The Contingency Plan

1. New nipples. Especially my left nipple, which Hugo bit and cracked two nights ago please and thank you.
2. Potted herbs. I'm watering our garden every day now so I think I may be alright to own a plant again. I've previously killed numerous cacti and other "maintenance-free" potted leafy things
3. Some new recipe books. You know it's bad when your boyfriend suggests it because he's seen you milk the few you already have to death
4. A pedicure. Perpetually walking around barefoot this summer has made my soles look scaley. And scarey.
5. Newspaper subscription. Because I want to be more learn-ed.
6. and then a hot pink BMX with matching ribbons so I can ride fast fast fast away from my little sister, who asked for white rollerskates that have glow in the dark wheels.. bet she wouldn't be as fast as me though. Oh and maybe a journal. And some new pens in glittery colours so I can write in it. ohhhh and a lock NO ONE can crack. And writing paper so I can start writing letters again....

So what did you ask for?

While surfing the blog of Empress Baggie, I came across an old picture, circa 1945 taken of a family walking down the street.

I love the randonmess of snapping someone walking on the sidewalk. I want one taken of myself, Luc and Hugo. Perhaps a tad narcissistic. But then again I do have a blog...

I'm happy to report that Luc, Hugo and I have moved.

I feel bad that I haven't blogged already, but we all know I bear a love/hate relationship with this business. Ugh... the pressure to be forever interesting, humorous and popular. Sometimes the older I get the more reclusive I feel. I'd rather spend time with my son.

So anyway, we've moved from a three bedroom house in Sydney's northern suburbs to a three bedroom house in Sydney's inner west. The difference between the two places on paper is slight, but for the second time I would consider buying (first time was our waterfront apartment in McMahons Point). More than anywhere we've lived before, this place is just us.

Besides our terrace, which is filled with light, big spaces and an amazing living area that opens up onto the garden, there's a plethora of pubs and live music venues, arthouse cinemas for foreign films, lots of small and intriguing delis and cafes whose owners you want to like you, interior decorating shops that I walk into and die in from pleasure and sensory overloads and most of our friends are so close - all of this is within 10 mins of travel.

I enjoyed our years in Sydney's lower north shore, but never really felt at home there. The area is packed with secure and affluent folk who went to expensive private schools and fit the typically 'Australian' bill of caucasian-ness. I don't want to judge it as it's right for some people but is so far removed from what I grew up with and am comfortable with.

I think that's why I really feel at ease where we are now. I can walk to the shops where I'll find the same four elderly Greek men sitting at the bus stop as they do everyday talking about who know who cares as they look so damn cute, more nationalities than I can count on fingers and toes, authentic Croatian and Italian products Luc grew up with as a kid in Europe, beautiful women wearing hajib (although I grew up with close friends wearing this I've never seen it on the other side of the Bridge) and old women who talk to me in half English, half something else while I push Hugo in his pram who give him kisses when we part.

Love love love love.

Pop by if you have the time. I've just made these Monte Carlos, which taste as Luc's Mom would say, dee-wine...

It's unbelievably hot.

I should be packing, but extensive activity in this sweltering 40 degrees heat makes me want to tear my hair out (that's 104 farenheit for you Americans). I don't understand why in a country like Australia there are houses without fly screens and air conditioners.

The house we're in and the one we're moving to lack these necessities. Why why why? The owners must be damn fools. I'm sweating in places I didn't know you could.

We're about half way through and I figure we've got another seven or so hours to get this place done and in tip-top shape.

Even though Luc's a bit of a hottie, I'm hoping our movers will look like this. That would make it alllllll better.

This week we're:
* Finalising the sale of our car
* Buying a new car
* Moving house

... should probably start packing...

Good news though - we've applied for a stunning, brand new terrace in the inner city suburbs! I just love it and the rent is $200/week cheaper than what we're currently paying. We'll find out whether we're approved tomorrow, sign the lease on Wednesday and be in by the weekend.

If all fails we've been approved for a place out west in the Hills area (we call it the Hells). The back-up place is equally as nice so we'll just see how things pan out.

-----Original Message-----
From: David
[mailto:david@wouldntyouliketoknow.com]
Sent: Tuesday 23 November 2005 7:46 PM
To: Kazumi
Subject: Re:

Hey Kazumi,

I'm up in Newcastle til right before the flight to Germany on Thurs. I'm sorry I was crap and didn't get round to seeing you all one more time.

May we carry on our infrequent but valued communications from afar!

Love to you, L, H

David

*****

-----Original Message-----
From: kazumi baker
[mailto:kazumi_baker@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thursday, 20 October 2005 2:01 PM
To: Andi
Subject: deep breaths and even paced heartbeats

these things may seem insignificant to some, but are prized among those who organise major events.

so how are you?

i'm still in the land of bears and maple syrup but will be back in time to revel in your greatness.

love, umi

--- Andi wrote:

At last someone that understands!
Rush, rush, chalk, rush - have to talk to you later - call me when you get back.
AX

Andi
Festival Director

*****

--- Bella wrote:

Kazumi,

I'm in Darwin working for NT Legal Aid commission. Am a criminal lawyer. Lots of work, never know what to expect, in court every day, it's lots of fun, rough and tumble, all just how I like it.

Gee, I love hearing about Hugo - would so love to meet him. I'll be in Sydney over Christmas/New Year. I've been coming to Sydney every three months or so for a few days each time because I'm doing a masters at Sydney uni (in law ... yawn). But it's a good excuse to come down and soak up the big smoke.

I haven't seen Dave since last year but email and talk on the phone now and then. I'm so glad that we've managed to stay friends and to be able to talk without feeling any regret, hurt or anger. I'm really grateful for that, since we did share so many years together. I'm happy we've moved on, and that he's found a lovely-sounding girl and I'm excited for him going to Germany to start a new chapter with her. I'm also relieved that we've been able to keep our mutual friends and that they haven't felt they've had to choose between us. There really couldn't be a better break up.

With the macrobiotic ... well, that has been abandoned in favour of the rampant mango season that we have in Darwin at the moment. Mangos dripping off every second tree. Like gold for free. My household is sucking them up. In fact, this weekend we're having a mega mango freezing morning whereby we'll amass a stash of mangoes, cut em up and freeze them to ensure steady smoothie- supplies for the next year.

Life in Darwin in fun - I live in a sharehouse right behing the beach (can't really swim for all the crocs and box jellyfish, but the breeze and the sunsets are nice) with Sue also a lawyer at legal aid), John and Alicia (who are both from Sydney too - they're doctors at the hospital). it is a lot of fun, they're just UNREAL and we get on really well.

I'm still playing the violin, but there's not much of a music scene here ... a couple of ensembles that I play in ... if I want to hear live classical music, i've got to actually make it myself.

Goodness me! You have quite a memory ... Michael - yes. Cannot believe you remember that. he's a lawyer here too - he works for Aboriginal Legal Aid. We've been together a year now. Unfortunately work rules all, so that bitching about magistrates and exchanging dramatic court stores tends to take up a lot of air time in our relationship. But it's going great and I've very happy.

I don't think I'll stay in the NT forever, but it's good for now. Michael and I both want to go back to Sydney at some stage, but don't know when...one year, two years?? Who knows??!

I'm a glutton for more of your stories ... so good to be in touch with you again. Tell me how you're all going??!!

Lots of love,
Bella

*****