No Ball

Last Thursday, I was playing basketball, and, less than one minute into the game some bloke on the opposition connected his elbow with my face. The results were not pretty. My front tooth (which has previously had a filling) was knocked several centremetres inward; not a good look. I left the game (after my huge impact and everything) and Johanna was kind enough to take me to the dentist, despite the fact we had prior plans to go and see Spiderman 3 on opening night with her two brothers (Thank you, Jo).

$500, a bit of pain, and a set of braces (for the next eight weeks) later, and I am back to normal.. Well, at least my tooth has been placed in its correct alignment, anyway.

So that's it. No more basketball for the next week. I don't know how I'll go, I will concede it's going to be tough, and I don't even know if I'll hold out, but at this stage, I am determined. I want an opportunity to relax a little and let my tooth get a bit better. Following that, we'll see how we go and if I feel comfortable to get back out on the court. Of course, the last thing I want is to head out there and take another shot to the face. A) because - with braces - it'll hurt like a mother and B) because if my fragile tooth were to be re-arranged, then it would take me a while to forgive myself.



Then again ... I wouldn't mind taking a couple of shots....


Ricky.
rick26j@gmail.com

Chance & Opportunities

As a boy, one piece of advise which my father gave me, is that in 'this life', several situations present themselves to you, all of which can be broken down into two categories: Chance and Opportunity. Should one receive the latter, dad advised me that its best to grab on with both hands and not let go, because otherwise you will live with regret. 'Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda' ..

Good, sound advise, dad. One thing he didn't delve into is how the HECK do you live with a blown opportunity? The reason I ask, is because I am feeling that one right now. Recently, at work, the OPPORTUNITY came available for several representatives of Optus for a three and a half month secondment to work in the Phillipines to train staff offshore for a mobile call centre environment. While it would be naiev to say I could have certainly had the job, I did not do everything within my power to get the role - and I am kicking myself for it now.

With this job I could have worked overseas, doubled my pay, paid a fraction of my current living expenses, done some value-for-money shopping, and had a break from the every day grind which I am currently experiencing. Every time I think about it, I feel an overcoming sense of frustration at what could have been... If only ...

So, what does one do in times like these? I suppose the lesson to be learnt is take whatever opportunities which come your way, maybe a better lesson would be listen to your dad? I don't know. Overall, I really feel like I let one get away.. Anybody got some handy advise for 'getting over' these missed opportunities? Let me know.

Meanwhile, I will be keeping my eyes peeled for opportunities to tackle.


Ricky.
rick26j@gmail.com

Moving on Out

12th February. Two days till the dreaded Valetine. Gents around the nation (and globe) are probably stressing about what to do or buy for there S.O. Girls are going to be disapointed by their own expectations. Overall, probably too much time, money and emphasis are being placed on things which should come naturally, regardless. I know many of you out their are going to be wondering what exactly *Ricky* will be doing on this day, but unfortunately I am not going to be leaving any clues on here.

On with something much more important that I need to draw attention to: My Living Situation. As each day goes onward it is becoming more and more clear that I will be moving out of my current apartment in just a few months. Therefore, I have been quietly spreading the word - and this post is a big attempt to further advertise my position - that I am looking for somebody to live with.

I am a good guy, relatively easy to get along with, mostly quiet & self-entertained (via Mac).

Looking for: Preferably Male, Good cook(I wish), relatively quiet & relaxing lifestyle.. Mostly just somebody who is around my age and easy-going.

If you are - or you know somebody who is - planning to change living arrangements in the near future, and furthermore, would contemplate moving with me, please do let me know.

In the mean-time, I have had a request or two to post pics on here. So you can see the results above, or wherever they happen to land. Hopefully you will enjoy. :)


Ricky.
rick26j@gmail.com

Have Something to Say

Hi there,

First post. What it should it be about? Well, I suppose it should be about something generalised, but also something personalised, a blog about Ricky. Well, I think I have the ideal first-post. Perhaps you'll disagree? Let me know.

The topic is about favourite movies. I always find myself in a social setting (okay, not always, but, enough for it to be noticeable, clearly) and a host, or person will pose a question to the group in order to start something up: What is [are] your favourite movie[s]? And round-the-table it goes. Often - and, while we're here, let's touch base with the sexist side of things - in fact, too often the response will be "uh, I don't know". And I have to ask, what, exactly, is that all about? I mean, sure, I can understand it. You've probably seen hundreds, possibly thousands of films in your lifetime. To break it down, or categorise one or two as the select two defined as your 'favourite' is a seemingly daunting task. You don't want to over-credit one film too much, or you may over-look a particular movie in the heat of the moment. Or maybe you're scared of how it will make you look. What will people think of you if 'Catwoman' really was your favourite movie? It could potentially say a lot about a person.

But really, I think most haven't invested the time into deciding what they want to be defined as there favourite movie of all-time. So do it. You know you will be asked this question at least three more times in your life. You have just been asked by reading this blog, indirectly to think about and decide yours now. Think about it, and do it. Decide your defining film. Okay, honestly, it doesn't have to be your absolute favourite film ever, but at least, for the sake of the conversation, have something interesting to have at the ready for next time you hear that question, rather than 'I don't know'. Also, be prepared to back up your selection with reasons. Something better than because 'it's awesome' or 'makes you think'. Go beyond the expectation. I suppose I should go first to really give you an idea of what its all about:

Man on Fire.
Awesome film! Oops! I just did it. No really. It's about love, working hard for something you want, it's well acted, under-rated, and it has a touching love story between man and child. Dakota Fanning is the best child-actor ever, and Denzel is at his normal best. I could go further in, but you'll either have to email me, or perhaps next time we share a coffee, beer or pretzel we can discuss it further.

For now, do some thinking, get back to me, and be ready.

Happy New Year everybody. Hope you enjoyed the first post.



Ricky.