In between
Monday, 01 January, 2007
It seems to me that the period between Christmas and New Year's feels like you're out of time—not limbo but in this space where there is no time and the whole world is still lazily festive. Lots of people are away on holidays but the ones who are still left in the city are strolling its streets, poking around the shops and having a nice time. Then we gear up for New Year's and the whole daily grind starts again.
On Boxing Day Ben and I picked up my friends and drove out to Campbelltown for our annual Boxing Day movie (which was Eragon and Adam was right: it was terrible). We had dinner at an Italian place afterwards, then went to Anita's house. Her family had a DVD of Aishwarya Rai music clips from her movies and we watched a few of them.
The day after Boxing Day Ben and I went into the city. We went to Darling Harbour because Ben wanted to check out the crazy CD, DVD and book sale. He went off to look at CDs and I walked up and down the tables of books feeling as if I was in some kind of nightmare—there were so many copies of so many bad books, it was rather depressing to think that you, a writer, could spend so many hours and weeks working on your masterpiece, only to have it not sell very well and be relegated to the bargain tables—first at Angus & Robertson and then here. Books were $5 each or $30 for 10 ($3 a book!). I surprised myself by managing to find more than 10—
- A Wrinkle in Time (Madeleine L'Engle);
- The Writer and the World: Essays (V.S. Naipaul);
- The Confusion (Neal Stephenson): second book in the Baroque Cycle and no, I don't own the first one. I actually got two copies of this one—I messaged Guan to see if he had it and didn't get a reply but I thought I would get it anyway because if Guan didn't want it, I was sure someone else would;
- Portraits in Fiction (A.S. Byatt);
- Boy Meets Girl (Meg Cabot—author of The Princess Diaries which I haven't read);
- The Other Side of Dawn (John Marsden—Book #7 of the Tomorrow, When the War Began series. I think I own the first five);
- The Etched City (K.J. Bishop)—bought on Kathleen's recommendation;
- Deep Water (Debi Gliori)—who can resist a book that's fuzzy?;
- White Apples (Jonathan Carroll)—at Neil's recommendation (and oh look! There's a White Apples journal!);
- The Kin: Ko's Story (Peter Dickinson); and
- The Kin: Mana's Story (Peter Dickinson)—which means I own Books #2-4 of The Kin but not Book #1. Peter Dickinson, in case you didn't know, is married to Robin McKinley who is one of my favourite authors in the world.
The last two on that list were just $2 each. Not a bad haul. However, poor Ben had to carry my books all over the city for the rest of the day.
We had sushi for lunch under The Galeries Victoria and then went to JB Hi Fi where we had the very good fortune to run into Guan and I had the very good pleasure of giving him in his book in person (he didn't have it! How about that!) He said he was meeting Mary later and invited us to have dinner with them. We accepted and agreed to meet at Borders at 4:15. Then we went our separate ways—Ben to the cheap CD stores on Pitt St and me to Lincraft (I bought a whole stack of bead stuff!).
We met Guan in Borders as planned, then went to get coffee at Gloria Jean's (coffee = chai tea latte). It was still early so we made our way slowly down the street towards the restaurant, stopping off at King's Comics (which had a giant Jack and a giant Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas in the window and which also had other issues of Phonogram which sort of intrigues me and sort of repels me [it's a comic based on the premise that music is magic and it contains many many references to Brit pop that I don't understand. Plus the covers are rip-offs of Brit pop album covers]. Blame Fish for introducing it to me) and Red Eye Records.
Dinner was more Japanese. (It's funny—I get cravings for Japanese food and then can't get enough of it!) We had a lovely time with Guan and Mary, then caught the train home and spent the evening watching Le Bonheur est dans le pré.
The day after the day after Boxing Day, I went to take Elsie driving. She had been in the city yesterday too but we had been unable to meet up. Our plan was to drive to Wollongong and back to get Elsie's hours up, but after the first half hour of driving, I could tell that she wasn't really ready for it. Plus since it had been a month since she had last driven and she was a bit rusty. So we drove to Blakehurst instead and I made her practise gear changes up and down the quiet streets. It was my first time at instructing an L-Plater and I'm quite surprised at myself how little I freaked out. After about an hour, Elsie was getting tired so we drove to Miranda Fair to get lunch and do a little bit of shopping. Big mistake: the sales were still on and there was no parking in the center itself. But it was okay because we noticed signs directing us to more parking in the schools nearby.
Elsie and I spent a couple of hours wandering the shops. We had more sushi for lunch. I bought Ben a cover for his iPod (but when I got home, I discovered I had bought the wrong size!) I was also able to say hi to Sally who was working. Then I made us leave because the place was sending us a bit kooky. And then I coaxed Elsie into driving again—to Officeworks in Carlton so I could get a new extendable keyring, and then back to Kingsford (though I made her switch seats before we went up the hill).
And then I drove home, picked up Ben and we went to his parents' house for dinner. We watched Corpse Bride together because Cathy said she didn't like Tim Burton films (she liked this one). And then Tim, Ros, Lizz and I played Fluxx which we had given to the Beilharzs several Christmases ago but which had never been taken out and played.
The day after the day after the day after ... well, Friday, Ben and I went to have yum cha with my dad and stepmother. Then we drove home and I spent the rest of the day sorting out the stuff on my desk and making Google Calendars for us. Ben went to have dinner with Luke and I stayed home and watched The West Wing Series 6.
Saturday we went for a walk to Leichhardt where I exchanged the iPod case for something that would fit Ben's iPod. We went and sat in the park listening to music, then walked home, ate some dinner and watched Supersize Me.
And then on New Year's Eve I kept working on my Google Calendars, forged some dates for Word by Word, watched more West Wing and had some friends over for dinner. (Ben went with Josh to a party being held by friends at church but I was concerned about some of my school friends who would be spending New Year's Eve alone.) We watched the 9 pm fireworks (some of them could be seen through our windows) and then we watched Stick It (which I quite enjoyed—the gymnastic is simply breathtaking), an episode of He-Man (very amusing!), the 12 pm fireworks (during which we toasted each other with Maison) and Kung Fu Hustle (which wasn't my kind of movie but was amusing nonetheless).
Current:
seen: Moon 15/10/2009
read: The Incredibles 11/10/2009
seen: She's the Man 05/10/2009
read: I Kill Giants (Joe Kelly and J. M. Ken Niimura) 04/10/2009
read: Astro City The Dark Ages Book 1: Brothers and Other Strangers (Kurt Busiek, Brent Anderson and Alex Ross) 04/10/2009
seen: Children of Men 02/10/2009
seen: Metric (The Metro) 30/09/2009
seen: 500 Days of Summer 25/09/2009
seen: The September Issue 18/09/2009
seen: Gilmore Girls: Season 1 17/09/2009
read: Flight (Volume 1) (edited by Kazu Kibuishi) 16/09/2009
seen: Ponyo 11/09/2009
read: Batman: Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader? (Neil Gaiman and Andy Kubert) 05/09/2009
heard: Aimee Mann (Enmore Theatre) 04/09/2009
heard: Ben Folds Solo (Opera House) 31/08/2009
read: Phonogram: Rue Britannia (Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie) 26/08/2009
seen: Northanger Abbey 20/08/2009
read: The Princess Diaries (Meg Cabot) 18/08/2009
seen: The Phantom of the Opera 17/08/2009
seen: Who Framed Roger Rabbit? 10/08/2009
seen: District 9 10/08/2009
read: Shortcomings (Adrian Tomine) 02/08/2009
read: AIR Volume 1: Letters from Lost Countries (Willow Wilson and M.K. Perker) 28/07/2009
seen: Persepolis 25/07/2009
seen: Ghost Town 25/07/2009
heard: Gutter Twins (Seymour Centre) 23/07/2009
seen: Coco Avant Chanel 20/07/2009
seen: Gutenberg! The Musical (Seymour Centre) 16/07/2009
seen: So You Think You Can Dance? Australia Live Tour (Sydney Entertainment Centre) 11/07/2009
seen: Every Little Step 07/07/2009
seen: Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen 03/07/2009
seen: Synecdoche, New York 30/06/2009
seen: Charlie's Angels 27/06/2009
seen: Penelope 26/06/2009
seen: Coraline 10/06/2009
seen: The Sky Crawlers 08/06/2009
seen: The Bourne Ultimatum 07/06/2009
seen: The Bourne Supremacy 07/06/2009
seen: The Bourne Identity 06/06/2009
seen: Stick it 05/06/2009
Comment:
Another book from the dad’s perspective I found helpful was From here to paternity - it’s an Australian book, and was followed up with a blog.
Hi!
I’m so excited for you reading your blog about being pregnant 
I am 13 weeks pregnant with #2.
You’re so right about all the pessimism “advice” that you get. I got so mad about it but never found a good response. I’ve had such joy right from day one with E that I just don’t want to buy into the negativity (I’m sure kids pick up on it too!).
My philosophy was/is to be a relaxed mum and from that figure out what was best for my baby/child. Get advice when you’re not sure on things or want to know how other people approached things, read books (loved Outliers!) that aren’t all about parenting… but just enjoy.
In a sample size of one to date, I’ve had such a happy, chilled out son right from day one. People say all the craziest advice… glad you don’t do guilt
With love,
R
Thanks so much for writing more! I love hearing how you’re going and all your thoughts.
After watching my sister I agree with you that it seems the first six months are perhaps the hardest. She got quite lonely at home all day; weekends were all right because then her husband was around but it’s just as you say… one feed ends then the next begins! If you are accepting visitors during this period then I hope to use some RDOs to come have grown-up conversations!
The book review of The Second Nine Months makes me want to read it now!
Names: We have one girl name that we both like and no boy names that we agree on. But they are also top-secret… so if anyone else uses them we can’t accuse them of theft! 
Yay Peanut, keep on growing, can’t wait to meet you!
Hello! Thanks for sharing
I loved reading your pregnancy update! I am glad to hear that things are all going pretty well, and I hope the rest of your 2nd trimester is as good.
I just wanted to add, that some other blokes decided that there was not much for the fathers-t0-be, and made a couple of DVD’s just for expectant dads. They are called ‘Being Dad’and i think they are available at big W. I have both though, if you would like me to send them!
Just wanted to wish you all the best!
Love
Rae
re: gluten: no idea!! I didn’t have to go on that diet - it was probably related to the test I didn’t do.
At the risk of adding to your list of advice:
Re: maternity bras - because I’m big I had to look hard for something nice in my size and discovered the Australian Breastfeeding Association. They have a massive range online and most are (dare I say it) sexy.
Re: maternity clothes - Kmart have a nice range of basic stuff.. I only found out towards the end of pregnancy and I would have liked to know earlier!
Re: Parenting classes - if you’re at RPA you can just ring the midwives section (they’ll put you through) and ask directly.
Congratulations again
Don’t laminate your ultrasound picture That is my advice.
Congratulations! This is so fantastic!
Thanks so much for sharing all of this… people swap engagement stories but rarely pregnancy stories! And it’s kind of similar don’t you think, all this excitement leading up to a big day!
So happy for you guys! Actually never been more excited for anyone except my sister! I think it’s because I think that you will both be amazing parents and love the idea that someone could grow up in your family.
Looking forward to many more posts on the topic.
Lovely news, Karen.
Thanks everyone! I will be sure to ask for help when I need it!
Great pic!! Peanut is cute! :D
Praying for you all!
xx
:D
I had a similar sort of morning sickness.. except I threw up! I’m suitably impressed that you coped OS.. that must have been tough.
It sounds like you’re doing marvelously otherwise!
Book recommendation on something a bit less technical and a bit more human: ‘Birth’ http://www.birthnet.com.au/
Praise be to God indeed! Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful.
Congratulations, Beilharzen! Welcome to the slightly-bewildering world of pregnancy (and birth...and children...). God has blessed you greatly with this new life. We’ll be praying for Peanut’s growth and development, and for you guys as you prepare.
I’m sure you’re surrounded by baby veterans, but always happy to help with books/advice/recommendations/listening.
B&L;
Excellent job Karen! You SHOULD be pleased with yourself!
Have you discovered http://www.ravelry.com ? It is an excellent site with thousands of free patterns in its database, lots of support, tips, forums etc and of course - friends like me? Look me up when you get there - fionag77
PS Are you just wearing a bulky dress or are you sporting a bump under that dress?
oooh.... It’s done and it looks great on you! xxx
Well done on all that hard work! It looks great and will be very snuggly come winter!
Thanks for letting me know, Timo!
Hi there,
Thanks for pointing out the shortcoming on our website. I’ll pass it on to my colleagues and hopefully it will be rectified soon.
The documentary at Fashioning Now was by Holly Kaye-Smith; I’d be more than happy to put you in touch with her if you’d like.
Again, thanks for the comment, much appreciate it!
Kind regards,
Timo Rissanen
Thanks Mark! Much appreciated!
Rich survey, Karen. Particularly I was struck by the notion of Jesus being clothed with our sins. I heard recently somebody suggest the crown of thorns was a kings crown but it was made of the symbol of the curse in the Garden - thorns. I would like to read your thoughts about Joseph’s coat of many colours.
Looking forward to the next installment. Regards,Mark
It is lovely - and looks great on you.
You’ve made me want to read it - though I may need an interpreter at times!
Well done with the sewing!
I think it looks good - very relaxed and spring-y.
Hey Sandra! Thanks for the tip! I read it yesterday, but I struggled a bit because Lewis doesn’t start from the Bible. I wasn’t convinced by his argument. What did you think?
Interesting post Karen - Thanks
I like the ending too! :D
xxx
Fantastic post, Karen. Just great. Thanks!
Thanks Bec! Eternal life just keeps getting better and better ...
I do like the way you ended this post - excellent thought.
Personally I don’t feel that way. Maybe that’s something you should blog about?
Wow. Lots of things to pick up on there. It’s been interesting to see the changes to your blog these last 6-12 months: Twitter is certainly more immediate, but are there (gasp) downsides to having its constant buzz in the ear?
Is our (already fractured) ability to concentrate on a single relationship at a time further jeapordised by the regular buzz of tweetdeck (and worse yet, by the imagined sense of loss that goes with being off the grid)?
Or am I just projecting my own fears?
Hi Karen!
If you’re still thinking about this… I just read CS Lewis’s essay “Learning in War-time” which exactly addresses this issue (ie. how can we justify cultural & aesthetic pursuits when people are going to hell around us?). Have you read it? i’d be interested to hear what you think..
(i have it in his little volume “Transposition and other Addresses”, but it’s easily findable online)
I’m doing my own series on the trials and tribulations of writing on my own blog here http://sedshed.blogspot.com/search/label/From%20Head%20to%20Hand
It’s coming along slowly
Coincidentily, I stumbled upon the above Phonogram vs. the Fans cover when digging around for ID concepts for Salt. A disturbingly brilliant image.
Thanks Karen. At the very least, this post gives some context to your myriad of phonogram tweets. At best, it has reinvigorated my stagnated appreciation of comics.
Seriously, though 4,549 words. Is that the best you can do? I say, longer!
Hey @RodeoClown! Yes, I neglected to mention Gillen writes about gaming. Guan said once he had the ideal job: writing, comics and games.
As far as I know, McKelvie doesn’t trace photos; he just draws (so talented ...)
You should give Phonogram a try. Be warned, though: series 1 is a little different to series 2—still clever but there are some things that are a bit strange in it if you’re not used to the fantastic.
Whoops, I stuffed up that link, sorry.
It was to Rock Paper Shotgun where he writes (he also has a standalone blog as well.
I didn’t know Gillen wrote comics until I saw the last phongram reference you made on here. It’s odd as I only knew of him as a videogame jounalist (which he is also really good at).
I read the sample issue of phonogram they have up at the Image comics (I think) site.
It looked pretty interesting - I like the subtlety involved in telling the story - the references aren’t all forciby thrust into your brain by the writer.
Do you know if the art is done by tracing photos or just dtawn?
Blinks:
Maybe discomfort is better for writing.
Showing her daughter that women are great by doing tours and walking in the footsteps of famous women. I like that this article is about engagement.
Jordan White, editor for Marvel, answers questions.
Jamie McKelvie answers questions.
Vision therapy as a treatment for ADHD, learning disabilities and even autism. The scientific community's opinion. The results of concentrated therapy.
Kieron Gillen on Phonogram, Siege, Ares, Loki and his collaborative relationship with Jamie McKelvie.
Superheroes and how they have changed the way we see urban landscape. Their attraction to New York.
Kieron Gillen talking about Phonogram's run and the effect it had on its audience.
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Comments
Hi Karen!
That CD and book sale was exhausting. CD-wise I considered buying Eran James, Engelbert Humperdinck and Paul Anka (the covers album), but ended up buying none.
The books just overwhelmed me and I didn’t go through them. I did see a Stereophonics video for $3 but Ali convinced me not to buy it. I think next time I"d like to bring my scooter so I can scoot up and down the aisles…
I should have looked for Phonogram while I was in Kings Comics…
I am very happy with my Supergrass DVD! They are such a cool band!
I watched Stick It last night - the movie ended abruptly for me - I didn’t even realise we’d reached the climax of the movie until it was over
Stephen Chow is really really funny but I did not like Kung Fu Hustle :( His other movies esp God of Gamblers are funnier.
Thanks for taking Elsie driving. She said you were very considerate!
What did you think of Aishwarya Rai?
A beautiful and talented girl. I quite liked her in Bride and Prejudice too. I think if we had watched all the videos, I would have grown quite tired of her though.
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