The first edition of us/you&i is about love, loss, heartache, remembrances, laughter, affection and reality. My life until present days, of myself and others that I have known perhaps even only briefly meeting within the passing of time. As I have never actually read poetry materials or books as such for that matter, but I have a high appreciation of poetry and history, a real English style combined with pronunciations, dialect, and spelling. I was the oldest of seven children, including twin brothers and only one sister. We lived on a small country property of 15 acres in Gruyere, near Healesville east of Melbourne, Australia "to some this may seem large, but it was country as I knew it." I did not have any problems in finding someone to play with as a child as so many siblings surrounded me, never was there a dull moment. My childhood was overwhelming at the best of times considering I was the big brother. "I did have a passion for motor-cross on a Peewee 50 which was my first bike of many when I was 5, that kept me busy." Later, being the eldest, I was from at times the babysitter for the twins in normal day-to-day care while my parents worked to support us all. In 1982, my father Roger and mother Suzan enrolled me at the local Primary School in Gruyere that held around 50 children with only three teachers. My teacher Mr. Mithen, also the Headmaster, was looking after grades 4, 5 and 6, all combined. I attended special education throughout these next three years having being classed as Dyslexic. I do have fond memories of that era, especially of the care and dedication that my teacher showed towards my education. However, although the classroom was not my forte, I also found another passion, Cricket! I took up in full swing, playing in the under 14's with the local Cricket Club. As an opening bowler, I held an average of 6.35 for the years traveling to teenage life. I must say it was a bonus to have such an influence being my father who was the Coach and President of the Cricket team. My parents always said they wanted to start their team, being that Cricket was such a big part of our lives. They even named my twin brothers after the legendary Ian and Greg Chapel. I then attended Technical school, enrolling in all subjects, Maths, English, Music, Cooking, Science, Textiles, and Physical Education including several trade Subjects. I would also play Saxophones, Tenner, and Alto. I was not really into bands but did go see Noiseworks and Jimmy Barns in concert. Rock On, even as a saxophone player in the school band! Attending secondary school for the next five years were long, nor were they fun. I did not do so well in some subjects because of the learning difficulties that come with Dyslexia, but I strove to my best. I had trouble from time to time, until this day I sometimes do. In the year 1988, I finished playing Cricket with the seniors division and ended Moto-Cross racing. I have to acknowledge my father who tutored me through this time, who was my mentor, and I enjoyed all the time we spent together. Started working in 1989 as an apprentice for our family business "Conway Truck Repairs" to follow in my father's footsteps. Being a Diesel mechanic was not hard at all; I found it dull, bringing an end to that profession. I then worked in multiple jobs from Farming, Electronics, and Loss Prevention. I then discovered the club scene, rave parties, and music festivals. I loved to dance! There would not be a night without seeing myself up dancing on the podium with my shirt off, great nights. I have met great friends, partying hard and loving every experience along the way. Sometimes staying up days on end enjoying every moment. I also met most of my dates as well as girlfriends within those years maintaining relationships. In 2000, I began working with a local company in the Plumbing supplies industry. Was a very enjoyable and familiar family company as it was hard to leave.
