Kainan 1-0!

Yesterday morning I went to the courts for a shoot around. I wanted to work on my cross overs, fast breaks and threes, so I got a bit done of all of them before I started feeling a bit of pain in my left heel. I thought I should save myself for the game the next day so I packed up and left.

I bummed around at home and had a nap, waking up at about 2:00pm. I then decided to go do some work in the office so walked out there and got there by 3:30pm. I finished reading that goddamn 19 folder brief by 7:15pm and walked back home.

Goddamn.

Today I actually didn't get much sleep. I woke up at 3:30am and had diarrhea. I think it was all the strawberry milk I drank in the office yesterday. Ugh. So anyway, felt a bit crap as I woke up at 7am and got ready for basketball.

I met with Nick at Central, and then Bo on the train as he got on at Redfern. I was kinda hyped up for today's game, and had a bit of a speech prepared, but didn't want to let anything out before then, so was a bit quiet on the train, listening to them talk.

We went to Subway at Lidcombe for breakfast and then walked to the courts. I was surprised there weren't any 9am games. I was expecting a full team but forgot that David had said he wouldn't be here. Jackson didn't turn up even though he told Alex he was playing.

We were playing Kenneth's team. I really wanted to smash them. I really wanted to block him. I emphasised to my team that I really wanted to set the tone in the first five minutes, and that we needed to do 1-3-1 everytime we scored. I also said we needed to sub every 4 minutes. I wasn't sure how well that last part was going to work out.

Both teams got off to a slow start and we were down 2-5. I knew that all we needed was a bucket which would then trigger off the 1-3-1, and we didn't get that for a while. Even when it came to 1-3-1, a lot of the guys forgot. But when we executed it, it worked. Not as efficiently as I would've liked, but it did rattle them.

Towards the end of the first half, I was on the bench and watched as Carter drove baseline. He jumped up into the air and was doing a lay up when their forward (Mike) pushed him and he landed hard on the ground. Alex and I both got up and made a few steps onto the court. MJ slapped that guy on the back of the head (brilliant move, haha), but after making sure there wasn't a scuffle or anything, we returned to the bench. Could've gotten T'd up for that.

The substitution worked well, so I kept it for the second half as well. We were up by like 14-8. We furthered our lead in the second half, but I told them to lay off the 1-3-1 in the last 5 minutes which I think slowed us down and they caught up a bit, making the score look a bit more respectable. We won 29-21, but I don't think that accurately reflects how much in control we were defensively. Both teams had some shitty offense, but I think we'll get there with time. Most important for me is defence.

After the game, Bo and Nick caught a train back to the city. Jim wanted to eat (I could sense he gets lonely) so I went with him to Macca's. We talked about the game and about how I had gone to the casino. He revealed that One's father was a gambling addict which caused some trouble within the family. I wondered how he would feel if I revealed I was an addict.

He wanted me to go to his place to watch some NBA games, but I was kinda tired and just wanted to chill. I napped on the train a bit, then wandered around the city before deciding I still had time to go work on my game at the courts.

I went home, then went to the auto store to get a rag for polishing. I went down to the garage to polish my car a bit, as my dad had again scratched it - this time on the front right side between the wheel and headlights.

After that I went to the courts. Managed to find an empty one where I worked on my cross over and fast breaks. It felt good. It was still pretty hot, so it felt like a good workout. My legs are so tired now.

But I feel so good about winning. Just haven't won for a very, very long time. It's such a different feeling.

In court with Rat and Genie

On Friday I walked to work. After I changed I was passing Rat and Nunjo in the corridor, and Rat remarked that I had shaved. I didn't know what to say. She said I looked...and trailed off. Hmmm.

I was in my room doing some last minute tabbings and needed some orange tabs, so I went to the photocopying room to find some. Rat was in there already near the tabs. I went over and said I was looking for some orange tabs. She started looking for them for me, and Nunjo came in. She leaned over a bit in front of me, also looking at where Rat was looking. I asked her if she wanted orange as well, and forgot what she said. But I wonder if that was her way of trying to get my attention.

I went to court with Genie since we were in the same court. I felt pretty comfortable going with her, as I didn't feel like she was going to critique me or anything. I met my informant over there, the same one I had met at Wollongong, and we talked a bit before going into court. For some reason Genie was trying to be really helpful, asking me if I needed anything from the office that she'd get for me.

I spoke to the barista for the other side and then we waited for our matter to be called. We got on at about 11ish. It was easy cause there was another sentence before me so I got to see how the judge wanted it done, and I did it the same way. During morning tea I had taken a walk around and saw Rat waiting outside her courtroom, and now she had come to my courtroom to watch. Hmmm...I think having her there made me feel a bit nervous, although if it was going to be anyone more senior than me, I was glad it was her.

Anyway, the offender gave evidence, which I totally wasn't expecting, because Melissa said the barista had told her he was 99% sure he wouldn't be calling him. So as he was calling evidence, I sat there taking notes and wondering if I should cross-examine. On one hand, I didn't want Rat to think I was too chicken not to, yet on the other hand, I was afraid I'd make a complete fool of myself. Genie, her barista and this other famous barista were also there. But then I told myself, those aren't really proper considerations in deciding whether I should cross or not.

But then, as the offender was giving evidence, he said something that saved me.

Counsel: Did you ever think about the effects this would have on the children?

Offender: No.

No? Did he just say no??


Counsel: But since your arrest, have you thought about the effects on children?

Offender: No.

Oh my god...


Judge: You really haven't thought about it?

Oh please don't ask, don't give him a chance to change his answer.


Offender: No.

Judge: Not at all?

Offender: No.

Phew, this guy is dumb.


And so, with that, I decided that he had done the most damage by his own admissions, and me crossing could potentially ruin that. So there's my answer. Saved.

The other side made really long subs, well into 1:30pm. The judge asked me if I wanted to say anything. I had this line in my head so I made some quick subs, and finished off with "he really only was a phone call away from the level of Asplund".

Bravo. *clap* *clap*


We adjourned to another date for judgment, and I noticed both Genie and Rat were gone. When I got back to the office, I saw Rat and I was like "yeah thanks for leaving me" and she said she was so hungry she forgot and only realised when she got back. I asked if she had had lunch yet and she said no. I actually meant that as a genuine question, but I think it sounded like I was asking her out to lunch. She asked me what I felt like and I said Subway, so we decided to go out together to get Subway.

She was rambling on as usual on the way there. I thought she made pretty good company, although not sure I would like this 24/7. We got our sandwiches and made our way back. I bought six cookies intending to share them around. I put them on Ogre's desk and Mary's desk, and offered one to Nunjo. I know I said I wouldn't give her shit ever again, but I was still pretty hyped up from court and didn't care. She said no at first and I was like "come on" and so she took one. I was starting to walk out and she extended the conversation. I tried to walk out a couple of times but she did the same thing, almost as if wanting me to stay. Finally I told her about court and how dumb/honest the offender was, which made her laugh. I still wanted to get out of there, because my sandwich was getting cold. But I could tell she was really happy I was offering her food (again).

My sandwich was a bit too much, don't think I need to get a foot long. Felt so full. Anyway, for the rest of the day I basically just wrote up a file note about what had happened in court and didn't do anything else. I was too tired.

I did, however, look at a new matter Mary gave me. It was pretty sick. By far the sickest I have ever read. I went and told her, and she interpreted it as me not wanting to do it. I didn't want to feel like a chicken, so I said that wasn't what I meant, but I don't think she believes me.

Anyway, I wanted to leave work, yet felt like wandering around before calling it a night by going to the gym. I took a walk to Myer to check out their men's business attire, didn't really see anything I wanted to buy, and then I headed to the casino. I was pretty safe, since I didn't have any money to bet with. My goal was to see if I could detect any pattern as to where the ball was falling off the wheel, and hence where it would land.

I couldn't. But I did see a cute Asian croupier. I then went to watch Blackjack, and found a table where an Indian/Indonesian looking lady was betting $1,000 per hand and $100 on luck pairs!!! As if that wasn't enough, she started playing three hands by herself!!! Fuck. She must've been a criminal. No normal person has that amount of money to play with. I couldn't really tell if she was winning or losing, but I hoped for my sakes because I have shares in the casino that she was losing.

When I got tired of standing around, I left and went back to the office to change. Then I went to the gym and had my usual workout.

Shohoku / Dinner with Angelo

On Wednesday during lunch I went for a jog. I went down the lifts with Julianne and she was like "oh it looks like it might rain". I said "makes you run faster". I didn't actually think it was going to rain, even though I wore my black long sleeve trainer. But sure enough, it started to rain as I was about halfway in. It wasn't just light rain, it got pretty heavy at one stage, and I thought this was sure to give me a cold. I'm sure I'd be regretting it afterwards.

I got to the top of the hill and then the rain stopped. Usually I walk back at least most of the way, but this time I ran back most of the way.

At the end of the day, I was at my desk facing my door, reading. I heard Nunjo leave, and she said "bye Ogre". WTF? Did she just deliberately ignore me? Ah fuck it, don't care anymore.

I got a call from Clare on my mobile. She had just left. She asked me to get something from the fridge and bring it down to her. For some reason I was more than happy to oblige. I found a bag in the fridge and took it down. She was pretty grateful and said she wasn't being lazy, but her mother was waiting.

I got back into the lift to go up, and guess who gets in after me? Katie. God that was awkward. I looked at her and gave a soft "hey" and she said "hi" quite loudly. I bit my lip trying (and failing) not to make an awkward face. So awkward.

When I got back to my room, I wondered if I had slipped into "nice guy, easy to manipulate and use" territory with Clare.

Anyway, I did a bit more work before leaving for bball. Nick and Bo were supposed to do duty, but when I got there, I didn't see either of them. Some guy who works there was doing it, and quickly handed it over to me when I approached. I did duty by myself for a while before some guy volunteered to help me. His name was Clint and we talked a bit before it was halftime. Then Nick and Bo arrived, saying they had been stuck in traffic.

I wasn't really looking forward to our game. We were playing the Pistons, the team of rugby players. Not only are they built like rugy players, but they play like them as well. Only thing is, they're surprisingly good. To make things worse, Bo was out due to his ankle from last week, and Aris was out as well. And One came late.

I kept thinking about how earlier in the season I asked to play reduced minutes because of my knee, yet it seems that ever since then, I've been playing maximum minutes. Hmmm.

Anyway, the game wasn't as bad as I had thought. We were a lot closer than I expected, mainly because Angelo was on fire. Also, they weren't as 'unstoppable' as I thought. Watching them in previous games, I just thought I could not keep up with them, but I didn't fare too badly in terms of strength and speed. I think I underestimate myself a lot.

I kept telling myself to score, and thought it'd be really bad if I didn't score when we only had 5 players. I took a few shots and in the second half ran a few fatsbreaks. The first one their big guy was running with me and told everyone to leave me, and then completely swatted my left handed lay up attempt. I was just glad I didn't hurt my knee. I actually thought it was a pretty good attempt.

My second one, I had run off when they took a shot, and One threw it up to me. I was a bit scared of the fat guy on my tail, scared enough to miss it. I grabbed the rebound and popped it back up but missed that too. Oh well.

I also crossed a guy over to make him fall. I was taking the ball up towards the right side of the halfway line and he was forcing me right. I sped up right and he followed, then I quickly stopped and went left, and he slipped and fell, lol. But I don't think he fell because of me, the court was pretty slippery.

We lost by 12, which was a lot better than I expected.

After the game we went to dinner, and I was surprised Angelo came along. It was me, Bo, Mike and Angelo, and we went to a pho restaurant. I wasn't looking forward to it because of Angelo, but did realise he was making an attempt with us.

We were talking about the game of course, and I brought up my failed left handed lay up attempt, and Angelo mimicked the playing of a violin in silence. I wasn't sure, but it seemed like he was mocking me. It was confirmed when he broke out in laughter saying just kidding. Hmmmm.

The rest of the dinner wasn't too good. Bo went quiet, and I felt like I had to keep up the convo with Angelo. And Mike was...Mike. So glad to get out of there.

Australia Day

Thursday was Australia Day. Nick had said he'd invite me to a lunch on facebook the night before, but I didn't get anything in the morning so didn't think much more of it. I thought it might be full of Aussies and some hot girls, which might be intimidating, so I wasn't exactly eager.

Anyway, I slacked around a bit at home before walking to the office, getting there at 10am. Nick messaged me inviting me to lunch at 1pm. I still wasn't so sure so I messaged Jim and spent the next 30 minutes messaging back and forth as he was deciding. He finally decided not to come, grrr.

I worked on the sentencing matter I had the next day, still wondering if I should go or not. I really wanted to get my work done, yet at the same time, I didn't want to keep that distance between myself and Nick which I may have had on my old team. I figured I'd go just to be polite.

I went to the gym at noon, had a very quick workout but managed to do everything except calf raises and knee. I went back to the office to change and then caught a bus to the pub where we were supposed to meet. I went in looking for them. It's always an unfamiliar feeling walking into a pub. Despite being in this country for so long, I still feel it's such an Aussie thing to do. I can't say I understand the appeal of sitting around all day drinking beer and talking.

I took a walk through and couldn't find them. Great, now I felt even more uneasy. I saw that I had a missed call from Nick, so I called him back. He said he was on his way, but he called Bo and there was no answer, so he wasn't sure how many people were coming.

I left the pub to wait for him as I didn't feel comfortable in there. I sat at the bus stop for a bit and then went to check the property listings at a nearby real estate office. Then I heard Nick call out and I turned around to see him and his girlfriend, who he introducted as Vera. We decided to eat at another place instead, some Thai place that was offering lunch for $7.50. It sounded good to me, but I was a bit surprised by the length of the walk.

I had seen a photo of Vera on facebook before, so no surprise there. She struck me as someone who was a bit stern. If I was a few years younger I would've thought she was friendly, but with a bit of experience, it sounded like she was trying to dig for information about me. I also thought she was a bit particular about some things, like walking speed.

We eventually made it to the restaurant and sat down. We ordered at the counter. I had been staring at something else, and then realised the waitress was in my line of sight and was looking at me. I looked at her and smiled, and she looked away. I later saw an engagement ring. Oh well.

We had ok conversation over lunch, Bo called to say he was coming. Apparently his girlfriend came back early. That would explain why he didn't pick up his phone. I found my food to be quite hot so it took a while to eat. I was kinda glad when Bo arrived, to take the attention off me. By the way Vera greeted Bo, I could tell she didn't think much of him.

After lunch we went looking for pubs, and eventually found one where they had a cockatoo roaming around. We sat down over drinks and talked. Then Bo suggested we move on and I said I'd get back to the office, so I walked them to the next pub and then departed. I was surprised Vera wanted a cheek kiss as I left, and I wasn't expecting it so missed, and I laughed.

Kinda relieved to get out of that situation, as I walked back to the office and finished off reading and preparing for the sentence matter.

I failed again =(

At work, I was thinking back and forth between asking her out and just cutting off contact for a week. I had sought advice from two internet forums (and even lamented about it on the gambling addiction forum but didn't really ask for advice there) - the relationships one and the whoring one. The former really disappointed me - it appears that when there's an opportunity to bash/flame someone, everyone comes in, but when a guy is really seeking quick, practical advice and/or things seem positive, you only get a few people who post words of encouragement. It's like a forum for haters.

The latter was much, much more useful. Maybe it's because we're all guys, and I'm guessing around the same age and race.

I kept checking them throughout the morning. Finally, I couldn't help it, and picked up my phone.

Me @ 11:37 - Hi Lin, I just called yesterday to say Happy Chinese New Year :) Also are you free this Thursday or Friday? Maybe we can both see how bad we are at ice skating?

That reminded me of the way that online dating girl asked me out. It was half-playful, but I just wasn't attracted to her. Then, I was surprised to get a response.

Lin @ 11:39 - Hi...happy new year...[insert name here]. I need to work this thursday..and have class on friday...

Great, rejection. You also had class last Friday. There's a thing called "after class". You know, if someone really wants to be with you, they ain't going to let work and class get in the way. Fuck it then.

Me @ 11:40 - Ok maybe another time then

I wasn't really expecting a response.

Lin @ 11:42 - Also i will have final exam soon...Sorry la. Maybe we can do that after my exams...

Does she mean it?

Me @ 11:43 - Kk...when are your final exams?

I know this sounds a bit pushy, but I had to ask - now or never. Then the wait for a response...I thought I wasn't going to get one.

Lin @ 11:55 - Finish at 17 feb...haha..

Me @ 11:59 - Wa so long...I will wait for you to get all high distinctions then

I got so depressed after that. I actually thought about taking the rest of the day off. I couldn't focus on work. I wanted to wait for Mary to come back for lunch and tell her I wasn't feeling well, and I'd go home and lay in my bed feeling sad.

But I found that as I made chit chat with Clare and others throughout the day, it actually helped me feel better. I would feel more lively, and then as soon as the conversation ended, I would feel lonely and depressed again.

I received a call on my phone telling me my BOC documents were ready to be picked up. Then it was like I re-focused - there was this thing called money I was after. So at lunch I went to the bank and picked up my documents, I bought some lunch from Woolies and took it back to the office to eat.

I started feeling a bit better, but was still overall down. I didn't really feel like playing basketball, especially tomorrow's game.

I started thinking about the whole thing. A few things:

1. In hindsight, it's easy to spot the signs: she ignored your message. She didn't call or message back after you called.

2. I felt embarassed that a 22 year old girl had rejected a 29 year old man. What was I doing?

3. I feared that I may 'rebound' back to Nunjo, but I actually still felt the same way about her, ie. didn't care.

4. I remember ages ago (back in the NTM days) I read advice on the internet about 'dating rules' - stuff like, never ask her out for a next date at the end of the night, to leave some mystery and make it a challenge, and don't contact her too soon aftre the date, or, always call and never text. I also reflected a bit on my habit to seek advice from forums. I think it's best that I utilise my own common sense to deal with my own situations. No matter how articulate I may be, I can never describe what happened, and I understand my situation better than anyone else. I need to learn to trust myself, instead of looking for hand holding.

5. I still don't know what went 'wrong'. I remember someone on a forum saying it was like sports, you can do all the right things and still lose. Ok, but I still wonder why she has had a change of mind?

 I stayed back late to do some work. Ended up talking to that new girl Chandra for a while. Turns out we have more in common than being ex-defence: she knows John, Spawn, Fam, and has seen library guy.

I went to the gym after. As weird as it sounds, my depression fueled me.

The call...

I actually felt depressed as I went to sleep last night. I started feeling like really really depressed, like I wanted to cry. I remember someone posting on the gambling addiction forum saying I had issues coping - they are right. I thought about that, and it made me feel a bit better.

However, I still found myself waking up at 3:30am thinking about it.

I went back to sleep later and went to work as usual. I said good morning to all in my team as I passed as usual. I got changed, had breakfast and started working, but couldn't help but check my phone every 15-30 minutes.

At lunch I went out with Genie to check out the Chinese New Year stalls to see if they had sugar cane juice. I told her about my initial coffee/advertising business idea, and also about the Red Bull story/marketing Asian products to Westerners. She really agreed with the latter, just like everyone else I had told. I think I really am onto something here. Just need more action, less words.

The stalls weren't there, so we took a walk around Chinatown and watched the lion dancing for a bit, then went to Coles together so I could get my chicken. In the kitchen we were still talking about our business idea and saw Christina. Genie asked her about sugar cane, and I was thinking "nooooo..." and naturally Christina asked why we were asking, so I just said we were discussing the viability of it.

In the afternoon I had pretty much made up my mind about calling Lin. I had asked Clare and Genie, and they have both had experiences with people not receiving their text messages. So the chance of Lin not having received my message seemed slightly higher now. I just couldn't picture her ignoring it. She didn't seem like the type, and she seemed to have fun that night, definitely don't know what I did wrong if she did ignore it.

When Nunjo left, she came by to say bye. I was taking folders out of my cupboards and turned around to say hi. She kinda paused and looked to smile a bit before turning to leave. Definitely not something she'd do with Ogre/Clare/Moira. Hmmm. Too bad I don't care anymore.

I waited until 5:50pm when everyone had left the office to call her. The phone rang, and rang, and rang. I was nervous as hell, but told myself to be confident. Just say happy Chinese New Year. Just ask her out casually.

No answer. It went to one of those funny voice mail messages. I hung up. Then, she sent a message.

Lin @ 17:53 - Hi...[insert name here]...i am working..

Me @ 17:53 - Oh ok...maybe speak later then :)

I was hoping she'd tell me what time she finishes, but nope. Nada after that.

I don't know what to think right now. Maybe she's not working and just fobbed me off? Oh well, guess I can only wait now.

I worked a bit more and then left for the gym at 7:15pm. I did my usual workout, and had messaged Bo asking about his ankle. By the time I got home, still no reply. I decided to call him to see if he received my message. He said he did but hadn't read it yet. Grrr.

The Illusionists with Lin

On Wednesday I felt like I had 'made up' with Nunjo. I had to go to Wollongong the next day and had the Cruze booked. I knew she had the (faster) sportswagon booked, and I kinda wanted that. I pictured myself asking her, but knew maybe it was just an excuse for me to talk to her. I dismissed it, and just told myself to stay with the Cruze. Then I thought about it again.

In the late afternoon, there was a group gathered outside our offices talking. Nunjo had been in conference all day, and she just came back. I went to knock on her door. She didn't seem to hear it the first time due to the talking outside, so I knocked again. She turned around and looked at me. I started saying how I knew we had the cars booked and asked if she wanted to swap. She asked why, and I said "I like to get to the speed limit faster" with a smile. She smiled back and agreed to swap them.

When Clare was leaving, she came by to talk about the matter which I was doing for her. She asked me to let her know how it would be going and gave me her number. I must admit, I have a bit of a crush on her. I find her attractive, and think she's got a nice, down to earth personality (totally unlike Nunjo who would date a married man, run a brothel, smoke etc). But I know she's got a boyfriend, and I am also positive she only sees me as a nice co-worker, so I don't think too much. It's just that sometimes when we're talking, there are moments when I lose concentration and just think "damn, she'd be a good match".

Anyway, I was so nervous, I was almost fumbling as I put the number into my phone. She kept talking to me but I don't think I was listening, trying to just get the damn thing right in my phone.

I kept working, thinking my game was at 7:30pm, when Bo called. He said it was 7pm. I thought he was wrong so I kept working, until I checked the schedule and it was really 7pm. It was 6:30pm now, so I got changed and quickly left. I probably would've stayed to chat with Nunjo, but because I was in a hurry, I just left with a quick goodbye. She stopped me by asking whether the car park gate would automatically open and I said yes.

I got to the game about 10 minutes late. Bo, Nick, Angelo, Mike and One were all there. When I came on, I wondered if I would pull a muscle because I hadn't warmed up. I told myself to be aggressive offensively. We limited the other team to 7 points in the first half and we were at 15. I thought we could win this.

Then in the second half, things changed. We were doing alright for a few minutes, and then someone subbed on for Nick. He didn't want to get off, but I saw One have some words with him before he got off. That's when the other team started to catch up. Angelo also almost got into a fight with the other team, but I was holding him back. I think this was the first time I've seen him not like the other team.

Nick came back on but got fouled out soon after, and that's when the other team took the lead for good. I drove it once and chucked up a short jumper which clanked. In the last minute of the game we were down by 12 when I ran a fast break. I tried to run past a guy but he bumped me and a foul was called. I went to the line and only hit one free throw. But it was that bump that shook up my right knee a bit.

After the game Bo and Angelo did duty. Nick, Mike and I were about to go to Central for some more ball. I didn't really want to go, because I had to wake up early the next day, but didn't really want to leave either. I ended up talking to One in the car park for a while, and when he finally left, Mike was like, we might as wait for Bo to finish so we could go together. So we went back into the courts and waited for them to finish duty.

When they finished, we walked back to the car park. Mike and Nick were walking in front of me, and Bo was behind me. All of a sudden I heard Bo yell out "AH FUCK!" I turned around and saw him on the ground grabbing his ankle. I thought he had tripped over that concrete block that occupies the end of every car spot. I asked him what happened and he said he slipped in the puddle of oil. I didn't think it was that serious, but the way he was groaning and swearing made it sound like he was in real pain.

We hung around for a while as Nick got some ice. So bball was off, and we decided to go get something to eat instead. We drove to Bo's house. When I was in Mike's car, we talked about Carter playing for us, and that I'd pay and it'd be our secret. That is how bad I want to win this thing. He was also talking to me about this girl he kinda likes, but is worried about her age - she is 17. I thought that was a bit young, and I tried to hint to him that he'd need a job and some money, but he reckoned that girls that age don't care.

We took a while to get to Bo's place because Mike took the wrong turn when we were looking for parking. We finally met up with them on the street and decided to grab some pizza. Bo went back to his place, and we went to Domino's. It was Nick's shout. We had some good conversation while we were there, and then made our way back to Bo's place.

It was the first time I'd been to his place, and I must admit, it was kinda neat. I mean, it was messy as you'd expect from a guy like him, but I thought it was cool how he lived in a studio apartment like that. I didn't like the location, but guess I was just wishing I had something like that, although I remember Nick telling me once his mom bought it for him.

We ate pizza as we watched some weird documentary on Chinese doing business in Somalia or something. Kinda surprised me about that, and also the fact that we seemed to have a pizza each, and only Mike wanted to share lol. I was very conscious of leaving because I had to wake up early, so was relieved when Nick said he had to go. Mike was going to drive me to the city, but I asked if he could drive me home, and he was cool so he said yes. I wondered if I should tell him I was meeting Lin on Friday, but he told me he saw her the night before at her work as he was getting food and she didn't mention it, so I figured I shouldn't either.

Thursday
The next day I managed to wake up early without any problems. I caught the bus to work, and did a bit of work before getting changed. I had everything ready to go and left at 7:45am, and no one else had even arrived at the office yet. I put the stuff into the car before going out to meet Troy. I saw him on the street talking to Tim from my office. I waited as they finished their conversation, and as I looked around, I saw Amy walking past, and she looked me up and down.

Was she checking me out?


I did think about how I have had somewhat of a transformation since I had left - shaved head, new suit, slim ties etc.

Anyway, Troy and I drove to Wollongong, and had some pretty good talks on the way, just about work and stuff, sharing "war stories". We got there right on time and met with the officers and talked in the conference room. I thought the female would've been younger, and the computer guy kept interrupting people. It was like his mission was to show off how much knowledge he had.

Anyway, the matter turned into a plea, so it was short. Troy and I had lunch nearby. It was a bit awkward because he asked me what I wanted and I just chose something. I knew I should've joked "is it your shout?" but didn't, so he just paid and I said thank you, lol. So we talked more about work and then drove back. I thought the drive back would be a bit quieter as we may have exhausted our conversation, but we kept talking and talking. I dropped him off at chambers and then realised I didn't fill the car up and it was nearly empty, so I drove to a petrol station and filled up.

When I got back to the office, as I was walking to my room lugging the suitcase with me, I saw that Nunjo was in a conference in her room with the door closed. Two people were sitting with their backs to me, but she was facing me. She wasn't paying attention to what was being discussed - she was looking at me! Wow, this might be as good as the Lincoln thing...

Anyway, after a bit of talking with Clare about the matter and going out to get some lollies for the office, I got back to work as Lincoln had sent me some stuff to review. It was a bit tedious, as I had to check every F footnote, but I managed to do it. You know what motivated me? The thought of Nunjo liking him. That really kept me going. I finished it at 7:30pm and sent it to him.

I went to Myer and ended up buying two white shirts. I was only going to buy one, that one with the non-iron sign, but I found another similar one (albeit classic fit) on the rack for $35. I think it had been returned. So I got that one. I've been wanting this non-iron, checkered/square pattern white shirt for a very long time.

I went back to the office to put the clothes down, got changed and went to the gym. Wow, what a huge day.


Friday
I was kinda out of it on Friday, didn't really feel like working. Maybe it was because I was tired from the day before. Despite that, I still got some work done. I also bought some shares in Woolies. Maybe I shouldn't have. It wasn't really planned, I hadn't done any research on them beforehand, and hadn't really been keeping an eye on them, other than knowing that they hang around the $25 mark. So when I noticed it going down to about $24.90, I thought it'd be a bargain if I could get it at $24.80 and placed an order for it at that price, and lo and behold, it hit. I got it. It hit a low of $24.79 before finishing the day at $24.90. So now I'm a proud owner of 40 shares in Woolies.

I didn't message Lin but just assumed she'd be there on time. I probably should have touched base. I went home to get the car (on the bus she messaged me to touch base), and when I lifted up the garage door...it was empty. Fark. I called my dad and turns out he had forgotten I wanted the car, and he had taken it to work.

Ok, well, doesn't affect me too much. I mean, after all, I only wanted it to drive her home in case. Only thing was I wasted two travel ten trips. So I caught the bus back out. I was about 10-20 minutes early, so stopped a couple of stops early and walked. I called Nick about training the next day, then stood around Macca's waiting.

I waited a while and didn't see her. Then she called and said she was at Hungry Jack's, near Wharf 4, so I wandered over there. I wondered if I'd even recognise her. Then I saw her standing in the middle. She saw me and I gave her a big smile. She said "you wear glasses" and I was like yeah, I'm short sighted. At first when we walked it seemed like she was walking really close to me, almost falling into me. I had to actually step aside. I asked her if she had had dinner and she said no, so I gave her a rice cracker from my office. She said it was Chinese and I said yes.

She suggested we get ice cream, so we went to a stall nearby to get some. I asked her what she wanted and she said passionfruit and the one behind it. I ordered it and the girl stuffed up, thinking I wanted them in separate cups, so I just took the passionfruit for myself. I think there was a bit of miscommunication because I asked her to hold it for me and she started eating it. When I gave her the other one, we swapped and she kept her spoon lol. I asked her if she had been here before and she said not this one but she had ice cream from this shop and it was good.

I remember as we walked to the ice cream place, I thought "wow, this is already more talking than we did the other night".

We talked about her work as we walked to the Opera House. I remember when she said she worked in a Chinese restaurant, I hesitated a bit before telling her that my dad had one before and I worked there part time. I told her about how I spilled some soy sauce on a customer, and she laughed, and she said she had also done the same thing before.

She kept looking down at her clothes to see if she spilled any ice cream. She didn't, but she was having a bit of a hard time eating it as it was melting quickly lol.

We ended up taking a seat near the water to finish our ice cream. She told me about how she had good eyesight when she was young. I joked that she was young. She said she had put on her sister's glasses thinking they were cool, and that was how she ruined her eyesight. She also said she had applied for a job and the company was interested but wanted someone long term. She said she was going back to China in July and wasn't sure if she was coming back.

Great, every single girl I met is leaving some time or other.

I got up to throw my cup in the bin and took hers as well. Her serviette was soaked lol. We made our way to the Opera House entrance. As we walked up the stairs insude, there were a lot of people. I said "I think it's sold out".

You idiot, if you really won these tickets, how would you know?? Shut up.


Good point. So I shut up. I went to the bathroom and then we found our seats. I remembered one of our seats was up against the wall, so I made my way inside first. She was very aware of that and asked if I could see, and I said yes. I could see most of the stage, but just couldn't see the seating downstairs and to my right. But damn, it was an excellent view.

We talked a bit before the show started. She said if I ever play badminton, to call her. The show was EXCELLENT! I sat there thinking, damn, this is a perfect first date and place to take a girl. She was really entertained. Sometimes she'd turn around to me adn ask a question or make a face to show her interest. I thought the show was great. The only thing that ruined it a bit for me was I started to get grumbles in my stomach. I thought I could bear it out, but luckily there was a recess halfway through and I excused myself as I went to the bathroom.

I didn't go to the ones closest to where we were, because I knew that'd be packed. I hurried to the one I went to before, but saw a huge queue, so I went to the other side to see if there were toilets, and there were. No queue except for a small one inside. I was surprised this place only had two cubicles. It was soon my turn, and I kept wishing my body would do this efficiently as possible. I heard a kid outside, and someone ask him if he could wait, and he said no, and then the guy said he'd let the kid go first. Luckily things went smoothly for me, and when I went out, the kid said "finally" lol. Hey, the guy next to me hadn't even come out and he was in there before I even got there.

I went back to our seats and we talked. She asked me how long I've been in Australia and I said 23 years. She said "wow, that is longer than my age". Great, that made me feel really old. There was a bit of an awkward silence from me, because I wondered if anything had changed for her, knowing I was 29. But she seemed ok with it as she kept talking. She said "I'll tell you a secret, I gained 10kg since I came to this country" lol. I told her about how the food in our countries were different. Then I saw her phone and I said I used to have that and it always crashed. She asked if it was the mini and I said no, she said her mini doesn't crash and asked what phone I had. I took mine out and she started flipping through the screens. I was afraid she'd go into the photos cause I wasn't sure what embarassing stuff I had on there. I showed her some games and we played Memory and Reflex (she said she didn't like Angry Birds).

Recess ended and the show continued. She offered me a mint. I said no at first, but she asked again so I accepted. It was better than I thought. There was this bit with the psychic, and she asked me what a psychic was lol. It was a bit hard for me to explain in a few words, but I think she got it.

This show was really great, I was kinda wishing it would never end. I really enjoyed the moment - a great show, a girl, and me being better dressed than usual. I guess this was what I was really after when I went whoring - a date, not just sex.

So I was a bit sad when the show finished, probably because it also meant our night was coming to an end. She asked me if I was hungry and I said yes. We talked a bit as we walked back. She asked if I saw the fireworks on NYE and I said no, only on tv. I asked her if she came to the city, and she said it was too busy. She said she had a missed call and so returned the call, lol, cute. We walked to the station at Circular Quay (where we met) and she said I could get something to eat. I asked if she wanted to eat and she said no. I said I didn't want to make her catch the train too late so I said I wouldn't eat.

I waited for her to buy a ticket and then we said goodbye. I may have said something dumb: I said "if you want to go swimming or ice skating, let me know".

Let me know? So you want her to ask you out? You're supposed to ask her out!


We had talked about swimming and ice skating earlier. She said she went under water to watch other people and that is how she learnt to swim. She said with ice skating she would fall alot. She asked if I was good, and I remember grabbing the railing in front of me to show her I wasn't.

So with that, she went in through the barriers, and I walked back to the office. My tummy was really feeling bloated. I got changed and went home. Very good night. From all accounts, I think she is somewhat interested.

Yesterday
I drove to bball training, got there a bit late cause I went to the Wick first to get some Gatorade. Only Alex and David were there from my team. The other Alex seemed kinda annoyed that we didn't have a full team. My first game in, Carter had the ball and I was guarding him. He looked at me I think to say hi, but I didn't have my glasses on and so didn't react. I think he thinks I don't like him.

We played a few games before Mike arrived. He was complaining about swollen knees, but I felt like he didn't have the right to complain if he's going to play on Friday nights.

Anyway, bball was ok, I really only went there to talk to Alex about the team. Apparently we should have a full team now, with Carter and getting Jackson back, and kicking out Garry and War.

I drove back to the city to get some lunch, and then went home. I had bought some KFC and thought I'd eat it as I surfed the net, but Jim messaged me asking me to go out as he was in the city. I suggested we go for a casino run. Maybe it was bad of me, but I didn't really have any money to gamble anyway.

He picked me up and we went out. He was looking for a $10 blackjack table but the lowest we could find was $20. I watched him play. He was up $80 and I suggested leaving, but he wanted to win $100, and then I watched as he lost back all his winnings. We switched tables when they were adding some chips, and he quickly won $100 in a few hands, and then we cashed in and left. To be honest, I felt like gambling with the $50 I had in my wallet, but resisted. Glad I did that.

We went back to the main city area, and checked out some shops as he bought a shirt and wanted some shoes but couldn't find the ones he wanted. He shouted me an iced chocolate. I felt bad cause he had picked me up, it was only he that gambled, and he shouted me a drink. I did offer to pay, but he said it was his shout cause he had won. I could just picture a "Bobby" incident later down the track where I get shunted for being a cheapskate, and I wanted to avoid that.

We talked about the NBA mostly, and I suggested we go to the US in June next year. He drove me back home after that.

Today
My plan was to drive to Cabra to test the cane juice. I stopped at Bankstown to see if they'd have any there, and they did. I bought some snacks for the office and then had a cane juice. I was surprised that it cost $5.50 for the smallest size they had. It was nice, but I wondered why it cost so much. I also wondered about how I would turn this into a mobile business.

I drove back to the city and parked in the office and did some work for a bit. I read one folder of that 19 folder brief, before going home to wash the car. My plan was to go to the courts, but my knee was acting up so I took a nap instead.

I thought it was kinda bad for me not to contact Lin to 'touch base' after the event, so I messaged her earlier.

Me @ 17:56 - Hey Lin, did you get home ok on Friday?

Still no reply, but I'm not moved, because she doesn't seem like the type to deliberately ignore a message. At least from what I saw on Friday. Maybe I'll just sleep on it.

Time to forgive? Nah

"Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it."
-- George Santayana 


Walked to work kinda early again. Got there at about 8:20am and Clare was already there, but Nunjo wasn't. So it seems like she's inconsistent with that. It was good, cause it meant I didn't have to say good morning to her. 


Around mid-morning I went to the photocopying room to get a print out and she was there. I wasn't going to say anything, but she asked me something and I said yes. She asked me if I was ready, and I said "oh sorry, I thought you asked if I was in tomorrow, no, my hearing's on Thursday" and walked out. I don't know why, but I felt an inch of badness doing that, even though I had really done nothing wrong, I just kept a conversation short, and from thereon I had this pressure behind my eyeballs for the rest of the day like I was going to cry.


I saw Lewis in the lift as I was going out for lunch, talked to him a bit as we walked on the street, and couldn't help thinking "damn you, you're banging the girl that I kinda like". Oh well. I got my quarter chicken as usual and ate it in the office with a new drink I bought. I find that changing up the drink really makes a difference - it's almost like having two different meals.


In the afternoon, Nunjo knocked on my door. I turned around and she said "can I ask you a stupid question" and asked what documents she needed to include in the Friday list. I thought it was kinda a basic question, don't know why she was asking (I mean, she's been in the office longer than me) and don't know why she was asking me. If Moira wasn't around (and I think she was), then Ogre was next door. I asked her what she had there, and she started reading something out and slightly stuttered, like you do when nervous. I told her she seemed to have everything and she walked out. I was afraid she might think I was being insincere and trying to trick her, so I copy and pasted some instructions from our manuals and emailed it to her. She replied saying thanks.


After that, a large part of me thought this has to end soon, because she's not going to "want to make up" forever. Soon she'll get tired of trying to please you, then she won't give a shit, and you'll have two people in the office who won't give a shit. Not good. Also, another large part of me thought I should 'forgive' her because it was obvious she was making attempts to mend things. That nervous stutter really made me feel sorry for her.


I stayed in the office till 7:30pm working on that 19 folder thing (slowly getting there) and then went to the gym. As I was working out, I got madder and madder. I kept thinking about how she cut me off to say hi to Lincoln, and cut me off when Alex wanted to see her. That was just so fucking rude. Once, ok, move on, but twice? It really motivated me to go hard at the gym.

Ahahahah...fail?

Raining really heavily this morning...and then it stopped. I took the opportunity to quickly walk to work, and managed to make it before it started raining again.

After getting changed, as I was eating my toast, I decided to send Lin a confirmation about Friday.

Me @ 8:20 - Hi Lin, it's [insert name here], good morning! The magic show starts at 7pm on Friday, do you want to meet me at the Circular Quay McDonalds at about 620pm?

Lin @ 8:22 - Ok ya...i will be there on time! Anyone that i know go with us?

Oh goddamn, how did I know...


Bite the bullet mate, bite the bullet...


Me @ 8:25 - It is just 2 tickets, I won them from work last week, is that ok?

I figured if she didn't want to go, then I'd just give them to Clare for her and her boyfriend to see.

Lin @ 8:28 - Sure. Haha. Are u going to work now? Early bird....

Me @ 8:40 - Yeah early bird gets the worm! Btw try to wear something warm cause it is a bit cold near the water

Lin @ 8:42 - Ok.... I will. Thanks again for inviting me...! I am struggling with my assignments..

Me @ 8:53 - Add oil!

I know it sounds like I cut her off, but I needed to get working.

Nothing much happened during the day, was actually quite productive. Prepared matters for tomorrow and Wednesday, then read up on a brief for a hearing on Thursday. At lunch I went to get a new battery for my watch ($25 - ouch!) and some chicken for lunch. Didn't talk to Nunjo at all. In the morning, I got there pretty early, like 8am, figuring she wouldn't be that early, but goddamn she was there talking to Clare.

I didn't want to interrupt so walked past without a word. It was only after I had finished my breakfast that I said good morning to Clare and Nunjo. Then in the afternoon, I noticed she didn't say bye to Clare but came to my side to say bye before leaving. I went to the photocopier and she came back. I joked "hello Nunjo!" I wonder if she was preoccupied with how to deal with me that she left something behind.

I stayed till about 7pm working on that 19 folder brief. Fucking hell, I'll never finish that.

Then I went to the gym. My arms were still sore from yesterday's chin ups, so didn't do upper body at all. I think I saw Sally at the gym again with another guy.

Random thought

How do you go from wanting to date a prostitute, to wanting to date a mormon?

STDs - OK

On Saturday morning I went to Parra to get my blood test results. My plan was to go to the courts at 7am and then head to Parra at 9am, but didn't go to the courts cause I was lazy, and ended up leaving home at 10am.

I drove there, and on the way stopped in Auburn to check out the Nike and Addidas factory outlets. I saw my old high school gym teacher as I was crossing the road. Doubt he recognised me. He was with his wife and two kids. As they reached a traffic light, it changed to green, and they started cross and he said to his kids "aw look at that!". It gave me a very peaceful feeling to see him like that, he sure was happy - the type of happiness you couldn't buy, the type of happniess that fulfils and makes a man. I wish I could have that one day...I wish it very soon.

Anyway, I checked out the stores, came close to buying a bball jersey at Nike for $25 then thought I should check out Addidas first, but they didn't really have anything bball related at all. I checked out Rebel and their stuff was almost double the price, though their long socks was selling for $8 so I bought two blue pairs.

I continued my journey to Parra, parked in the shopping centre and went into the medical centre. It was a male receptionist. I had planned to ask for a female doctor because I didn't want to see that asshole again, but he didn't ask - whether he was a guy and didn't give a shit or if there weren't enough doctors I don't know. But I gave in and decided to leave it up to chance. Luckily, I got another male doctor, a younger, friendlier looking one.

He asked me why I had the blood test and I said for HIV and that, and he said "fair enough" and began checking the results. I was almost stunned he didn't begin to interrogate me. He read through the different names like HIV, chlmydia, syphillis and that and said they were all negative. He did say, however, that I wasn't immune to Hep B and I should get vaccinated. Geez, wonder why that other doctor didn't tell me that last year.

I walked out, somewhat relieved, but wondered if there was an off-chance I may have caught something within that three month window prior to the test which the test wouldn't reveal.

I drove back to the city and parked in that small, dangerous looking back alley that G always parks at because it's free. I went into the office to get some work done, even though it was later than what I had wanted. I got about 1.5 hours of reading done, which I thought was better than nothing, and returned home. I watched The Mechanic which was an ok movie. I loved the latin quote used in that movie: victory loves preparation.

Today, my dad wasn't using the car so I used it again. It was raining pretty badly so I couldn't walk to work, and I didn't want to use up a travelten. I drove to the streets near the massage place and parked. Some odd memories. I went to Paddy's and bought some apples. Goddamn, four apples for $1.20...and I paid $4.20 last time for five apples at another store.

I didn't want to pay for parking, and I couldn't park in the back alley because it was raining and it'd be too much of a walk in the rain, so I decided to get the transcripts and read it in my car. I went into the office to get the folder and took it back to my car. I drove to the waterside near the casino. It had stopped raining by now, and I sat in the passenger seat reading the transcripts. I got most of it done when a guy walking his dog told me a ranger was around booking people for parking front in, so I thanked him and left. I parked somewhere close by to finish the reading off, then returned the folder to the office.

Glad I got that done.

I went to the gym at the Wick. Been so long since I've been here. I had a quicker session than I anticipated, probably because I did my sit ups, chin ups and calf raises all in one go, rotating. I then went to the Asian grocery store to get something my dad uses to cook breakfast with, then went back home.

I just finished watching Hereafter, pretty good movie. I've realised I've been unintentionally watching a lot of Matt Damon movies lately. He is pretty versatile. Wonder what made him take up this role. I felt really sorry for the kid who lost his twin brother.

I asked Lin out...

Right now, I am just so sick of Nunjo...

Earlier in the week, I defied my own logic and reasoning and went to give her a ban ban biscuit. Her phone rang (I have the greatest timing) and she seemed like she still wanted to talk to me before answering her phone. When we crossed in the corridor later I asked her if she ate it and she said she did, and seemed to like it, saying it wasn't as coconut as the other (she remembered the other one was coconut).

So things smoothed out right?

Then on Wednesday, I had just finished lunch, and was taking my plate back to the kitchen when I stopped by her room to ask how her Central list went. She started telling me about how grumpy the mag was, when she said "come in" to an Alex who stumbled around, unsure of whether he should interrupt. I saw her had paperwork so I left, saying "I'll leave you to it". As I thought more and more about it, I felt like that was just so fucking rude. I mean, you're talking to someone, then you cut them off to do something else. Fuck. You really think she would've done the same thing if it were Lincoln? Or even Mary?

Despite having an early bball game that night, I still got a lot of work done. I was efficient.

Bo never messaged me about meeting up so I went there myself. He only called when I was on the train. When I got there, Mike was already there. The first thing he pointed out was my beard. I kinda liked it, and looked forward to playing with it with a shaved head. I felt a bit like Tyson Chandler.

Mike and I talked about stuff in general, and then he asked me if I had asked Lin out yet. I shook my head silently, realising how bad it was. Here I was saying I liked her, yet I haven't asked her out. No wonder you're single. The way he put it made it so simple - if you like someone, ask them out.

We only had five guys: me, Mike, Bo, Nick and Angelo. I didn't say much to Angelo when he arrived, just a nod and a hi. I wasn't looking forward to playing with him, but throughout the day I was looking more and more forward to the game. I had half a "I don't give a shit attitude" and half a "haven't played for a while, let's get out there and run" attitude.

We played the Mavericks, which we have never played before. I know Nick adn Bo wanted me to shoot it more, and I felt comfortable doing that, but I also passed it when I thought it was good to pass, like when Nick or Bo cut down through the key. I missed my first few shots which was a bit disappointing. During a timeout Nick said they were under-estimating my defence and I had gotten a lot of steals. I don't know what he was on, but I don't think I had gotten any steals.

At halftime Nick asked me what we should do, so I said we were playing good, but our shots weren't falling. I also said we needed to do better subs, and what I really meant was Bo needed to come off. Nick said he disagreed and that we needed him and Bo on the court. I felt that was a bit shitty, I mean, why ask me what I think if you're just going to disagree with me?

We had a spark in the first five minutes of the second half, catching up a bit, and I hit a nice jumper over some dude which rattled into the ring (beautiful). Then we lost a bit of momentum when they called a timeout and we never really made another run.

I was also pissed after the game because we had duty, and Nick just let Angelo and Aris run off again. Mike and I offered to do it, but I was hoping Bo would stay. Instead, he went off with Nick. It just felt so much like a "we're white and we stick together, you two are Asian so you stick together" thing.

After the game I caught the train by myself. Thinking more and more about what happened during the timeout, I got angrier. I felt like saying "if you're going to disagree with me, fine, but don't call me captain", and I also felt like not showing up for a few games. Time and time again I have asked to play less minutes, yet I always end up playing close to the full game.

The train stopped at Wynyard and wouldn't move, so I got out there. I was pretty hungry, was looking for KFC, but got a McOz burger and ate it as I walked to the bus stop.

Yesterday I basically ignored Nunjo. I didn't flat out ignore her, if I saw her I'd nod or raise my eyebrow, but nothing more. I had brought in some lychees and left some in the kitchen to share, but decided to give one to Clare, placing it on her desk. She came back from court and after a while I noticed it was still there, so next time I bumped into her I asked if she didn't like lychees and she said she did but didn't have time yet, and thanked me for it. There was a later conversation in the corridors where she said it was nice and thanked me again, and I am sure Nunjo heard it, and probably wondered why I didn't give her one.

Sometime in the afternoon, she knocked on my door. I turned around and saw her standing there in her jacket, one hand in her pocket. She said she has a trial starting soon and has conferences next week, and asked if I could mention a matter for her on Thursday. I flipped to the calendar on my screen and said I couldn't because I was doing Clare's matter that day. She looked at me for a bit without saying anything. I wondered what she was looking at or thinking about, because it wasn't like I was deliberately refusing, I really did have a matter, in fact, Mary assigned it to me. She said ok and wandered off. I wonder why she didn't ask Ogre.

Today I walked to work as usual. Just like yesterday, I saw that really hot chick walking in the opposite direction. She is SO hot...

I said good morning to everyone, including Nunjo, as I walked into the office. I got started working after the usual changing and eating. As I went to the photocopying room, she was just coming out and we nearly bumped. I was in a cheery mood for some reason, and being the usual polite self, I stepped aside and said "after you". She paused, and looked at me, almost studying me. It seemed like an eternity. It seemed like she was trying to figure out if I was pissed at her or not. She then smiled and walked out.

At lunch, I decided to go out for a bit. In the lobby, I saw some 'new' guys who I hadn't met before - tall, Caucasian, slim. I saw Fiona talking to them, and it looked like they were going to lunch together and waiting for someone to come. As I passed, I noticed there was another female, and thought that was Nunjo. My mind went crazy. I thought "fuck, I should've expected it, what chance does a short Asian guy have when there are tall white guys around?" and "fuck, kinda rude to go to a lunch like that and not invite me".

I kept getting angrier and angrier, and told myself to just work harder and get money. That was all that mattered now - money.

I went to the Asian grocery store and bought three huge cans of drinks and then went back to the office to have my soup and cheese and bacon bread (yum). I saw Nunjo sitting in her room. Oh my god, so that wasn't her earlier. I had gotten so worked up all for nothing.

I had decided to ask Lin out earlier. I texted her saying I had a spare ticket to a magic show at Opera House next Friday and asked if she was interested. She now replied saying she had never been there and said yes.

Hehehehehhee...


My plan was to get the tickets tomorrow, in case she changes her mind. I'd be really fucked if she pulls out. As I was eating my soup, Nunjo knocks on my door, opens it and asks if I know where Mary is. I said no, but maybe she was in the conference room. She looked at me and said my soup smelled nice. I asked if she wanted any, knowing she'd say no. She said no, and that she had just had a sandwich, and then closed my door and walked off. I wondered if she was truly looking for Mary, or if she wanted to 'make up' or see if I'd want to talk to her.

I didn't care anymore.

At about 5pm, I was leaving the office to meet library guy. Mary was in the photcopying room so I went to say bye. As I walked out of my room, I took a glance at Nunjo's room, thinking she wasn't in, but she was. I said goodbye as I walked away, and she said the same. I went to the photopcopying room to sayd goodbye to Mary, and Nunjo came back and asked me what I had planned for the weekend. I wasn't really interested in talking to her, I just wanted to say bye to Mary and leave. I said nothing because it was going to rain, and she asked if I played bball outdoors, and I can't remember what I said. I said something about resting because I was getting old, and she smiled and walked off. I chatted with Mary a bit before I left.

I met up with library guy and we went to a dessert place. We talked about work and money mainly. At one stage I looked at him and thought he looked really funny, I felt like I was about to burst out laughing.

After that I felt so bloated. My plan was to go to the gym. I went back to the office to change and use the bathroom, but I was so bloated it wasn't funny. There was no way I could gym. So I walked to the Opera House instead. It felt a bit uncomfortable being bloated, but I had nothing else to do.

I went to the box office and ended up buying two tickets for $75 each to the magic show. Not sure how it's going to turn out, because I got closer seats, although there is a wall that might obstruct. I walked to the bus stop and caught a bus home.

So hmmm...next Friday eh?

Contagion / Flypaper

Somewhat of a productive day today. In the morning I fixed up the cloth wardrobe and sorted out the suits to donate. Then I ironed two shirts while watching Contagion. After ironing the shirts I continued watching it while eating lychees and then chips.

It was a good movie. But I didn't expect it to take off right from the start, wish I was concentrating more at the beginning. Kate Winslet is kinda sexy in an older lady kinda way. The whole movie really made you think about how fragile us humans can be, and also when the next deadly virus will begin. I guess nature will always have an edge on us.

I then vacummed the lounge and my room, and when my parents came back, I drove to the Wick to donate two suits. The guy was really grateful as always. It made me feel good. It wasn't an easy decision to donate them, but I kept telling myself that: 1) other people will have better use for them; and 2) I really can't see myself wearing them in the future.

I then drove to return the board games to Michael L. Just like last time, there wasn't any chit chat, just gave it to him and left. How strange.

I then went to the office to drop off my white shirts. I got six in there now, may need one more to complete my rotation. I then went to get some petrol, and went home to return the car.

Then I watched Flypaper, which was a pretty good movie. Wonder why I'd never heard of it. Ashley Judd was really sexy.

Thai's birthday

On Friday I walked to work wondering if I could do this for most of the year. I really like it, it gives me time out and a chance to listen to my music. I spent most of the day preparing a matter, responding to emails and doing up a minute. I didn't have time to do the 19 folder matter at all.

When Mary came back with the minute, she was like "that's good, but what's this?" pointing to the 'A/g SLO' under my name. I said I thought she knew, that DS gave me an acting role last month. She said she didn't and wished someone would've told her. It made me think, if she knew, would she have tried to give it to someone else, like Moira? Did I sense that DS prefers me, yet Mary prefers Moira? I felt like I had caused some trouble and wished I never would've done that, but I guess it would've been found out eventually, at some later point in time.

At lunch I had only three slices of bread left, including the ends, so my usual course is to go out and buy a meal, but I couldn't decide what to eat so I decided to have chicken to finish the bread off. It was lucky, cause I needed the money after (see below).

At the end of the day, I could hear Nunjo leaving as she said goodbye to Mary. I then heard her say goodbye to Ogre.

Oh great, completely ignore me then. That's just fucking rude. But who gives a shit.


Then she said goodbye to me. I turned around to say goodbye, and she was smiling and held the look at me for just a few seconds longer than usual. It actually started to get a bit awkward before I turned back around, thinking "wtf". I wonder why she set it up to say goodbye to me last? Was it so she could hold that look? Who cares?

I had to get home by 6pm-ish as I had to pick Ele up at 6:40pm. So I went home and got the car. Just as I was about to drive off, she called me. She asked if she could borrow $500. At first I thought she was joking, so I asked if she was joking, and she said no. She said her mother wants to give Evonne some money and asked her for it, but she was low on cash, having only $90.

I had a bit of money in my account, but definitely not $500. I had enough for next week but had to keep a bit of slack as I knew a bit would be transferred to a savings account. I told her I didn't have $500 as all my money is kept in online savings accounts which takes at least a day to transfer to my bank account, and that I closed my credit card account the other day. Lucky I told her that on that day, otherwise it would really sound like a convenient lie right about now.

I went to the ATM and managed to get out $300, and told her I could give her $350. I drove to her place and saw that they had packed a few suitcases. She got me into her bedroom and closed the door. Geez, this is going to look a bit shonky to her mother and Evonne. I gave her $350 and she said she could only give $400 total but this will have to do.

We got the suitcases into the car and then drove to the airport. The airport is surprisingly close to her place. I stopped off at the entrance and helped them get their stuff out. I saw a guy sitting there who I swear could've been a cop. Or maybe I'm just paranoid. She gave me a hug before she left, and they waved at me as I drove off.

I called Malay and arranged to meet up with him to get stuff for Thai's birthday. We went to get a cake first from Chinksford. I told him I would have to pay him next time as I had just lent money to a friend, and he was cool with it (as always). We then went to the Wick and got pizza from Eagleboys. I told him about how angry I was about wanting to help G with his fashion and how I had given up wanting to help Brain as he just seems to want everything served on a plate for him.

I then dropped him off at his place so he could give takeaway to his sister, and then drove back to my place to park my car. I walked to Thai's and Ele called, and we spoke a bit as she was waiting at the airport. She asked if I wanted anything and I joked that she could bring me back a girl.

Anyway, Thai came home shortly after I arrived, and then Brain arrived. Malay came shortly after with the pizza. Brain just looked shocked that we had gotten all this stuff. I wonder if he felt even a little bit bad that he didn't contribute towards any of this. In other news, his 'development' has progressed a little because he actually drove to Thai's house that night!

We spent the night playing video games, and Brain and I left at 2am while Malay stayed. I had wanted to leave at midnight but seeing that we started at after 9pm I thought that'd be kinda rude.

A day of bank runs

Walked to work as usual today, when I arrived Mary was talking to Clare with Genie in her room, which of course triggered a whole group conversation as people arrived. Nunjo arrived, briefly said something and then went into her room. I think she may be shy, but I think she comes off as rude when she does that. I was still wearing my basketball jersey and wondered if she saw my arms.  Ogre arrived next, which made up for awkward silences when Clare and I wanted to get back to work, and then Moira joined.

I resumed working on that 19 folder brief. In mid-morning I went to the kitchen and saw a box of fortune cookies so I ate one as I headed back to my room. I saw Nunjo and just said "fortune cookies". She asked me what it said and I read it, shrugged and walked back into my room.

I made a call to NAB and closed my credit card account. That should help against any impulsive gambling or whoring.

At noon I went to CBA to deposit my cheque I had received from Holden as the refund for taking too much money out of my account. I was surprised they sent it without me having to hassle them further. I then went to the Bank of China on York St to open an account in HK. The wait was for a bit but when it was my turn, I found the service to be pretty good. The girl reminded me of lemon sorbet, and she was very helpful when it came to filling in the form, telling me what to tick and that. I felt good as I walked out of the bank. So there you go, you've taken the first step towards getting that HK$6,000 for your grandmother.

I bought a quarter chicken as usual and ate it in my room. I worked away in my room for the rest of the day, then started emailing Ele about her departure tomorrow. She asked me to drive her and her mother to the airport tomorrow which I was ok with. I then asked if she had her DJ's discount card as I wanted to buy a shirt - my plan was to get seven shirts in my office, so I could dry clean them in a batch of five as advertised at a shop near my office, which would 1) take the work load off my mom and 2) ensure my shirts stay white without mess.

She didn't reply for a while so I followed up saying it didn't matter if she didn't have it with her, but I began to get a bit depressed thinking that she had forgotten about the whole thing. I mean, I always seem to help her out, but I guess when it came to helping me, it was easy to forget. Funny too, cause I had been confident the whole day, yet now I felt like crap. I felt neglected.

But then she emailed me saying she had the card, so I guess my depression had no basis anymore.

At the end of the day, I was leaving but Mary was talking to Nunjo at her room. As usual, she caught me into her conversation, asking me why I was so quiet, and I said I had started on that 19 folder matter. Nunjo said "so that's why he's been so quiet..." and the conversation eventually turned into a group conversation with Moira about brothels. I tried not to look at Nunjo much, but we did make eye contact once through the glass. I wonder if she noticed my new suit. It got a bit awkward when they were talking about what Korean girls would do in the brothel, which was the service I was getting. Ugh.

I walked out with Moira to Woolies where I met Ele. I convinced her to come to DJ's with me as I wasn't confident in faking the signature required. When we got there I started looking for the shirt I wanted, but couldn't find my size! Grrr. We walked around a bit, and I felt bad cause it felt like I had wasted her time. But while we were browsing another section, I found it - the slim Van Heusen shirt I wanted in my size but packaged and placed with other types of Van Heusen shirts. She said I was lucky, and she was right. Then while we were waiting at the cash registers, I spotted a tie I kinda liked and flipped it over - Van Heusen tie going for $16!!! It was similar to the types I had bought earlier but perhaps a different shade of colour, so I thought I would get this to build up the set.

As she was browsing through ties, she kept recommending me to get ones with flower patterns, and would put them on my chest to see, and would say they looked good. I guess this is what you had in mind. When we paid, it was only $77 after the discount, so that was pretty good. I walked her back to the train station and then headed back to the office to put the new shirt and tie in my wardrobe.

For some reason, I no longer felt anything towards Nunjo, and kept thinking about Eminem's line in Drips:

fuck these bitches, fuck 'em all, get money

Well that sucked

Walked to work, did the usual good mornings to Clare and Nunjo as I walked past. I noticed Nunjo was seated facing side ways, so she was able to look up and see me. Wonder if she noticed my arms.

I went to ask her a work related question in mid-morning, and there was no talk of the lunch. I was beginning to think maybe I should pull out. It started dawning on me that if she was interested, she wouldn't be tagging a friend along - she'd want to be alone. Also, now it felt like I was intruding on their lunch. I felt like a blow-in. Ele called me for lunch and I said I couldn't. She wanted to meet up after work to play board games. I stupidly omitted that I was playing basketball after work so had to think of an excuse to blow her off.

Later on as I was walking to the photocopying room I passed Nunjo. I was just going to give her a nod, but when she saw me she took a stutter step and said "lunch is at 12:30". Great, too late to pull out now.

I kept working at my desk until about 12:40 when Nunjo and Fiona came to my room. As I grabbed my stuff and walked out with them, I already knew this was a mistake. Nunjo had no plans and asked me where to go. I suggested one place but Fiona said that was too far. We ended up going to that sushi place on the corner, the same place I went with Katie and Yoshi. Fiona asked if we should have a table or sit at the train, and I said table, as I didn't want the awkward position of the person on one side not hearing the person on the other side. But Nunjo just said to put down either. Hmmm.

We got a table, a small table. I was under the impression that we would share, so I asked them if there was anything they didn't eat as I didn't want to grab something and not have them eat it. But as I grabbed plates and put them on the table, I realised - they wanted to eat separately. Wow, now I felt like an idiot.

The rest of the lunch wasn't much better. Apart from one interesting moment when I talked about Don Decker, the rest of the session was an silent blanket of awkwardness. Fiona was nice about it, but I got the feeling she was like "what is this guy doing here?" as I could feel them exchanging silent glances at eachother, wondering what they could talk about with a guy in the middle. I just felt like they would've had a much more candid chat if I wasn't there. I felt like an intruder.

I couldn't wait to get out of there fast enough. We even paid the bill separately, like with separate counting of the dishes. I swear, even that lunch with Katie and Yoshi was better than this. When I returned to my desk, my first thought was "well, that sucked".

In the late afternoon, although I was productive, having started on my huge brief assessment, I thought about it some more and got angry. I decided I'd shun her. I told myself to save up money so I could show her what I could afford. I closed my door and worked away. Clare knocked on my glass to wave goodbye. She's nice. I saw Nunjo walk past out of the corner of my eye. She yelled goodbye to Ogre and left.

I worked until 6pm-ish when I met with Nick and Bo at Central to play ball. I had done calf raises at the gym yesterday, so was careful not to strain myself. I didn't even really want to play, I just wanted to talk to Nick about quitting on Sunday. He was pretty adamant about quitting, which upset me a bit.

We played some games. It was windy so I missed almost all my shots. My highlights included a steal on a guy driving and later a block on the same guy. It was a pretty big swat that sent the ball to the halfway line as he drove.

First day back at work

I woke up today feeling half like I didn't want to go to work, and half wanting to go to work to wear my new suit. I walked to work and only Clare was there when I got in. I tip toe-d past her, grabbed my clothes and went to change. When I returned, Nunjo was in Clare's room talking to her. I just walked past. I didn't really have a 'plan' as to how to act towards Nunjo. I actually felt like whatever or however I felt towards her last year had disappeared - my mind was a split between Amy and Naby. Anyway, I walked past out of not wanting to interrupt.

When I went back out they were in their rooms, and I said good morning to each as I passed. Other than that, I kinda stayed to myself in my room, working on my minute. I kept thinking about Limitless and how much I could achieve if I concentrated.

Shortly thereafter I had to walk out again and saw Nunjo and Christina talking outside Clare's room. I was going to avoid eye contact but Nunjo looked at me and I gave her an eyebrow raise and she acknowledged me in return.

I was checking shares at the same time and saw that casino shares were dropping to an amount I'd feel good about buying in at, so I went to the internet computer to put a buy order at $3.50 (it never reached it, touching on $3.51 and then going up to $3.64 at one stage). Clare must've wanted to 'catch up' as I hadn't talked to her, so she asked me about my break and then asked what I was doing. I said I was just looking at shares, which I think Nunjo heard. Clare said I must've been doing it out of boredom. I wasn't, I was actually working quite hard up until that point, but now I just wanted to buy in at a good price.

Anyway, I went back to working in my room and after a while Nunjo came to my door! This was a surprise, since I can only really recall her coming to my room by herself once, and that was to ask a work related question. I wondered if she had understood the ball was now in her court since I asked her out to lunch, and now she was making a move.

She was standing at my door, didn't come in, and asked me about my break. I wasn't expecting it so felt a bit nervous, told her about playing basketball, getting sick and coming into work a few times. She said she went to Orange, spent Christmas with her nieces and nephews. She said she got tired of kids after a while, and did not seem to tolerate a crying baby very well. Hmmm.

She said she was in Sydney on NYE and just had a quiet one with a friend I think. I told her I was at a friend's place playing board games. I was saying how peaceful the next day was and she agreed, and said she met up with a friend for breakfast and dinner in her suburb. I wondered for a moment if it was a guy. I told her I didn't get my PS3 because the price never came down much. I wonder if she thinks I'm a cheapskate.

She walked off soon after, and I returned to my work, when I wondered if she was waiting for me to ask her out to lunch? I remember thinking her body language seemed to show she was a bit nervous. It was like she didn't know how to stand or what to do with her arms, so she crossed them.

At close to noon, I went to her room to ask if she felt like sushi. She said she was having that tomorrow with Fiona and asked if I wanted to come along. I just naturally said yes without really thinking about it. I mean, it seemed like the thing to do I guess. I was intimating that I wanted Japanese, and here she was saying she would be having it tomorrow. Besides, I kinda know Fiona so it won't be as awkward. We talked about a few places. I had sushi train in mind, but I think she had a 'table restaurant' in mind.

She started telling me about her lunch plans for today, saying she was going to have pho with a pregnant friend of hers. I never thought about that, but I guess she did and wanted to explain why she wasn't available today.

I had my usual chicken and bread for lunch. I hadn't had it for a while, so was kinda looking forward to it. Besides, it's really cheap.

I managed to finish one minute and get another halfway done by the end of the day. I felt like I was fairly productive today. Imad also came to tell me about the temporary promotion, and Judith called me about it and showed me how to 'activate' it. I almost forgot about the whole thing.

Nunjo also came to say bye at the end of the day, but Christina came over which sort of interrupted things. Nunjo seemed a bit more relaxed this time.

I started reading some transcripts at 5pm and finished a bit after 6pm. Then I went to the gym. I thought it wouldn't be packed cause it was the first day back, but there were a lot of people at the weights. I really felt like lifting today, so that was good. I was so hungry afterwards I came close to buying some chips, but told myself I needed to save money for tomorrow's lunch.

Btw, I LOVE my new suit! I had this fear that I'd regret the colour, but it's perfect!!!

Compulsive spender

I just read an article and realised I am this:

Compulsive spenders are ones that spend when they are feeling depressed or have an unmet need in their life. Instead of identifying the need and resolving it, they go on a spending spree as some kind of escape mechanism.

I know what my need is - a girlfriend.

Good start to 2012

In the morning yesterday I went to the courts. I did three sets of sprints and then ran up and down the court pretending to block shots, jumping off different legs each time. I found that when I jumped off my right foot, my knee felt like it wobbled, so definitely still not stable there and will need more work.

I went home and then went out to the office. I actually felt like reading (as opposed to thinking too much and typing) so just read some transcripts for the matter with LC. I got a bit done, and then kinda got creeped out by noises. I'm sure it wasn't anything, it was just the usual noises that come with wind and natural movements, but having seen Paranormal Witness, it was getting to my mind, so I left at 2pm.

I took a walk through some shops. The city was kinda desserted. I guess people were recovering from a night of partying. I then went to the casino, but I had no intention to gamble. I had my credit card with me, and withdrawing cash on it just wasn't even on my mind. I just wanted to kill some time and watch other people play.

I settled on one table where there was an Asian guy playing closest to the wheel, then an Indian guy, then two tourist looking old men who were just chatting and playing small amounts each spin. One Asian guy was standing between two tables, and on one spin he walked over and placed $25 on 18. It landed on 18. Part of me wondered if he had some sort of trick, but then I knew better - no one beats the casino. I kept an eye on him and could see he wasn't betting every game, and even when he did, he lost. So that was pure luck.

The Indian guy was full of luck. He would bet $200 worth of chips each time, on about 18-19 numbers, and almost everytime he would get a hit, which netted him quite a bit it seemed, as he was holding about $1000-2000 in his hand. He just kept playing until he lost all his colour chips and then walked away.

The Asian guy slowly lost, and so did the two tourist looking old guys. Guess it's nothing new. Sometimes you get so involved in it, you think it's just you who loses. But it's good to see that it happens to other people too. It's a system that beats everyone, not just you.

I left, tired of standing (they don't really have seats for observers). As I walked out, I marvelled at the place. It was pretty glamorous, and they were definitely making money. If only I could own a part of it. But wait, I do! And I can buy more! So I semi-decided right there and then that I would focus on acquiring more shares in the casino. It was time to join the other side.

I went back to the office to get my keys and ipod, and then went home. I started watching The Adjustment Bureau and then about an hour into it Bo calls me. I had invited a few people to dinner but no one responded - except him, now.

So we met up at a pho place on the main street in the city and had dinner. I asked him about Nick quitting the Sunday team and he said he didn't know. That would really change things if Nick was serious. I felt like quitting the Wednesday comp if Nick was going to do that. For me, the best chance of winning is the Sunday team, and in effect, I kinda only play Wednesdays to keep up with Nick, so if there's no Nick, then I don't need to put up with this Angelo bullshit.

We talked about his girlfriend, apparently she wants to move in with him now. I keep thinking that he should consider himself lucky to have such a pretty girlfriend. I wonder if she thinks he is rich.

We talked about the NBA, Mike, and the girl I have been chatting with online. Even he thinks I should stop chatting with her after she was concerned I wasn't talking to her because I had seen her photo.

After that we went to the arcades, had a quick look around and then went to play pool. On the walk there, we talked about me finding a girl. I told him I always thought it was just something that happened automatically, not something I would have to try. He even agreed that at our age we were running out of options, and that perhaps all that was left was single, divorced mothers.

I always feel that we have a lot of unspoken similarities. We are about the same age, we are looking for a girl (he has one but is unhappy with her), we are recovering from some financial disaster (I think his is from drinking, and he doesn't know about my gambling), we want to save some money to invest, and we want to improve ourselves as a person.

The pool place looked kinda dodgy. It was all guys playing until near the end when a couple of girls came in with a group of guys. I think Bo got bored because I was crap, so we finished about 40 minutes later.

We parted outside and I walked to my bus stop. I had taken my credit card out before I left home, knowing there was a chance I may have ended up at the massage place to see Hana. Lucky I did, because I did have a bit of urge.

Ele's NYE dinner

So yesterday was NYE. To be honest, I was secretly hoping I could go shopping with Ele before the party at her place, but it didn't quite work out that way.

I spent the morning watching The Tunnel (great movie, great idea). She called me and asked me to pick up some board games from Michael L while she took her mom to Manly. She asked if I wanted the DJ's card now or in the afternoon, and I just said afternoon.

I organised with Michael L to pick up the games at 2pm since my parents had gone out with the car. So I hung around home until they returned, then drove to Michael L's place to get the games. It's always an awkward encounter with him. What I like about him, however, is he makes no attempt at chit chat, he'll just get straight to the point. Not sure if it's done out of rudeness or lack of social skills.

I took the board games and went back home. Ele messaged later asking people to go over to her place anytime after 4:30pm. I went to the Wick to get some chips and drinks, as I didn't want to go empty handed. I got there after 4:30pm, nearly 5pm actually, and was still the first one there. I was surprised to see Evonne, as I had guessed she would've gone out with her own friends. I said that and Ele and Evonne said something in Chinese, and then Ele said "I don't know how much he knows". WTF? Whatever that means...

Anyway, I spent the time with Evonne trying to hook up my external HD to their laptop and tv. I think she mis-understood me. All I wanted to do was copy movies for Ele, but Evonne thought I wanted to play the movies on tv, which caused Ele to call up Yang and had him talk to me to explain how to hook it up to the tv. God that made me feel so...inadequate.

Then Vivian and Daniel arrived, and Vivian brought her 7 year old brother as well. He was cute, but active as hell, running everywhere and yelling all the time. He definitely wasn't shy. Ele's mom was also there, and seemed a bit shy towards me again at first.

I set up The Tunnel for Daniel to watch while the rest of us played Monopoly, but then he got bored and watched Tekken. Monopoly was going relatively smoothly for a game involving someone's mother who doesn't speak English and a seven year old kid.

We had to end it prematurely because we were going to start eating. There was a lot of food. It was a 'rich' typical Asian dinner, with chicken, roast duck and rice. But I just had a mixture of rice and salad that Vivian brought. It was nice, and more than enough to fill me. I think Ele thought I didn't like the food because I didn't have much of anything else. There weren't enough seats, so I sat on the sofa with Daniel. Looking around the house, it made me think, how much furniture would I need for my future house?

After Tekken I played Rise of the Planet of the Apes, which I think intrigued Ele's mom a bit more. I thought this was more family oriented anyway.

We started a new board game called Acquire. At first I thought it was crap, mainly due to the name and because it was from Michael L. Like Daniel noted, he seems to buy games that no one else knows about. Anyway, the game turned out to be quite fun, as it was about money and taking over of companies. I noticed two trends: Ele likes games to do with money, and her mother seemed very into money as well (although perhaps, not as much as Ele).

At midnight we went to the tv to watch the fireworks. I was kinda bored to be honest. I started thinking about Naby. I wondered what she was doing. Was she with a boyfriend? Was she with her friends? Or was she just at home?

We finished the boardgame. I thought I was going to win, but Daniel ended up beating me by a few million, as he had made some money from having had some companies being taken over. It made me think about Star City and the speculation it was the target of a takeover.

As we were packing up our stuff, I thought this was a once in a year opportunity. If I didn't do it now, I wouldn't get to do it again. Besides, she has ignored my messages in the past, maybe she was waiting for another?

Me @ 00:14 - Domo if you are there, happy new year

When I checked my phone a few minutes later, I saw I had received a message. Instantly I got all excited, only to be disappointed to see it was from Brain. Of all people. That guy really annoys me. Ever since we were at Thai's house I have despised him more. I remember he had just joined our game, and he was like "what? Am I only level 1 and you guys are level 16?"

It showed me that he wanted everything on a plate given to him, and that he had no desire to work for things.

Anyway, we all went home. I drove home, and instead of going straight home, I drove to the shop. I think it was my late night thinking, which is equivalent to the reasoning of a drunk, but I felt a bit down that Naby had ignored me, so now I wanted to see Amy.

I stopped across the road from the shop and called. I asked if Amy was working and the guy said no.

Hmmm...maybe she did end up listening to me?


I drove home, kinda glad I hadn't blown $300.