Mozzeenet

I handed in my last essay for my Masters in Social Science (International Development) last Monday!  Yippeee!  After 4.5 years, it is a great feeling to complete it but a little sad in a way too as I really enjoyed the continuous learning, writing, analysis and inspiration of other students and lecturers - despite working full-time and other life changes happening simultaneously!

This weekend I have been celebrating with a relaxing massage and facial yesterday and a dinner at Bacash seafood restaurant in South Yarra last night with Andrew.  Have been craving oysters so ordered half dozen for an entree and shared with Andrew those and a tuna sashimi dish then had red mullet with shoestring fries and salad for main - really good - the plates were cleared.

The restaurant was full and buzzing - with the middle-aged South Yarra/Toorak set I think - table next to us were discussing the politics of their children’s sporting teams, at an exclusive Melbourne private school I’m sure and on the other side, a middle-aged sophisticated looking lady was wearing what looked like a leather dress.  Good on her for being able to get away with it.  I wouldn’t have the guts!

Andrew introduced me to claymation with Wallace and Gromit and I love it so I jumped at the opportunity to see the new Australian claymation film by Adam Elliot (who also did Harvey Krumpet).  I was extra interested because I knew it portrayed what it is like to have Autism which is relevant to my work and also because a friend of mine has experienced the condition in her family.  And one of the two main characters lives in Mount Waverley!

It’s actually quite a heart-wrenching film and I had tears rolling down my cheeks at the end but at the same time there are some very funny moments and the way it is done is so clever.

I saw it through Autism Victoria who are playing it around Melbourne for awareness raising so that was also really positive.

View the official website for Mary and Max.

It was a proud moment when Andrew won man of the match for his cricket grand final yesterday!  His team won the GF and he took 6 wickets which was a great achievement. The game went over 3 days due to rain last weekend and I made it to watch last Sun and yesterday.  Was definitely a cricket novice but understand a bit more now.

The nice thing about it is that everyone in the club is really friendly and many have known each other for years through the club, their kids and schools in the local area so it is a very community-oriented atmosphere.  I could really see the value of this, as I have often found in cities that people are quite disconnected from neighbours and the local community.

Had a celebratory party last night at the home of the one of the players and everyone was in high spirits of course.  There were a few speeches and lots of cricket talk!