Happy Anniversary

Most of the world will remember this day for the Royal Wedding of William and Kate. I, however, will be remembering it as my fifth Wedding Anniversary.

Yes, Mrs EDM and I were married five years ago to the day. I’ve never felt more assured of my choice of wife as I do today and thank my lucky stars for her being and presence in my life. It hasn’t been all plain sailing though. I don’t mean the relationship itself. I just mean the trials and tribulations we’ve been through together since 29 April 2006.

It is public knowledge, through this blog anyway, that the wife and I suffered a miscarriage late last year in trying to have our second child. That was actually the second miscarriage we’d suffered since the son came along and was of course devastating and demoralising.

What some of you may not be aware of, is that the son himself was the subject of a two and half year journey through IVF and the like. Within a couple of months of the Wedding, we started trying and like all those before us, just expected that it would happen pretty soon. I for one was worried at the time that it would happen too soon.

Alas, the next couple of years were full of frustration, anger and disillusionment, and certainly forced us to live up to our ‘for better or for worse’ vows. And now we find ourselves again in a ‘trying’ journey that isn’t going exactly as we’d planned. A journey that will continue for a while yet as events over the next few weeks mean it’ll be August/September before we can expect any good news. So yes, there have been some rather large trials and tribulations over the last five years.

On the reverse side though, there’s plenty to celebrate and be proud of as well. The son is the obvious example. He’s bought immense joy to our lives and continues to have us in stitches with his inquisitive mind and expanding vocabulary. Being a Dad is the best job in the world and sharing the parental role with my wife is proving to be something really special as well.

We’ve also accomplished quite a bit since we were married in the material-type things in this world. We’ve bought and sold a house at a decent profit as well as built our current home. That was a major challenge in itself, particularly living with our parents for different stages (they might say ‘hosting’ us was the challenge) and all the thousands of choices that go into designing, constructing and decorating a new home.

There was of course the odd stress-induced disagreement along the way (someone say ‘grout’?) but the house has to be seen as a success by my reckoning as we survived it and have managed to create a home for ourselves and the son.

The last five years have also seen the negotiation of a career change and a number of job changes. For the wife I must say. Not me. I’m still doing the same old stuff at the same old desk in the same old building. Do I sound bitter about that?

So yes, the wife and I have been through a lot over the course of our marriage so far - some planned and expected but also a lot of unplanned and unexpected. Not sure how the peaks/troughs relate to other marriages but it’s certainly been an interesting journey thus far and there’s no-one else that I would have rather shared it with.

She’s a special person Mrs EDM. And on today of all days, I want to thank her for spilling her rum on my foot on a drunken night out at the Normanby back in 2004. But mostly for everything she’s done for me since and for walking beside me through the thick and the thin over the last five years. A big happy anniversary!

Now let’s just hope I can drag her away from the tele tonight so that we can celebrate it. Have a feeling that other event on today might distract her a little.

EDM.

Night Of The Scrum

I went to the Reds v Tahs game last night. Massive rivalry. Best two Australian Super 15 sides. Suncorp Stadium. 36,000 people. Balmy autumn night. Easter long weekend.

Yep, it had all the ingredients. Except for the rugby.

Don't get me wrong. It was a great night out and the atmosphere along Caxton St before the game was electric. All the bars were full and people were streaming towards the ground down the closed-off street.

But again, the actual rugby let the night down and I think it really is a problem for the sport of rugby union. As a spectacle, it has the capacity to be quick and exciting and brutal and breathtaking. But it's being let down by complex and confusing rules and pedantic refereeing. As well as coaches and players who'd rather not lose than win.

Because that's what happened last night. NSW had Qld in their 22 for about 25 mins at one stage and just kept resetting scrum after scrum. I haven't seen the stats but I reckon 20 scrums were called in that time with multiple resets for each one. And the referee coming up with even more confusing calls as the game went on that left us scratching our heads and saying to each other "what was that for?"

Qld bravely held on for a rare win against NSW which was a great result and keeps Qld on top of the Super 15 table with the Auckland Blues. It was also their 7th win in a roll and really sets them up the rest of the season.

But it sure wasn't pretty and I dare say I'm not the only fan left with a bad taste in their mouth and wondering for the future of rugby if that's considered entertaining and exciting.

Of course, the rugby purists will say it was a great game. Even one of my fellow attendees sat on the edge of his seat in the second half rubbing his hands with glee. But hey, he's a former prop so he has probably spent way too much time in the middle of a scrum anyway.

So yes, there were plenty of people there who would have loved it . But someone like myself, who is a fan and is interested but is not a fanatic about the game, well, it didn't come across that well.

I once was a fanatic though. I played rugby for a number of years during my uni days and played in as far away places as the UK and the US. And I lived in the UK during the 99 World Cup and spent an awesome seven weeks travelling around watching the Wallabies win that trophy. So for a long time, my football passions were shared between both rugby and AFL.

But certainly over the last 5-7 years that has changed dramatically and I've moved back to AFL as being the major sport in my life. As a spectacle, it has it all over rugby and the skills on show are so much more impressive.

So yes, I got back on the Reds bandwagon last night and happily parted with my hard-earned to go along and support them. But I didn't part with that hard-earned to watch scrum after scrum and hear very little apart from the referee's whistle.

A big shame really. Because as I said, the night had all the ingredients for a super Super 15 match between two big rivals. Just a pity about the spectacle that was delivered in the end.

Oh well, go the Reds anyway. And go the Wallabies later in the year as well.

EDM.

Some Of Life's Questions

(off the top of my head anyway)

Who decided it was a good look for politicians to attend press conferences with 3-4 nodding sycophants behind them?

Why can’t we make it ‘UnAustralian’ to label someone or something as UnAustralian?

If blackboxes are indestructible, why can’t they make the whole plane out of the same stuff? (apologies to Steven Wright)

Why can’t star footballers and coaches just admit it’s about the money and not about ‘the challenge’?

Why does rugby league bother with scrums?

Why did the ARU seek a 5th Australian Super 15 team when its obvious we don't have a deep enough pool of talent?

Why do AFL goal umpires wear hats for night games?

Why can’t Channel 7 show Friday night AFL on one of its digital channels? Surely it would rate better than Are You Being Served?

What's with footballers and the sleave tattoos?

Does Libya have a Minister for Tourism? If so, what does he/she do?

Why does a “no-fly zone” usually mean there’s more planes in the sky?

How can something be both ‘new’ and ‘improved’?

Where was aioli 10 years ago? Or pesto?
Why does my son decide to do a poo just as I’m rushing to get us out the door to daycare/work?

Why doesn’t my wife just say “can you take out the rubbish” rather than playing mind games with statements like “gee, this bin smells”, etc?

Why is it that as men grow older, they lose hair in some places while gaining hair in others?

How can I be paying more for water when I’ve got a rainwater tank and we just had the wettest summer in nearly 40 years?

Why do we still have water restrictions when we just had the biggest floods in nearly 40 years?

What is the deal with the ‘skunk’ hair look? You know, dyed black with the odd streak of dyed blonde?

How is it that reality TV shows have nothing to do with reality?

How do TV news channels get away with calling it a ‘live’ cross when it obviously isn’t?

Why is it the media only want to focus on bad news and not the good? Is it a reflection of us and what we want to hear about?

Why can’t some people distinguish between ‘opinion’ and ‘fact’ when listening to radio shock jocks?

How on earth can Channel 10 be contemplating giving a show to Andrew Bolt? What will it be called? Australia’s Got Malice? Steve Price Is Right?

Who cares about the Royal Wedding? And if people do, why?

Who was the first person that saw a chicken lay an egg and decided that would be a great thing to eat? Or an oyster? Or a haggis?

Who was the first person to wear a piece of material hanging from their neck? And why has this remained compulsory attire for a job interview or wedding?

and finally…

When the hell will my life be fulfilled by witnessing a Melbourne Demons premiership?

EDM.

Idiot Box Guide

As you’d all be aware, the AFL season is well and truly upon us. So it’s not until now that I’ve come to miss Foxtel.

We had it for a few years with the basic package and we’d do Sport in winter for me and the footy and then Lifestyle in summer for the wife and all the lifestyle programs. Alas, as interest rates went up last year and the home budget got tighter and tighter, the decision was made to cancel Foxtel at the end of last year’s footy season.

It was back to free-to-air telly then and to be honest, it hasn’t been that bad at all. There is a lot of shite on Foxtel and we’d often struggle to find something to watch even with 100+ channels. Free-to-air does mean less choice but that’s just forced me to really look out for the good stuff. Especially as there can be some very decent programs on the multiple digital channels now operating.

So without further adieu, here is my current Idiot Box Guide and a rundown of some of the shows that have become compulsory viewing for yours truly.

Rake, ABC2, Monday 8:30pm

This is an Australian series set in Sydney that follows the life and times of Clever Greene, a brilliant but self-destructive barrister. Each episode has Greene defending a client, usually guilty, and follows that case to the end. At the same time, Greene’s life is slowly spiralling out of control as he deals with past lovers and old enemies while also putting his closest friends and family through hell. The ultimate loveable rogue.

Rake is the only Australia show to make this list but probably the most enjoyed program over the last 18 months. The dialogue is tight and the events that collide with Greene and his life are pretty funny while also being realistic and true to modern life. A great ensemble cast as well with the likes of Sam Neill, Hugo Weaving, Rachel Griffiths and Noah Taylor playing key roles in different episodes. I watched it for the first time on ABC1 last year but is currently getting a showing on ABC2 so is well worth tuning in for if you can.

Deadwood, ABC2, Monday 9:30pm

An American western drama series set in Deadwood, South Dakota in the 1870s and charting the growth of the town from a miner’s camp to thriving city. The essence of the drama is the byplay between the characters and predominately the power struggle between the reluctant sheriff, Seth Bullock, and the scheming businessman, Al Swearengen. The story ties in with actual historical events at the time such as the Custer’s Last Stand and features a number of historical figures such as Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, Wyatt Earp and George Hearst.

It’s currently about half-way through Series 2 so a first viewing may leave one a little confused as there’s numerous storylines being interwoven and progressed. It’s worth giving it a go though, as you’ll soon pick them up and understand the central themes around power, corruption and politics. I must deliver a warning about the language though. They don’t hold back and I’ve read somewhere that it’s been calculated there’s 1.56 utterances of ‘f*%k” for every minute of footage. Seems about right I reckon.

Whitechapel, ABC1 Friday 9:30pm

A British miniseries which is a very modern take on the detective genre and uses London’s East End as the backdrop. The first series dealt with a modern version of the Jack the Ripper murders while the second created the investigation into the Kray Brothers in the 60s. Again, it’s the byplay that makes this program, particularly between the police characters of DI Chandler, the young up and coming outsider in charge whose destined to be Commissioner one day, and DS Miles, the hardnosed and cynical veteran who grew up and has lived in the East End his whole life. The historical aspect is also intriguing and brings to life again the Ripper and Kray legends.

I only came into the first series of this half-way through but was really taken by it and had been on the lookout for the second series for a while. Stumbled upon an advertisement for it after watching Deadwood one night and promptly set the PVR for record. Unfortunately the second series took the form of three two-hour episodes and finished up just last week on ABC1. Recommend you keep an eye out for it though as I’m sure it’ll be on ABC2 sometime in the coming months and is well worth a viewing.

The Tudors, ABC2, Friday 9:30pm

This is a historical fiction series based upon the story of King Henry VIII and the Tudor dynasty. It’s definitely a ‘sexed up’ version of events and does take some poetic licence to the life of King Henry and his six wives. It also weaves in the history of the time and King Henry’s role in the Reformation and the separation of the Church of England from the Catholic Church. The first season aired on ABC2 last year which showed the power struggle with France and Spain and Henry’s frustration at having no male heir. The second season has just commenced on ABC2 again and it’s now dealing with the divorce of Katherine of Aragon and the conflict that that caused with the Catholic Church.

As you can probably tell, I am a bit of a history nut so was very interested in this series as soon as I heard of it going to air in the UK in 2007. While I’m not usually one for lavish costumes and period dramas, the acting and intriguing plot are well put together to the point that you forget you already know how this story pans out. The various murders, assassinations and wars also ensure there’s enough testosterone about to keep even the most red-blooded male interested.

Spooks, ABC1, Saturday 8:30pm

This long-running British series has been going since 2002 and is up to its 9^th series. It follows a group of MI5 officers based in London and the numerous exploits to save king and country from all sorts of villains and enemies. It may sound a little melodramatic, but it’s done with a grungy style and sharp dialogue that keeps you intrigued and constantly wondering whether this sort of stuff actually goes on and that we, the general public, just never hear about it. It certainly doesn’t glorify the spy game either as all the characters fight their own personal demons and lack of any normal life or existence.

Series 8 was shown on ABC1 late last year and finished with the death of a couple of regular characters at the hands of the mysterious organisation known as Nightingale. Series 9 has just started up again on ABC1 and introduced some new members of the group while the battle against Nightingale continues. Not for everyone I’m sure but certainly the best thing on telly on a Saturday night for mine. Especially if you’re stuck at home with little to do like I am most Saturday nights since the son came onboard.

Well, that’s my recommendations of the current programs on TV. All are subject to compulsory viewing or at least PVR recording at the EDM household. They’re pretty much the only pieces of television I watch although I am intrigued by Detroit 1-8-7 (Ch7, Wednesday 9:15pm) which starts tonight and stars Michael Imperioli from The Sopranos. Think I’ll give it a go and see whether it’s just another overhyped American crime drama or whether it actually is something different with a new take on an old genre.

On that note, I should also highlight some of my favorite TV programs of all time that are currently getting a showing on digital TV. I’ve watched The Sopranos (various days/times, 7mate) and The Wire (ABC2, Friday, 10:25pm) from go to woe already so don’t have a need to tune in again but definitely recommend them to anyone who hasn’t seen them before. My Top 2 of all time. You can’t get a stronger recommendation than that.

So there you go. Plenty of viewing options provided by yours truly. Get on board if you’re in the hunt for something new and something decent. And don’t ever say I never give you anything.

EDM.

EDM Time

I write this as I sit at a corner table in my local cafe. Just finished a nicely constructed strong flat white and looking forward to the BLT that is on its way.

How self-indulgent you say? Well, this has only come about due to the fact I undertook solo parenting duties yesterday afternoon to allow the wife to 'do lunch' with a friend. A couple of hours to myself today is therefore my compensation for that and I must say I'm thoroughly enjoying it.

For its not very often that EDM gets any EDM time. Some time to take stock, contemplate and breath easy without having to worry about another. For a couple of hours anyway.

Don't get me wrong, I love the time I get to spend with the wife and son and all the joyous times we have together. Whether walking to the brook and feeding the ducks. Wrestling on the bed and giggling uncontrollably. To enjoying an ice cream together after a play at the park.

But you certainly do appreciate some own time when it does come your way. And that's what I'm doing right now. Enjoying a coffee and a meal. Just finished reading the Sunday papers. And now doing a 'surf' and jotting down some more musings for this blog.

Yes, I really think I'm the sort that does need some own time from time to time. I like the chance to gather my thoughts and take in all that is going on and all that is coming up. These moments are treasured therefore and provide an opportunity to refresh myself and get away from the nitty-gritty of modern life. Again, just for a couple hours anyway.

No man is an island though. I've certainly had my share of alone times that I didn't really enjoy. From solo travels in Europe to living by myself at one stage. And both of those experiences certainly made me realise I need to be around people so that I don't allow my contemplative mind to take over too much. There is a thing called overanalysing.

So I do now truly appreciate my lot in life in sharing my life with the love of my life and the miracle child we've produced. Plenty of family and friends around as well to share our lives with and enjoy a few laughs. They all provide an immense amount of joy in my life and ground me in ways that I probably don't truly appreciate.

But yes, having some time to yourself now and then is golden with a capital G. I love youse you all but there's definitely no complaints about having this few hours to myself. It was time for some EDM time and the universe delivered.

Now universe, where's that BLT?

EDM.