I feel quite terrible today. Perhaps I am coming down with something? Due to my current condition, I would like to rewind a bit and be reminded of my fabulous weekend by sharing it with you all. After working a sixteen hour day on Thursday, Conor was definitely ready for a restful weekend. Together we traveled to Three Monkeys and enjoyed a couple cups of coffee on Friday evening. We sat outside under a large tree and observed the neighborhood shops and restaurants prepare for a busy Friday night. The weather was absolutely fabulous. Although it is humid and overcast today (with some thunder and lightning), the weekend weather was just amazing - temperatures in the mid-eighties, sun, and a cool breeze.
After coffee, we walked home and Conor cooked Barramundi for dinner. Yum. Come to think of it, Conor has been cooking dinner quite a bit lately. He made a mushroom cream sauce and served it over pasta last week, and just last night he made a tika marsala with peppers, onions, potatoes, and squash over rice with nan. Tonight is my night to cook, I suppose.
On Saturday we had brunch with Adam Vest, a fellow expatriate. After relaxing for a while, we wandered home and enjoyed the sun and a long walk. After heading into the office for just a bit, Conor and I set back out in search of a quiet place to read and sip more coffee. After hours of reading and writing, we decided to go for a run, but first, the skinless wine shop! I had never been to a skinless (or label-less) wine store before. Apparently Brisbane is home to a few shops that sell award-winning Australian wine for a great price! Due to over production and lack of a label, these bottles can be purchased for 6-7 American dollars. What a steal for good wine! (Do we have these shops in the States?)
After our jog (and a much needed shower), we trotted back out to meet Adam at a jazz bar. Man, what a trip! We managed to find ourselves amidst a wedding party in a tiny restaurant located in the middle of a parking lot (behind a local grocery store). Weird. The wine was tasty and the food was decent. The music, although short-lived (because the bar closed at 10!), was also fairly good. I'm not sure if we will stumble back that way any time soon, but for a last minute thought, it wasn't too shabby.
On Sunday we spent our day at the Queensland Library. The centre hosted a number of free lectures and activities on climate change, sustainable living, alternative transport, etc. Although overall, I would give the lectures 3 out of 5 stars, the concept of the "Ideas" convention was fabulous. What a great resource and location to meet and share ideas with other community members. Conor and I were inspired by the lectures and this morning he composed a letter to the Brisbane City Council in regard to the pedestrian and bicycle footpaths and lanes (or lack thereof) surrounding our apartment building. Man, living in Portland definitely spoiled this pedestrian...but then again, if they can do it, why can't other cities? (The same goes for producing good beer!)
After the lectures we went to the Pancake Manor to cheer on a Canadian friend who was competing in the Pancake Manor's 30th Birthday Pancake Challenge! Mike came in third out of approximately 30 participants. He managed to choke down 12 pancakes, while the second and first place winners ate 13 and 14. The winner, an incredibly thin (and sickly looking) gal, frequents the Pancake Manor, sometimes being seen up to five times a week! Madness. 12 giant pancakes in one hour...gross. I hope Mike's doing okay today.
Today's forecast: Showers and a good chance of migraine - ick
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