The Daily Screamer: Holiday Fever

What a zesty year 2011 turned out to be, the tang is still making my eyes burn. Where should I start? I'll start back at the beginning of my holidays, just after my annual five and a half week stint working in Northern New South Wales for ITV2.

Left to Right: Kingsley, Joe, James, Me and Fluffy. Just a few of the ITV2 IACGMOOHN crew.

Last year was a huge one for me. I don't think I have ever recorded so many sounds in a single year. In saying that, I have also never caught so many aeroplanes, driven so many different types of crew cars, or seen such a diverse range of accommodation options. Every crew I have worked with last year was nothing short of fantastic - I am grateful to the film gods (aka: the producers) for bringing us all together. I've been proud of this years work, and what I have accomplished in my professional capacity.

A few days after I drove up from the Tweed Heads "crew city" compound in my poor over-heating car in early December, I started filming with my old friend Dan on a documentary project that we've both been working on since August. I was very excited to be able to kick off holidays and not existing to any form of schedule for a while. Dan even made an amazing cooked "wrap day" breakfast in celebration of the occasion.

Dan and I celebrate on the morning of the last shoot day of the year.

Thus, ever since "wrap day" (nineteen sweet and glorious days ago - and rising), I have been relaxing. It has been a rewarding break. Resting, reading and playing "Transport Tycoon" (this is a computer game I have been playing on and off since 1995 and I still find it enjoyable in bursts - not everyone's cup of tea I must admit... however these days it is open source and available for download from http://www.openttd.org).

The moment holiday celebrations began in my HQ.

I've also been slowly building my ultimate HQ. It's basically one big room in a semi-subterranean dwelling that has a kitchen and a separate bathroom. My washing machine is under the kitchen sink. It is a very comfortable and convenient setting for me to command my android armies and install a compulsory street-party mandate upon Brisbane's good time lovin' inhabitants. I've also been acquiring comfortable furniture so that now more than two people can sit down on a chair at any given time (a total nightmare the night when five people came over and I had only two chairs. Most people chose to stand that night as a result).

Modern, seated comfort at HQ.

The Control station operating at full load.

I've also been basically hopping hopping from one adventure to the next. It has been a marvellous time for catching up with great friends. This seems to be the year for people who haven't been here for a while to come into town and dig it down. It has been so rewarding in every case to share hugs, laugh and share the love. The best, non-schedule oriented holiday a fellow could ask for!