So here I am obeying the Spiritual Head of the House’s command…

I have sent 10,731 messages from my RSPCA email account over the past three years or so.

Below is a screenshot of the total messages from my Sent Items folder in Outlook Web Access.

I have been using this account for approximately 1,095 days – which is an average of 9.8 emails sent every calendar day. How sad is that.

We recently had a birthday lunch for one of the Shelter Buddy team members at Montezumas Mexican restuarant, here are some pics from the day.

Deciding what to order -


Dave and myself doing the take photo-of-a-photo shot.


Some of the crazy stuff that hangs from the ceiling. Reminded me of the hanging mobiles for babies. I had to resist reaching up and grabbing and batting these items around.


What I ordered – Nachos, Mexican style.

The meals are very big. Don’t be put off if you order a single burrito – it is a very generous serve.

The RSPCA World For Pets store has had an update – please let me know what you think of the new look!

We’ve just launched the RSPCA Qld World For Pets online store – I invite you to check it out.

Pay securely using your credit card, and goods are delivered promptly – dispatched within 1-2 business days.

There are currently 694 products available – everything from flea treatments, collars, keyrings and coffee mugs!

Two weeks ago I went to Western Australia to spend a week working at RSPCA WA.

It was typical business travel – very long hours. I did manage to go out one night for dinner on a Thursday night with my bosses secretary’s husband, who was also in Perth for work. We went to an Italian restuarant in South Perth and had a great meal, except they kicked us out at 9:30pm which we thought was a little early for the big smoke. Briz-vegas restuarants would have you packing by 10:00pm at the earliest.

Departure

This is Perth airport when I arrived.

Out the front of the RSPCA shelter..

My wheels!

This was a pleasant surprise, I was given the keys to the mean machine – a RSPCA Peugeot van. I was resigned to just getting taxis back and forth from the hotel but was given freedom! Of course the irony is I just went back and forth from the shelter and the hotel and didn’t have the time to explore.

With the exception of the first night – when I missed a turn and headed down the highway wondering about the absence of city lights and civilisation in general, and wondering whether I would drive into the desert or the ocean. It was a little disconcerting because the fuel tank was almost on empty. I can’t even begin to describe the relief when I pulled into a service station to fill up after finally getting my bearings.

The hotel

Home sweet home for the week – for once I could sleep without someone hogging 90% of the bed space.

Out the front of the hotel – it was tucked away in a side street.

Leaving

There is a story behind the next set of photos. These were taken in the airport on my way home. I was on a 5:20pm flight, which was great – meant I would be back in Brisbane by 11:30pm. For a flight from Perth, this is quite a civilised time. However when I got my boarding pass it read departure time of 7:30. Do’h!

I arrived at the airport at 4:30pm, so after checking in and going through security I sought out the nearest power point to plug in the laptop and do what I do best (according to someone who also publishes on this blog ) – work!

While I was tapping away an alarm started ringing, and being typical Australians we ignored it. Then the alarm changed tempo – it became more urgent, seeking attention. We continued to ignore it. Then a recorded message started – “Evacuate immediately.” We packed up and started towards the exits.

This is where the story took a turn for the worse for everyone in front of me, who passed out of the secure area. Just as I was about to go past the security check, the alarm stopped and we were allowed back in. For the 100+ people who went into the general airport area, it meant going through security again (empty pockets, take off shoes, etc). I was 5 metres from exiting.. just shows dawdling can be of benefit in some situations.

We are not sure why the alarm sounded, but there was a fire truck on the tarmac with flashing lights blazing so it may have been a problem with a aircraft that came in. I didn’t read anything in the news or hear any more so it must have been a false alarm.

Because my flight was delayed I was given $7 credit at the cafe. I ordered a coffee and a muffin – and still had to fork over $1 to cover the cost!

Got back to Brisbane at 1:30am.

On Monday the 13th (boy my blogging is behind) I attended the Ministerial Regional Forum to demonstrate the software developed in partnership with LEAN (Logan and Beuadesert Emergency Accommodation Network) and RSPCA Qld for booking accommodation and services (such as counselling).

Rocking up.. (NOT me on the left or right!)
Shot of the forum participants..	.. another pic.
These events are not without perks!

Despite the yummy treats available, I didn’t get a chance to eat anything during afternoon tea because it was spent doing an demonstration of the product and explaining the features. All work and no eat for me!