Author Archives: browney

The Sound of Music – 50 years on

Source : Amazon.com

 

Its 50 years ago today that the immortal Sound of Music hit the screens. I would be lying to say that I don’t still enjoy the soundtrack.

I haven’t seen the movie for some years, but I must have seen it 50 times. I stopped counting after I’d seen it 7 times in the theatre as a child. I remember the first time I saw it, a Saturday matinee at the now defunct Regent Theatre.

Source: http://regentarcade.com.au/History.aspx

My grandparents took my sister and I for a Saturday outing, Something they did most weekends when we were little. After that I don’t recall who I saw it with, though I am fairly sure it wasn’t with my school friends, as none of us would have admitted we liked it – it just wouldn’t have been cool. Then as  our own children were little I remember watching it with them.

From the opening scene until the end it’s just a classic of its time. We certainly don’t make musicals like that these days.

The soundtrack is quite amazing. Continue reading

What’s on my study wall

For the last three weeks I seem to have found reasons not to start typing my thesis. I know I have all year to get it done and it’s a minor thesis (20,000 words) but the time really has come. It’s already mid-February and I had planned to be well underway by now but I am not really that far advanced.

I’ve used the excuse that my laptop has been in for repairs eventhough all my files are accessible through Dropbox. Then it’s been I haven’t been able to access EndNote because it’s on my laptop. But really enough is now enough.

I’ve settled on my Research Question, to be honest I did that in December! I’ve identified my sample frame and have all the contact information. My ethics approval for my research is done.

Today my laptop will be back from its sabbatical and ready to go. Continue reading

This might be what it’s like?

Today might be an example of what my future will be like. If it is then bring it on!

For the last 12 months I’ve worked four days a week. Last year it was to facilitate course work at University and as part of my transition to a post professional service firm life. I’ve grown to love having Mondays away from the office. Long weekends enabling us to come back from the beach on Mondays rather than rushing back on Sunday or to spend the day at Uni – sometimes it’s been both.

Today however was different. Coffe with my favourite person and our daughter’s dog who lives with us eventhough her owner has left home. As always it was very pleasant.

Then it was off for a meeting to discuss a new post professional services firm opportunity. An hour engaged in “what’s next”. It was new and fun.

After that a walk down to University to tidy up my Ethics Application, so I can get started on data collection for my thesis. I always enjoy my time on campus.

Home for a late lunch and then out for a bike ride. On days like today, riding is like “seventh heaven”. Riding on a Monday might just become a guilty pleasure.

Glenelg beach - what a day!

Glenelg beach – what a day!

After that, a bit of time tending the veggies and then some reading. With that the day was done.

On the scale of 1 to 10 this was a 12!

It’s been comfort music!

It’s been a week of listening to safe songs. Back into study and focussed on my last few weeks before leaving my firm.

Where else to turn but Springsteen all week. It’s always safe ground for me.

Born to Run – always a great place to start

Growin Up – it’s about transition which occupies so much of my thinking these days

Rosalita – my favourite person’s favourite Springsteen song

We Take Care of Our Own – inspiring

Just like Fire Would – my week has been full of listening to Springsteen and this one is awesome in concert as well as an Aussie classic.

So that’s my Playlist of the Week

Book Review – Domestique

The world’s professional cycling season starts literally 250 metres from my home with The Tour Down Under.

Tour Village

Tour Village

It’s January, the weather is awesome and the sense of anticipation about what is about to unfold is evident. As a keen cyclist it is one of my favourite weeks in the year as rather than having to sit up all night to watch the best cyclists on TV, they are literally at my doorstep.

Sellicks Hill - 50kms from Adelaide

Sellicks Hill – 50kms from Adelaide (Stage 4)


As usual the race did not disappoint with Aussies filling the Top 3 positions (and a South Australian winning the race). To see Cadel Evans final race was special and Richie Porte blowing the field away, hopefully sets the scene for a great year.

I watched all of this whilst reading Continue reading