Saturday, September 29
Home (almost) alone
I'm just about to take Dominic to the airport for a week in Newcastle with Cathie, Nick and Millicent. Amanda and Adam will be on deck, too, until Monday. Annika is still in Paris but leaves on Tuesday to head south for more adventures. Julia is in New Zealand at a conference which lasts until Monday, and then she's having a bit of a look at the countryside until the following Friday. Her (only) email so far indicates things are going well with accommodation on the 11th floor of a flash apartment with views over the Auckland (or Wellington - anyway, it's the place on the North island) harbour. All this leaves me home with just Bonnie for company. With no vegetarians currently in residence, Dom and I have been eating meals including rack of lamb stuffed with mince and then wrapped in bacon before deep-frying. Mmmm.. Unfortunately, I've just had the inappropriately named "mid-semester break" (how can a university with a maths faculty call week 10 of a 13-week semester "mid"?) and have to do a bit of work next week. Only three more weeks, though, so I might make it. The AFL GF starts in approximately 15 minutes so I'll be listening to it in the car on the way to the airport and back. I can't shake the feeling this match is part of a Greek tragedy for Geelong but fingers' crossed. Kevin Rudd has been criticised for backing Port as a bad political move. Commentators have pointed out that even South Australians hate them. Go Geelong. It's Australia vs Canada tonight at 10.00pm. Who picked Tonga to beat England? And, of course, the Storm will bring the ARL cup back to the place where it belongs. As they say in the classics - it's a big weekend in sport..
Monday, September 24
Oxford Player Profile
Name: Joe Roff
Date of birth: 20-Sep-75 in Heathcote, Australia
School: Marist College Canberra, Australia
College: Harris Manchester
Course: BA PPE
Height: 6ft 3in
Weight: 15st 9lb
Position: Centre / wing / full back
Blues: -
Joe or Roffy, (although known by some as JF) came as a fresh-faced youth to study PPE at Harris Manchester. He obtained his Bachelor of Applied Finance at the University of Southern Queensland. He has previously played for ACT Brumbies, Biarritz and Jubota Spears, as well representing a lesser-known team called the ‘Wallabies’ 86 times.
Despite arriving in Oxford with little rugby experience, Joe has made up for this with shear exuberance; always willing to learn from the younger players of the squad! Joe’s year in Japan left a great impression on him, as he lists watching sumo wrestling as his favourite pastime, and our recent tour back them made him so emotional that he couldn’t help but cry as we left.
When not crying over Japan, playing poker, or getting kicked out the PT, Joe enjoys to travel and scuba dive if possible, whilst his ideal weekend consists of a game of chess with some fine wine at a music festival. Joe also likes to emulate Cap Rooney and is certainly feeling the effects of age on his bones. It may shock some to know that his ambition is to emulate Bob Hawkes’ (former PM of Australia) achievements at Oxford, as Joe is normally such a quiet and reserved character. “I’m a friend first, student second……probably entertainer third”
Date of birth: 20-Sep-75 in Heathcote, Australia
School: Marist College Canberra, Australia
College: Harris Manchester
Course: BA PPE
Height: 6ft 3in
Weight: 15st 9lb
Position: Centre / wing / full back
Blues: -
Joe or Roffy, (although known by some as JF) came as a fresh-faced youth to study PPE at Harris Manchester. He obtained his Bachelor of Applied Finance at the University of Southern Queensland. He has previously played for ACT Brumbies, Biarritz and Jubota Spears, as well representing a lesser-known team called the ‘Wallabies’ 86 times.
Despite arriving in Oxford with little rugby experience, Joe has made up for this with shear exuberance; always willing to learn from the younger players of the squad! Joe’s year in Japan left a great impression on him, as he lists watching sumo wrestling as his favourite pastime, and our recent tour back them made him so emotional that he couldn’t help but cry as we left.
When not crying over Japan, playing poker, or getting kicked out the PT, Joe enjoys to travel and scuba dive if possible, whilst his ideal weekend consists of a game of chess with some fine wine at a music festival. Joe also likes to emulate Cap Rooney and is certainly feeling the effects of age on his bones. It may shock some to know that his ambition is to emulate Bob Hawkes’ (former PM of Australia) achievements at Oxford, as Joe is normally such a quiet and reserved character. “I’m a friend first, student second……probably entertainer third”
Sunday, September 23
Sport
Amy's Hockey team team lost their Grand final 2-1 yesterday. The team was coached by Jenny and played really well. Amy made some clever touches. Cal's soccer team went down in a penalty shootout (why do they do that to kids?) That was after 0-0 at full time and 0-0 after golden goal and drop offs. Incredibly Cal handled the loss quite well. I'm the coach and I didn't handle it that well. The weather is nice here now and Jenny said I can play as much golf as I like. I predict Cats to win the AFL and Manly to win the NRL. I am also tipping Tonga to upset England and Le Frogs to upset the All Blacks in the quarters. Did anyone see the Matilda's v. Canada. How exciting was that.
Thursday, September 20
Dylan-ness
Look out for this one Dad. Can you have too much of a good thing?
To my Roff Uncles, let me know if you want a copy of the DVD I have of Bob Dylan's weekly radio show and I will post it. Bob spends an hour talking about a theme (eg. flowers, coffee, drinking) and chooses a bunch of his favourite tracks on the matter.
To my Roff Uncles, let me know if you want a copy of the DVD I have of Bob Dylan's weekly radio show and I will post it. Bob spends an hour talking about a theme (eg. flowers, coffee, drinking) and chooses a bunch of his favourite tracks on the matter.
Wednesday, September 19
Boobs or birthdays?
Everyone loves those enormously fake boobs, and seeing Rowan so happy makes us all happy too. However, it was Kate's birthday yesterday and surely this is worthy of bumping the Jim Beam girls off top spot? Happy birthday Kate. Hope you got on the bourbon.
Saturday, September 15
The Rowan Promise Part 1
I love uni life!
They told me it had nothing to do with promoting their fine beverage either.
Thursday, September 13
So tired...
Did anyone stay up last night to watch the Fiji v Japan match? It was the best game of rugby I've seen in ages, and I think we've already seen the most exciting game of the tournament. Ben Tune even took a break from mispronouncing things long enough to mention Joe.
Of course, now I'm at work, and it seems that no amount of coffees will increase my productivity. 'I was up late watching the world cup' is not really an acceptable excuse for not doing any work in SA. Lucky that 'don't worry about it - we're all public servants!' still works every time.
Of course, now I'm at work, and it seems that no amount of coffees will increase my productivity. 'I was up late watching the world cup' is not really an acceptable excuse for not doing any work in SA. Lucky that 'don't worry about it - we're all public servants!' still works every time.
Tuesday, September 11
Notes from Glenn
Glenn left his Roff Report notes near the computer with.. 'Roff report if anyone has time' written on the front. Kelly has been gracious enough to type it up for him. If not for Kelly, Glenn may have incurred RSI in his index fingers. Jake
Jan is recovering from her Peruvian adventure…albeit slowly. She has sworn off overseas trips and indeed she and the Rock will be at the 2008 Christmas. This scoop has been accompanied by advice to John and Jan from me (Glenn) re the cultural shifts that have occurred since they last did Woodlawn…
The days when the brothers senior could pre arrange sporting results have finished…in their heyday they could fix scores, not just results.
The reputations of both Grant and Stuart have been found to be considerably exaggerated. Bullet performers remain Brendan, Ash, Daniel and Harry.
The need for late night censorship has arisen, Glenn and Jake will now have to preview post midnight acts.
The older ‘married with children’ cousins have been kicked out of the ‘cousins’ fraternity for lack of commitment to the usual meaningless frivolity. Daniel has officially gazumped Jake as the nominal leader.
The tennis competition has climbed through the roof in terms of quality. The final between Peter Doohan and Rowan was of a frightening and off putting standard. Lizzie just keeps getting better, and watch out for Cal and not just his post match antics.
The family is going ‘to the dogs’ both literally and figuratively and the ‘cousins’ beat the odds, a new tradition.
The quality of the clean up at the end has improved dramatically (and the 20s to 30s have been taking up the mantle in that regard) yet more and more clothes and discarded Christmas gifts are left behind.
The rendition by the lads of ‘it’s hard to kiss the lips at night that chew your ass out all day long’ prompted the promise of retaliation in 2008. Rumour has it a tune from “Menopause the Musical” might find its way to performance.
Glenn
Jan is recovering from her Peruvian adventure…albeit slowly. She has sworn off overseas trips and indeed she and the Rock will be at the 2008 Christmas. This scoop has been accompanied by advice to John and Jan from me (Glenn) re the cultural shifts that have occurred since they last did Woodlawn…
The days when the brothers senior could pre arrange sporting results have finished…in their heyday they could fix scores, not just results.
The reputations of both Grant and Stuart have been found to be considerably exaggerated. Bullet performers remain Brendan, Ash, Daniel and Harry.
The need for late night censorship has arisen, Glenn and Jake will now have to preview post midnight acts.
The older ‘married with children’ cousins have been kicked out of the ‘cousins’ fraternity for lack of commitment to the usual meaningless frivolity. Daniel has officially gazumped Jake as the nominal leader.
The tennis competition has climbed through the roof in terms of quality. The final between Peter Doohan and Rowan was of a frightening and off putting standard. Lizzie just keeps getting better, and watch out for Cal and not just his post match antics.
The family is going ‘to the dogs’ both literally and figuratively and the ‘cousins’ beat the odds, a new tradition.
The quality of the clean up at the end has improved dramatically (and the 20s to 30s have been taking up the mantle in that regard) yet more and more clothes and discarded Christmas gifts are left behind.
The rendition by the lads of ‘it’s hard to kiss the lips at night that chew your ass out all day long’ prompted the promise of retaliation in 2008. Rumour has it a tune from “Menopause the Musical” might find its way to performance.
Glenn
You do have one other child you forgot to mention, Mum and Dad...
Putting aside for one brief moment the semi-nude, alcohol-fuelled and violent antics of my family members in Newcastle, I am going to ask members of the extended clan for advice about my career.
You see, I have been offered a job in Tamworth with a firm of solicitors. I would be doing everything from personal injury work, Local Court appearances for criminals, conveyancing and family law. Over time, if I proved myself capable I might even be able to chair the local rugby union and league judiciaries. That said, I have the job I have now, which I really enjoy, for another year. The pay and hours for the two jobs are roughly the same, although at the moment I have the benefit of being a public servant. So long as I don't download porn at work I can virtually do anything (or nothing) I like. The other thing I have to consider is that I would like to be a barrister and there are two schools of thought on that topic. One says that you should spend a little bit of time being a solicitor before making that leap. The other says you should just go for it. I'd be interested to hear people's thoughts if for no other reason than to make you think that there is one decent, hard-working and valuable member of society out of the rabble that makes up my immediate family.
Daniel.
You see, I have been offered a job in Tamworth with a firm of solicitors. I would be doing everything from personal injury work, Local Court appearances for criminals, conveyancing and family law. Over time, if I proved myself capable I might even be able to chair the local rugby union and league judiciaries. That said, I have the job I have now, which I really enjoy, for another year. The pay and hours for the two jobs are roughly the same, although at the moment I have the benefit of being a public servant. So long as I don't download porn at work I can virtually do anything (or nothing) I like. The other thing I have to consider is that I would like to be a barrister and there are two schools of thought on that topic. One says that you should spend a little bit of time being a solicitor before making that leap. The other says you should just go for it. I'd be interested to hear people's thoughts if for no other reason than to make you think that there is one decent, hard-working and valuable member of society out of the rabble that makes up my immediate family.
Daniel.
Monday, September 10
THE WITNESS!
Newcastle police are also interested in talking to this person in relation to the recent dress fiasco. She is described as "a person of interest". Can't disagree with that!
A SUSPECT!
Police have released a picture of a suspect in the recent Millie beating. He looks familiar; one can't help but being drawn to his handsome visage and strong, muscular physique...
NOT THE DRESS
This is Millie in A dress but Not the dress that was destroyed in her recent bashing. It looked a bit like it though!
Bits 'n Pieces
Marianne (is that how you spell it?) has just noticed the sub-title under the banner "The Roff Report". You are a wicked boy, Adam!
We have recently had the pleasure of a visit by Zac, as well as Adam and Monica and Nick for roast lamb on a Sunday. It's always great fun to have them all around - makes me feel youn....not as old. Harry has also flown over from NZ (Business Class of course!) for a few days. Why? Because it's free and he can! Alaine was also up for a few days because of APEC - the restaurant where she works is UNDER the U.S.Consulate and was closed down for a few days because, strangely enough, no-one wanted to eat UNDER the U.S.Consulate during Bush's visit. Go figure.
Marianne has finally learned to ride a PUSHBIKE! I have been trying to get her to do this for thirty years and her comment once she was going was; "This isn't so hard; I should have done it years ago." (One of these days,Alice,one of these days....)
Millie was involved in a bashing/brawl in dowwntown Newc on Saturday (actually 3am Sunday) after her very gay friend Wayne was set upon by some of the town's finest bogans. She is OK but was kicked in the head and spat upon (mind you, she should be used to that by now) and had her $200 dress ripped irrepairably and had some money stolen (No, she didn't pay $200 for the dress - she got it for $10 but it's the principle!) So when exactly is Dom coming to Newcastle, Grant?
We have recently had the pleasure of a visit by Zac, as well as Adam and Monica and Nick for roast lamb on a Sunday. It's always great fun to have them all around - makes me feel youn....not as old. Harry has also flown over from NZ (Business Class of course!) for a few days. Why? Because it's free and he can! Alaine was also up for a few days because of APEC - the restaurant where she works is UNDER the U.S.Consulate and was closed down for a few days because, strangely enough, no-one wanted to eat UNDER the U.S.Consulate during Bush's visit. Go figure.
Marianne has finally learned to ride a PUSHBIKE! I have been trying to get her to do this for thirty years and her comment once she was going was; "This isn't so hard; I should have done it years ago." (One of these days,Alice,one of these days....)
Millie was involved in a bashing/brawl in dowwntown Newc on Saturday (actually 3am Sunday) after her very gay friend Wayne was set upon by some of the town's finest bogans. She is OK but was kicked in the head and spat upon (mind you, she should be used to that by now) and had her $200 dress ripped irrepairably and had some money stolen (No, she didn't pay $200 for the dress - she got it for $10 but it's the principle!) So when exactly is Dom coming to Newcastle, Grant?
Sunday, September 9
Young Lismore Update
I'm pretty happy with my committment and follow through on 'the lachlan promise'. Don't be scared, the Lachlan Promise doesn't extend to 365 days a year. I would like to take this opportunity though to tell everyone what is happening in our lives.
Not much.
When you have kids you suddenly don't have any stories to tell. In saying that, we have bought a Max Action pass which allows unlimited entry to Dreamworld and Wet n Wild for two years.
Visit No.1 was on Sunday just gone. We saw the new Wiggly World and Lacho got to meet his hero, Henry the Octopus.
Other than that we are looking forward to watching rugby everyday and dressing Lacho up in his Wallaby jersey.
Not much.
When you have kids you suddenly don't have any stories to tell. In saying that, we have bought a Max Action pass which allows unlimited entry to Dreamworld and Wet n Wild for two years.
Visit No.1 was on Sunday just gone. We saw the new Wiggly World and Lacho got to meet his hero, Henry the Octopus.
Other than that we are looking forward to watching rugby everyday and dressing Lacho up in his Wallaby jersey.
Friday, September 7
Thursday, September 6
Pretty Bored At Work
Every once in a while me and the gang in the office log onto soundclick.com and randomly search their "Metal bands A-Z" for a laugh.
Today I clicked on "I" and here's a sample of the gold contained within:
I AM BETTER THAN JESUS WHEN I AM ON FIRE
I DROWNED IN A STREAM OF MOURN
I FOUND A RECORDER YESTERDAY
I HATE SNOW
I NEED A BAND
IDIOTIC BOREDOM
INCORRECTLY WRONG
INFERNAL TORSO HEAP
INGROWN TOENAIL
IRONING BORED
I just wish this stupid day would hurry up because i am going to see Napalm Death tonight!
Today I clicked on "I" and here's a sample of the gold contained within:
I AM BETTER THAN JESUS WHEN I AM ON FIRE
I DROWNED IN A STREAM OF MOURN
I FOUND A RECORDER YESTERDAY
I HATE SNOW
I NEED A BAND
IDIOTIC BOREDOM
INCORRECTLY WRONG
INFERNAL TORSO HEAP
INGROWN TOENAIL
IRONING BORED
I just wish this stupid day would hurry up because i am going to see Napalm Death tonight!
Wednesday, September 5
Tuesday, September 4
Quick Trip East
Last week i decided that while i had a week free from uni, and some frequent flyer points to use, i would head on over east for a quick visit of some friends and family! I first went to visit some friends that went to norway with me on exchange, in Canberra, and so got to drop in quickly on Naomi and little Sally. Nome seems great and Sally is potentially the happiest baby i have ever seen in my life! Im not sure why - she lives in Canberra. Then it was off to Newcastle to see some more friends and have an awesome meal with Unlce Stu and Aunty M (im not even going to risk spelling it) who tried to out spag-bog Dad, i think the jury is still out on whose is better! Nick came over for dinner as well so it was nice to catch up with him. I was informed by Daniel the next day that Stuart paid heavily the next morning for his "Zac please top my glass up with some port" request later in the evening. The next day i ducked down to Sydney and stayed with Alaine, whose name apparently only has one "l". I never knew this. She lives literally on Randwick racecourse, although these days i wouldnt be advertising that i live behind the "Australian Racing Foresnsic Laboratory". That night we went out for $5 Steak and beers at some pub, with Alaine, Daniel and Jesse all in attendence, and much fun was had. Adam was supposed to come, but ended up piking. Cant wait til the family reunion!
