Fatlo.af

And, by fray I mean a brawl or scuffle, not the ultimately more confusing definition of a piece of a worn piece of thread. Or, even the more confusing transitive verb definition, to frighten. Basically, what I’m getting at is that I’m back. I’ve returned to the world of confusing analogies, amusing anecdotes and general musings from whatever I like.

I had stopped writing on here just after I returned from China, some 18 months ago. It’s been an interesting ride since then; Went to China a couple of more times, saw lots of Australia (mostly at mine sites), left that employer, started as a contractor (and currently contracting to BHP), embarked on a new project to make me a hojillionaire (it’s a word. Ok, maybe not), started a new sport, started a relationship, ended a relationship and generally enjoyed myself getting to know Perth.

And I am quite enjoying it. Yes, it’s far from a lot of things in Australia and it most definitely is the Republic of Western Australia over here but it’s a great place to live. And, it only takes me 3 hours to get to Bali and a few more to Phuket. So, a win for me.

Firstly, let me explain the current digs. For those who’ve followed Fatloaf through the ages, for every other site (barring the very first incarnation) I’ve done my own designing and layout work. Well, it’s been a while since I’ve done anything with Fatloaf and I thought it better to use a template for the time being while I design a new site rather than continue to leave it stagnant. Sort of like PJ living with the in-laws while they renovated their former grow house into something resembling, well, less of a grow house. So currently, think of this as living with the in-laws, only with less crazy. Oh, you may have noticed the new domain too, I think it’s quite cool, you do too, I know you do. Any of your old links pointing to here will still work, it’ll just redirect to this new domain.

Anyway, to continue.

Since about September last year, I’ve been playing American Football (or, Gridiron). Before I started, I quite literally knew nothing about it apart from the basics: pads and a helmet were involved, someone threw the ball in a peculiar, yet desirable manner and there were hearty collisions between many of the competitors. I learnt fairly quickly that there’s a remarkable amount more to the game and have grown to love it. So much so that I don’t see myself playing anything else with as much dedication until I’m no longer able.

I, as much of a shock as it may come to others, reside in one of the “fat men” positions on the offensive line. I’ve played guard and tackle, mainly on the left side, for the majority of my time. I started out as a defensive end and still love to play there just for the single-minded violent approach to it all but playing on the O-Line has become a badge of honour for me. I protect my quarterback, I try to put every thing I can into making sure he gets an extra second, an extra step or just the chance to make a break and run for the next first down. Being on the left side (those who’ve seen The Blind Side, particular the opening minutes, should understand the significance) on the line is not a job normally given to rookies, which is something I didn’t really think about until after the season was done. It’s something I’m proud to have achieved, it’s a hard job but it’s lots of fun. I will try to learn as many other roles as I can while I’m playing but I think I’ll stay on the line. It starts and it ends with us.

Along the way I’ve managed to meet some fantastic people who play the game and who agree with me on how great it is, many of whom are in my team, the Perth Blitz. In my first season with the Blitz, I managed to catch a glimpse of the championship trophy, but only from a distance, as we lost the final encounter with longtime rivals, the Rockingham Vipers in the league final. It was a bitter, bitter loss, something I’ve not had the fortune to take part in for a long time. I say fortune because despite losing, it was a great game to play and I played it with a team of people who were all focused in the same direction and regardless of the score, it was great to be given the chance to take to the field with them. Apparently that was enough to secure me a starting spot on the South All-Star team too.

That was back in February, since then I tried out for the state side, the WA Raiders and managed to secure myself not only a spot, but a starting spot for two out of the three games we played at the Nationals in Melbourne during April. This was another fantastic moment in my short but bright career so far as a footballer.

So, in very short order I’ve managed to find a sport that fits me perfectly and encourages me to be stronger, faster and fitter. Since the beginning of the year I’ve been averaging 3-4 times a week at the gym plus training twice a week for football while it was on. The regime is quite taxing on my body but the results have been worth it.

I got Rookie of the Season for the Blitz too. Just thought I’d drop that in there.

So, now I’m working on getting a spot on the Australian side for the World Cup next year in Austria. It’s a big task, I’m competing against some very good people in the other states for one of only a few spots on the offensive line but I’d like to think I’m in with a good chance. I’ve also got an opportunity to go and play for the South Sound Shockers for next years season in Washington (that would be America for those playing at home), I’m currently working towards that at the moment. Barring any bodily, psychological or ego driven injury.

One other thing that’s sort of football related, some of you will know Tyson Hornby, a fellow Blitz player and unfortunate Canadadadian. He departed for his homeland last night and literally a handful of people were there to wave him off. Probably not quite the screaming, sexually charged send off he was looking for but we were just there to make sure he left. I’m assuming he did, haven’t heard from him so he’s either still stuck in a customs office somewhere with an amorous federal employee with a latex glove or he’s still reclined on an Emirates flight partaking in some in-flight entertainment.

I’m not going to go on much more in this post, this is only the starter, a return from the brink if you will. I’ve added a few other ways for people to follow this banter, mainly because I can and partly because these features weren’t around when Fatloaf started way back in 2004. So, if you have a look around you’ll be able to see all the old links, the forums, the photo gallery and some new ones, Facebook and Twitter being among them.

I’ve missed doing this, It’s a fun outlet to stretch the vocabulary and to pander to my own belief that people care what I say.

There are to be some more changes afoot soon with the site, I’ll update as they happen or think of them.

Scott