A few random ramblings…

Probably not the smartest way to start a day, but flying and sleeping are a well worn tradition that I’m hardly about to break.

Unfortunately for me, the bags are not quite packed… I really need to decide what to take and what to leave behind.

Flights are booked, transport to the airport arranged, likewise to the accommodation at the other end.

The monkey suit is pressed, boots are shined, hair recently cut and face fresh shaven. However well I do, at least I look the part.

I do, however, wish that I didn’t draw so much attention. I had also wished that common sense would prevail and flying in comfortable, more practical clothes, would be the result, but alas… it is not meant to be. Today, it’s 30 degrees celsius in Brisbane and 33 degrees in Canberra… the only difference being the humidity.

Which decides to tag team with mother nature to descend on Brisbane Airport in the form of a kickass storm that delays our flight 30 minutes. Given that one of my colleagues is not a good flyer, black storm clouds rolling in and wreaking havoc on the tarmac is not the ideal way to start a trip.

So there I am sitting in the departure lounge, sweating despite the aircon, looking like I’m starched, pressed and ready for a Myers display window.

God forbid anyone that spills anything on me before getting to the accommodation, before I can change into something more casual. Luckily for me, this doesn’t happen.

The flight proves to be uneventful and distraction free. I have no feelings about flying, one way or another. To me, it’s like any mode of transportation. You buy a ticket to a set destination, get on board, travel, arrive, disembark and go about whatever it is that you went there to do in the first place.

However, unlike most other forms of mass transit, if the passengers nearby irritate me, I’ve no means of escape. Opening a door and stepping out for some fresh air and tranquility at 38,000 ft could be considered somewhat hazardous to ones health. This is why the portable electronics gods graced we mere mortals with the blessing that is noise canceling headphones… the ideal companion to my trusty iPod.

My suspicionc that the flight would be spent buried in a printed copy of the Laws of the Game, with either Nine Inch Nails or Jane’s Addiction providing the entertainment prove to be fairly accurate. I was sorely tempted to load up my trusty laptop with my music editing software and work on the Nine Inch Nail remix that I’ve been tinkering with since Y3ARZ3R0R3M1X3D was released last month (it includes a bonus data DVD of all the multitrack information needed to make your own remixes).

If it weren’t for the fact that I’m supposed to look ‘professional’ upon arrival, I’d get some kip on the flight. That way, I can be blissfully unaware of the annoying passengers that inevitably make me turn almost pathological on these flights.

Still, it could be worse. I could repeat my first Nationals by breaking my ankle and then spending 18hrs straight on a bus with 50 14yr olds. Thankfully, the only thing I’ve broken today is a sweat.

I will admit that I had major reservations about this tournament, and had considered on more than one occassion this past year of hanging up the whistle for good. Thankfully, catching up with everyone here has been fantastic, reaquainting with old friends, making news, and the hilarity of being amongst people with merciless humour at beckoned call.

But the biggest surprise for tonight… being appointed as senior assitant to the referee captain for one of the centres. This is a major leap of faith from the hierarchy and with luck, this should prove to show that I am capable beyond expectations. I’m not counting chickens or anything, but the excitement of having this responsibility is hard to contain. I will be taking part in the allocation of referees to matches and ensuring that the day runs smoothly.

We also got our kits today… photos to follow.l

So, whilst it’s only the first day, competition has yet to start, and I still have a fitness test to do… but so far, it’s been a good tournament.