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Pete's Home Page |
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..G'day and welcome to my Home
Page. My name is Pete Humbert.... and you are??? Hmmm... maybe I do know
you. You'd be surprised how many long lost friends and total strangers have
found me here. I'd like to know how you came to find my site so please do me a
favour when you have finished looking and drop me an Email.
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Sorry... clothes on in here! |
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A bit about me I'll try not to bore you! |
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Music Holy
cow! |
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A bit about me
I was born in
Perth, Western Australia at Saint John of Gods hospital on the 30th of
September, 1969. My parents are Pamela-Anne Humbert (Australian) and my father
Martin Humbert (German). When my parents took me home I was nothing short of
shocked to discover that I was not the first one there. My brother Matthew had
arrived 18 months before me!
I spent my
first years living in Balcatta, a suburb north of Perth City. To tell the truth
I can't remember all that much of when I was real young. Not that this matters
because I am told that as you grow older you begin to remember more about your
younger years. (The only down side to this of course is that when your old and
senile you won't remember something you did not more than 5 minutes ago!)
Hmmm.. now what was I saying?... Oh yeah...
My first six
years of Primary School life were served at the local school, Takari Primary. I
had lots of great teachers and friends. I was quite a ratbag in my younger days
(I'm sure my Mum would tell you all about it). That may have been the reason
that in December, 1980 they decided to pack up and move to Kelmscott (south of
Perth). They tried their hardest to keep it a secret, I'm sure, however, I
found out about the move and they had no choice but to take me and my brother along
with them!
Kelmscott
Primary was a dump, but I guess that's what all kids new to a school think. I
had to make new friends and get used to travelling long distances to get
ANYWHERE. Luckily we went on a school camp that year to Exmouth. The year
passed quickly and before I knew it I was on my way to Kelmscott High School.
The year was 1982 and this was the largest intake of year eight students by a
government school on record. I can't remember the exact figures but it was
close to 700 children. With so many people around the only way of staying safe
was to hang out in large groups. (I guess I haven't got the guts to call it a
gang). I still see a lot of these people around and some of them remain my
closest friends even to this day.
Most of the
700 who started high school in 1982 had dropped out by 1985. Kelmscott was not
known for its academia. Only those who had desires for higher achievement or
just simply had nowhere else to go hung around to finish the final two years
and have a shot at university. I was one of the ones who decided to hang
around... for whatever reason I can't recall now.
In the summer
of 1986 it was all over. Or so I thought. I had decided to apply for a position
at the West Australian College of Advanced Education (WACAE... now Edith Cowan
University). As I had, had such a great time in my younger, Primary School
years I decided to complete the three year teaching degree that was on offer. I
soon realised it was far from over. Another three years of hard slog had just begun.
By the time I
emerged from the other end of the Tertiary tunnel I was full of ideas,
excitement and motivation. So, I did what any new graduate in my situation
would do... I jumped on a plane and headed overseas. Don't get me wrong, I'm
wasn't one of these jetsetters who could afford to go wherever, whenever
I wanted. I had worked pretty hard in my spare time doing jobs ranging from
pumping gas, making and delivering hamburgers and other ventures. My brother
and I went to Europe for a couple of months to catch up with some of Dad's
relatives, then on to work as Camp Counsellors on summer camps in the USA. My
brother ended up working as a waterfront director on a Boy Scout camp in
Vermont. I on the other hand landed a cushy little job at a "Camp
Fire" camp just out of Sacramento, California. I had a great time there.
Met lots of wonderful people. One very special person who let me stay with her
for a few months after camp really stole my heart. After 9 months overseas my
brother did the right thing and convinced me it was time to head for home.
I was rather
excited to be back home because this meant that I had a chance to do what I had
been trained to do... TEACH!! The government offered me a position in Manjimup,
where I was to spend the next two years of my life. The social life in this
backwater town was non-existent, the weather was terrible and Perth was over 3
hours drive away. Fortunately, the kids were great and they helped to keep me
going. in 1991 I had a year 7 class at Manjimup Primary and in 1992 I was lucky
enough to have a split year 2/3. (Both great classes of kids). The sun shone
briefly for a while in Manjimup in 1992 when I was visited by that special girl
with whom I had stayed with in California. But what is girl who is used to amusement
parks, concerts and trips to San Francisco supposed to do in an isolated
Australian town where winter lasts for 10 of the 12 months? Needless to say it
didn't last.
My release
orders came late in 1992. I applied for and got to a school in the Perth
Metropolitan area. South Thornlie Primary was to be my home for the following 5
years. I had year 6s from 1993-1995 when I decided to see what the grass was
like on the other side of the fence in the non-teaching world. Because of my
artistic background and fondness of computers I decided to study in the area of
multimedia. I was granted study leave by the Department of Education and given
a scholarship to complete the course. My great plan was to complete the course
and start my own business. I had a great time being a student again and
definitely got a lot out of the course. I might even go so far as to say I did
very well academically (my how things had changed since high school!) Despite
the potential this area had to offer I decided to go back to something I really
missed and enjoyed doing... teaching. In 1997 I found myself back in the
classroom at South Thornlie Primary.
Recent Years
Shortly after
returning to teaching I approached Curtin University with the idea of studying
some more. There I met my good friend Sue Trinidad who encouraged me to tackle
my post-graduate degree in honours. I took up the offer and became quite
involved in the overall project. I found it time consuming and in order to
complete my thesis to the best of my ability I took another year off. (Yay!
Become a student again!) That was 1998. I finished the thesis early in
October that year and realised the Education Department wasn't expecting
me back at work until February 1999. (Do I see an opportunity to take off
overseas again here?!) Trying my best to make the most of the situation I
scraped my pennies together and headed back to the USA
for a long overdue reunion with my friends I had met while there in 1990. I am
happy to report they were as much fun as I remembered them back then 'in
the old days'. They were somewhat older of course. Funny to see Brandon,
the little kid I had known in 1990, now grown up and saying "Hey Aussie,
if you're not doin' anything tonight lets hit the strip
clubs!" Once again I found the Americans to be very hospitable. They took
me in and looked after me for a few months while I travelled around California.
When I returned
from the US I received two good pieces of news. Firstly, I had been awarded 1st
class honours for my thesis, Practical Applications for
Intranets in Primary Schools", (it's online if you REALLY want
to read it. feeling sleepy?) AND I had landed a job at a really nice
school in the 'leafy green' Perth suburb of Shenton Park. Rosalie Primary School. Talk about
landing on my feet! I've been at Rosalie ever since then.
In late 1999
my mate Steve and I got this crazy idea to join the Army Reserve. I had always
thought about becoming a soldier when I left high school because I was
absolutely Army-mad as a kid i.e. toy soldiers, models, war games, movies,
books, running around the local bushland pretending to be Vic Morrow from
"Combat" etc. (Also, I've always considered myself a
patriot... love and respect the ANZACs to the day I die). However, I
didn't think much of the Reserves up until that point. What I had heard
about them over the years led me to believe they were pretty much a bunch of
booze swilling clowns running around the bush with rifles on weekends. It
didn't sound as if they took it all that seriously. When I found out that
they now had to complete the same basic training as the soldiers in the Regular
Battalions I jumped at the chance to see what I had missed out on as a
full-time career. Apart from being great for building physical fitness I have
found my time in the Army helps me to appreciate the little things in life that
one normally takes for granted. For example, when you are stuck in the jungle
for a couple of weeks you quickly find a lasting appreciation for a bed, shower
and refrigerator. Simple things seem to make you very happy upon return to
'normal' civilisation. It makes me realise how bloody lucky I am to
have my family, friends, home and job. I've travelled a bit with the Army
over the years, been to some interesting places and met some great people, too.
Here are some memorable ones that quickly spring to mind:
Kapooka basic training, 2000, 6 weeks in Victoria
School of Infantry core training, 2001, 10 weeks in NSW
Coltana desert training, 2002, 2 weeks in South Aus
Kalbarri race through gorges, 2001, 1 week, West Aus
ASAAM shooting competition, 2002, 1 week, Queensland
Close combat pistol training, 2002, 1 week in Perth
Milskills competition, 2003, Sydney, NSW
Rifle Company Butterworth, 2003-2004, 3months, Malaysia
Live Fire Training Exercise, Bindoon and Boya, 2006, 2 weeks in Bindoon and Boya
Reconnaisance Soldier Training Course, 2006, 16 day Field Phase, Bindoon and Garden Island
Wanna see some pics? Click these.
My Platoon,
Kapooka
A few days in the
bush
My section, Kapooka
Me looking skinny
My section in
need of a shower
Most Recent Adventures
Boxing Day 2006 was a big day here at 50 Brown Way. It's been a few years since the ol' crew were here for the event, but I am proud to say that despite a few years passing they still have what it takes to truly mess themselves up and generally have a bloody good time.
I took the liberty of filming the days proceedings (for insurance purposes, mainly) and the results can be seen here.
Anyone for a
ride? I love riding my bike. I think it might be because it takes me back to my
childhood. I had to ride everywhere back then. Nowadays I ride to work pretty
much every day. I have two bikes (and a few as spares... just in case!). My
favourite is the ol' trusty (and rusty) Indi 500 that I got for my 12th
birthday. Thanks to the good crew at Bike Force in Subiaco, the old girl is
still going strong. It's a heavy, robust beast that rarely lets me down.
I decided to ride out to see my brother in Kalgoorlie in 2004. I was joined by
some mates from work and we made it there in 4 and a half days. We had a great
time and managed to raise a few dollars for Princess Margaret Hospital. The
trip was a little too speedy for my liking. I had planned to do it on my own
and carry all the gear I would need along the way, however, I had to compromise
with my companions who preferred to have a support vehicle carry the
superfluous gear.
The following
year (2005) I thought a trip to Onslow to visit friends might be another chance
to attempt the solo, long distance ride. I packed the Indi with camping gear,
water, food and some spare clothes and headed off on the 1700km journey. It was
a thoroughly enjoyable ride, with the weather being perfect for most of the
trip. My favourite moments were riding across the vast distances of wide open
spaces and wondering what must have gone through the minds of the early
explorers who passed through here?"
I kept a video journal of the trip and you can click here if you want to watch
it.
Part Two of "The Great Ride North" Here
Part Three of "The Great Ride North" Here
Are you bored
yet? God, I would be! And just think I've got so much more to bore you with.
Luckily for you I'm the compassionate type who would never subject you such
mental torment.
Music?! MUSIC?!
you call THAT music???!!!!
Most people have a very puzzled expression on their faces when I tell
them who my favourite bands are. "Who the hell are they??!!" is the
most common response, followed by "Why don't you just listen to normal
music?!!" Well I do listen to normal music. I like almost everything
(especially anything from the 70s-80s period).
I have heard some fantastic music as of late. Unfortunately I hear none
of it on the radio. They seem to be content playing us the
'popular' shit that doesn't always necessitate good music.
Bands like Nightwish, Hammerfall, Axel Rudi Pell and Pink Cream 69 are some of
my favourites now. I find myself swinging towards AOR (Album Orientated Rock) as of late.
Just give me a singer with good vocal range and few lead guitar breaks.
I'll probably like it!
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Queensryche: "Operation Mindcrime" is perhaps my most listened to CD of all. It is a concept album and has a bizarre story imbedded in the lyrics. It took me months to work out the entire plot. A very listenable CD. It's a bit like reading a book and listening to some great music at the same time. Check out Queensryche home page |
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Giant: I started listening to both
Queensryche and Giant while I was in the USA and they have both grown on me.
So much so that I think I would like to buried with my Giant and Queensryche
CDs (not right now, y' understand!). My favourite Giant CD is "The
Last of the Runaways" I would like to offer you a link to their Web site
but I'll be damned if I can any trace of them out there. Click here to hear a
couple of their best songs. |
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Alice Cooper: This guy is an old favourite of mine. Ever since I stayed home New Years Eve 1985/86 to watch his live performance of "The Nightmare Returns" he earnt my undying respect. I like performers who are multidimensional. Alice Cooper is that. His performances are a combination of raw lyrics, great concepts and even a magic show rolled into one. If you get time search the Web for some info. I did and found heaps of sites dedicated to this great man. |
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White Lion: One of the great "Hair
Metal" bands from the late 80s, early 90s. Mike Tramp can sing, and
he's got a unique voice. I wish I could sing like this guy. They were a
fantastic band who made it big in the USA, but once again, got f#$@ all
airplay out here in Australia. They made about 5 albums and all were gold. Click here and listen
to some of their best songs. |
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Gwar: OK, OK, now I know these guys are a little hardcore, but again they offer something that your average performer doesn't. Ever been to a Gwar concert? I'll give you a word of advice... wear your old clothes. I will say no more about this notorious band apart from please read their lyrics with tongue in cheek. Visit their disturbing site. All in the name of entertainment! |
