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Well, I've been a bit slack in updating this thing in the last few weeks, and with my ailing, old-timer's memory, if I don't at least write something now I'll soon forget what's happened. So here's a very quick wrap up of the last week or so:

I went to a Switchfoot concert with two of my nieces, attended a Catalyst business breakfast the next morning, had a great time at Bec's 30th birthday party that night, spent most of the weekend in Yarram with Deb & the kids to celebrate two birthdays, spent Monday with my buddy Jessica, worked, went to the gym, watched a movie with M & J (Ratatouille), had Anthony & Christina & the boys over for supper/cake, and went driving around Nurburgring in a Porsche Carrera. The latter was achieved via a racing simulator, and the experience was a gift from the very thoughtful Christina & Anthony. I can't say that I covered myself in glory, and my best time was 10 minutes 25 seconds. (I was well on my way to beating the 10 minute mark when, on the 2nd last corner, I suddenly found myself embedded in a jungle of trees from which there was no return).

The Switchfoot concert was great, despite a rubbish audio system that made everything sound like it was played underwater, through a speaker stuck inside a mattress. My eldest niece, Susanna, was really looking forward to the concert but came down ill in the few days before it and had to miss out (she promises that she wasn't just trying to avoid being seen out in public with her daggy old uncle). Susanna's ticket was happily snapped up by Grace, so she and Erin joined me for a great night. We even had an opportunity to meet all 5 members of the band, as they shook hands and signed autographs after the show. The girls were all able to get t-shirts and have them signed by the guys, so Susanna didn't miss out completely. Music aside, the best part was spending some time with my nieces - something I don't get to do often enough. (Special note to you, Dad: Switchfoot are now doing a tour to support your mates at Habitat for Humanity: it's called the Appetite for Construction tour, but I think it's just U.S. dates so you might miss out this time 'round)

The Catalyst breakfast was also really interesting: I think there were 18 guys and 1 woman meeting at a cafe to chat about being in a workplace as a Christian. Anthony (he of the Nurburgring fame above) was asked to speak for a few minutes to get the discussion started, and the topic for the day was personal - and particularly, sexual - integrity. I think the one lady might have felt out of place, and she kept pretty quiet, but it was a good robust discussion for the rest of us.

Bec's 30th birthday party was a very stylish affair, with the house decorated beautifully with a gold theme, and everyone dressed as their favourite literary character. Everyone except the three of us, that is! As Mel & I were on unofficial video/photo "duty", we were let off lightly for having failed to find an outfit. And Jessica was let off because, well, she's Jessica and she's gorgeous. Everyone had a great time, and the food was amazing!! I'm on a very strict low-carb, high-protein diet at the moment, but do you think that stopped me having a little chocolate mousse? Not likely! I did manage to hold back from the Biscotten Torte & Birthday Cake, so that's perhaps something. I'd love to post some photos from the night, but since they feature other people and other people's kids, I'm not too sure that I have permission! (What's the protocol there? Hmm? I think I'd best err on the side of caution, and just post a picture of some of the cakes!). So another great night, Mum & Becky - thankyou!

Well, I have one day left at age 32 - 99.7% of that year having been used up already. It's amazing (and a little frustrating, unsettling, daunting) to see how fast time is going these days; there's so much I want to do and seemingly no time to do it. Maybe 33 will be the year that I get serious and make sure that at least some of those things happen...

Cheers,

Matt