Graham Collins Family Newsletter Diary
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The Graham Collins Family |
Entries start at the most recent and go back to the
first edition in July 2004. To read the diary in chronological order, jump to the first entry and read backwards.
Graham
Collins is the only son of Con Collins who is the Ground Zero man for this
website.
November/December
2008 and January 2009
Tyson and Kate
The only real news that we have is that we got a new dog. We got it from an
Animal Shelter in Keysborough. He was found wandering the streets and he was
riddled with fleas, that bad you could see them jumping off him and he has
missing patches of hair from all the scratching. We've had him nearly two weeks.
He's a good dog, well behaved and house trained. We got a doggy door put in so
he's happy just coming in and out as he pleases. His name is Scrappy.
Carly
Carly has purchased a one bedroom apartment in Prahran (not too far from Tys
and Kate’s home).
Wade
I spent my new years at Falls Festival in Lorne for 3 nights and loved it!
While the weather was the coldest and wettest they have had there in 16 yrs, we
were having so much fun we barely noticed it! We had 16 carloads of mates at our
campsite, and saw some amazing bands play. I have added a couple of pictures of
campsite and main arena. Can't wait to go to another festival. After that we
went to Phillip Island for a week with dad for some 'down time'. We ended up
having more big nights down at the pub and local nightclub (including dad) than
we did resting. Great time away. Now I’m back and am going to start looking
for work again.
September/October
2008
Tyson and Kate
Here are a few pics of our back yard we took a
while ago for the newsletter. Finally great to have some outdoor space to
entertain, relax, have a few beers, and have a BBQ.
Went to Hamilton Island a couple of weeks ago. Spent 6 nights there with Kate, Lauren (Kate's sister), Steve (Lauren's husband), Matt & Zara (both from UK, spent 3 weeks with us and left last Friday - Matt is Kate's cousin). Had an absolute ball, snorkeled on the Barrier Reef, went to Whitehaven Beach, made extremely good use of the swim up bar each day, and relaxed on the beach.
Just got back from our Annual Yarrawonga trip last night. It was a huge 4 days and now feel knackered, sick, and in need of a holiday which is even more depressing as I go back to work tomorrow after 2 and a half weeks off. I am going to the Gold Coast on Friday for three days for the Indy 500. I was invited by a customer of ours so that should be fun.
July/August
2008
Wade
I have been pretty busy with work building up some brownie points with the boss,
so I can take some leave and go on all my usual trips later in the year! No pay
rises as yet but things are going well...
We have our footy trip planned for Coogee Bay in October, which should be great
and also the annual golf trip to Yarrawonga the following week so I am looking
forward to that!
I saw the Wombats in concert the other week which was pretty crazy - me and
Darcy walked out of the Hi-Fi Bar feeling like we’d jumped in a pool
we’d sweated that much! We were in the mosh pit about 2 people from the front
of the stage and they really put on a good show. I am seeing the Kooks next
week, another of my favourite bands so hoping they are just as good!
Other than that, football season is almost over, we need to win next week (by a
decent margin) to make the finals so fingers crossed we can scrape in and maybe
have a crack at winning the grand final this year! Has been a huge effort in our
first season in 1st division to do so well so it's been a good year
nevertheless.
Brenton (on a South
Pacific Cruise)
We are at Noumea at the moment - the 3rd of our island stops. The first two
we visited were Vila and Mystery Island.
Vila was a real eye-opener at how poor and unfortunate some people are -
yet are so happy all the time!! We took a tour around the village and saw where
some of these people live. Went to The Secret Garden, where the highlight was
having a large snake draped around my neck!! I was only on Mystery Island
for an hour or two. Lay on the beach and had a swim.
Today at Noumea, I got off and had a quick walk around, but not much to do on
this island so I'm recharging the batteries and having a rest
(although I'm having a beer now so here we go....again)
Having a great time, and would definitely recommend to anyone that a cruise is
an awesome holiday. Having said that, I have been on the turps the whole
time and I'm starting to weaken!!
Seen some different shows in the Show Lounge - a magic and illusion act, played
bingo everyday (the big jackpot is still on offer), we have bought 1 of 6 horses
for the big "winner takes all" race on Monday, did some trivia and
looking forward to a big Comedy Club night tonight.
Carly
I'm sure you remember me talking last Xmas about how I left work at the gym
and I had got a job with SPC Ardmona. Was on the 6 month maternity leave
contract as an administrative assistant/PA. Once that 6 month contract was up, which
was start of April, they wanted to keep me on, and thought I would make a great
Sales Rep. So they gave me a car and a territory of Supermarkets to look after
and away I went! I too thought I would really enjoy it, but for some reason I
just didn't. I hated being on the road all day on my own, and dealing with Store
Managers all day who usually were not that nice. So after about three months,
when I was asked how it was all going, I was honest and told them how I really
felt, and the truth is I probably would've stuck with it a while longer if there
was nothing else for me, but turns out that my managers didn't want me to quit
because I was unhappy or anything, so they created a new role for me in our
Marketing Department! Marketing Co-ordinator for our International Brands, plus
they just gave me a pay rise!! That was like a dream come true because ever
since I started there last year, I took a real liking to Marketing, but thought
because I had not done a degree in that field, I would never be able to get a
job in that sector. But apparently they saw a lot of potential in me, and said
that if I really enjoyed it for the rest of the year and was producing good
results, they will fund me to go to uni next year and get my degree!! Could not
have asked for a better outcome!! And I am just loving it!
Also this year I have been getting really serious into my running. Since
December last year I have entered numerous runs including Sussan's Women's Fun
Run, Run 4 the Kids, Puffing Billy Beat the Train, Run Melbourne, the Olympic
Dream and Queen of the Lake. I have also registered for a few more up and coming
ones, including the Melbourne Half Marathon in October! That's right, only half.
I don't want to attempt the full, because even if I could make the distance, I
think I would damage my body too much!! So the half is 21km. The most I have run
before is 15km, so I am training soo hard at the moment. I am dedicating
everything towards it, like hardly going out clubbing anymore, no drinking
alcohol until the event, really healthy diet, training almost everyday...I just
really want to do well and continue to improve! So I am very excited about it!!
March/April
2008
Tyson
Kate and I are very excited, settlement is late April so it’s coming
around quick. Footy is going OK, we had our first practice game last week, I
played a half and got through it OK. I'm starting to move a lot better now. I
don't really have any news to tell you, nothing much been happening over the
last month or so, just busy buying things for the new place, working, and
training.
Brenton
I'm doing really well back at AGL. Making more money than I expected, so
I've been able to erase most of my debt earlier than I thought I would.
I'm hoping to buy a house by the end of the year to live in. It's much more of a
realistic goal now than it has been over the last few years. I'm looking forward
to getting out of this house. Dad's fine, but there are a few oxygen thiefs who
I desperately need to move away from.
With Tyson moving out shortly I think Wade will join me upstairs. As long as he
abides by some simple rules I think we'll get along.
Aside from that just looking forward to the cruise I'm going on in a few months.
It will be the first holiday I've been on since I was a teenager, so can't wait.
January/February
2008
Tyson
I've had a lot on over the last couple of months, my apartment I sold settled a
week or so ago, so that's finally done and dusted. Also a couple of weeks
ago, Kate and I brought a unit in Prahran. We got a great deal, we know the
market very well and when we saw the price it was advertised for we thought
maybe something was wrong with it, so we checked it out and it was perfect,
we loved it. Luckily for us it was a private sale - no auction, and the agent
was terrible which is bad for the owner, but great for us. So we negotiated and
got it at a good price in a great area. It's a 2 bedroom, 2 storey unit, with a
large courtyard/garden which is what really attracted us, exactly what we were
after, a low maintenance place. It's on Dandenong Road, in between Chapel St and
Williams Road. We're very excited, settlement is the 23rd of April so we're in
the process of buying a lot of furniture so we have somewhere to sit when we
move in!
Wade
Paul Koury (Joelle's
brother)
At the Koury/Collins Christmas lunch, Paul
Koury and Sophie announced their wedding plans for mid 2008.
December
2007
Tyson
I sold my apartment. I decided to sell as Kate and I are looking to buy and
we are looking for something closer into the city and we couldn't afford it with
2 home loans. So I decided to sell and I got a brilliant result at the auction,
getting well over my reserve. I was rapt, and definitely made the right choice
in selling when I did. I got more out of it than what it's worth so I'm very
happy.
I’ve had my second hip operation and was struggling quite for the next few days. Was feeling really sick from the anesthetic, and hardly slept at all that night but lots of painkillers helped to stop the pain and to get me to sleep! But I'm glad it's all done now, just have to recover and get back into it come late January.
Carly
Not too much to update anyway, just about my new job that I started 2 months
ago! I am loving it! I am a PA to two of the General Managers. I am also the
Marketing Assistant, and then I also do all the admin for the office! It's been
going great these past few months - so good that the Marketing Manager wants me
to actually work in the Marketing Team pretty soon. Now that's the
kind of position that you normally need a uni degree for, but she said they will
work something out for me, whether it be studying while at work, or part time
night classes or something, not sure yet. But it's definitely something to look
forward to and a big step up!
October/November
2007
Wade’s 21st
birthday
The Collins Kids sure
know how to party! Wade had his 21st birthday party at his home in Wantirna. The
hose quickly filled to capacity with relatives and lots of Wade’s friends. We
all though Graham was very brave to open his home to such a large crowd. His
Godmother, Judy, made him a poster of himself with a poem she had written for
him – and a book for guests to sign. Graham produced a Wade DVD that played
throughout the night showing pictures of Wade during his 21 years. Judy and
Uncle Paul’s friend Sophie took over the kitchen, heating and distributing the
hot finder food to all the hungry young guests. Other family members helped out
with the food and at the bar. The speeches were amazing. There was standing room
only so speechmakers had to stand on a chair to be seen and heard. Graham
started by talking about how proud he is of Wade and this was no mean feat as
his voice had almost gone. But he managed to make us all laugh as he talked
about his second youngest child. Next, poor Wade was ‘roasted’ by a couple
of friends and younger brother, Darcy. This caused quite a bit of laughter!!!!
And Wade finally responded with a speech of his own. The night then moved into
high gear partying with lots of dancing and music. It was a very enjoyable
night.
See lots of pictures of Wade’s 21st and Tyson’s Grand Final celebrations on Graham’s Photobucket site: http://s50.photobucket.com/albums/f311/gjcollins/
September
2007
Graham
Graham has ALMOST retired. He is working 2 days a week to help out at his
old workplace – probably until the end of the year. He is enjoying his free
time by working out at the gym and playing golf.
Tyson
“We won our Grand Final a couple of weeks ago in
a thriller. Scores were level at the final siren and we won by a goal in extra
time. Amazing game! Finally after a lifetime of playing footy I've finally got
what I wanted and it was so worth all the sacrifices and injuries along the way.
Couldn't be happier! Needless to say we've been celebrating ever since and it's
taking its toll, I'm knackered!!
I carried hip injuries all season, and I
need to have operations on both sides. They are going to do arthroscopies on
both sides to fix up all the torn cartilage and also cut away bone from the head
of my femur on each side. I'm getting the left one done on the 26th of Oct, and
the right done on the 7th of Dec (need to be 6 weeks apart). I'm actually
looking forward to it, hopefully all goes well and I can play on next season,
and be able to walk around pain free for once!!!”
Carly
Carly has a new job as a PA and is very excited at the
change of career. Hope to have more news next newsletter.
Wade
I
passed all my first semester Uni subjects and will graduate at the end of the
year if all goes well. Footy is going great, we are on the top of the ladder
still with only 3 weeks till finals so it is an exciting time for us. Other than
that, just having a good time and going out a fair bit.
Darcy
It
is 'football season' so all my news and interests relate to footy, footy and
footy.
I am playing with Wade in the reserves and we are on top of the ladder,
undefeated, which is a great way to start the season.
My uni exams are starting soon and I have not studied at all for them so wish me
luck.
Tyson
Not much has been happening lately, settling into work which is going well,
very challenging but I'm really enjoying it. Footy is going well, we're 6-1
sitting on top of the ladder and I've played every game with no real bad
injuries (touch wood).
Carly
I got a new car finally!! It’s a red, sporty little thing! A ‘99 model
SX-R Celica! I just love it! I can’t tell you how good it feels to be driving
a little girlie car again, and getting rid of my beasty boys car! It’s going
great, got it at a pretty good price too! Just got a nice little loan to pay off
now over the next few years or so. I am loving my job as Admin Manager still!
I've been in the position 6 months now, will stay a while longer just to gain
some more management experience, but I ideally hope to move somewhere else
soonish where I can hopefully get paid a little better! I’m not being greedy,
but the fitness industry just doesn’t pay well at all, regardless of the
position!
Brenton
I've just resigned from my position with Leader Newspaper. Rather than be
miserable in yet another role, I thought I'd make the brave decision to resign,
probably leave myself broke for a while...again, and look for something that I
will enjoy. If I liken my bank balance to an oxygen tank, I'd say I've got about
a week's worth of air left. So that's why I'm awake at 5am looking for a new job
already!!
Brenton made some great suggestions after
reading the March
Newsletter and the family responded in the April
Newsletter. (See Very Funny section). Your suggestions are welcome anytime
Brenton!
Tyson
I’ve got a new job, Account Manager for a company specializing in
Communications & Server Cabinets and accessories. The exact type of role I
was holding out for. Started last Monday and things are going well. I picked up
my new car which I purchased through a hire purchase agreement, it's a brand new
Toyota Camry Altise, very nice! We also started footy this week, with Round 1
being the local derby against Wantirna South, we have been talked up all pre
season as the best two sides, and we came out and won by 10 goals so it was a
great start to the year.
Graham
Graham has decided to
retire this year – hopefully by the end of the financial year. He has plans to
do more work at the gym and get fit enough to go surfing with Rick.
Wade
yeah i bought a new car. im
wrapped with it! no pictures of it on the computer yet. its a holden VS station
wagon. 1996. navy blue, tinted windows, mag wheels, looks really nice. only
negative is that its clocked up
a few km's so far, but lets hope its got plenty more to come!
as for skydiving, i cant recommend it highly enough. the biggest adrenalin rush
you will ever have! easily the best thing i've done so far in my life.
Tyson
Still looking for work, been
close on a couple of jobs but got unlucky and missed them, still waiting to hear
on some others, but still unemployed! I'm sure I'll get something soon, I'm
being a little fussy and not just going for anything so I'm prepared to wait a
bit longer.
Noosa was great, we stayed in a huge place right on the river, it was very luxurious and spent our days swimming, going to the beach, and drinking. We had a day at Fraser Island also which was good.
Kate is dong well. She’s still in Aus and we have no plans for the rest of this year to travel anywhere else, we're just trying to clear our debts and save some money. She started work last Monday as an Accountant so she's very happy.
I injured my hamstring a
week ago so I've been hobbling around since then but it's starting to heal
nicely.
Darcy
Nothing too exciting is
going on at the moment. I started my course, Bachelor Of Commerce at Deakin
University in Burwood a month or two ago. It has been pretty cruisey to date but
my first assignments are just around the corner.
I also played in my first senior match for Knox Falcons on the weekend in a
practice match. I was pretty pleased with how I played so hopefully I hold my
spot for next week’s game.
Anyway, besides uni and football, I have just been working with Dad once a week
and going out with my mates a couple of nights a week.
Brenton
Brenton says, “After a few
months in bed, I've made the brave decision to start working again. I've just
been employed by the Leader Newspaper as an Advertising Sales Representative.
I'm looking forward to
having money again!!”
Tyson
Not much news, been keeping really busy, applied for heaps of jobs, had a couple
of interviews already, got to the last 2 on one really good job actually and
just missed it, but I have a couple of other things lined up. Not too fussed at
the minute as I'm off to Noosa on Friday for a week with Kate, her parents, and
her cousin and wife who have come down from England (first time in Australia).
You may remember Matt and Zara that I mentioned in a lot of my emails, well it's
them coming to Aus so we want to show them a really good time as they were so
good to us over in England. Really looking forward to Noosa.
As soon as I got back from o/seas I started my new position at the gym
as Administration Manager. I love it! It's Monday to Friday so no weekends
anymore! But the hours are a little tough. I have to start at 5am every day, as
we open at 5.30am, and I finish at around 1.30 - 2.00 everyday. So its good
in a way, having half my day still free to do things that I normally didn't
have time for, but waking up at 4.00-4.30ish every morning is really hard! Love
the actual job though. I just take care of all the reception staff and the
administration of the whole club. There is a lot of work, but its all stuff I
enjoy doing. Not like in sales, where there was less work, and it was a lot
cruisier, but there was pressure to make sales, and you had to be on the phones
all day hassling people. Really wasn't for me. Just had my 23rd birthday on Friday, so on the Saturday, I had a BBQ and drinks
with all my friends, then we headed out into the city! Was a really good
nite!
I recently got my results for this semester of uni... I passed
everything so that was a relief and now i am just working, watching the Ashes,
and enjoying the break! I have saved up some spending money and I cant wait for
my holiday to Bali over New Year's. We are just going for a week staying at a 4
star Contiki resort so it should be a ripper trip!
Tyson
Kate and I have arrived back in England safely after spending 2 weeks in
Egypt!! I could ramble on for ever about our trip (and you all know that's
true), it was the best trip we've been on so far by a mile. We spent a couple
of days in Cairo, a few in Aswan, 3 in Luxor, and 3 in Dahab. We also spent 2
days and 2 nights on a felucca sailing the Nile, pulling over on the bank at
nights to sleep.
Such an amazing country, I never knew there was so much to do and see there,
and some of my favourite parts were bus trips during the day where we would
drive through remote villages and were able to see there way of life and the
living conditions they have to cope with on a daily basis. The security was
full on, armed policeman everywhere you go and each long journey through the
desert had to be done in a police convoy for security reasons.
Highlights of the trip for us were:
- Obviously the Pyramids. Got to go inside one of them through a 1m by 90cm
shaft extending about 50 metres in, and the camel ride through the desert to
the 3rd pyramid was pretty special.
- Abu Simbel. Had to leave at 4:30am to join the police convoy and drive 3
hours through the desert to reach this phenomenal temple by Lake Nasser
- Dinner spent on a Nubian village (Native Egyptians) in the middle of the
Nile, a local took us into his house and had his people cook us dinner.
- The 2 days and 2 nights spent on the feluccas, it was paradise!!
- Luxor markets - can't even describe the hassle you get being a tourist!
- We visited an orphanage in Luxor. Adoption is illegal in Egypt, and unwanted
kids are abandoned and this place takes them in, feeds and educates them. We
stayed for an hour and played with a lot of the young kids.
- Donkey Day! We rode for an hour to The Valley of the Kings (Amazing place),
we then climbed up the mountain and rode the donkeys across the ridge looking
over the valley which was quite surreal. Then rode them back for another 45
mins. I fell off twice, I'll explain later!
- Dahab. Right on the coast of the Red Sea. Spent 3 days here. Went Scuba
Diving in the Red Sea, in the top 10 diving spots in the world. Went down to 8
metres, and also went snorkelling in the Blue Hole which was brilliant. Amazing
aquatic life, I was swimming with schools of all types of tropical fish.
- Mt Sinai. Famous for being the mountain Moses came down after God gave him
the 10 commandments. Arrived at 1am and hiked during the night and was able to
watch a rather impressive sunrise at the peak (which was about -10 degrees,
freezing)!!
- The traffic in Cairo. My God, I thought I was going to die so many times,
that's right across Egypt really, but especially in Cairo, those that have been
know what I'm talking about, they're insane!
We did so many more things and have a heap of great stories but like I said I
would be here all day if I were to tell you about them. We had a brilliant
time, and were disappointed to have to return, but now we can look forward to
New York in a few days time! Hopefully a white Christmas.
Tyson
I'll let
Carly explain her time in London, it was so great having her over here, and a
week just wasn't long enough, but we made the most of it. I also got a second
job, I started on Sunday, I worked 1-8pm. It's at The Larrick, literally 10
metres from my doorstep, they threw me straight in the deep end, started the
same time as the Manchester United V Liverpool game, huge Premier league clash,
followed by 2 other big football games, so I did pretty well under the pump. As
it’s only part time, I won't get to many shifts, but hopefully enough to cover
food, bills, and beers!!
Also, Kate and I booked 3 days in Derry, North Ireland. We leave on the 11th of November and return on the 13th. We're going with Matt & Neil, Kate's cousins, and Zara (Matt's wife). Derry is where Kate’s Dad is from. Heaps of history there with the IRA etc, so will be an interesting weekend. We'll do a walking tour to get a good grip on the culture, then we're hiring a car and driving to the Giant's Causeway which looks amazing, then we'll try and blend in with the Irish by drinking all night! But we're looking forward to that, haven't been away for about 6 weeks which my longest stint at home (in London) all year!
(Read about how Carly surprised Tyson in
Tyson’s Travel Blog: http://tyscollins.blogspot.com/)
Carly
Been
having a great time here!! Paris was beautiful! Did all the main sites, Notre
Dame, the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, shopped along the Champs Elysees, and, of
course, the Eiffel Tower!! We went at night which was even better cos it was all
lit up! And we went to the very top too! The view was so good! Also went to the
Moulin Rouge. I think that was my highlight, it was just amazing! From there
went to London, as you've heard a little from Tys – yes, he was very
surprised! Tys and Kate took me and Lauren to all the main tourist things, but
most of our time in London was partying and shopping!! Had a ball, and I reckon
somewhere in the future I might do what Tys has done, and live and work there
for a while. I think it would be great experience! In Ireland now. Staying at a
uni dorm with a girl that Lauren knows. Here for a few nights then we head to
Galway and stay with Lauren’s dad for another few nights. So far in Ireland
all we’ve done is shop, and party!! Go via Thailand on way home, and will be
back on Fri, November 3rd. Will fill you all in with stories properly when I get
back! Yeah, I’m really upset I missed the family get together too!! I
was meant to be back in time, but our dance got delayed at last minute. Would
have been good to catch up with everyone!! Gig went good tho, got a few more
small jobs (for the Lush Dancers) out of it for when we get back too!
Darcy
My 18th birthday was sort of split up into two different days. I celebrated it with Dad, Brenton and Wade and about 30 of my mates on Saturday 14th, which was a few days before I actually turned 18. We polished off five slabs of beer with a barbeque at our house before we hit the town. We went to The Hawthorn, followed by the Glenferrie that night and we all had an awesome time. Lots of fun. My actual birthday was on the Tuesday the 17th, which was the last day of school for the rest of my life. How ironic. So we had a massive night with majority of the people in my year level celebrating the end to a massive journey that night anyway. It was great weather, I received a lot of Happy Birthday text messages and then the celebrations that night just topped it off.
Tyson
Follow Tyson’s European adventure in Tyson’s blog and with his online photo album. It’s great that he sends through so much information on his travels so we can enjoy the adventure with him. I know his colourful tales give me itchy feet! Here he is in Greece in front of the Parthenon. Have a look in the photo album for LOTS more! Have a laugh over the last few blog entries – I don’t think he will live that “Tyson evacuated a whole carriage!!!!!!!” incident down for a while.
Wade
Wade’s football team (Aquinas) finished 2nd on the ladder but lost in
the preliminary final. It was a sad day for the boys, but they had a very good
year. Wade sustained a very bad ankle injury with one minute to go in the
preliminary final - really unlucky. He's hobbling a bit at the moment but is on
the mend. Wade’s had a great year, and finished 7th in their Best and Fairest.
Darcy
Darcy's Grand
Final was yesterday, and his team (Knox) were the huge underdogs. Their
opponents (Scoresby) were unbackable favourites. Knox’s best loss to Scoresby
during the year was in the 2nd semi where they went down by 10 goals. However,
you know the saying “a champion team will always beat a team of champions”.
It was a four point win to Knox against all the odds - fantastic effort.
Needless to say the celebrations went on till all hours Sunday morning, which
included Knox's presentation night. Darcy also had a great year coming 2nd in
his Best and Fairest.
Carly
I've
just been working hard at the gym still, and training a lot as well, but I have
some fresh news for the newsletter. I've just become part of a new Melbourne
Dance Group called "Lush Dancers". It’s just starting out, and
it’s created from a modelling company called Lush Models. I vaguely knew one
of the models from there who's also a dancer, and it was her idea to start the
dance group, so she asked me first to be in it, and I've helped her recruit the
other girls. We are having only 6 girls in the group and have started putting
all our routines together already.
We are having a
professional photo shoot in about 2 weeks, and get our own personal portfolio to
take away with us, all for free! Then we pick the best photos to use for all our
marketing things like pamphlets, the website,
t-shirts, bumper
stickers, etc. We need to
generate a lot of the work and promote ourselves, but the modelling company that
are funding us find us a lot of work too. We already have our first performance
booked, its on Oct
8th, Opening up
the Fitness Competitions, I think at Crown. So we're working hard on that at the
moment. Costumes all provided too, its unbelievable, we really don’t have to
pay a cent for anything! All they ask is that however much money we make at each
event, we pay Lush Models 10%. Which is fine.
The sorts of work we will be getting is like, opening up motor shows, sporting events, nightclub openings, concerts, etc. Already have a lot of connections sorted out. We just want to get our routines all down pat first! Our photos go on the Lush Models website as a model, so we can pick up some promo work too.
So yeah,
finally, I’m getting paid to do what I love doing, performing!! Rather than
paying years worth of dance class fees, and going nowhere with it! We are only
just starting out, so will be slow moving at the beginning,
June/July 2006
Tyson
Follow Tyson’s European adventure in Tyson’s
blog and with his online photo album.
It’s great that he sends through so much information on his travels so we can
enjoy the adventure with him. I know his colourful tales give me itchy
feet! Have a look in the photo album for
LOTS of photos! Have a laugh over the last few blog entries – I don’t think
he will live that “Tyson evacuated a whole carriage!!!!!!!” incident down
for a while.
Wade
Wade’s football team (Aquinas) finished 2nd on the ladder but lost in
the preliminary final. It was a sad day for the boys, but they had a very good
year. Wade sustained a very bad ankle injury with one minute to go in the
preliminary final - really unlucky. He's hobbling a bit at the moment but is on
the mend. Wade’s had a great year, and finished 7th in their Best and Fairest.
Darcy
Darcy's
Grand Final was yesterday, and his team (Knox) were the huge underdogs. Their
opponents (Scoresby) were unbackable favourites. Knox’s best loss to Scoresby
during the year was in the 2nd semi where they went down by 10 goals. However,
you know the saying “a champion team will always beat a team of champions”.
It was a four point win to Knox against all the odds - fantastic effort.
Needless to say the celebrations went on till all hours Sunday morning, which
included Knox's presentation night. Darcy also had a great year coming 2nd in
his Best and Fairest.
Carly
I've
just been working hard at the gym still, and training a lot as well, but I have
some fresh news for the newsletter. I've just become part of a new Melbourne
Dance Group called "Lush Dancers". It’s just starting out, and
it’s created from a modelling company called Lush Models. I vaguely knew one
of the models from there who's also a dancer, and it was her idea to start the
dance group, so she asked me first to be in it, and I've helped her recruit the
other girls. We are having only 6 girls in the group and have started putting
all our routines together already.
We are having a
professional photo shoot in about 2 weeks, and get our own personal portfolio to
take away with us, all for free! Then we pick the best photos to use for all our
marketing things like pamphlets, the website, t-shirts, bumper stickers, etc. We need to generate a lot of
the work and promote ourselves, but the modelling company that are funding us
find us a lot of work too. We already have our first performance booked, its on
Oct
So yeah,
finally, I’m getting paid to do what I love doing, performing!! Rather than
paying years worth of dance class fees, and going nowhere with it! We are only
just starting out, so will be slow moving at the beginning,
June/July 2006
Carly
Carly recently started a new
job with a large fitness chain with 10 gyms across Melbourne. In her first
month, she came third highest in sales across the whole company. The top 10 will take part in “Top
Guns” which is a course in advanced sales techniques.
Brenton
Brenton has made it into the last 40 of state selection in Pool.
Wade
Wade is hoping to work at the Motor Cycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island. He says,
“My team is going great. We are called Aquinas Old Collegians and play in the
VAFA. We are 2nd on the ladder and have beaten the top side twice so things are
looking good so far. I passed all my uni subjects first semester and start
second semester this week which I am looking forward to as always.”
Darcy
Darcy says, “I have been really busy lately with football, casual work, and
school. Nothing too special has been happening anyway. I will give you a quick
run down though. Last month, during the school holidays, I had a lot of shifts
at my casual job at Target because it was during stocktake and they needed heaps
of employees. It was real hectic and I worked a couple of 10 hour days, but at
least the money made it all worthwhile. School has been absolutely flying. I
can't believe that I only have a few more months until I am out of there
forever. My grades have been pretty good considering the amount of time I have
dedicated to homework, and I am just hoping to keep up this standard until the
end of the year, but still keeping all my other commitments. Football is going
great. I played football for my school Aquinas last term, and as usual, we are
very successful. We have won the last 2 senior premierships in the past 2 years,
and this year, we had the chance to go 3 in a row, which has never been achieved
before at Aquinas. Anyway, we scraped into the Grand Final, and had our chance
to create history, but unfortunately, the opposition was far too strong and we
lost. But Aquinas football was not my main concern anyway. I dedicate myself to
my local team, Knox Falcons much, much more. We are currently sitting pretty in
2nd place on the ladder, only losing 2 games so far this season. We should play
finals, and hopefully make the Grand Final again this year and win ANOTHER
premiership. Personally, I am having probably my best season ever and hopefully
I can keep my form going all year.”
Tyson
Tys is
having the experience of a lifetime, immersed in the World Cup and it’s
associated activities in Germany. Here is a picture of Tys and Kate and friends
proudly wearing the green and gold.
See more
pics here
May/June 2006
Carly
Well, I've started my new job at they gym. I'm still personal training a few
clients, mornings and nights, but now I'm doing sales as well. I'm a full time
membership consultant. It’s going pretty good but it’s very hard though.
There’s a lot of time on the phones and expectations are high for the amount
of appointments you need to make - and calls that need to be made in order to
make our commission. But I’m going to stick to it for a while - mainly for the
sales experience if nothing else. That takes
up most of my time these days, so not much else going on! When I’m not
working, I’m usually working out!
Tyson
Recent travels have taken Kate and Tys to Prague. Tys says, ”Amazing city
(Prague), full of gothic buildings, cobblestone streets, and great views. Very
picturesque and definitely a place I'd visit again. Now I couldn't leave without
knocking back 1 litre of Prague's finest beer!
April 2006
Wade
Wade has let us know about his experience working at the Grand Prix. He says,
“I loved it. I pretty much just stood in a grandstand checking tickets with a
perfect view of the track for the whole 4 days. The main race on the Sunday was
great and there was plenty of action in front of my stand. I met some great
people there so it was always entertaining chatting to them while
"working". I am even more excited about the after party for all of the
employees in a couple of weeks!!!”
Tyson
Tyson and Kate are having an amazing time in
Europe. Read all about it in Tyson’s
Travel Blog.
Brenton
“I've been giving serious consideration to
buying some property over the last few months. Met with a company that takes
care of the entire process - finds the place, secures tenants, etc. But they
were putting a bit of pressure on me to rush into something, and I don't think
I'm ready at the moment. But it's now on my priority list, so I'm hoping that
within 12 months I might put something in place.
I'm playing pool again. I had decided I was going to take the year off, but they lured me back. It's fun to catch up with the guys once a week. We have a really strong team so we win most weeks. Just that the home and away season goes for 27 weeks, and then the finals series is another 3 weeks after that, so there goes my Tuesdays until late September!!”
Carly
Well, my Commonwealth Games experience.
Where do I start!! The rehearsals were very draining. They were all in Laverton, at the RAAF
army base. I had about 25 rehearsals all up, including many on Sunday mornings!!
Yuk! But they kept telling us it would all be worthwhile when the night came.
And they were right. It was just the best atmosphere ever!! The crowd just got
us so pumped up! I had never performed in front of an audience that size, the
flashes of cameras, and the roar when we walked out was just unreal!!!
Adrenaline was pumping all the way!! At the end of the finale, we had rehearsed
to just march off and exit. But the organisers alerted us via our in-ear monitors that we could run
to the middle of the arena and party with the athletes while John Farnham
performed!! That was very exciting!
Afterwards,
the cast management had organised an after-party for all cast members to attend
at the Richmond Club Hotel, but I thought to myself, I would much rather go to
the athletes after party. Just so happens a few of my friends had already
purchased tickets, ($70), but it was too late for me to buy one at the time. I
remembered a friend of mine who gets tickets to basically everything for free
through his work. So I gave him a bell, and sure enough he was already at the
after-party and had a spare ticket!!!
I was so
excited! It was at QBH nightclub. They called the party "The Last
Lap". It had been on every night of the Commonwealth Games, but obviously
closing night was expected to be the best. I had such a ball. There were
athletes everywhere. All from different nations, and they are all so friendly!
You could just walk up and have a conversation with anyone! Got shouted a lot of
drinks by them! For the majority of the night me and the girls were dancing with
the Australian boxing guys, and some of the Scottish athletes (wearing kilts!)
Others that we also met and chatted with were Gian Rooney, Liesel Jones, the
Australian lawn bowls team, heaps of the Jamaican and Mauritius track guys, and
so many more, just can’t remember all their names!!
Stayed
there till it closed, 5am, then went over to Crown for a while, then got the
first train home from the city and dad picked me up from the train station! Got
to sleep at about 7:30am!! Was pretty tired for a few days after, but it
definitely worth it. Had a great night and so many memories!!
March 2006
Graham
Graham says that Tyson has started a two week training period for his new job in London. Twelve hour days are a bit of a shock to him, especially where his last job (in Aussie) was starting and finishing at home. Tys says that during this period he hasn't much time to respond to emails (but will) or post his pictures (but will).
Carly
Don't forget to look for Carly in the closing ceremony of the Games next Sunday night. She'll be in a group called the Sweet Hearts (Large group dressed in pink outfits).
Wade
Wade has a job at the Grand Prix and will be working all 4 days. He
was hoping to work in the corporate marquees showing the VIPs (famous people)
around but these jobs all went to girls! So he will be a grandstand attendant
and so hopefully just get paid to stand up there and watch the race!
Tyson
There’s lots of news on Tyson’s overseas
adventure on Tyson’s blog but
briefly, after a few farewell parties, he finally left Australia with Kate and
he has arrived in London. And he has a job already! Good going Tys.
January/February
2006
As reported last newsletter, Carly has been accepted to perform at
the opening and closing ceremonies at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne next
month. She is flat out at the moment but handling her hectic life with the
enthusiasm and energy of youth. She
reports, “I’m working both my jobs at the moment, starting at 5-6ish most
mornings and then again until 10 most nights AND rehearsing (for the
Commonwealth Games) in Laverton 3 to 4 times a week. It’s killing me! I feel
like I have no time for anything! Been very tired. But I really want to save
money at the moment so I’ll keep it up! Games rehearsals are going good! They
are very long rehearsals and can be pretty boring at times, especially the Sunday
mornings when I wish I were still in bed!! Such a long drive to Laverton too.
But we are getting there, everything looks good, and I know on the night it will
all be worthwhile. I can’t say too much about it as we have signed a
confidentiality agreement, which they are being so strict about! Like we can’t
have our phones out at all in case someone hears the music in the background or
we might take a picture of something. But I can briefly tell you my role. My
group is called the "Sweetheart Girls" because we will be dancing a
few songs with big hearts that have sayings on them devoted to Melbourne. Also
we don’t know our costume yet. All they've told us is that it will be along
the lines of what Kylie
Minogue wears - so we're thinking probably hot pants, or something like that!!
We are on the field for the longest amount of time out of all the dancers! Our
group is also in the finale, which is dedicated to Dame Edna, but there is like
1000 people in this part, and we will all have purple wigs on and pink Dame Edna
glasses, so it may be a little hard to spot me in all that! Anyway, I won’t
spoil anything else for you, but it should look really good on the night!! Will
keep updating you. Don't really think I have any more news!! All work and
dancing at the moment!!”
Hopefully, we will have some pictures in the upcoming newsletters if you don’t see her on TV!
Tyson
Tyson is going overseas to see the world
this month. He intends to see all of the UK, Europe, Egypt, America and Canada
before arriving back in Melbourne in February 2007.
Tyson is also very excited that he was able to secure, via internet draw, tickets to the World Cup next year. He is going to all the Aussie games. The one on the June 12th is in Kaiserslautern against Japan, the 18th in Munich against Brazil, and the 22nd in Stuttgart against Croatia. He says, “All accommodation is already booked out, we tried hostels, hotels, everything, and nothing available, so we have booked a campsite not in any of the cities, but central to all three. About an hour and a half from Stuttgart and Munich, but two and a half from Kaiserslautern. It's a 5 star campsite with state of the art tents that sleep six. Kate and I are in, and we've booked, and now we're working on a few others to come with us so it's cheaper and will be more fun. It's relatively cheap, and I'm excited about camping now, it's going to be so fun. We'll go into the major cities between games sightseeing. Kate and I are spending two days in Berlin, before going to the campsite for 11 nights.”
Tyson is having a Farewell BBQ on 26/2 and later in the day, his family is taking him to the airport and he will be on his way on a fantastic adventure.
He has had to leave his job but he got a call from the General Manager telling him that they've been really impressed with him over the last 12 months, and not to hesitate in calling them when he returns and they'll see what they can do for him.November/December 2005
Carly
Carly has been accepted for the Commonwealth Games! She will be dancing in the closing ceremony and maybe the opening ceremony as as well. She’s unsure of the details yet but will keep us posted. Read more about Carly in the ‘All About…’ and the Health Tips sections.
Tyson
Poor Tyson was punched at a party a few weeks back. He says, “It wasn't
getting punched that annoyed me, it was the fact I was hit from behind that
really got to me. Just a cowardly act – I was in the wrong place at the wrong
time. I'm over it now, nothing a few stitches didn't fix.”
October 2005
Graham reports, “We went to
Yarrawonga last weekend. We left Friday morning, and come back very tired on
Monday night. We had been really looking forward to and it was Wade first year
on our annual ‘golfing’ weekend – we’ll have some pictures for the next
newsletter.
Carly will be dancing in a
'Specialised Group’ (we are not sure what that means yet) at the closing
ceremony at the Commonwealth Games. She has just left to go to Fox FM, on a
blind date competition. I'll let you know how it turns out. She does some crazy
things, but good on her.
Tyson won Mitcham’s Best and Fairest.
Brenton's pool team won their Grand Final.
Darcy has being selected for an elite
football training squad at Aquinas College. He is driving pretty well. We
haven't been out for over a week, but his confidence is very good now - and my
heart doesn't beat much faster than my normal resting rate when he's driving. I
haven't measured this - I just feel more relaxed now !!! He will be driving
me to Phillip Island this year.
I've read 6 Sidney Sheldon novels
over the last few months, and currently reading a book called ‘Angels &
Demons’ by Dan Brown. He's the author of ‘The DaVinci Code’. It's a great
book, recommended to me by Tyson. I'm having trouble putting it down. I see a
new Wilbur Smith book on the market. That will be my next read. I convinced
Tyson to read ‘Rage of Angels’ by Sidney Sheldon. He read it in record time,
and is looking forward to reading another of his titles.”
On November 7th, it
will be the second anniversary of Joelle’s passing. Graham and the kids will most likely
spend some quiet time at the Necropolis, and reflect on the memories.
September 2005
Graham
Collins
Darcy is also learning to drive in my car now, and is doing well. Not
so sure about my nerves though. You’d think I would be getting used to this
after teaching his brothers and sister as well.
Brenton’s pool team have made the Grand Final. Brenton won his
club’s Best Player Award.
Wade's footy team (Aquinas) got knocked out
of the finals in the semis. Wade sustained a few injuries this year, dislocated
shoulder and a minor lung perforation (see Wade’s report below) being the
worst ones, and was happy to see the end of the season.
Tyson’s team (Mitcham) did not make the finals, but Tys had a very
consistent year, being named in the best 6 players, 13 times in 18 games. He was
also happy to see the end of the season after nursing injuries and general
soreness for most of the year.
Carly is enjoying her role as a Personal Trainer at the local gym, and is
picking up more roles all the time. She is still working for Elite Fitness (in
Sales) as well, but she hopes to fill more hours at the gym and eventually work
in that environment full time.
As for me, nothing much going on. I plan to get back into golf now that the
footy season is almost over, and look forward to our annual trek to Yarrawonga
with the boys in October. I finished all my Wilbur Smith books and am currently
reading a heap of Sidney Sheldon novels.
Darcy Collins
Darcy's team (Knox Falcons) won the Grand Final! The game was shaping up to be a
tough contest with Darcy’s team, Knox, starting off extremely strongly –
they were 50 points up at half time and 10 goals up early in the 3rd quarter.
Scoresby had finished at the top of the ladder and were a team of giants. They
had about seven players who were over 6 foot tall and a lot of people were
tipping them to win. Scoresby fought back, but Knox hung on to win by 22 points.
Needless to say the celebrations continued for a couple of days.
Now the team, Knox Falcons have had this record:
2002 - Premiers
2003 - Premiers
2004 - Runner-Up (2 point loss)
2005 - Premiers
Darcy says they have been very successful and are confident on winning it again
next year. The team were out all Saturday, Sunday and Monday celebrating and
Darcy didn’t make it home for 3 days straight. He’s very happy and very
proud. He finishes school on Friday 19th September for the term and has
been doing real well in his studies.
He’s now look towards his pre-season training which he will start as
soon as Carly makes him a workout program. He wants to come back next year in
peak shape!
Wade
Collins
During a football game, Wade got kneed in the ribs - under the arm.
He could not breath and at first the trainers thought he may be just winded. But
when the breathing difficulty continued, Graham took him to hospital for xrays.
He had to have further xrays for the next 4 days, and if the air sac
did not reduce in size, they were going to insert a tube through the rib cage
for the air to escape. And to make sure the sac closed, they were going to
Carly Collins
The gym job is going great! I’m doing gym floor shifts, personal
training clients and now I do reception as well - and I've even taught a few
classes! I love it there. I’m still working at Elite Fitness Equipment too.
I've decided not to compete in the sports
model competition. I could
keep up with the training program, but I
just couldn't stick to the diet. I might do it in a couple of years when I’m
older, but at this age, I still like to go out and have a drink on weekends. I
would have had to cut out things like bread, pasta, potato, dairy etc - just too
hard at the moment.
I auditioned for the Commonwealth Games to dance in
the opening and closing ceremonies! I got a second call back, which was good,
because only a couple per group got the call. Now I just have to wait until
October 10th to find out if I got a position. It will be pretty exciting if I
do!
Au
Brenton
It's been a slow news month for the Golden Child. He’s still playing
pool every Tuesday night - his team is 2nd on the ladder with 4 matches to go
before finals. Looks like we will secure the double chance. We have a great
chance to win the flag because the finals are played at our home venue.
This
year Brenton turn 26. he feels as though there is some mass confusion across the
other side of town regarding the official date of his birth. He would like to
take this opportunity to confirm that it is indeed August 20th. Last year he
received birthday wishes from Con sometime in July, and another member of the
family in early August. But as they say in the classics "It's the thought
that counts.....not the date!!"
(You’re
a classic Brenton!)
Tyson
Tyson
has been performing really well this year with Mitcham
Football Club and has been named in the Best Players 11 out of15 games.
Carly
I
got another job at my gym, Genesis, working as a Gym Instructor/Personal
Trainer. Absolutely love it! I am also in training now to compete in some
competitions in October. There are many categories such as Body Building, Miss
Physique, Miss Fitness, etc, but the category I am aiming to enter is the Sports
Model one. In this one, I don’t need to bulk up and get huge muscles. I just
need to lose all my body fat, well at least get down to 8%, and then be really
lean and defined - but still feminine! I have a whole new training and
eating regime though. So I’ll see how I go. Don’t know if I’ll be able to
cope until October! I love my food too much! But I’m certainly going to try
very hard. I even went out and bought my protein, for protein shakes, and all
this healthy food with no carbohydrates! I’ll keep you updated as to how I’m
going!
July 2005
Graham
Graham is hibernating a bit during the footy season. He’s enjoying his
Saturdays watching the kids play their footy. He gets to watch all of Darcy’s
games this year but Tys and Wade play most of their games at the same time, so
he alternates and watches all Wade's home games. He’s also watching lots
of AFL at home on his nice big television.
He had a game of golf with Brenton, Tyson and Wade a couple of weeks
ago. They had a great day, but they left with deflated egos. They are heading
off for a boys’ golfing weekend in October, and Graham says they'll have to
put in a bit of practice if they want to knock off the old man.
Graham’s into reading at the moment, especially Wilbur Smith. He’s
read all but his latest novel. (He’s hoping the kids might buy that one for
Father's Day. Hint Hint !!!) He’s also recently read the DeVinci Code and
thought it was a great read.
His first visit for eight or nine years ended up with 14 fillings! A
lesson for all the kids on why you should have regular visits to the dentist?
Brenton
(Brenton is the first son
of Graham Collins who is first son of Con Collins)
At our recent family get together, it was
discovered that Brenton is a bit of a foodie. When asked if he had a recipe for
the newsletter, he submitted the following:
“I can comment
on a recipe I memorised last week - baby corn, tuna and cheese. I bet everyone
will claim to have had this before. But it's what I do with it that makes it
special.
- Open the tin of baby corn
- Open the tin of tuna
(choose your flavour)
- Mix
- Sprinkle grated cheese
- Mix once more
And there you
have it. Can be served and enjoyed both hot and cold. For those with a taste for
adventure, try spreading it on a cracker.
I went weak at
the knees when I first had it. However, it is entirely possible that this was
wobbly state was largely due to the beer consumption prior and during the food
preparation and consumption stages (and some
I'll work on a
new recipe involving the opening of tin canned products for next month’s
issue.”
Ed.
Note: Yum, yum Brenton – we will look forward to more of your culinary
delights in upcoming issues!
Tyson
(Tyson is the second son of Graham Collins who is first son of Con Collins – and Godson of the
Editor, Aunty Barb)
Tyson has started saving for his overseas
trip, but he’s still thinking about the best time for him to go. Kate is back
in Australia in February for her sister’s wedding, then heading back so he
might go then. He’s hoping for a big tax return so he can go in both October
AND February. What a jetsetter!
Kate left London
for Greece the night before the dreadful underground bombings so she was safe.
Her best friend was with her but they have both got a lot of mates who they have
been staying with/catching public transport with in London so they're still
waiting to hear if they're all OK. Hopefully no one is injured. Tyson’s best mate has been living there
for over a year now, and he just left for Spain a week before the attack - so all the people close to him have been
very, very lucky. As Tyson says, “You just never know when and where it's
going to happen, there's no point worrying about it really. If your number is
up, it's up, just have to live life normally.”
Wade
(Wade is the third son of Graham Collins who is first son of Con
Collins)
Wade turned up at the family get together
with his arm in a sling. He says, ”My arm was only in the sling for 2 or 3
days and since then I’ve been able to use it limitedly. Right now, it’s
feeling really good. I feel right to play again this week but as we are playing
against the bottom team, it’s probably not worth risking it. Basically, how it happened was I got
tackled to the ground and landed on my outstretched arm - with the force of my
opponent falling on top of me it was enough to pop my shoulder out. I do have
naturally loose shoulders though and probably will be vulnerable to
reoccurrences of it until I significantly
Darcy
(Darcy is the fourth son of Graham Collins who is first born son of Con
Collins)
Darcy recently went on a 10 day trip to Central Australia with his
school. They had the wonderful adventure of sleeping out under the stars.
Darcy received a
medal for ‘Best On Ground’ after his team, the Aquinas Flames, won the Grand
Final recently. The team is a year 11/12 school football team and they went
through the season undefeated. In the Grand Final, Darcy played Rover all game
until the last five minutes. They won by more than 10 goals.
June 2005
Graham
With the pedometer the kids gave me for my
birthday, I'm averaging about 14000 steps (or 11.2 kms), with the highest being
19500 (15.6kms). That's at work only, plus around the home doing the chores. No
wonder I fall asleep in front of the telly. I'm not going for walks or wearing
it on weekends.”
Tyson
Tyson
is thinking of going on his first overseas trip later in the year. If it all
works out, London (and a catch up with Kate), Paris and Ireland will be on his
agenda.
He’s still enjoying his job.
He says, “I spend 80% of the time on the road. I have a list of stores to call
on, approximately 50% are existing clients and the other 50% either buy from us
occasionally or not at all. I build relationships with key people within each
branch which will, in turn, hopefully increase our sales figures. We've made
budget quite easily in my first 3 months, so the
Tyson will be spending his
24th birthday celebrating with his mates from the footy team on the long
weekend.
Ma
Graham
Graham’s 53rd birthday occurred
this year on the day before Mother’s Day. Georgette and Josie put on a
Mother’s Day/Graham’s birthday special breakfast on the Sunday morning of
Mother’s Day.
Carly
Carly got her car back a little while ago and it was in okay condition. A safety
check found about $1500 worth of damage but nothing was stolen. It’s been
fixed and detailed and it’s going well.
Carly was recently invited to the Logies 'after party'. She says, “The Logies After Party was great!!! None of the really big stars were there, as I’m sure they had more exclusive parties to go to. I did meet a fair few people. I met about five Melbourne Storm Rugby players, a few AFL players, some Big Brother and Australian Idol people, and a singer from the group "IL DEVO". In fact, he gave my friends and I money for a cab home when our driver decided to stay in the city!! He was a really nice guy! I had pretty long chats with Larry Emdur and Molly Meldrum!!! It was really exciting! I had heaps of fun!!”
Wade
Wade’s university* exams in Economics, Information Systems, Business Law
and Sport Organisation start mid-June so he is very busy studying. As well, he
is working 10-15 hours a week at Target and playing football for Aquinas in the
Under 19s. His team are undefeated on top of the ladder.
*Wade is doing a Batchelor of Commerce, majoring in
Sports Management, at Deakin.
Tyson
Tyson
plays for Seniors Division One for Mitcham. If you would like to access ladders
and fixtures for Mitcham, go to this website: http://www.sportingpulse.com.au/assoc_page.cgi?assoc=722&pID=1
Tyson’s long time and special friend, Kate, leaves for London in late May. Tys
has been spending a lot of time with her before she goes.
Brenton
Brenton says, “I entered the Anzac weekend pool tournament at The Pool Room
(my home club). The qualifying stage was on the Saturday. Three hundred and
twenty people entered. The format was 32 tables with 10 players on each table.
You had to play everyone on your table once, and the top 4 went through to the
knockout stage on the Sunday. I made it through. At this point there was 128
players left. The knockout stage began with best of 5 matches. I won my first
match 3-0 which took me to the last 64. I won my next game 3-0 also - down to
the last 32. I was getting a bit excited at this point, as 1st prize was $2,500.
Unfortunately I randomly drew the top seed for my next match, and was
comprehensively beaten 4-0. I still won $80 prize money - which helped chip away
at beer tab!!”
Ed. Note: I asked Brenton if
he had any pictures of the tournament. He said, “No pictures. Last tournament
I played in, (Aunt) Josie came down and took photos. The flash disturbed most
players and she almost got evicted from the venue. This was on top of her coming
down (to the pub) with her thermos and rice crackers and setting herself up as
if she was at a picnic. So there is a blanket rule now - no immediate or
extended family are told that I'm playing pool until after the event!!”
April 2005
Graham
Graham took part and won a golf tournament
called 'Survival'. It's held over three days. He has been trying to win this for
about 20 Years. It’s a weekend at Yarrawonga and they play up a bit, hence the
name 'Survival'. Funny thing though, this is the first year that he didn’t do
the handicapping!
Darcy
Darcy has been on a 10 day school excursion to Central Australia.
Carly
Carly’s life is never dull! This month, she
has had her car stolen – and found. She reports “And about my car, well,
here's the story!!! Dad noticed my car gone on Saturday morning, and as I was at
Phillip Island with a friend, he thought I had driven my car, and that’s why
my car wasn't there. But when I told him we took my friend Lainie’s car, he
noticed the shattered glass in the gutter and realised my car must have been
stolen! I couldn't believe it! Luckily I do have insurance. We made the claims
and police reports, and then get a call from the police on Saturday night,
telling me they found my car dumped with another VN Commodore, at the
Mooroolbark Community Centre! (which is about 25mins from our place). It’s
being assessed on Monday. I've got a cool little rental car to drive in the
meantime. It’s a new Corolla Ascent!
(Carly sent further news on
her car “Hey, they didn’t steal anything from my car!!! I was really
surprised about
I also got a new job at
a fitness equipment company, and I am working as a sales consultant. They also
do personal training there, so I’m hoping I can work my way into that side of
things once I've been there a while! I’m just happy that I finally got a job
in the fitness industry!
Wade
Wade has settled in at uni*. He says that he
is a little bit too settled at times but he’s trying to keep up!
*Wade is doing a Batchelor of Commerce, majoring in Sports Management, at
Deakin.
Tyson
Tyson says that his new job is
going great, a lot better than what he thought it would be - challenging but
pretty cruisy with a lot of ownership in the role which he loves. He’s really
enjoying it.
Footy is going well with Round
1 last weekend at Mitcham Football Ground against East Burwood. (Tyson reports
that he survived the first game – just. He got knocked out for a couple of
seconds, got a really sore jaw, and got hit in the nose - which is a bit swollen
now - in another incident. On Saturday night he was sick as a dog, probably with
delayed concussion. However, he is feeling OK today (9/4) and is ready to do it
all over again next Saturday.)
His investment property is all
organised now and all he has to worry about it paying for it! However, being the
first in his group of friends to be a property investor, Tyson thinks a few of
his mates might be inspired to follow suite!
Brenton
Brenton says that he is
playing competition pool again. He was going to sit this year out, but the club
asked if he could come and help out the 2nd Division Team. They have tempted him
back by paying his registration fees, weekly fees and provided him with free
drinks each week. It's already four weeks into the season and the team is in 5th
spot. His first game will be this week (beginning 4/4). He is hoping he can help
get them into the finals (Top 4).
Brenton cooked tea for the
family recently - a Carbonara pasta dish. Reports are that it tasted great, and
that everyone survived.
March 2005
Tyson Collins
Wow, it’s all happening for Tys!
Tyson has
purchased an apartment in Prahran. He says the location is awesome and almost on
Chapel. It's only 2 years old so it still looks brand new. He went through a
buyers advocate who negotiated a great price on the apartment.
It's
a one bedroom with a stainless steel kitchen and undercover parking and the
train station is right outside the front door.
He
won't be living in it. It's currently leased till August so he has got
guaranteed rent already which will cover most of his monthly repayments. He’s
already looking at another property purchase in the next two years.
In
addition, Tyson has started in a new job with a higher wage AND a car and has
signed with the Mitcham Footy Club, The Tigers.
February 2005
Carly
On January the 15th, Carly entered a
bikini competition at the nightclub "Isle of Wight" on Phillip Island.
She entered for a bit of fun because she knows some of the locals up there - but
to her surprise she actually won! Her prize was $200, drink cards, and she went
to Phillip Island on the next Saturday for the final. Unfortunately she lost out
to a local girl but sounds like Carly had, as usual, a lot of fun.
In Carly’s bio, she mentions wanting to
audition for the next series of Big Brother. Carly says “ Well, I did it! I
turned up to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl at 3am Sunday morning, straight after
the bikini competition at Phillip Island. The auditions didn't start till 9am
that morning but the line was already so long! I managed to find a spot with
some nice guys only about 100 people from the front, so I was pretty lucky. With
no sleep, I went into the audition quite tired, but knew I had to be
enthusiastic. First round was a series of psychological tests and games to show
personality and leadership skills. Didn't think I had a chance, as everybody was
just as enthusiastic as each other. But out of a group of about 40 people, I was
chosen with four others to go through to the next stage of auditions!! I
couldn't believe my luck! The second stage was an interview like process, but
out of our group of five, only one went through to stage three, and they chose
amiddle aged guy, married and with a kid. It was a fun process though, and I
look forward to auditioning for many more reality TV shows!!!”
Wade
Wade got his first choice at university. He
will be doing a Batchelor of Commerce, majoring in Sports Management at Deakin.
His entrance ranking of 95.15 also got him into the 'Deans Scholar Programme',
which amongst other things provides $2000 per year towards his studies. Well
Done Wade!!!.
Tyson
Tyson is hunting for an investment property and obviously on his way to
being a millionaire. He has started football training for the year. He will
be training three times a week now for the rest of the year and loving it! He is
really enjoying his new club (Mitcham Football Club – The Tigers) and the
company of his team mates each night.
Brenton
When asked for news, Brenton said: “After Graham, Carly (twice) and Wade all
received speeding fines in January, I've had to run them through my safe driving
program on weekends. I think all concerned are finding it most beneficial. Wade
was heard saying ‘Gee Brenton is a good driver’. Carly asks ‘Where did you
learn to drive so safely? What's your secret?’ And Graham has reiterated that
I'm still his favourite child (every family needs a benchmark!!).
A story that has dominated the
headlines all month here is: Brenton Says Goodbye to Pool. After several
years of competition pool, I've decided to put the cue back in the rack. There
was a bit too much of the politics around the club. A wise man once said to me
‘when it's no longer fun, walk away’. I might come back twice as good in
2006!!
Stay tuned for more
exaggeration and massaging of truths throughout the year!!!”
Ed. Note: Believe me Brenton, we will.
Graham
On November 7th, it was the first
anniversary of Joelle’s passing. Graham and his family all went to Mass
together, then Graham took all the kids to show them the spot that he had picked
for Joelle's ashes in the Springvale Necropolis. There is a little stream
behind the garden bed. It's a nice quiet resting place that Joelle would love.
DarcyHe finished his exams on 26th November and now he is on holidays. He says he
felt pretty good with his exams but Specialist Maths was a struggle because he
used most of my study time for other subjects and didn’t have enough time to
complete all the short answer questions on the maths exam.
So far these
holidays he has cleaned his room (which he describes as a dumpster), had a fair
few parties, had football pre-season training and worked at Target a lot with a
shift every once in a while at McDonalds.
Carly
Carly celebrated her 21st in December. Go to the Nov/Dec newsletter for
pictures from this event.
Wade
Wade celebrated his 18th birthday in
October. Go to the Nov/Dec newsletter for pictures from this event.
October 2004
Tyson
Tyson reports that his health is good. He’s been doing weights 3 times a week,
and swimming 1500m each night, so he’s looking after his fitness. He is
enjoying the single life and really looking forward to summer! He’s also
looking around the job marketplace at the moment
Darcy
Darcy says that he has been getting stuck into Pre-Season training. His routine
is weights, strengthening his upper body, 3 times a week, and running a middle
distance run (approx 2.4km) twice a week. This exercising is keeping him very
busy and he says his body feels exhausted. But all the hard work is paying off
and it is getting him ready for football season 2005. He also has his Debutante
Ball in October. Dance lessons are currently in progress. Darcy doesn’t think
he’s much of a dancer and is hoping to learn a lot.
He is also working really hard with two part time jobs – one at Target and one
at MacDonalds. His 16th birthday is coming up on 17th October and he is going to
have a party at home.
Carly
Carly came second in the Village Green Eliminator – just missed out on the
trip by 11 people but won a $250 voucher for the bottle shop. Not a bad prize.
She has left her job at Target
and is now working 3 days a week as a receptionist with her Uncle Fred (who is
married to her mother’s sister – Josie Mayer (nee Koury).
Wade
Wade is studying really hard at the moment for his end of year exams in October.
September 2004
Brenton
Brenton bought a new car in August. An Ultra Blue 2004 Holden Astra. His friends
tell him it's a girl’s car. “Not true”, says Brenton. “I had it fitted
with tinted windows and a rear spoiler. And I tell people that the bullbar is
being shipped over from Germany as we speak!!”
Tyson
Tyson reports that his health is good. He’s been doing weights 3 times a week,
and swimming 1500m each night, so he’s looking after his fitness. He is
enjoying the single life and really looking forward to summer!
Darcy
It’s on the grapevine that Darcy is doing a comprehensive study into the
stats on who will be winning this year’s Brownlow. What’s your tip Darcy?
Carly
As of 4 September, Carly is down to the last five in the “Village Green
Eliminator”. At the last elimination, smoke was detected in the Ladies Toilet.
Brenton was heard courageously calling “Drop and roll. Drop and roll”. But
luckily it was a false alarm.
August 2004
This paragraph was written in
the Box Hill section of the Hawthorn Footy Club web site:
Unfortunately, Tyson has received a number of injuries during his football career and has been advised not to play in the immediate future which is really hard as Tys is so passionate about playing football.
Graham
Congratulations Graham on coming thru the hernia op with flying colours and less
hair – on your tummy that is!
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