New Thing Of The Week: Swedish Meatballs

I know I have already had a new thing, but what's so bad about 2 new things?

Okay, so first off take away the mash and zuchinni from the pic above and that's what I had for dinner.

Swedish meatballs with a mushroom flavoured gravy and berry jam.

Very nice. I bought the jam, gravy mix and meatballs for $12.95 from Ikea the other week and made it tonight for Mum, myself and the stepdad.

The gravy is quite savoury and the jam is not sweet but adds a difference to the meatballs (the way I did it was having the meatballs sitting in the gravy and the dip the meatball into the jam) and it dances on your mouth.

Quite lovely. I would definately recommend it.

By the way... I reckon I'm getting better at these reviews (must be something about not having the unhappiness of no Dr Pepper hehe).

New Thing Of The Week: L&P

So first off, I was going to Macquarie Centre (to a place called Lollyland) with my best mate to get a Dr Pepper (because this seems to be the only place left in Sydney that sells it) - but when I got to Lollyland I didn't have any cash to buy it so I had to go find an ATM to get money out.

However, he went and bought 3 Dr Peppers (2 normal and one Cherry flavour). So I went to the ATM and got money out and went back to get a Dr Pepper and all that was left was one Berries & Cream flavour. So I reluctantly got that and bought an L&P (as seen above).

I can't believe he came for us to both get Dr Peppers and he decided to buy all of them. He says there were some left when he bought three cans but still - not happy Jan!

But yes, I bought the L&P as part of my New Thing Of The Week: where I do something new and different every week.

Yes, I know that officially it starts next year but what the hell, I thought I'd start it today.

L&P to me is alright, it's not all too lemony - it's an alright drink.

When I do go to NZ (hopefully next year), I may drink some with my Oportos (there is an Oportos in NZ thank God! I'd die without it hehe).

But still... I wouldn't've minded that Dr Pepper!

I tell you what is sad?

[Droopy was a poor sad old dog]

...it's people who bash people verbally. Calling them names, etc.

In my day (which is still today) people had a basic respect for everyone.

Some people say that respect needs to be earnt. I say that it is a courtesy.

What I can't stand is people who swear and taunt people when there are thousands of other words in the English language.

I am a kind person who treats people with respect. I like things to be fair and people to be fair back as well.

What I can't stand is self rightgeous people who think that they are king shit and that I am below them and should do all they demand and get nothing for it.

My grandmother may have been a slave, but that doesn't make me any less a person and doesn't make me a slave also.

The Aboriginals have had the vote for some time now, we are full citizens of this great country and have been accepted as Australians (despite being the first Australians).

It's time for people who have this complex, to hide behind anonynimity and yell and abuse people and then when they see them in real life, to start and think about who they are hurting.

Life is short. Life can be tough. Life is hard enough without belittling others.

Let's all get along. I know I've had enough shit in my life without having more.

What about Toadie?

I missed the last episode this year. I was out doing something and I forgot to be at home at 6:30 (as well as forgetting to set the VCR) so I'm not sure exactly what happens but from what I've heard there is a hostage situation with people including Katya, Toadie & Steph (as well as the Kinski kids I think). They are being held by Katya's crazy friend.

Now, someone dies - and according to TV Week ("you never see it coming), but maybe I do see it coming. There's a picture of Bree in front of a coffin and she is apparently talking at the funeral so it must be someone related.

Although in my infamous Circle Of Toadie everyone in Ramsay Street is somehow related.

So, why would Toadie die? Surely he has a bright future in front of him?

Well - first off he's been kicked out of his home by the newbies and has been living in his office. The other two shareholders of his house (The House of Trouser) are living in the bush.

Love hasn't really come on the Toadie front of late either. It's not the first time that Toadie has gone after a married woman, but surely he should've learnt the last time! The last time he did that the family moved away. And now - his love of the married woman may be his kiss of death!

It will be sad if it is Toadie that dies as he was the real comedic element to Neighbours. He was the mainstay of Neighbours and truly will be missed by me and others.

But, if he doesn't die, I hope that he gets some decent storylines before his contact runs out.

UPDATE 31/12/06: I was watching the New Year's Eve fireworks on Ten and Toadie (!) was one of the people saying Happy New Year. Generally if a character dies then they won't do publicity afterwards. So I reckon it's now Katya (who wasn't having her contract renewed) - and it makes more sense. Either that or Zeke getting killed. Wouldn't mind less of the freak!

Post-Chrissie Wrap Part 2

Isn't it great to have The Panel back even if it was only for Chrissie night.

With Thank God You're Here going gangbusters the Working Dog team were too busy (again) to do The Panel in '06.

But as the talented Melbournian comedians were having a jabber, I was mulling over some Chrissie pressies. I got a dvd, a Lotteries gift pack (?), the new Monopoly, a Tabasco pizza set and some men's hygiene pack.

I'm still awaiting a pressie from the always wonderful lady across the sea, as well as one from my middle sister, but overall it was so-so.

Chrissie felt a bit strange this year with only me, Mum and my little brother there. It makes you wonder about things and appreciate family more.


Me and my little brother got Dad a brand new tv (68cm). He hadn't had a brand new tv since the 80's so it was something different for him - no knobs on this one. His last tv had more knobs than a north shore private boys' school!

It took us a couple of hours to try and drill into him what exactly to use and not use on this new tv (he hadn't had a tv with a remote before). He is 75 so things can be hard for him.

I wrote down everything he needed to do so he wouldn't get it wrong. He knows our numbers if he needs help. He hasn't called us yet. That's a good sign.

Or he gave up.

Either way - he was bloody surprised by the pressie. It's the biggest and most expensive pressie I've ever given full stop.

Post-Chrissie Wrap

Christmas is over and what have we done? Another year over and a new one just begun.

I think that's a song by someone from the Rolling Stones? Hehe - nah nah I'm kidding.

It's at this stage of the year when you look at what's happened in the past year and you think what can I do to make the next year a good year?

Well first off, this year I have changed jobs twice, moved house twice but what else have I done? Not much.

Sure I went to a gay bar and a strip joint on the same night (don't ask!) but am I happy this year? I'm content, there's nothing seriously wrong with me... but am I happy?

So that's what my new year's resolution is to be HAPPY!


[Hehehe Sky would make me happy :P]

H is for Health: I want to be healthier, lose weight, hopefully play football, exercise more.

A is for Appearance: I want to look better, not just slimmer, happier.

P is for Passion: I want to have a more passionate outlook on life and do things that I want to do (instead of doing a shitload of things for others all the time). As part of this I want to do a new thing every week - something I've never done before. I will report the findings on this blog (you lucky buggers).

P is for Personal life: I want to expand this circle of mates that I have as well as strengthen my life at home. Oh, and maybe even pick up a girlfiend (that would be interesting!).

Y is for Yardstick: First off, my little brother said "well you couldn't think of anything else that started with Y". Yes (hey that starts with Y), that's partly true - but I digress. I want to make '07 a year to remember, a measurement of a year which I can compare others to and go "Good Lord man, that was a year!" (probably best to say that with an English accent).

So that's it. What a post. I'll probably say what pressies I got later on.