27 January, 2003 5:47 PM
Today was the public holiday for Australia Day - we take it off even though the official day was yesterday....we guard our public holidays jealously. Went to the botanical gardens with friends for a picnic. It was very pleasant to sit in the sun - eat some amazing food and have some good conversation. Our American friend Melanie joined us again and gave us a bit of a US history lesson - also shared some more of her impressions of Australia with us. Its always interesting to hear those types of comments. In fact just to be spending time with her forces us to take a look at our country (and ourselves) in a different light. Its interesting to see the 'normal' things that you see every day through someone who hasn't seen them before.
Came home and watched the soup bowl - what was Shania thinking when she picked that outfit??? - I don't mind watching American football (although why do you call it FOOTball when you only kick it 10 or so times in a few hours?) I get a little frustrated with the whole stop start process of the game - but do enjoy the strategic aspect of it. I don't rate it as a game as highly as I do Australian Rules football (footy) where we kick the ball regularly and the play doesn't generally stop for until the quarter is over (25 or so minutes later).
Then again - its all sport and I'm generally satisfied watching it no matter what code it is.
