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Dinner tonight. Meatballs with cheesy mash and veggies #cancook #drpepper

#cancook #drpepper

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My Ice Bucket Challenge

I know you all expected to see a short video of me having an ice bucket dumped on my head. Sorry to disappoint you, but I have a better idea. Instead of just donating to one charity, and nominating others to do the same I have decided to use this to promote a message. I challenge everyone to not just donate when they have been lured into it by friends and family, but to think about ways in which they can donate in their everyday life to causes that matter to them. Sure, Motor Neuron Disease is a great cause to donate funds towards, but there are so many more out there. There are also so many other options to donating money. You can donate old clothes, food, time, blood, even your voice is up for donating to a good cause.

If you are having trouble finding a good cause to donate to, here's a short list of just a couple.

SIDS and Kids

The Reach Foundation

Australian Red Cross Blood Service

Swags for Homeless

Make Poverty History

RSPCA Australia

McGrath Foundation

Beyond Blue

The Alannah and Madeline Foundation

Not all causes need your money. They don't even need you to tip a bucket on your head. All they need is your kindness. So, who's gonna accept this challenge?

Oh, by the way, I did the bucket thing. (Caution: Offensive language at the very end of the video)

My Ice Bucket Challenge from Michael Chalkley on Vimeo.

#ice bucket challenge #me

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HOW DO YOU SCREW UP READING CALIPERS THAT BADLY 

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Radio controlled Superman.

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Rapunzelcat

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New years resolutions

Okay, so I'm a little late to the party but you know what they say. Better late then never. I'd also like to thank those who gave me feedback on my 3 Memories from 2013 post.

In a similar fashion to that post, I've narrowed down my new years resolutions to a few main points.

1) Take better care of myself

I'm not saying I don't care somewhat care of myself, but there is a lot I could do better. Since I've moved out of home and had a slight diet change (and probably portion size change), I've dropped about 5kgs. Considering how little effort that has taken its inspired me to make a couple of changes. I'm not gonna lie and say I'm gonna join a gym and go 5 times a week. I'd just be lying to myself. However, a couple of changes I do want to make happen are:

a) Continue with diet change to have more home cooked meals, less take away and fast food, and continue with adjusted portion sizes.

b) Calculate an exercise plan. Nothing dramatic, but now that we have the treadmill up and running (if you'll excuse the pun), a rowing machine, as well as the consideration of buying a bike to ride along the local parks, I think I could probably work something out a few days a week fairly comfortably.

I'm not saying I hate my body or anything like that, but I guess if there isn't any reason to NOT want to take better care of myself, then there really is only one option then, eh?

2) Be more open minded to try new things

Last year was such an amazing year for trying new things. Most notably travelling on my own in a foreign countries for a few weeks. I don't anticipate anything nearly as dramatic as that happening in 2014, but I want to be more open minded in my everyday life. From going out to pubs more with friends, trying to eat that baby tree that comes with a meal (apparently it's called "Salad"), or expanding my variety in the music I listen to, I want to try more things. Life is all about experiences (which I talk more about in the next point), and one thing is key to it all. You have to try it before you love it. Some things I might hate and never want to see again, and that's okay I'm better for knowing. But who knows, I might find something new and amazing which will change my life. I want to have that opportunity. I want to try just about everything life has to offer. So go ahead, make a suggestion. Open my mind to the possibilities.

3) Remember the moments

This is a bit of a two part point. Not only do I want to experience all the amazing things life has to offer (as mentioned above), I want to remember them. What I mean is to take photos, keep little keepsakes, keep in touch with those who made the moments possible. Anything like that.

For instance, I have so many little keepsakes of my time in the UK and Scotland. Even when "Miley Cyrus - We Can't Stop" comes on the radio I can't but smile. Now I'm no fan of Miley, far from it. But for me it brings back all the wonderful memories of Contiki. I can't even listen to "Oasis - Wonderwall" without being taken back to The Cavern Club in Liverpool, singing along to an amazing acoustic set with my new Contiki friends.

I want to take more photos and keep them near me. Every now and then I still trawl back through photos of last year, and years gone by. The photos themselves aren't what is important to me, but the memories they bring back. The memories I never want to forget.

Part of remembering these moments is writing them down. I want to blog more and make more of these types of posts. I got such support whilst I was away from people back home, as well as comments about my previous couples of posts. I've very grateful for such support and I want to keep having these moments to reflect. I've been quite fortunate in my life so far, and I think its only fitting that I reflect on that.

3) Plan my next adventure

Probably not a huge surprise that I have well and truly caught the "travel bug". A few of you might already know that I want to take a couple months off when my long service leave kicks in and visit the US for Christmas. One of my goals in life is to be in New York City at Christmas, and be in Times Square when the clock hits midnight on New Years. Although I haven't made any plans for 2014, and doubt I will do a big trip anywhere, I do want to start setting some groundwork for my next trip.

I've come to realise something that my Aunt in Scotland helped point out to me. She has travelled a lot and believes everyone should travel for a while when they finish school. Although I have always wanted to travel, for a long time I had been sceptical that travelling is the "be all to end all". However, I've come to realise just this: If there is anything in life you do, make it travel. The world is an amazing place, filled with amazing things. And although you can't possibly see EVERYTHING, make sure you see SOMETHING. In fact, see as much as you can. Be inspired by it. Be amazed by it. Whatever you do in life, wherever life takes you, make sure you travel.

5) Buy a MacBook

Easily the most materialistic item on my list. Although I've grown up with computers, gaming consoles, and a whole lot of other tech geek stuff I've never actually owned a MacBook. Which is surprising enough seeing as I did a multimedia course and used Mac's daily, as well as how involved I've been with other multimedia and web design applications.

Now I know they are not cheap. You could easily argue well overpriced. But I am happy enough knowing that buying one would mean I've successfully budgeted for something I really desire. I think that's an achievement in itself and would almost count as a better investment for me. Knowing it can be done.

The other reason I want a MacBook is so I can perhaps teach myself to start writing some basic apps. It may just be another thing I try and never really get the hang of (like 3D modelling or animation), but I will never know unless I try it. After all, all it takes is one good app to make a fortune. Now, if only I had an idea.....

So there they are. 5 New years resolutions. As part of this I am going to print the list of my resolutions and put it in a sealed envelope. Then I am going to hang that envelope on my wall. I'm not going to open it until the end of the year, but the constant reminder of it being there should help motivate me to get what I want.

(yes its a proper wax seal. One of my presents to myself from Stirling Castle)

#new years #resolutions #personal

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3 Memories from 2013

Okay, so I may be a few days late but I haven't really had a chance before now to do a bit of a reflection on 2013. But you know what they say, better late than never. And 2013 certainly deserves some reflection.

2013 was a massive year for me. So many unique experiences and life goals achieved. I can only hope 2014 can live up to the hype that the previous year has developed within me.

Although I have literally hundreds of awesome memories and moments from the year, I have narrowed it down to 3 main moments, with each having several individual memories that I will take with me for the rest of my days. 2013 was a big year of firsts for me, with many of the below memories being so special because of them being the firsts for me. They are:

1) The first of my close friends getting married Andrew and Kate's wedding was awesome. In a tiny town of Nungurner, not far from Lake's Entrance close family and friends gathered to witness these two commit to each other. It was the perfect setting to see a good mate off into the next chapter in his life. Here is a few memories I take from those few days we spent up there: a) Chopping up all the fruit for the reception in the morning, and realising we have about 7 watermelons too many. I think 5 would of been enough. b) The 6 of us boys all gathered together, suited up and looking suave, enjoying the final drink of Andrew's single life. The view out over the lake was incredible. c) Whilst awaiting the bride, playing a few quick games of "Paper Scissors Rock" with the other groomsmen. Kate still doesn't know we did this. d) Doing the most AMAZING wedding speech in the history of the world. I must get the video of that someday. 2) My first Contiki tour Where do I start? Anyone who knows me knows that I had always wanted to travel. In particular to London and the rest of the UK. Although my plans to do so soon after high school never eventuated, in 2012 I decided I was going to make it happen in 2013. I started planning and booked my flights and Contiki tour. At first I was unsure with Contiki. I had heard mixed reviews, and was unsure about doing it by myself etc. In fact, I was unsure about travelling on my own right until the end. I think at some stages I had wished I had someone travelling with me. Even on my first day in London, seeing all the amazing things I couldn't help feel a bit lonely and the desire to have someone experience it with me was evident. That was until Contiki started. I have met so many amazing people who right from the start put my mind at ease. It took about 15 mins of getting to know each other at the bar the night before leaving to know that it was going to be a good trip. And indeed it was. I made a list of 110 Awesome experiences in a previous post, but here are some of the highlights: a) Getting my hotel in London, late at night and look out the window and the realisation that I was there. I had finally made it to London. b) Wandering around with little interest of where I was. After looking at a map I turn around and look down the road to see Buckingham Palace. I was walking down The Mall without even knowing it. c) Listening to some great acoustic sets in the Cavern Club, feeling the history of the surrounds. Singing "Wonderwall" at the top of my lungs. What an awesome first night of Contiki. d) All the amazing places I got to see, things I got to do, and people I got to meet. I will treasure them for all eternity. e) Scottish dancing in the town of Oban. One of the best nights of my life. Getting to dance with such lovely ladies in such a fun atmosphere. Anyone want to dance? f) After the tour back on my own, and being okay with that. The freedom which comes with travelling alone can often outweigh the negatives to being completely alone. As much as it may have worried me pre-tour, after Contiki finished I was a whole new person. However, it was good to catch up with some familiar faces. g) Having absolutely no regrets.

3) Moving out of home for the first time

Its always a big step when you move away from the nest of your parents. And although I had admittedly stayed there longer than average, I did so with reason. Staying with the parents as long as I did has allowed me to pay off my car loan and travel before having to worry about things like rent, regular grocery shopping, and doing the washing. Now let's get one thing clear. I've been more than capable of looking after myself. I've had to do washing and shopping at all that before when the parents are on holidays or what not. But this is different. A permanent change to living with people who are not blood relatives. I've been fortunate though. I've been fortunate enough to be able to move in with 3 of my closest friends who are just as weird as I am. Well, a close second. Regardless my first few months living here has been a blast, and it's also taken me to that next step in life. With those steps comes some memories:

a) Less than a week after getting back from the UK, having finally moved all my stuff in and get back to my new home, I walk through the front door to a loud BANG! Thinking I've broken something within 5 seconds of living there discover my housemates decided to greet me by attaching a party popper to the front door. A routine they've done several times since. I'm now hesitant to use the door sometimes. b) Waking up, struggling to get out of bed and being greeted with "GOOD MORNING MICHAEL!!!" by housemate Kate. Then she puts on her music, usually a bit of old school 90s, or some unique foreign or comedy artists. The whole routine leaves you in such a mindframe that you cannot possibly have a bad day. It's so refreshing to wake up to that daily. c) Being encouraged to play video games, because Kate likes to watch. I think she will make a good mother one day. d) Just being in a position where I basically spend any free time at home relaxing with my best friends. Memories like these are worth more than I could ever say. Good friends stop you from doing stupid things. Best friends are right there encouraging you.

That my list. That's what I'm taking out of 2013. I can only hope that 2014 is anywhere near as good. Although I don't have any other BIG plans yet, no weddings, no holidays and no new houses, I welcome the year with open arms. It'll be a hard act to follow, but sometimes you just gotta have a little faith.

C'mon 2014, show me what you got.

#2013 #reflection #contiki #no regreats #memories #life

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110 Awesome experiences

This is a list of just some of the amazing experiences I was fortunate enough to have on my UK holiday last month. It includes a lot from my Contiki tour, as well as some stuff I did on my own, or with friends outside of Contiki. Hope you enjoy reading them. Also, there are some pictures and video on some points. Just because I like pictures and video.

Highlights: 1. Arriving very early at the airport and waiting in the international terminal with excitement. 2. Finally getting to Paddington station in London, getting ready to walk the short distance to my hotel. Constantly thinking "Don't get mugged, don't look like a tourist (meanwhile I have a packpack and suitcase with me). All was going well, until I saw a red double decker bus drove past and I giggled. 3. Finally getting to my hotel, taking a massive sigh of exhaustion after about 32 hours of travelling. Looking out the window and realising that it was London. I was finally here. 4. First morning in London, waiting for the pedestrian lights to turn green. Two young British girls are also waiting at the lights chatting with one another. Get this overwhelming sense of awesome listening to their accents. 5. Visiting Sherlock Holmes' residence at 221B Baker St. 6. Taking a photo of the "policeman" standing out the front of it. 7. Visiting Madame Tussauds, and trying to take photos of the wax statues in between hundreds of people trying to pose with them. 8. Taking a wander around London in no particular order. Stop to check where I am on the map. After looking at said map I look behind me and see Buckingham Palace. Probably should of realised I was walking along The Mall. 9. The Tube. You can get from any point in London, to any other point in less than 30 mins, with the trains running every 3-5 minutes. 10. Meeting up at the Contiki Basement, not knowing anyone and everyone is looking around trying to suss out who is doing the same tour and could be friendly. Then having drinks at the bar and getting to actually meet people. 11. Getting some stuff from Tesco's, and realising how friggin' cheap it was. 12. Start of the Contiki tour. 13. Driving over London Bridge, as well as Tower bridge, getting my first glimpse of the London Eye and Big Ben. 14. Playing the "speed dating" game to get the know the other Contiki travellers. Having uneven numbers so having our tour manager suggest that the back of the bus become a ménage à trois. Having two lovely ladies up there with me, and being okay with that. 15. Shopping in Liverpool with two girls, and still being the first one to buy a pair of shoes. (Thanks for the help girls, those shoes are super comfy). 16. Beatles bus tour. Listening to "Penny lane", whilst driving down Penny lane. 17. First night on tour, the first of MANY big dinner meals. 18. First night on tour, the first of MANY big drinking nights. 19. Night out at the Cavern Club in Liverpool. Feeling the history around you as you walk in the footsteps of The Beatles. 20. Singing my heart out at any and every song I knew. 21. Hangin' out with my statue mate John. Although he doesn't say much..... 22. Walking around York, having a good lunch with 5 lovely ladies. 23. Getting some great ice cream from a local shop. 24. All of a sudden seeing The Doctor in the middle of York, with his TARDIS, a Dalek, a Cyberman and Guy Fawkes. 25. Getting so giddy with excitement I didn't mind that my ice cream melted all over my hand and pants. 26. Attending the Evensong in York Minster, if only to get a free look inside. 27. York ghost tour. Finding out that just about every house it seems is haunted. 28. Going on a cruise on Lake Windermere 29. High ropes obstacle course in Keswick. Baiting the instructors to the point that they knocked me upside down inside the cargo net. Looking like a fish in a net in the process. Having everyone frantically running to my aid.....as soon as they took the photos. 30. Elle's great attempt at being tour manager, telling us just how many orphans were used as slaves in Carlisle. 31. Playing "Blind date" to find our lucky bride and groom, as well as our parents of the bride. 32. Good night out at the Aussie bar in Carlisle. Taking a few (hundred) photos. Even some with the random locals who wanted to photobomb us. 33. Finding another statue who wouldn't talk to me. 34. Crossing the border for the first time into Scotland. Rather underwhelming, seeing as we have bigger signs back home to advise of caution when merging into traffic. 35. Stopping at Gretna Green to wed our bride and groom from the previous night, Sarah and Nick. 36. Wondering who thought it was a good idea to give Sean a gun. 37. Back into England to walk along Hadrian's wall. 38. Finding out the origins of the phase, "wrong end of the sh*t stick". 39. Crossing a fairly more impressive border into Scotland. 40. Finally getting to Edinburgh and having my first taste of Haggis. 41. Enjoying the haggis, as well as entertainment from a comedian/bagpiper. 42. Climbing to the top of Arthur's seat. 43. Realising that a water bottle would of been handy at this point. 44. Rambling through Edinburgh with no particular intentions. 45. Finding some random dancing in front of the musuems. 46. Watching Tom arm wrestle a local. 47. Standing on the first tee of The Old Course at St Andrews golf course. 48. Going on a lesiurely cruise on Loch Ness 49. At the accomodation at Loch Ness, having everyone crowded into the one room with Wi-Fi. 50. Eating fish and chips along the water's edge in Portree. 51. Getting attacked by seagulls who wanted our fish and chips. 52. Visiting Eileen Donon castle, turning around to look at it and seeing Jordan taking a nap on the walls. 53. Ceilidh dancing in Oban. Thanks to my awesome partners, Verrity, Valeria, Amanda and co. 54. Singing our theme song, Wonderwall, in a large circle, including some locals.

Wonderwall from Michael Chalkley on Vimeo.

55. Visting Sterling Castle. Getting a photo of this guy: 56. Deciding that food is a higher priority and taking a stroll with Danielle to find lunch. 57. Finding one of the few places that was open for lunch before midday. 58. Having a lovely Turkish dinner in Glasgow. 59. Night out in Glasgow. Cheap drinks at Campus bar. 60. The moment of "WTF" when Tom and I saw the bathroom attendant at Campus. Of all the places we had been to, THIS is the one that had a bathroom attendant? 61. Acting natural around the bathroom attendant, when all I really want to do is giggle. 62. More fun drinking and playing pool at Campus. Skittle-bombs anyone? 63. Being patted down before going into the next bar, Garage. 64. Retiring to bed after a long and interesting night in Glasgow. 65. Saying goodbye to all my new Contiki friends as they leave me behind. 66. Hanging out with family, walking all around Glasgow. Including my Scottish Pizza. 67. Having a lovely cuppa at the Willow Tearooms. 68. Making the best decision all tour. Getting a local SIM card with unlimited internet. 69. Indian for dinner at Dunfermline. 70. Catching the fast train to Manchester and finding a spot in a park to have lunch. 71. Old Trafford tour. 72. Thinking the tour guide was joking when he said the players were on the pitch. He wasn't, and watching the players have their official team photos taken. 73. Enjoying the simple pleasures in life, such a nice chai latte whilst waiting for the train to London. 74. Taking a ramble through Leicester square, Trafalgar square and Oxford st. 75. The NFL takes over Regent st. 76. The moment where you walk out of Westminster station, seeing the London Eye and turning to see Big Ben. 77. Penguins!

Penguins! from Michael Chalkley on Vimeo.

78. The view from the top of the London Eye. 79. The boat that caught fire next to Parliament. 80. The cat that tried to invade 10 Downing st. 81. Horses in Hyde park 82. Finally having a pizza in England. 83. Seeing a large amount of people on roller blades, for no apparent reason. 84. Taking a day trip to Windsor to see one thing. Legoland. 85. Wondering if anyone would notice if I started stealing large Lego scultures. 86. Spending far too much money on Lego, yet not nearly enough money on Lego. 87. London Eye river cruise. 88. Attempting to get scared inside the London Dungeon. 89. Having a classy lunch on Oxford st, at a restaurant called McDonalds. 90. Visting the Tower of London, seeing the crown jewels and wondering where the room that Moriarty broke into was. 91. An early morning walk over Tower bridge, back to the London Eye. 92. A long walk through Hyde park. 93. Catching up with familiar faces in London. Thanks Amanda and Anna! 94. Walking through half of London with no real direction, just looking for something to eat. 95. Having dinner with Miss Kent and having to tell the guy selling roses that we don't want any, pretending to pass off as a brother to rid ourselves of him. 96. Finding Torchwood. 97. Wondering why there are giant lottery balls out the front. 98. Visiting the Doctor Who experience, coming face to face with some Daleks. 99. Wanting to steal the giant Lego Dalek. 100. To finish the trifecta, my Welsh pizza.

101. Getting caught in the rain, and not caring. 102. That is, until Amanda wants to jump in puddles and splash me. 103. Catching the train back to London and realisng my amazing journey is almost at an end. 104. Buying a second suitcase, and playing tetris to fit it all my clothes and presents in. 105. Eating the last of the food I have left, to stop it going to waste. 106. One last cab ride to the train station. 107. One last train ride to the airport. 108. Sitting in Abu Dhabi airport, reflecting on just what an amazing experience I just had. 109. Arriving home, but knowing part of me will always stay with the amazing people I met, and places I visited. 110. Having #noregrets

Thanks for reading. A shout out to all the awesome people I met on Contiki, and thanks to Jay for the wonderwall video, and to Sean and Gemma for the cargo net photo.

#contiki #uk #trip #noregrets #holiday #awesome

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Highlights of Thursday 3rd. My last day. Trip to Cardiff, finding torchwood, the doctor who experience , giant Lego daleks, props from the show, green screen photos (sonic screwdrivers included), and the trifecta of British pizzas.

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Highlights of Wednesday 2nd. Tower of London, walking along tower bridge, a walk through Hyde park to Kensington palace and catching up with two great girls.

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Highlights of Wednesday 2nd. Tower of London, walking along tower bridge, a walk through Hyde park to Kensington palace and catching up with two great girls.

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Highlights of Tuesday 1st. London dungeon, London eye river cruise, more Big Ben, and lunch on Oxford st.

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Highlights of Sunday 29th. Aquarium, London eye, Big Ben, Westminster abbey, a cat invades 10 Downing st, pizza in London and more animals in Hyde park.

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Highlights of Saturday 28th. Leicester square, Trafalgar Square, walking along Oxford st and the NFL takes over Regent st.

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Highlights of Thursday 26th. Manchester United Old Trafford stadium tour, seeing the players have their official photos done, and the simple pleasures of life, soaking in your surroundings.