YAAAAAAAAAAAYYY!!!

Finally.... I have Country Road Training.

I must admit though... that I am one pooped monkey. Sooo tired... and I miss Will.

Anywho... enough with the complaints. Today I got myself to the Duxton Hotel in order to commence my Country Road Training... I have never been in the Duxton before... and I must say... for a former Taxation Office... this hotel is pretty damn swish! No wonder Il Divo stayed there... it was hot hot hot!

Like... here is the hottness level. The floors and the walls in the toilets are like marble and are sooo damn shiny that you can see your reflection in it! I kid you not. Twas very amusing.

Ok Moving on from the shiny toilets.

I entered into the conference room, I was the second person there. But as soon as a sat down, all the other Country Road-ians came in. Most of them I recognised from the DJs training. Which was good! I feel that after today, we are all becoming one big happy family. = D

Bridget who was our facilitator today is one awesome hip and happenin chickadee. She’s so vibrant, full of life (literally... as she’s pregnant too hehe) and exudes confidence. She was a very good presenter, she made all the boring policies and procedures (which were VERY similar to DJs) interesting and she kept out interest and attention throughout the whole day. I think it is because she (unlike the DJs lady who was still very nice) has had first hand experience with Country Road customers, and she knows what we are getting into.

We then had morning tea… oh yeaaa… we hastily ran to the table in the foyer and took these scrumptious muffins (I took a blueberry whereas others took the strawberries) As we all munched on them… Bridget walked out and said:

Oh those are not for us, our morning tea is on the other table.

Yea… we all like choked… (literally) We had eaten another conference’s morning tea… so we all quickly walked to the other table and gobbled up what was left of our muffins. So… now at our ACTUAL table, we all took some pastry. I took the chocolate croissant (remember Paris Will… *sigh*) and we all drank some tea or coffee.

The rest of the day consisted on more policy and procedures, we learned about the very generous allowance that Country Road gives us (they really truly look after their employees) and learned about how to give great customer service the Country Road way (which is more to my style… as DJs approach was not sincere enough for me).

We then had to go out and test out other concession stores in either DJs or Myers. To see what they do, and then report back tomorrow and explain how we could better when we go out and work in concession. I went to Myers, to the David Lawrence section. I found these NICE black pants (which I might end up getting in the future) and the chic working for David Lawrence did not even make eye contact to me. Only after 5 MINUTES did she approach me. She did not walk me to the change rooms, did not even come back and ask if I needed help. Man… if I was a REAL mystery shopper she woulda failed in my books.

Stay tuned for Part II ….

Day II of David Jones training.

What can I say, it was pretty much the same as yesterday. I guess the only thing that made the day go faster was that there was more interaction with the trainees rather than just lecture after lecture about DJs policy and the history behind the store.

BUT... what I will tell you that does carry some interest value (well in my opinion) is that... The DJs symbol is called a houndstooth. Now a houndstooth is a pattern used on clothing, but more importantly...

DJs historically was the first Department Store that imported goods out of Paris... before then... it was unheard of. Anywho, the first line that DJs had imported was... Christian Dior. Some might not know (I know I had no idea), but Christian Dior's logo originally was a houndstooth and DJs wanting to enforce the relationship between itself and Christian Dior adapted the houndstooth as their own symbol.

Interesting stuff... ayeee macca.

= D

Ahoy hoy,

Well I have officially started my Country Road Training, and first on the list is to complete a 2 day seminar/training thingo back at my old home, David Jones Hay St. I remembered the times where I had to come into DJs last minute, remember the lunch breaks where I was too exhausted to go out and find something to eat, so instead would survive a 8 hour shift on tea, water and mints... remember all the strategically placed toilets... (which ones to use and which ones NOT to use...) Yea... memories came flooding back.

The only thing that kinda shocked me is that, well I left DJs because I hated working there, and funnily enough, I have been so caught up with excitement of working with Country Road, that I forgot that hey... I AM working at DJs AGAIN.

Anywho... today I went training. I walked through the all to familiar staff entrance at Murray St, walked into the staff security check point, and saw a familiar face... the Security Guard there was the same friendly dooude that worked there way back when I was still a DJs employee. (I found out later that most of the security guards remained...) But... me being the old dog knowing the ropes, I signed in and grabbed a visitor sticker (which I was not special enough to get before... but now I'm concession I get one = P) and then trodded off to the 4th floor where I was told to go by my manager.

There was no one there. (Mind you.. it was 8.45am already and the training was starting at 9am)

So then when I finally found someone, I asked them... and they directed me to the ground floor.
Down down down stairs to the staff room and then beyond some, I finally reached the training room, which was set up like a class room with tables positioned into groups and DJs POS machines against the wall. (POS = Point of Sale). No one was there either... but I settled down in a group that was close to the font but not too close. Eventually at about 9am people started coming down. A whole bunch of them where waiting outside DJs on the Hay St side.

At this training session the majority of people were working for Country Road. A few of them I recognised from the interviews and they sat next to me. The only bad thing is that I was the only one in that group that was allocated to work at Karrinyup. Everyone else was to work at Garden City or Claremont. Apparently all the city and Karrinyup people were to come in later on this week. Oh yea...there was a handful of other people who were working for SABA.

What happened today was that we pretty much went through policy, and how to work the POS/tills... the seats are sooo uncomfy, and I knew everything already, (as nothing had really changed with the tills) So I was extremely... well... bored. I actually nearly fell asleep during a video.

The cool thing was lunch time... a few of the girls and I went to a Japanese place located next to Myer in Forest Chase... (Not the Jaws one... but it is opposite to it, like next to subway) Anywho that was really good...

Holy crap... I still have homework to do... CAN YOU BELIEVE IT... DJs HAS GIVEN US HOMEWORK.

GRRRR.... Oh well... peace out...

So get this...I was able to get Will to take a week off from Tandy to go on a mini get away to Dunsborough from the 3rd of January returning to Perth on the 6th.
*Miracle!*

With the recommendation of Will's Dad, we chose to stay at Quay West Bunker Bay Resort ("resort"). It was very VERY nice, great facilities, located right on the beach and very luxurious. Especially since our holiday just so happened to fall when WA was expecting to experience its "Storm of the Century" where cyclone Isobel was predicted to collide with a cold front around the Esperance/Albany area, Will and I found that the resort itself was perfect to keep us busy.

Day One - January 3rd - Wednesday
Dad dropped me at Will's place around 10am so that Will and I could have an early start. To our dismay, this was not to be, as once we arrived at the Shell gas station in Brentwood (I think thats were its located) Will discovered that his Mazda was low on coolant, AND the Shell did not even sell coolant or distilled water (what the shenanigans?!?!?)... so we had to turn around and drive to Bunnings.

Once on the road, our trip to Dunsborough was pretty smooth. There was no rain, but the day was overcast and looked more like a winter's day rather than a day in January. We passed the infamous "Singleton" which indicated to us that we were going in the right direction. (So far without fail, when going to Pemberton or Busselton, someone would crack a lame joke about whether Singleton is where all the single people go... *cough* Will*)

Arriving at the resort at about 3pm, we settled in. Will came to the conclusion that I did "OK" with directions since we did not get lost, but he muttered;

"If you were a GPS, I'd return you."

We then went shopping for supplies, ate dinner, had after dinner drinks at the bar and then retired with Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan. (yea.. interesting...)


Day Two - January 4th - Thursday
We woke up, took a look outside, and again we had an overcast day. So we went to the Dunsborough town centre and walked around, bought some toothpaste (because we BOTH had neglected to bring some) >.<

At 3.20pm we checked into “The Spa at Bunker Bay” to get a Mala Mayi Body Wrap.

This is heaven...

Beginning with a gentle body scrub, your body is then cocooned in a layer of silky warm mineral rich body mud. Whilst the deliciously warm mud delivers essential nutrients to the skin, relax into a dreamy state with a head and neck massage. Your body and mind will be soft and supple after a 30 minute Kodo massage to complete this soul enriching and spirit lifting experience.

Two words '"Oh Baby."

What happens is that you are given a bathrobe and slippers and you are then taken to this relaxation room, where you sit and unwind to the gentle mediation like music. The therapists then come into the room and present you with 3 different types of mud, which they make you smell to choose "which one is for you." Will chose a mint-like mud (grey in colour) whereas i chose a minty/spicy - like mud (red in colour).

We were then led to the room where they gave us disposable undies (OoHhh Woohooo uuundies) and then they gave us 3 different types of massage oil to smell to choose "which one your body needs" - HA... we both just so happen to choose the same one after smelling them... and the one we chose was... DETOX. (I wonder why?)

They then applied on some cream and then sprinkled on some salts in order to scrub us, they then lathered the mud, which was very warm and mud-like (duh) and then they wrapped us up like a cocoon and gave us a head and neck massage.We then showered to get all the mud and salts off us, and then were given a body massage...

Our time there ended with a soothing cup of tea in the relaxation room... yea.. we were pampered to the max.

Day Three - January 5th - Friday
Finally a warm summer day (the storm had passed). We made our way down to Brookland Valley Vineyards in order to have lunch at their restaurant "Flutes" but they were booked out. so we made a booking for lunch on Saturday and then left the winery. On our way back to our resort, we saw a sign with "Canal Rocks." It sounded really interesting so we drove down there.
IT WAS SUPA MEGA AWESOMENESS IN A BOX!!!

It was like Amsterdam canals, but at sea.
There were these massive rocks... (i mean massive) which over time have corroded down the middle due to the sea, as a result, these rocks have formed these "canals." The huge waves that hit these rocks, makes the canals extremely dangerous to swim in, as you would be dragged out to sea, but nevertheless, still breathtaking. We were there for a couple of hours... and then went back to the resort and ordered a pizza from the bar for lunch at about 3pm. Will and I then decided to walk on the beach to see if the water was cold... (and yes it was) so we headed back to the pool (which was heated at 25 degrees) and swam for a bit before playing tennis at 6pm.

Since day light savings has been implemented in WA, we ALL KNOW that the sun does not set until 9pm, so we decided to go for a drive at about 8pm to another "lookout" area. On the way to the car, we saw a group of people looking at something in one of the grass areas, it was a Kangaroo... it was cute, but we headed off without stopping by. When we returned it was already quite dark (about 8.45pm) and we walked to our villa. (NB. the resort is filled with native Australian plants and flowers on either side of the narrow pathway). While walking on the path minding out own business, we heard a rustle in the bushes which startled us, but made me kinda go;

"UuuuGhHhh!"

But after my demented "scream", followed a deep, angry growl... and it was from the not so cute-NOW PISSED OFF- Kangaroo that we saw earlier. He was one McHuuuge-O Kangaroo, bigger than me, but smaller than Will.

So.. what did we do when it looked deep into our eyes?... we ran like babies.

Day Four - January 6th - Saturday
We got up early for check out, and headed for Brookland Valley Vineyards to have lunch at Flutes. The food was mouthwatering and the wine, delicious. Will ordered the Flutes Trio whereas I ordered the Cows Cheek.

We then made our way to Ngilgi Cave for a semi self guided tour. The cave was still alive (in that the stalagmite (formation coming out of the ground) , stalactite (formation coming down from the roof of the cave) , helictite (tiny formation on the roof that defy gravity and curl like noodles), columns (self explanatory) and shawls (they look like thick striped curtains) are still growing.

We resurfaced from the cave around 3pm and then made our 3 hour drive home... straight... with no pit stops... *ExHaUSTiNG!*

Howdi Ho Peeperinos,
Its the holidays, so who can blame me if I get bored. I know a lot of people use the same excuse... but hey, its true! So I guess in order to not mislead or deceive anyone with the title of my blog, I better get a run along and give you the gist on what Anna is All About... (hehe GET IT!... I re-phrased the title of my blog in the sentence)... yea.. I know its sad.

The Definition of Anna
A - Adventurer who likes to explore the world (cities to date: Paris, Amsterdam, Zürich, London, KL, Jakarta)

N - Nutter who is weirdly clumsy (walks into things, drops things, breaks things unintentionally) and has few personal idiosyncrasies which are somewhat humorous (I have to name things and I hate foam)

N - Nice... well I think I am nice; I love people, I love animals, I am man's best friend ;) loyal and loving.

A - Anna-ish - the definition of "Anna-ish" is someone who smiles too much, talks a lot and too fast, gets VERY excited about things easily, goes gah gah over doggies and the like. Ready to try anything and everything (incl. anything edible, phsyically strenuous, mentally challenging etc.)


(*) The problem with having such a short boring name like "Anna" is that I only have "A" and "N" to work with.. so there IS more interesting facets about Anna which is not covered, due to staying true "fun-ness" of this activity.


Overall Gist of Anna's 2006
Well this year has gone extremely fast. In the work department, this year I have continued my job at BankWest in the Tower working as a customer sanctioning officer for their home loans. I have also luckily picked up another casual job at Calverley Johnston Lawyers on Adelaide Terrace after getting 2 weeks work experience with them in July. Just recently, (as in 2 weeks ago) I have gotten a job at Country Road in their new concession store in David Jones opening on the 28th January this year (2007). So if anyone is in Karrinyup DJ's give us a visit... = D

Uni life as been the same old. I have just finished my 3rd year in Law, and I have 1 and a half years left to go. Unfortunately "my kind" are slowly becoming extinct as more and more of the "2003 freshies" are graduating and are leaving the dry and barren land of UWA. *sob*

No travels this year... (again) *sigh* But I still have a serious case of travel bug. To mitigate this contagious and forever lasting condition, I have gone on mini get away trips. In February this year Will n I along with Adrian and Chia Hui went to Busselton for 3 nights.. which was very good for chillin, tennis playin, and beach loving times = D. It also happenend to fall on Valentines Day, which, to my surprise, ended up being a bigger day than expected.

Will being Will (I wont go into the definition of being William-ish) he had agreed with me to get each other something "small". I had proudly bought him a very nice, moderate size box of chocolates. I had presented him with the present thinking:
"Ha! I know we agreed on small, but I decided to be a little more flamboyant"
Will then handed over a red envelope from Hallmark. (I love cards so I was already really appreciative) But, to my amazement it was more than just a cute valentines card... out slid 2 tickets to IL DIVO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In short, I went CRAZY!


The Il Divo Concert was FAN-SPANKING-TASTIC!!!
They was awesome live... the voices... OoOhH SoO GOOD.
What can I say, they are good, and they are Hot... Felt bad for Will though.. as it turned out, that not only I was totally taken away by Il Divo that night. But so was his Mom and Aunt... He was surrounded by Il Divo Lovers...

Songs Sung:

Regresa Mi
Solo Otra Vez
Passera
Isabel
Nella Fantasia
Rejoice
Pour Que Tu Me'Aimes Encore
I Believe in You
Senza Catene
Everytime I Look At You
Si Tu Me Amas
Feelings
Mama
Somewhere
Hero
A Mi Manera

I also dragged Will to the opera to see "Madama Butterfly" which was beautiful. The sets and costumes, the music... (though it was very difficult to believe that a middle aged Aussie Woman was a 15 year old Japanese girl...)

Umm... what else... AH! we did City to Surf...

2006 - The year of 21sts
Week after week, month after month it has been parties here and dinners there. Will had his 21st birthday at Joy Garden where we drank Moet (Very very nice) and Hennessy XO (Very very strong potent stuff). I bought him the very elusive, and very sexy Mont Blanc 100 Year Starwalker Pen as coming of age present. When I saw it, I knew that it was very "William-ish." The the uni crew bought him his beloved black ipod which you can never see him without.

My 21st was at my place themed "Hawaiian Summer" which was pretty laid back and somehow turned out to be VERY Hawaiian = D. I just loved seeing everyone there, uni friends, the Craigie Crew, and the 3 Musketeers together again. Weather was a winder than had hoped, but at least the on going tradition of my parties has lived on. A party that I throw at my place is just not right unless someone has walked through the flyscreen. This year I was lucky as Matt, Christophe were the first to walk into it, and my Dad deciding to join in on the fun later on in the night.

*Sigh* Christmas has come and gone, and hey presto I celebrated the coming of 2007 at Wills place with a couple of friends...

So I'll sign out now, as this is getting too long... and I wish you all a Great 2007!