United States of Australia

For those who are lucky enough to call themselves citizens of the sunburnt country I hope enjoyed the festivities that go along with our national holiday. I'm sure you all enjoyed them responsibly and took time to reflect on what exactly it means to be Australian. No. Seriously. I'm almost positive you did that.

For myself, this was the first time I spent Australia on foreign soil, quite an unusual experience. Especially when you see photos of what other people have been getting upto back home. That said, myself and the other Australian students tried to make it as 'Australian' as possible, by popping a few snaggas on the barbie and sinking Fosters. Apparently Fosters is 'Australian for beer', but I must admit this was the first time I've had the stuff that comes out of the blue tin and I don't think I was alone.

I also managed to listen to the webcast of Triple J's Hottest 100. This is something I have enjoyed doing for a little while now, and I have most of the CD's in my collection. I often don't agree with what comes out on top and what doesn't make the list. Like for example, how Phrase's 'Clockwork' and 'No Rides Left' by Horrorshow missed out. I'm not sure that I saw any TZU in there either? I was also surprised that Vampire Weekend didn't poll better. Perhaps that style of Indie/Pop/Rock has done its dash. Who knows?

I spent a fair portion of the weekend on my social network of choice, awaiting response from my video speech for PC's 21st. I would like to take another opportunity to issue an unreserved apology to members of Patrick's family for any potential embarrasment caused. However I would like to think that I delevired what was asked of me. It was certainly a tough thing to miss out on, however I knew that this would be one of the consequences of my decision to come to the US. I think I can take solace in the fact that the party looked like it was absolutely insane and that everyone made sure that the big red machine had a great night.

So how about that weather huh? Well its freezing during the night time, but it is the middle of winter so thats to be expected. During the day however you could be excused for thinking that we are on the cusp of summer. It is absolutely beautiful. A lot of guys I have spoken to, said that they came to the U of A for the climate. I thought that was a crap answer. But with the weather being the way it has over the last couple of days, perhaps it is an answer of some merit. It does make for ominous signs for when we roll into summer though.

I lined up in my first official college basketball tournament this weekend. That's right, I play college basketball, what do you do?

I'm sure there are a number of responses that would trump that question, but I still think its pretty cool.

We ended up 3-1 for the weekend, with our only loss coming at the hands of UTA. However we get another crack at them in about 10 days, so hopefully with some solid work on the training track we can correct that one.

On a personal note, I didn't play like a complete hack, which is good, but there is still plenty of room for improvement. Although I figuire, do your best today, but make sure you are better tomorrow. I think I am acomplishing that much at least.

Today is also Chinese new year, and as it happens this year is the year of the Ox. That wouldn't come as much signifcance to me usually as I'm not Chinese (shocking I know)... although I do enjoy the food. In any case, at some point last year I was given the nickname 'The Ox'. I actually really like it, because as far as I know, Oxen are cattle that are trained to carry big loads. I would like to think that I have been transforming myself over the past little while into an Ox on the basketball court. The name itself serves as a reminder to keep working hard. Oxen are also renound for being more intelligent than your average member of the herd. Although Oxen are often castrated, the last time I checked that hasn't happened yet.

As always wikipedia has come to my immediate rescue and potential downfall, but here is an article about some of the traits of the Ox http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ox_(zodiac).

Maybe I possess these traits maybe I don't, but I think 2009 has already presented me with plenty of opportunities that would sinful to waste.

I was also given a questionaire by a Minister (of the church) today. His questions seemed to suggest that I was going to hell because I hadn't comitted 100% of my life to Jesus.

Gee. Hope not. I think I'm a nice guy...

ctb