I’m once again procrastinating instead of either packing stuff or going to bed so I can get up early and pack stuff.  Mind you, the microscope’s packed, and everything else should go quickly – crumple and stuff. 

I’ve mostly worked these last days, as business trips tend to work out, and that stuff is either boring or confidential or both, though why boring stuff is confidential beats me.  It’s like saying “I’m sorry, but I can’t tell you about yesterday’s meeting of the Hello Kitty Toothbrush Lovers of Wollongong because it’s confidential.” 

I did get a short window of free time yesterday afternoon, which I used to go shopping a bit, for postcards, souvenirs, and books.  I even stopped in the City Hatters’ store, and nearly drooled over the cool hats, but until I figure out a way to transport a $100 Panama hat without packing it in a suitcase or chucking it in the overhead compartment I’m not buying one overseas. 

Books I did buy, so as to be ready when I finish Bridget Jones’s Diary.  I can’t believe how insecure and incompetent and prone to dumb decisions poor Bridget is.  I have even more trouble understanding why the book has resonated so strongly with so many women.  Does that mean they identify?  If so, why am I attracted to women? 

Anyway, when buying books I also asked the clerk for her recommendations on Australian authors, and ended up choosing a book by David Malouf.  After I’d paid, she asked me if I mainly read fiction, or if I also enjoyed non-fiction.  “Fiction,” I answered.  “Life is enough non-fiction.”  It made her laugh and she wished me a good escape, but looking back I think that answer slipped out because I liked its cleverness, not because I considered its truthfulness.  I do enjoy non-fiction, and I enjoy life. 

I walked back through some side alleys and found the difference between the cute ones that had been done up and the neglected ones lined by six-storey brick walls depressing.  Melbourne could be such a charmer of a city if those alleys had some life to them!  Back home laundry lay waiting for me.  Once again, I’d given the laundry service two identical pairs of toe socks and they’d come back with the two right feet together and the two left feet together.  It might not sound too bad, but if it’s early morning and your sock won’t fit it’s a bit of a nuisance. 

For dinner Thursday we went to an English pub called The Elephant and the Wheelbarrow.  The name drew me in.  True to form, hearty dishes and hearty beer prevailed.  I enjoyed a Steak and Ale Stew with a Newcastle Brown (smooth, tasty) and afterward a Toohey’s Old (roasted flavor and a little more edgy).  It ended up being too much, and I still felt heavy the next morning. 

Today Friday I had a Netmeeting conference with a slow video connection and a jumble of whiteboard sharing and desktop sharing.  It was my first such experience and reminded me of the power of being there and showing real stuff. 

For dinner I was again invited at Tim and Vivienne’s.  It’s such a delight to be with them and their girls.  They’ve really made my trip to Melbourne.  The Great Ocean Road pales in comparison to two darling little girls and two good friends.  Those of you who know them: They say hi, and they miss you.