast and winding. So here comes the whole fitness craze i'm determined to have the abs of a few years ago back soon and with a little more effort it can happen.

Here's one for you.

2007-01-18T20:58:00.000+11:00

An interesting evening out with the grandparents off to the raffle to try and win a meat tray. Very exciting! Oh we came so close yet came home with nothing more than $20 less than when we walked into the place, but they enjoyed it, and I guess that is what some part of life could be about, people enjoying themselves.

About last night I went for a dive, interesting, to say the least, more so very enjoyable I have found the true "freedom of diving" yes Oceanic make great dive gear and that is their slogan I am using but try take off all the gear besides the mask snorkel fins, boots and the bcd, that's right I'm implying you try diving naked!
By the time I decided to go it was already 630 then I had to select a spot that wasn't busy so there went shiprock, oak park had a sizeable swell so off to Lilly pilli I went where there were a few people fishing but none that could see what I was doing under the water, lucky for them I'd say they'd have been scared for life.
not a long dive only 16mins to a depth of 7.1 mtrs with a temperature of 24 degrees the warmest I've had all year. But long enough and deep enough to count as a dive and to celebrate my 100th dive which was a few weeks ago.
So next time you're out for a dive try it naked you just might enjoy yourself, however I recommend checking the water temp 1st

What an Adventure

2007-01-15T23:09:00.000+11:00

I resigned today from work as of mid febuary i will no longer walk in circles. Moving on feels like the weight is lifting from my shoulders yet with a nervous eagerness for the future.
Mack ... well what can i say ... genius, i know you want to be shy about it but seriously, i felt honoured that you would spend so much of your time with me so a sincere thanks for that and all the wisdom and inspiration you shared and imparted to me, if i can live up to half of it, well i'll be doing well. Enjoy your travels Mate! and i hope you find the questions you're looking for.

Dinner tonight was nice relaxed and the movie was funny yet i stand by my confused statement
why is it the words never come out right and when they start to make sense it's too late?
a few weeks hanging out and already it's hard to let go
"Such as Life"

I am starting to see this year as one of oppotunity and change i hope it's for the better.
within reason this shall be my theme of life for the next year;
Courage is the power to let go of the familiar. -- Raymond Linquist
Reality is wrong. Dreams are for real. -- Unknown
The surest way to get anything in this life is to be prepared. Remember you are braver than you believe, you are stronger than you seem, and you are smarter than you think. -- A.A. Milne
We cannot lead a choiceless life. Every day, every moment, every second, there is a choice. If it were not so, we would not be individuals.-- Ernest Holmes
Sometimes the best way to figure out who you are is to get to that place where you don't have to be anything else. -- Unknown (i once was told i became someone else depending who i was around and i guess it's true) as i was just reminded via text as i type this blog.
enough of the quotes.
It's the journey not the destination. Where ever the journey takes me i'm going ot be living it.
Have a great day.

What if...

2007-01-01T09:43:00.000+11:00

You see the world in black and white
No colour or light
You think you'll never get it right
But you're wrong. You might. - coldplay, "low"

Every step that you take
Could be your biggest mistake
It could bend or it could break
That's the risk that you take. - coldplay "what if"

what if my world is black and white without colour and light? I am starting to think I might never get it right, the last wek or so has been very interesting trying to figure some of life's questions, and not getting far. what of this work, to stay unhappy in a well paid monotonous postion or change, take a step which could be my biggest mistake and rediscover the fun side of working.
I used all the grace granted and It seems the pedestal theory doesn't always apply as it was to "weird", or perhaps it does but requires more communication as to what both people ould like and are willing to give.
So, to persue a relationship? To aim for contentment with one who I admire or to move on by going back to how it was? and always wondering what might have been had i only persued the horizon for a little bit longer chasing a dream. A Reason ... To Change who I used to be?
On a random note, I am seriously considering getting rid of my mobile I plan to use it more of an incase of emergency. Another guy I know bases not having a mobile on "if you can't reach me at home then clearly I'm busy doing somthing." I like his thinking.
Other than that, today we trek off toward the mid north coast in search of great diving and time with family, hope the sharks are still about so we get some great pictures and come back with all our limbs.

So the real black and white has more colours than a rainbow and I'm more confused than ever but with enough time, thought, and wisdom it will all come good.

Have a great day and a safe and joyous 2007

Confused

2006-12-30T07:19:00.000+11:00

My life: A breif history

2006-12-17T21:02:00.000+11:00

It's been a while but so much has happened where has all the time gone? (msn maybe?)
Well so much for exercise, for the millionth time I go for a ride and the 999999 time I injure myself but all is well. I felt bad for not exercising enough lately and got on my bike and the chain slipped and cut up my ankle then I figure oh well keep going and a spider bit me, grr I say.Anyhow other than that life is going swimmingly I thought it was going to be the best summer ever and I think it’s well on course for it things have been interesting with mum and dad visiting I think mostly because I’m not used to having people living here. However I cant wait for Mackenzie’s arrival especially Tuesdays just because of what a great bloke he is with great intelligence and wisdom. As for other things I’m not going to mention too much except that I messed up the first moment but have been given grace and allowed to try again. (007 was an alright movie.)In other news I have a great family outing tomorrow evening after what will be an interesting day. The Foo Fighters will be blaring out “My Hero” for a while I think whilst I walk alone. Diving lately has been interesting haven’t done a whole lot and have hardly used my camera since it almost flooded a couple of months back. The water has warmed up and vis has been ok but I don’t think I’ll make my 100 dives by Christmas day as I had planned I have 87 done, but 13 in 7 days is an unlikely task with everything else that going on at the moment. Anyhow have a Merry Christmas and a happy new year.

A Trip Back in Time

2006-11-09T21:58:00.000+11:00

I GOT U2 VERTIGO TICKETS TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! oh that's not back in time, I know but ha ha to you I say. (show on Monday @ 5:30)
whilst traveling to work the other day listening to some "gossip" the topic of Brittany and her partner filing for divorce and it was refreshing to hear a bloke I drive to work with everyday use a phrase that is so rarely used today it went along the lines of "well he's the big loser in that divorce b'coz she's the major bread winner" now how long has it been since the bread winner was used? Crikey I'd have to say back in the late 90's was the last time I heard it. It just bought out a tiny glimmer of hope that there is still a bit of Aussie left in us all somewhere and if only we could find out and bring it out more often.
Back to modern times,
In other news there are heaps of jobs on the barrier reef going begging at the moment so I am hoping to apply shortly after Christmas for a few and see how it goes apparently they are so short on staff they employ heaps of backpackers so it shall be either late January or I will finish next years deckie course at tafe then bugger off up there and live the life. Sure pay is only about $300 a week but when all meals and accommodation are provided what more could you ask for, living on the Great Barrier Reef working in a relaxed resort I think it'll leave the city life for dead.
(A random thought) What you think you are is what you become.
have a fantastic day, and keep on smiling

could it be ... The Best ever?

2006-11-05T19:09:00.000+11:00

This summer is shaping up to be one of the best, parents out for a visit and of course the fabulous Canadian on his world tour down under for a visit. A big new years to celebrate 75yrs of the Harbour Bridge and plenty of diving to be done. the plan is to dive anywhere from the south coast right up to south west rocks (again - the grey nurses are calling) over the summer months, my new gear is incredible i had it out at ship rock today. the vt3 is amazing technology and does a wonderful job accompanying the zeta second stage heaps of photos again but as per usual i haven't learned how to post them here yet, maybe soon. other than that nothing much has happened tafe is nearly done for this year and this course only 3 weeks to go! The archeology course is on in January at the dive shop which sounds interseting and a good stepping stone to other adventures.
Hope you're having a great day and until next time bye for now and ..... on tuesdays ;-)

In reply ...

2006-10-30T22:31:00.000+11:00

Compelling observation and challenging question of today’s society.
These words by the wonderful Mack
“… The older couples all sat there, staring off into space. Now, by older couples, or this purpose, I include married couples with kids. With one exception (the two who seemed forced into their relationship for various reasons (including the child)), the young couples seemed to fulfill the 'idealistic' view of that close relationship. Is it that children and age make a couple grow apart, become less affectionate, become disinterested in each other? Have they perhaps grown together in such a way that they don't need constant reassurance of their love for each other by affection? …”
Having read this right after my earlier post I put it on the back burner for the few hours it has been while doing a terrifically entertaining assignment about Australia’s modern settlement (European invasion). Please also consider that I have no experience in anything that could be called a serious relationship yet build on the values I acquired along my journey thus far.
To further Mack’s questions I ask is it because of the acceptance of the disposable world we live in people decide I want a new …… and of they go and get it, rather than fixing the minor problem they had with the old one. Take a car for example; sure it runs well for a while then what? It runs out of petrol (gas) so you fill it up. After say 10,000 kms you take it to the mechanic for a tune up. I see a relationship as similar, every once in a while it needs a tune up and like with a car what you put in is what you get out. Now it’s easy to say well I trade my car in every few years for a new one and well good luck to you if that’s your way of thinking then you miss out on the classics and the experiences you just can’t get from a new model. There’ll be tough times, and times you want to give up but these are the pot holes and flat tires of life.
It is important to be ready to accept change and to accept flaws in a partner become adaptable and accountable for ourselves and the choices we make in life.

Random Thoughts

2006-10-30T19:21:00.000+11:00

Thanks for the wake up call mate ;-) (I haven’t thought about “life” for a while)
Isn’t it amazing that when you least expect something you receive it. No I haven’t been given $1 million dollars or something. However whilst i was sitting playing solitaire ( meant to be doing an assignment) it occurred that there are two equally good arguments to either achieve or fail what you have planned for. On one hand there is the option to “never give up”, to keep on going and get those goals you set out for at some point. The other side is that hey reality says it can’t happen so cut your losses and move on before you end up in an even deeper hole. I prefer not to quit but sometimes a reality check is the best thing you can receive.
In other thoughts of this afternoon
Perception is amazing talking with a friend I learned of a new band (Yellowcard – Lights and Sounds) so I bought the album and thought yeah this is ok punk rock stuff. A few days later while out driving with a mate I put it on and it occurred to me it was like angry chick music and had flash backs of 10 Things I Hate About You. Now sitting listening to it again I have mixed feelings for it. Oh the joys of society and the influence on ones life.
In diving News I have 76dives up now and over 50hrs under water the weekend had terrible visibility with strong southerly winds which caused a swell, cancelled the boat and left us with a choice of Bare Island or Kurnell as I’m lazy I chose the Kurnell with the Leap on Saturday and Inscription point for Sunday saw heaps of Nudibranchs a few eels and plenty of plant life, rocks and sand. My photos are ok although b’coz of the vis not too many came out.Have a Great Day

2006-10-15T20:51:00.000+10:00

yeah so what i'm lazy when it comes to updating this blog, i have posted a few times on here and i don't know and can't be bothered learning how to post my pics on here although they do look fantastic i have a few on display at the moment very impressive.
diving has been great except the vis is crap did the leap twice this weekend the best part was jumping off the rather small cliff face the two times, have also dived with the grey nurse sharks at south west rocks recently that was good and some good dive operators at the south west rocks dive centre looked after me well (a great family run business)
anyhow dont know when my next blog will be so have a good one, until next time

2006-09-20T19:28:00.000+10:00

It hurts more than having an arm or leg chopped off but, No matter what (happens) you have to get up and keep going move forward, this by Steve Irwin while speaking of his mothers passing God bless you Steve. A true blue Aussie who stood by his mates and did what we should all learn to do; stand up and be counted for doing what we value, living passionately and making every moment count. If only we chose to live like Steve imagine what this world could be…

Live, Pursue, Dream, Achieve

2006-09-11T19:45:00.000+10:00

Nothing is ever as bad as it seems, my foot is all good except some minor bruising but I'd say for the weight (1.3 tones) it had on it that was the least of my worries. I will be back in the water this weekend conditions permitting. Last weekend saw 3-5mtr swell and wind gusts up to 50kmph I went down for a look and got blown back into my car.
I'd also like to say thanks to Lee, Steve and the team at Aquatic Explorers who do a fantastic job at the dive store and really look after me well with plenty of help and advice, if you plan to dive in Sydney I recommend you dive with them.
I have a presentation to deliver tomorrow at school about protecting and reducing tourism impact on the Great Barrier Reef in a interpretive tour should be good fun.
Last week we had two very well know Australians pass away, Steve Irwin (the Crocodile Hunter) and Peter Brock (king of the Mountain (9 times)) just shows there are no certainties in life (except birth, death and taxes) so make the most of the time you have live each day as if it were your last then when it finally does come there will be no regrets.

No diving?

2006-09-05T21:56:00.000+10:00

After a minor accident at work today I could be out o the water for 6-8 weeks. I somehow managed to run my foot over with the little forklift pure genius I'd say. See what the x-rays show tomorrow and know more then
have a great day and keep on smiling.

IN MEMORY OF JAMES EDWARD HOPKINS

2006-08-24T21:57:00.000+10:00

April 11 1933 - June 16 2006

Too alarming now to talk about
take your pictures down and shake it out
truth or consequence say it aloud
use that evidence race it around

There goes my hero
watch him as he goes
There goes my hero
he's ordinary

Don't the best of them bleed it out
While the rest of them peter out

Kudos my hero leaving all the best
You know my hero the one thats on
Foo Fighters, Hero (color and the shape 1997)

Pastel red to burgundy and spinifex to gold, We've just come out of the Mulga where the plains forever roll. And Albert Namatjira has painted all the scenes, And a shower has changed the lustre of our land.

And it's raining on the Rock, In a beautiful country, And I'm proud to travel this big land, As an Aborigine. And it's raining on the Rock What an almighty sight to see, And I'm wishing and I'm dreaming that you were here with me.

Everlasting daisies and a beautiful desert rose Where does their beauty come from heaven knows. I could ask the wedge-tail but he's away too high, I wonder if he understands it's wonderful to fly.

It cannot be described with a picture, The mesmerising colours of the Olgas. Or the grandeur of the RockUluru has power!

And it's raining on the Rock, In a beautiful country, And I'm proud to travel this big land, As an Aborigine. And it's raining on the Rock What an almighty sight to see, And I'm wishing and I'm dreaming that you were here with me. John Williamson, Raining on the Rock (1986)

Pop, Grandad, Jim, Coach, Mentor, Hoppo + more
more than anything else he was an inspiration one of the most talented blokes you could ever meet with his hands a piece of timber could be made into anything so practical and straight forward but always done to perfection there was no other way. someone you could talk to about anything knowing it stopped there or he had the answer.
thanks God for sharing him with our family for his time here on earth couldn't have asked for more.

2006-08-22T21:44:00.000+10:00

This weekend doesn't look like good conditions for many dive sites in Sydney area with late low tides it takes away the leap and many areas of kurnell, leaving just oak park, lilli pilli, bare island or ship rock to dive most of which are great dives but comes back to who you do them with and the time of day or night you do them. Don't expect any photos at this stage coz I might not be motivated enough to take my camera. Although there might be a boat trip on for Sunday. (undecided)

When will tomorrow come I thought it was here today when I woke then realized it was once again today. It shouldn't have taken me a dramatic accident of falling from my mtb to wake up and start doing more with life but sadly it did. It is the feeling of comfort and solace by not challenging myself to do more, to try harder. I've had it as a signature in hotmail for months but never believed it "yesterdays gone tomorrow never comes, make your dream a reality today." wow today was a big day eh, as well as all the thought and trying to figure out how some crazy messed up person thinks I sat in my car before school near central "people watching" wondering, where do they all come from? To where do they go? What is going on in their lives? Are they messed up? Do they have problems? Does anyone care?

On the travel scene I have decided to be undecided about travel at Christmas so many great options so little time, ideally I would do all of them all the time. Just live to dive and dive to live each day as if it were my last because only God knows, it could be....

Everything moves in circles

2006-08-21T22:48:00.000+10:00

It is hard to put this so here goes, people who seek pleasure by trying to pull others down just because they are incompetent of achieving anything on their own clearly have little if any self worth, those who say stuff about people don't impress anybody and only look like complete idiots. Fortunately I wont associate with such people and only wish for those who do to see the light and not get dragged down into their hole of a world with them. Oh yeah and be good enough to acknowledge where you get material from when copying songs into your blog, clearly you are incapable of such talent. (see below for an example)
(if you are a mate and have no idea what this is about please disregard, or email me)
Regards Narked

Circles
You saw me lost and treading water
I looked patheticI looked as helpless as a stinger without a bee
But underneath my presentation, yea
I knew the walls were coming down
And the stones that fell were aiming away from me
Hey, what would it mean to you?
To know that it'll come back around again
Hey, whatever it means to you
Know that everything moves in circles
I saw you standing in my headlights (blink, blink, blink)
I thought I'd run you down for the weight you left on me
Instead I pushed rewind, reversed and drove away
And seeing you disappear in my rearview
Brought to me the word reciprocity
Hey, what would it mean to you?
To know that it'll come back around again
Hey, whatever it means to you
Know that everything moves in circles
Round and round we go
Who would've known it'd end so well
We fall on and we fall off
Existential carousel
- Cirlcles, by Incubus (morning view, 2001)

I Dived!

2006-08-21T21:56:00.000+10:00

Yes I finally had time and planned a dive to the leap with a dive buddy and we did it.
the plan was to find a massive reef anchor fairly early in the dive at a site where conditions have to be perfect. Well, conditions were better than perfect no swell good current great vis and an anchor. Not the anchor we went in for but none the less there was an anchor so we towed it all the way to the steps and out we came and all went well. Sorry no photos as I forgot my camera plus the leap is a bit of a dangerous place for cameras as the name suggests it is about 2 meter "leap" into the water to begin the dive so hope to all heavens you haven't forgotten something like your weight pockets coz it's a long surface swim. Great fun though and less dived site means more life in the area as no beginner divers venture to such places to ruin it. Don't get me wrong everyone has t start some where in diving and learn but it is nice to visit some where that all the growth hasn't been kicked by fins or ripped off by hands trying to push off the bottom or away from a wall.
keep up the good work.

2006-08-16T20:36:00.000+10:00

I havn't dived in a few weeks as i've had other stuff on like school, work and falling off my mountain bike. hope to have these pics up and coming soon.

Travel

2006-07-31T22:06:00.000+10:00

This is more of a wake up to myself lacking direction in life right now. Funny how a simple night at school can change a perspective on something. Some simple notes about extended touring gave me a whole new outlook on travel. "if you are searching for some answer to life, Beware! Long term travel often just leaves you with more questions!" - intrepid travel co. While I get their point I still feel there are places I'd like to visit and things to experience that can't be gained through short term travel or "holidaying" sure you can relax and do tourist things but what do people in that place do on the other days of the week when your not there? In a different season? One thing my time living overseas taught me is that you don't know a place and it's culture because you visited for a day or week during a trip or holiday. The other thing I realised is that going into something with expectations is a great way to get disappointed. Everything isn't as it looks or one may think it to be. please dont let this put you off travelling there is far to much to see and do to not go and visit places. Some places can be done in a day or week and nothing changes

Diving photos

2006-07-28T18:36:00.000+10:00

I hope to one day be able to post some photos from various diving adventures on these pages please be patient until it happens it will be updated when ever I can be bothered doing so usually once a week. But no promises, all blogs posted are in no way directed at any person people or group and if you take offence at the views, opinions and expressions posted please do not visit this address any more
regards Narked