r.a.i.s.e.y.o.u.r.v.o.i.c.e

CYC Pirate Summer

2012-01-15T17:25:00.000+11:00

Current Song: Stranger on the Shore by Acker Bilk

This past week has been spent at Phillip Island with almost one hundred Primary aged kids and less than half of that in leaders. This past week I was at the Adventure Resort leading on a CYC Pirate Summer Primary Camp. I had only led on one Primary camp before this one and it was much smaller with smaller leadership team.

The theme for all the Summer camps was 'Pirate Summer'. Our speaker talked about what the greatest treasure in life is and what map we should use to find it. Likening God and Jesus to the greatest treasure and the Bible to a treasure map.

My cabin was a mix of three church-background girls aged ten, 11 & 12 (two were sisters) and two non church-background girls who were both 11. It was an interesting mix of girls but by the end of the camp they had become good friends and on the second last night also befriended another cabin!

I was blessed to be able to lead this camp with a fantastic group of leaders including my husband who had never led a Primary camp prior to this. I find that there are certain people who direct and program these camps that I just understand and gel with better than others. Sometimes I feel anxious about heading off to lead on a camp, but once the camp is going and then suddenly over I realise I am meant to be there and I love doing it. Because I am only taking two classes first semester this year I hope to lead on the Autumn Primary Camp at the Adventure Resort or go back to experiencing the Girls Teen Camp at The Island. Please keep me in your prayers with that decision.

Because of the depth of the discussions I had with my last Primary campers (aged between nine and 11) I think on this camp I expected a little too much of my girls. The first couple of days I struggled because of the constant talking over top of each other and silliness and distinct lack of interest in the content of Luke's messages. Come day three we were discussing how important money was or wasn't and was it worth anything once we were dead. This opened the conversation up to heaven and what it would be like. It was really good to discuss this with the girls. Although the church girls often had the generic answers, it was more than nothing.

I love Primary camps but with this camp in particular it was a struggle to get beyond just what's in front of you. For example, giving the answers they've heard in relation to God and the Bible or giving answers they've really thought about and believe in themselves. I also had a girl who was a very consistent liar. It was difficult for her to comprehend that if she kept lying that one day perhaps she couldn't be trusted because she wasn't reliable in telling the truth. A teenager may be able to see more logic in this when it was pointed out to them.

Overall the camp was really fun. I got to meet some beautiful girls and hear some heart-breaking stories. I took some embroidery thread and spent A LOT of time doing hair wraps for about 20 of the girls, very time consuming but the conversation was good. As mentioned I was also blessed to meet some like-minded people who I haven't met before. I always feel refreshed meeting new and different people in 'out-of-the-box' places. A camp is a camp whether it's for CYC, PYV, ESA or JAAC. Hopefully all camps are reaching towards the same goal. It's refreshing to step outside the commonly talked about ESA scene at our church in to the 'realm' of CYC. Sometimes, like churches, I feel like they're all fighting but it's pointless because the cause is the same. Sometimes, people just feel more at home in one place in comparison to another. Although I get anxious, I enjoy that the place I feel home at is always stepping out of my comfort zone into leading on a camp knowing nobody before I get there.

That's all from me.

Current Song: Unfaithful by Rhianna

My Christmas Hall Table

2012-01-14T13:55:00.000+11:00

I was so excited to be able to get a hall table when I moved out of home. The first 'theme' to my hall table was Our Wedding. I like to chop and change what we have on it. From Easter to Christmas to our Wedding Anniversary to anything else really! Here are some photos of my Christmas themed hall table.

Around the House

2012-01-07T17:06:00.000+11:00

This is our netball ring from Karls. Instructions from somewhere that English isn't spoken because they didn't make sense and all the parts were labelled wrong. Baz and his fix it/problem solving brain were able to put it together!

Our posing puppy, Brandi...not camera shy at all. And yes, big - but still a puppy, only 12 months old!

Shade sail out the back all ready for Boxing Day and we didn't even really utilise it. That's okay, I'm sure it will come in handy in the future!

Just some more angles...and fun with my camera.

A view from the other side and the lawn Baz grew from seed.

BBQ that we put together Christmas Day all ready for Boxing Day lunch - works well, we'll have to have a BBQ-warming since we never had a house-warming!

The gate...finally! Although not set up to be automatic yet, at least we can leave and not worry about Pandi!

Barry White, Trevor White and Jon Aitken - thank you!

More photography fun!

Oh what was that Pandi? You can't chew through steel. That's a shame...enjoy the extra bit of driveway to run down though!!

Photography Fun

2012-01-07T00:09:00.000+11:00

It has long been a desire of mine to get a version of Photoshop, Elements or Lightroom to work on my photography more. You see when I was doing my photography course I had Photoshop installed on my laptop. Since completing the course (roughly December 2009), I didn't have a lot of time to benefit from the program due to other commitments and my laptop not coping.

At the beginning of 2011 when I was going to be commencing study, I decided to take the plunge and buy my much loved Macbook. I had saved this money for an external flash or another lens but a laptop became a priority for my study. Finally, near to the end of 2011 I found Photoshop - the student edition - which I now am! (Because without being a student it was really, really expensive!) So I put it on layby and didn't let myself pick up the layby until the end of my first (and last) exam.

It has taken me a long time to actually scan in the proof of me being a student. But I have finally done it today. So hopefully soon I will be re-learning how to use Photoshop and taking more photos in the summer sun.

I will post some photos of Baz's brilliant handyman work with some things around the house later on.

The Beginning of a New Year...

2012-01-05T18:05:00.004+11:00

Current Song: Someone Like You by Adele

The beginning of another year brings me to reflect over the past year and think about what this year is going to bring. This past year I have been faced with a few different challenges here and there but also some huge blessings and joys. Let me reflect...

After being convicted from turning my back on a homeless girl not knowing what to do, I looked into studying youth work. The decision was huge as I had only been in my current job for eight months during which I was given leave for my wedding and honeymoon and the opportunity to lead on a snow camp in NZ. I followed what I believed to be God's calling and gave my resignation before actually being accepted into any courses. I was brought back to familiar territory enrolling in Youth Work with Tabor College, although this time a fresh start at a new campus that felt much more like a university leaving conflicting memories about YITS back in Ringwood.

Through my study I was faced with many challenges, coming to a new place where I knew nobody was the first. I was blessed with meeting some beautiful like-minded people, girls in particular. I have always desired to have like-minded Christian girl friends closer to my age. I was blessed to develop friendships with Lucy, Tania, Jemma, Adriana and particularly in the second semester Emma, Steph, Leny and Candace. I am very much hoping that I will be able to continue these friendships into 2012 when study recommences.

I have had to accept that my husband is more than willing to provide for me and I have had to learn different ways of showing my appreciation for that. I have had a few opportunities open up for work but each time have missed out by a thread. At times this has been trying as I would love to contribute financially and also gain experience in the community welfare working environment. I wasn't successful at Headspace as I didn't have a medical administration background, I wasn't successful at Anglicare as there were others who had more community experience than I did and I was unable to be considered at Berry Street for a Residential Care Worker (a little devastated) because I was unable to attend the second training day. This last opportunity was recent and sounded very challenging but I was very willing to take it on. I think now I have come to realise that perhaps I wasn't ready for that sort of commitment while trying to complete my degree. God has perfect timing and perhaps Baz getting sick and having to be in hospital which was why I couldn't get to the second training was God's roadblock. I am content believing that maybe I'm not ready for that position yet and I need a little more life experience and more journey of my own. In 2012 I am going to have the opportunity to volunteer with Berry Street and one of their mentoring programs. Although this will not contribute financially, I will be able to experience more and perhaps Residential Care might come up again later on.

I have also been forced to think what if I had not have turned down an administration position with Simonds. The amount of my study would have been in jeopardy but I would be able to contribute financially. I also had to trust God with this decision. I believe I am being taught to live simply and be content with what we have. I believe God also wants to teach me to rely on my husband providing for me and how I can show him how I appreciate him by learning to be a godly and honourable wife for him.

That brings me to my next thought. I have been told by a few friends about a book called 'Created to be his Help Meet'. The book is about being a godly wife for your husband. I have only read two chapters. Each chapter has a devotional component and a bible study component. I do not want to skip through these sections. My aim for this book is to read once chapter a week (more if I feel I've done the chapter justice) and really learn more about what it means to be a godly wife, partner and help meet for my husband. I am excited to be doing this and how my relationship with God and Baz will develop through this challenge.

So as for what 2012 will bring, I hope that I can be disciplined enough to pursue God as he would desire me to and in turn know how to be the best partner I can be for Baz. In terms of study, I am only able to undertake two subjects this semester as the timetable is very spread out. Initially I was disappointed with this but I do have six months to 'play with' as I have been credited for my YITS classes. I still hope to have completed by degree by 2013 (...if the world doesn't end on 20th December, 2012! HAHA!) but if not, it's all in God's timing. I know that I endeavour to be obedient to God.

I have also really enjoyed learning some more chords on guitar so that I can play some of my favourite songs and also jam with Baz on the bass. I have discovered I can play a lot of worship songs too which is really cool - singing out to God! I have also really enjoyed (and have been quite proud of) my persistence and ability to learn a beautiful piano piece called 'River Flows in You' by Yiruma. I am really blessed to have Baz around to help me learn and his patience is amazing. We are both learning how to communicate with each other in the best way for the other and it's really valuable.

I have spent the past few days with some friends up in Cowes and have really learned the value of real, genuine friendships. I have had some great laughs with Katie, Rob and Baz and also some really deep conversations that have inspired me to think about what I believe and how that is shown in my life. I am hoping that these friendships will last a lifetime and even though international travel is on the cards for some that we can continue to grow our friendships. I just...(in joke) feel really refreshed by the laughs, kindness and genuineness of the past couple of weeks with family at Christmas to friends over New Years. I am excited to see what 2012 will bring.

PS - I was also blessed with two gorgeous little nieces earlier this year. Our first visit to them at home was the night before Baz and I went to Tasmania for our first wedding anniversary - another highlight of my year.

Current Song: The Only Exception by Paramore

Questions 2006 - 2011 Comparison

2011-03-22T12:34:00.002+11:00

Ahhh...not being at school sucks. My days are boring! Hence a visitor being my highlight yesterday! Netball will be my highlight tonight...in a previous post I had a different type of quiz that Dani sent me...well, I've just found another in my old e-mail...so I'm guna have a squizzy with that...

Chocolate Sauce or whipped cream:
2006: Umm..don't know, but I just got a sudden urge to eat Golden Syrup Dumplings...
2011: Depends what it's on, but probably more likely whipped cream.

If you could live anywhere, where would you live?
2006: I love Geelong...heaps, but I don't know.
2011: I really like this area and my house, but it would be more convenient to live closer to Melbourne for study...or hey, here's an idea - for all those regional Victorians how 'bout giving them a Bible College?

If you could live with anyone, who would it be?
2006: Mmm...Caity!
2011: I like living with Baz...

What are you wearing today?
2006: Jeaaans and my yr12 rugby top that I'm in love with.
2011: Josiah tshirt (so old) and grey trackies...comfy study day.

What did you wear yesterday?
2006: A different pair of jeans and my 'Live It. Love It. Play It. (Support It.) Netball.' hoody.
2011: Black skinny jeans, black tshirt and florally top over tshirt.

What are you most afraid of?
2006: Probably something along the lines of losing the really special people in my life forever. That'd be shattering...so really, 7.23 years would be really shattering and I don't think it'd happen either.
2011: Similar, losing the ones that I love at a young age.

What do you look for in a partner physically?
2006: I don't like the word partner, lol...umm...eyes, smile, taller than me!
2011: Hmm Baz has lovely eyes and a 'to die for' half smile and is a bit taller than me - check! He also has lovely arms...

What do you look for in a partner not physically?
2006: Haha, weird way of asking that question...umm...personality, do they make me laugh? Are they Christian? Kindness, randomness, self-control...stuff.
2011: Laugh, check. Christian, check. Kind, check. Randomness, mostly check. Self-control, check.

What is the best movie ever?
2006: I'm a sucker for Hilary Duff chick flicks and A Walk To Remember...
2011: Best movie ever? I enjoy Step Up. Also Inception is pretty crazy good.

Have you ever had any pets?
2006: Yes! We could've owned a zoo! Seriously...
2011: Yep, and finally have one of my 'own', our little husky X border collie, Brandi

Would you eat pizza with chocolate chips?
2006: I'm not the greatest fan of pizza as much as I used to, but I guess I'd give it a go.
2011: Probably not, it would ruin the pizza. PS I love pizza now.

Would you ever bungee jump?
2006: I'd be too scared that I'd hit my head on something...it'd take a lot of guts...it's not something I'll be thriving to do for the rest of my life. I think if I did it, it'd be a spur of the moment thing.
2011: CHECK! 2009 NZ 134m Nevis Bungy - AMAZING, was scared yeah, but would definitely give it another go!

Would you ever sky dive?
2006: That's another story, a friend did is last weekend and she said go for it. I think I'd probably Sky Dive over Bungee Jumping...Bazza, new found information! Ask me later! Haha!
2011: What's with this Bazza comment? I wish I could remember! Yeah, I would sky dive. Baz and I said we'd do it together in Australia which is why we didn't do it in NZ with Jon & Nomes.

Would you ever scuba dive?
2006: Serious? I did semester 2 of yr10 Outdoor Ed so I didn't have to SCUBA dive...paranoya (that a word?)...what if I ran out of oxygen? I'd freak out!
2011: Was lazy and didn't want to do pool lesson on honeymoon. Went out on the boat when Baz actually went - don't know if I could've done it, I'm scared of not being able to breathe...

Would you ever go rock climbing?
2006: We did in yr9, indoor...it was awesome! I'd be up for that, abseiling is really awesome too maybe I think? I did that like yr8, actually maybe even yr7.

2011: Have done it as mentioned and was so keen to do it in recent years again. Got the opportunity in 2010 NZ Snow Camp trip and was totally scary! Plus I have weak arms. But the guy who runs the joint made me climb the wall and roof and ding the bell!

Anxiety

2010-12-20T13:47:00.004+11:00

Anxiety. What does it mean?

anxiety (æŋˈzaɪɪtɪ)

— n , pl -ties
1.	a state of uneasiness or tension caused by apprehension ofpossible future misfortune, danger, etc; worry
2.	intense desire; eagerness
3.	psychol See also angst a state of intense apprehension orworry often accompanied by physical symptoms such asshaking, intense feelings in the gut, etc, common in mentalillness or after a very distressing experience

[C16: from Latin anxietas; see anxious ]

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition

2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins

Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009

Cite This Source

I have always thought that anxiety was a little bit like excitement. Or nervousness. You feel anxious about performing a musical item in front of a crowd of people, but really you can't wait to get out there. I guess I thought the feeling of anxiousness was more a mix of nerves with the edge of excitement. I think I was wrong.

According to the dictionary definition of anxiety, it's not that at all. Anxiety is an intense feeling of fear or angst. I have recently experienced that anxiety for me is an extreme feeling of being overwhelmed by simply everything and feeling my body become so tense yet having little say over telling my muscles to relax again.

I don't claim to know everything about anxiety and the effects it has on people, and I definitely don't claim that my struggle with anxiety is the greatest of them all. I don't fear going outside or think that when I turn the corner the worst is going to happen to me, but I do understand the feeling of not being in control.

We talked last week in bible study about Paul in chapter 7 and how he explains what his head and heart want to do, but they may do the opposite instead. See if you can get your head around this passage...

¹⁴For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. ¹⁵ For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. ¹⁶ If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. ¹⁷ But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. ¹⁸ For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. ¹⁹ For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. ²⁰ Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.
²¹ I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good.

The conclusion we came to was that we are born sinners, we cannot help but sin. Even though our spiritual minds, our 'post salvation' selves, may desire to do good and what God wants us to do, our fleshly bodies, our 'pre salvation' selves can sometimes overrule. It can be harder to change your behaviour - even if you really desire to.

I find that similar with anxiety. As much as I desire my muscles to relax and the tears to stop flowing, sometimes it feels so much like it's beyond my control. So there's that bodily action overriding my minds thinking again.

That concludes my thoughts for today...

Where is the Love?

2010-09-21T19:08:00.004+10:30

"I'm not renting to her, not to be racist - but she's Aboriginal and she's lived in Aboriginal houses her whole life, she's applied for quite a new, nice and clean property."

What hope is there for disadvantaged people if nobody is on their side? Why do so many of us expect the worst and never allow room for change, to give them an opportunity to have another go at whatever 'it' is, a new start from another angle? What exactly gives you the idea that because she's Aboriginal that she's unclean or untidy? Is your house kept in pristine condition all the time? She needs a place to lay her head too.

"The landlord won't approve your application because it's a 3 bedroom house, they're concerned there isn't enough space for you and your five children."

It's got nothing to do with the fact that you're a Sudanese woman with five children under the age of eight or ten. We have taken into account the fact that you're paying more board where you are now and can clearly pay the rent at our property. We also saw the rent receipts and proof of your good tenancy before that. We're just concerned about fitting all of you in the house.

This is ridiculous - what size room or house do you think she was living in when she was in Sudan with her five children? I've been to the Philippines and seen a mother, father and three children living in a hut made out of not much more than sticks bound together no larger than the size of the average bedroom these days. Did anybody stop to think she may have been living like that? Space isn't really the issue here. Ever heard of a bunk bed? I shared a room with any one of my sisters for probably half the time I spent living at home. She struggles with English, but that doesn't mean she doesn't qualify to have a roof over her head and comfort for her children.

"They earn a lot, but they're curry munchers...do I really want to lease my house to curry munchers?"

You've got two applications in your hands, one is an Indian doctor, the other an Indian psychiatrist, both working at the local hospital. Do you think they won't be able to pay their rent on time? Their applications are perfect, not a problem at all. They didn't even need help filling them out. But wait, you've seen that the letters in their names seem to be from an Indian source and you've seen the colour of their skin on their passport photos. Why must you even mention the fact that they're 'curry munchers'? Can't you see past that and realise that they'd be good tenants?

My thoughts for now...I would love to be able to be in the position where I had an investment property. But I would like to think I wasn't just looking to gain, gain, gain myself, but to also sacrifice and be compassionate towards others in a different position than me...maybe more to come later.

lyrics to my latest

2009-10-04T00:22:00.004+10:30

This song is currently untitled, it could possibly be 'Died for Me' - but I don't want to give too much away in the title...written August 2009 I'd say...

My life, it ain't perfect

I've just found another way

'Cause my heart has been changed

My eyes are open to a new day

It's 'cause of that Someone

Whose greater than us

A story of love, of heartache

Of faith, grace and trust

He hung on that cross for all to see

Weeping and in pain

The Son of God

Broken and battered by man

How could He die for me?

Sometimes I'll wonder

How much it really cost

For that Man, my Saviour

What about all the things that He lost?

But it was God's plan, so He carried that cross

A martyr for our sin

And still He cried out to His Father

"Forgive them, they don't know what they're doing"

When He hung on that cross for all to see

Weeping and in pain

The Son of God

Beaten and mocked by man

Why would He die for me?

When I don't act with love

And compassion's not in my heart

I don't deserve

A gift of grace I can't seem to give

But He hung on that cross

He took my place

Bleeding for my shame

The Son of God

Ignored and forgotten by man

How could He die for me?

For me? A sinner like me?

But still You died for me

Movie Madness

2009-09-30T15:46:00.002+10:30

Name one movie that:

1. Made you laugh
Madagascar 2

2. Made you cry
I Am Sam

3. You loved when you were a kid
Benji or Milo & Oatis

4. You’ve seen more than once
Ocean's 11

5. You loved but were embarrassed to admit it
Hannah Montana Movie

6. You hated
Burn After Reading

7. Scared you
Darkness Falls

8. Bored you
Harry Potter

9. Made you happy
Honey or Step Up

10. Made you miserable
Valkeryie

11. You weren’t brave enough to see
Wolf Creek

12. One character you’ve fallen in love with
Haha Zac Efron in 17 Again

13. The last movie you saw
Casino Royale on TV the other night

14. The next movie you hope to see
New Moon

the scribble project

2009-03-24T13:28:00.003+11:00

Check this out. I've just come across 'The Scribble Project' on Blair's blog (http://slappingish.wordpress.com) and I checked it out - it's incredible and so creative! What happens is people download the same template and then fill it in themselves. Personally, I like the ones with a lot of colour. But have a look at the link - there's such a variety! I think I am going to do one...oh! And put it on my goals list! =)

http://www.thescribbleproject.blogspot.com

the woman

2009-03-24T13:17:00.004+11:00

I liked this:

"The woman was made of a rib out of the side of Adam; not made out of his head to rule over him, nor out of his feet to be trampled upon by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected, and near his heart to be beloved."
_Matthew Henry

Interesting Creator

2009-03-19T11:20:00.004+11:00

It’s funny how God works isn’t it?

CYC Girls and Boys Camps are coming up these school holidays…right before Easter. Last year’s Girls Camp was an experience for me that I’d never trade.

I wanted to lead on this camp, but I was also quite nervous leading up to the camp…because I knew nobody, I had emailed the loveable Heidi often, but never met anybody. I wanted the challenge of being in an unfamiliar environment, leading on a camp that I’d never led on before, being in a place I’d never been before. I’m pretty certain that last year was the first time that they had camps where they separated the guys and the girls, so I wasn’t ‘entirely’ new.

I arrived and I met Candice, it was like an instant connection, we ended up rooming together. The whole journey to the Island I felt at peace and comforted, I got lost and I stressed a little, but soon realised that to react in that way was stupid. It was a strange feeling, because I’m usually quite self-conscious of going somewhere that I know nobody. It was kind of encouraging meeting some of the other leaders, Baz had led on a Junior Teen Camp the year before and then taken me to a Metro Night (pre-"Baz/Naomi") and a few of the girls just said, 'Oh you're Naomi! I love Barry!' Haha. It was funny :)

I met the girls in my cabin and they were amazing. I still talk to some of them now. It was a real privilege to be a part of their lives. I enjoyed sharing with them, and they with me. I was encouraged when they wanted to pray together as a group and even more encouraged when one girl said she ‘didn’t know how’. It gave me the opportunity to speak out and say how simple it actually is, and it enabled me to remind myself of the simplicity that a prayer can be.

Once it was over, I was very excited and I couldn’t wait to lead on the next Girls Camp. I was hoping I could bank up some leave for then, as last year I had to take unpaid leave. I got the mail and the dates were 5-9th April.

I’ve been trying to organise a team for Run for the Kids for 2 years now, we finally got a team together, and I’d just entered the team the day or two before…and the date of the run was on April 5th. The day after another wedding celebration.

I was excited and disappointed. Part of the journey is meeting these girls right at the beginning and experiencing everything with them. I was a little unsure about what to do, whether to push it if I was just doing it for me, because I wanted to. We prayed about it at YABS a couple of weeks in a row.

I saw Jae and Jas at an engagement party and was talking to them about the whole situation, wondering how I could make it possible and whether they wanted me to lead or not. Next thing I got a message from Kat to ask if I was interested in leading. I told her my dilemma. She ensured me it was fine if I could come from Monday-Thursday and she could handle the Sunday night.

THIS IS AMAZING! I was trying to figure out how I could do the run and come back and lead that night and rah, rah, rah…but have my car and not etc. And out of the blue it is sorted and stress free. I asked for those couple of days off work and it was easily arranged. I am so excited to be able to lead on Girls Camp again. I pray that it will be an amazing experience and the girls will learn how important they are and how precious they are. It’s going to be great.

In another round-about-this-is-how-God-works way, Baz has found that he is also available to lead on the boys camp held at Forest Edge the same time. He too, was wondering about his leave, not realising that it was ‘during’ Easter. I am excited for us both, and I hope that he has the opportunity to connect with the boys again if he is needed to lead. It would be great.

God works in a way that we don’t understand or don’t realise until we go back and connect the dots, just as I have. I often don’t realise that God answers prayers. But I’m learning to look back at things, see what I’ve prayed for or about and see what things God has done or hasn’t done in those areas. I’m learning to appreciate prayer a lot more. And I’m excited!

God has also been at work in Baz’s decisions about his house! But that story can be another time, it’s just another situation at which I can go back and see what God’s doing.

defining me?

2009-03-12T17:01:00.002+11:00

I have been thinking a lot lately about who I am. What kind of things describe who I am, what I do, and who I aspire to be.

I have come up with a few words to describe different facets of the tall, brown-eyed brunette who has just lived through her twentieth summer.

Curious. Compassionate. Confuscious. Creative. Believer. Incomplete.

For the moment, they are my words. I could glam them up, add a few more, or even drab them down…but I don’t want to paint a picture of a young woman who would seem attractive to the world and grasp the attention of people around her. I want to describe an accurate image of who I think I am, what makes me that person and who or what I want to be. I will try and give it some more thought and post later.

I also want to share that I’m trying to learn from my younger self and bring back a little more of the outgoing and confident girl that some of you may have met more in previous years. She’s been hiding, but it’s time for her to step out and shine.

A few other things on who or what I want to be…patient. I am working on my patience and learning from those around me to be a little more care free and not so ‘on the dot’ about some things. It’s not always a smooth and easy ride though, so please pray for me!

I’m also making a conscious effort to think about what I’m saying before I say it, and how it might come out. I’m working on taking constructive criticism too. But the mould isn’t complete yet…and like one of my words above, never will be…

There’s always something more to aspire to…

about the break?

2009-01-07T12:16:00.004+11:00

So I’m back at work as of Monday 5^th. It’s okay, I like my new setup J It kind of gives it a more ‘me’ feel…especially with my new lovely Maurice Blackburn dress that finally arrived!

The holidays were only two weeks, and I came into the office on the first Monday – but I think they really felt very long…which is good, ‘cause it didn’t really fly by…but I did like the relaxed nature of doing whatever, whenever, not worrying about the time…just randomly scooting off to the beach etc. There were a few things that I wanted to do that I didn’t get the chance to do because I didn’t have the right amount of time. Like, I really wanted to go to The Oaks with Baz again. (As in, we did it some time last January too I think.)

Baz has been at Lake Eildon with Brett, Kim, Craig & Kathryn EDGAR and Jez & Flick since Sunday. They’re having a bit of a holiday break on Kim’s parents houseboat I think. Bit of sea-biscuiting, water-skiing and wakeboarding. I was a little bit disappointed that I was back at work ‘cause I couldn’t go. Although complications of knowing about it etc. weren’t to my advantage. But that’s okay, I can’t change it now. It’s nice to be back at work when it’s quiet and relaxed…’cause I had hyped myself up for a stress week – but on the other hand I think, ‘Argh, I could’ve taken the whole week off because I wouldn’t have been that far behind next week!’

I’ve got this arvo, tomorrow and Friday off before the big day! Rachel’s wedding. Doing some girly things and I guess helping set up the hall for the reception on Friday. Amongst other little schemes I may or may not be planning…muwahahaha!

Christmas was okay this year – it didn’t feel as fun and as family like as last year though. We went to the Carols in the Domain (in Melbourne, Christmas Eve) with Scott and Deborah. That was a pretty fun day J waiting in the line, chilling in the heat…watching the event. It was a bit of a let down when the Melbourne Gospel Choir didn’t perform more – they would’ve been great. Wicked performed ‘O Happy Day’ – that was brilliant. I LOVE THAT MUSIC! We went to Melbourne on Boxing Day too, for Mum’s side – same old. It was nice…weather was quite warm! And then came back to hang out with Scott & Deborah and their family at night…turns out that’s all who showed up!

New Years was eventful! Crossing the Gap. I didn’t end up taking many pictures, I couldn’t work out the camera settings, I got a bit sad…but I couldn’t do much about it! I ended up speaking with lots of different people – some people who I thought I’d never ever see there. So that was cool. Hung out with Bek, Rach and Amy for a bit too J It’s good. I like new people! Didn’t get to do the girls race in the cars though…apparently Nomes said they were ‘unsafe’ for the girls. Stayed there until about 2am. It was pretty fun…VERY cold though!! CRAZY COLD! Not like last year, last year was quite warm – I was only wearing ¾ and thongs last year!

We (most of the ‘we’ I use means Baz and myself…) also went to see Madagascar 2 with Craig and Kathryn…it was so funny! A good night…”Look! Look at me, I’m a lady! Oh no…it’s just me, I’m not really!” Haha!

For now, that’ll have to be all…except I saw Marley & Me too! YAY! Almost finished the book before I saw it, but I got over it…twas nice reading in the sun though on my picnic rug out on the front lawn with my umbrella and my drink and my SUNNYBOY! Woot!

baz's birthday

2008-12-07T13:18:00.002+11:00

I totally missed out on November! :(

Before I share a bit about Baz's birthday, I'll share a bit about Friday night.

At my church Friday night, Sons of Korah were having a concert to raise money for the Bible Society. We were a bit late...'cause I was forgotten :( No hard feelings, lol. We made it there anyway and sat next to Matt Leak - that was cool. There was a warm-up band which was one of the guitarists and another chick, they were pretty good. Easy-listening, talented and cruisy blues! Then there was this guy Cameron, a poet. He was SO amazing! Very clever with words and performs quite well! He has re-written bible stories in alliteration. He made himself a challenge to make the whole alphabet, so he did! He has A-Z and Ch, Sh and Th! So for example, W is 'Water, Wine and a Wonderful Wedding'. And in that story Jesus is the 'Wonder-Worker'. It's really clever! So he was hilarious - very good, interesting!

Then Sons of Korah played. I hadn't really heard much of their music before, heard a reference from Compliments of Gus once. But, turns out I knew more than I thought. I love their ethnic, middle-eastern sound. Mmmm...it's great. Percussion makes it and the groovy guitar chords. Anyway, I really enjoyed the night :) I've been listening to them a bit over the weekend and whenever I go in Baz's (work) car too. There were so many people there that I didn't expect to see there. Mum and Cathlyn got to meet Baz's aunty - that was cool. And they all remembered Katie from the youth service so could make the connection of her mum. I, however (and Baz really!) got to meet Cousin Jean. Baz's 2nd cousin who had never met anyone - from Northern Island. Nana Lily (Baz's Nan) left Ireland when Jean was 7, so she barely remembers her even! She was very friendly, easy to talk to and yes, ofcourse - I love her accent!! :D If we ever want to go to Northern Island, we are welcome there - so that's awesome! YAY!

Anyway, Baz's birthday. So, we had V8 most of the day and then an egagement party so I'd asked Baz if I could take him out for brekky! He said yes. Yay. So, I was 'the boy' and I went, picked him up, opened doors (did I? Maybe at Iimis, lol!), paid for the meal aaaaaand...drove and yeah. Hehe it was fun :) And I was glad - 'cause he liked his present. It was kinda a long shot. Got some clothes and some dosh towards his paintball gear - but I was kinda unsure about the clothes...they were okay! He was really interested in Sarah's scales that measured body mass, body fat and water etc. so I bought him those - long shot - but he liked! Even better!

Then we headed off to V8 in Moe - I took my camera, 'cause my lovely gave it to me a week or so early - thanks! I've stil got to figure out buttons and lightings and settings etc. though - learning! But hey, digital is good for that - take 1,000, love ten! Haha! First, we both were involved in Casual Backflip's performance. It went well I think. Shame it was short though, just getting into it and then that's all we had!

After that, Baz played in The Violent Truth (formally Salt of the Earth) with Lee and Damien. I love seeing him play in that band 'cause he really loves it. They all do, they just jam. I have this one photo of him that is quite enthusastic and animated for a bass player! No keys though, so no Breath of Life :( But, that's okay! Hopefully the recording is finished soon! I also got some nice pics of the families, Beth and her girls, Lee's girls, Jamie, Dean and their son Jesse. It was such a beautiful sunny day too (which we found out later...go the sunburn! OUCH!). They only had a short set too. Although, most of us enjoyed laughing at the screaming 'music' bands who went after these guys...they're a bit all over the place in my opinion, and apparently musically they're just noise. Screaming, pacing, girls skinny leg jeans falling half way down their backsides! Hehe.

Crossing the Gap rode on and off during the day. I got some good shots :) Jez, Baz and I did a lunch run, that was funny. Ordering Maccas for a massive crew of peoples! It was nice to get away from the noise for a little bit though - and look at some photos out of the sun glare!

I just observed too, I'm pretty sure that Baz had a nice day at V8 - with his mates, music and motorbikes...and ofcourse (I hope :-P) his girl...lol, what more could he want? ;-) Hehe. Nah, but it was good, I'm glad he got to hang out with all the Crossing the Gap blokes and his music mates on his birthday. He seemed to be enjoying himself, I was occupied by my camera a lot of the time too, so he was often off doing whatever, but I still got nice cuddles every now and then too :D s that was a bonus. It was good to see Nomes and Jon come out and have a look too.

Later on we had Joel & Rochelle's engagement party. It was a Bush Dance. Have not been to one of those in a very long time! Dad used to play in Cross-Cut? So we used to be around bush dances...ALL the time! I didn't really expect Baz to dance, well I did. 'Cause I thought he would, but I expected him to do maybe one or two aaand...not really enjoy it. But he did! There was only like 2 that he didn't dance to, and it was 'cause I dance with Esther!! :) I was so happy! It was so fun. Everyone looked like they were having such a great time. Boy, it got hot though! Mmmm...I really enjoyed the night, laughter, smiles and everyone just so friendly. Ruby, Taryn & 'Mr. Price' were there too, and even they got up and did one dance!! Baz had fun, I was glad. Even though we were both red and looked like racoons - it was still a very entertaining night! So exhausted though, I think I yawned about 20 times on the way home from Gormy to Traralgon! WHAT THE?! And my eyes were so itchy, dust and grass and motorbikes didn't help during the day...and the hay didn't help at the dance either - but it was all good! Baz said he crashed when he got home...I didn't! My feet were SO black (I was wearing bare feet, as were a few other girls at the dance), I had a shower, sun burn sting...again! And loaded my photos onto the computer...THEN I crashed.

The day was really good though. I asked Baz yesterday if he'd had a good day. He said he had but he couldn't elaborate on that. Now i know what he means, 'cause all I can say is that it was a good day. And you reading this doesn't mean you understand how good it was, lol. It was just really fun, nice weather, good company, different, photos...fun! Okay, Miss. Repetitive is signing off! :)

Oh, and it's also a year since Baz has had his Aurion! Wow, it doesn't feel like a year ago when he picked me up from work in this nice, new and shiny car! And we had to go back to Wights 'cause he didn't take the little photos of me out of his Commodore! Haha - memories!

Aiight, I'm out :)

the art of love

2008-10-31T10:48:00.000+11:00

The art of love is largely the art of persistance.
- Albert Ellis

a good weekend

2008-09-15T12:50:00.004+10:30

So...we'll start with Friday night.

I'd organised a girls night which was cool. But then on Thursday night Loz cut her leg with a chainsaw! So she couldn't make it to the night...even though we woulda looked after her! So instead, it was random and we took the pizza to her! So that was pretty fun. Yummy as pizza too. Mmmm...Domino's is so good. We kinda stayed there for a while, but it was getting late, so we took it back to Baz's (the selected venue, he was ever-so-kind lending his house to us!) to watch a movie. After much thought...really!! We watched 'Hitch'. Hehe, it's cool to hang out with just girls sometimes! Not everyone could make it, but I think we still had a good time.

Saturday...the 13th...Khatt & Adam's wedding! It was such a lovely day. The weather was so warm and beautiful! I don't know, it was just...nice to have such a lovely day amongst so many crummy days. And two Saturday's in a row! We made it to the wedding and put the ribbon up on Baz's car (wedding car...Khatt stayed at the venue of the wedding though). I've never been to Montfort Manor (I think that's right)...it's quite lovely! I was allowed to use my camera for the day, so that was really cool. It takes excellent shots. But it's all on auto at the moment, so I kinda feel like it's not all me. So I'm really keen to learn more! It was such a lovely day - an outside wedding suited the day very well! They all looked pretty nice! The reception was nice and cruisy too. Good work to Adam's bro, the best man's speech was pretty much the best!

Baz and I then choofed off to Levi's 'Take Me Back to Africa' concert in Diamond Valley. We missed the two warm up band's, the speaker and most of the video about child soldiers, but we saw a bit of that...and Levi! He is a very talented musician. And both him and his wife, Megan (Meagan?) are very genuine and friendly people. It was a lovely night. I really enjoy getting to know the people Baz likes best. And it's just hilariously funny how Levi talks about Baz's car. He _really_ likes it.

We travelled back to Moorolbark and stayed at Flik's house for the night. As they're always welcome to having anyone and everyone stay at their house. It's great. I really like that, I hope to be able to do that one day! Charged my camera because it died and pretty much went straight to bed. Next morning (kinda had the 'sickies' still), I was pretty groggy. But got up, met Flik's Dad. He's great, so friendly...laughs a lot! I love it. And then we pretty much went to Em's birthday brekky. (You can see photos on her Facebook!)

It was so good. Bagels, muffins, fruit - a huge variety, yoghurt, donuts, bacon, eggs, toast, hash browns, pancakes, tea - a large variety, coffee, hot chocolate, different juices...have I missed anything? It was so great! I got to catch up with some old YITSies so that was really awesome. Didn't stay for a huge amount of time, but just enough to catch up with people! I had a good talk to Juz. It was cool 'cause a lot of my small group was there since Em was in my small group. Heaps good to be able to see them all again. I hate that I'm far away and I just can't randomly drop in.

We decided we go to Flik's church - Moorolbark Baptist...but missed it! Ran into her family though so went back to her house and then went and had lunch with them at Lilydale Lake (plus a grandson or two and Flik's best friend). It was a lovely time, got to take lots of photos on my new cam. Even Baz had a play...betchya he loves it now. Maybe. I don't know! It was good to talk to Flik's Mum too, about America options, nannying, whatever...you know. I think Mum told her about it at the youth service the week before.

Anyway, journey home was alright, I think I slept for a bit. We found out that Hazelwood mine was on fire (Baz has just started working there as a Technical Officer). Apparently you could see it at the side of the road. I have pictures, but I don't think I can be bothered loading them! There was a lot of smoke though.

I have a feeling we came back to something on Sunday night...yes! We did, a few of the CasBak members had a jam then we watched a bit of Verrrronicaaa Marrrs. And headed to the Baptist youth service. It was pretty good. Quick, but it was alright hey. I liked chatting to people after at the shared tea. It was very good. Anyway :) That's 'bout all I've got time for.

pretty impressive

2008-08-26T13:14:00.003+10:30

I just wanted to share with anyone who reads my blog this one thing. 'Cause he was pretty stoked, and I'll have to admit it was pretty cool.

Last night at mixed netball, Baz and I stayed back to make up a random team so this other team could play ('cause the team they were supposed to play didn't show up). The game was so much fun, and actually pretty hardcore for a muck-around scratch match! Anyway, at quarter time or half time or something, Baz was just muckin' around with the ball. We were standing on the edge of the court at the goal third/centre third line. And he just throws the ball with his right arm at the other end of the court (so, diagonally two thirds away) and it just went SWISH through the ring. Ha! Imagine that. He couldn't do that again even if he tried (and he did try once). So I thought it was pretty darn cool so I'd write it down here. It's kinda not as cool when you read it though. It was golden.

Yay for good times, fun and laughter. Yep, that's it. Good times.

pussycat dolls and that kate girl

2008-07-14T20:52:00.005+10:30

I listen to the radio at work - unless it's Friday, then I turn both phones down - and I hear a lot of popular secular music. Some of which I learn to like, some that I like instantly, others that I don't even notice, some that make me cringe and some like these. I don't notice them until somebody else points them out. But once I've heard them and know what they say...and I don't like it...it sticks and everytime I hear them I just get more 'grrr' about them having air time.

I was considering making a big deal out of this and actually doing some research - like it was an issue for year 12 English...but I don't really have the time and I've lost the article that I wanted about Tweens from the Weekend Magazine. But perhaps if I have time one day, I'll actually try and put something together. I had these ideas that I'd grab a bunch of girls between the ages of say 11 and 15 and see what they're thinking about these kinda things. And I'd still really like to...but I'd also like to get some thoughts and comments on a few snippets of these songs lyrics.

Okay, so I just watched the clip to 'When I Grow Up' by the Pussycat Dolls...or should I say the lead singer and her 'hot, barely clothes and seductive so called back-up singers'?

Okay, so girls want to be wanted. Girls can win a guy over with their bodies. Girls can tease, manipulate and fool guys into thinking they've got something then just ditch them because they have the satisfaction that they can 'get any guy to want them'. But what does that mean? So a guy wants you. Does he want you for who you are? Or does he want you because you've got curves in all the right places, your skin is silky smooth, your face is spot clean, you don't have a hair out of place...and you're barely wearing any clothes? Which one actually makes you feel worth something? I wonder how many girls would rather have one guy that cares about them, respects them and wants the best for them....instead of having numerous guys that lust over their bodies and their looks...that in 20 years won't be there anyway. You can't stay hot forever, and if you do...you better hook yourself up with a rich hottie 'cause you're guna have to be payin' a lot of dosh to upgrade your thighs, nose and boobs every couple of years.

These music videos are so degrading. I have just YouTube'd 'I Kissed a Girl' by Kate Perry and watched the clip. And although there isn't anything suggestive (other than she wakes up next to a guy? Explain that in relation to the song title...) in this clip, other than the, I hate to say, 'normal' skin exposure...the message in the song isn't so crash hot.

'...I got so brave drink in hand/Lost my discretion...I kissed a girl and I liked it...I kissed a girl just to try it/I hope my boyfriend don't mind it/It felt so wrong/It felt so right...No I don't even know your name/You're just my experimental game...'

What do these songs say to girls that are 10, 11 and 12...trying to grow up and be a teenager in this world. Who do they have to look up to? The lead singer from Pussycat Dolls, Paris Hilton and Christina Aguilira. I hate to say it, but even girls like Krystal Myers and BarlowGirl are glossing themselves up to fit into the 'hot' category. While their songs still mean something of good value, their images slowly fade. However, girls like BarlowGirl and Krystal Myers have the hope of something that most girls don't have. Fashion is a killer for girls, and I'm not disconnected from that. We all want to look good, be unique and have other girls comment on our funky sense of clothing...but we can do this modestly and economically. Girls might not think that skin is tempting to a guy's eye...but it's just something that draws them closer...each more inch of skin they see, more their imaginations wander astray from what they should be thinking.

So many things going wrong. There is so no structure to this blog. Clothing, accessories and more that plaster 'I LOVE ME' across them, 'YOUR BOYFRIEND THINKS I'M HOT', 'IF YOU'RE RICH, I'M SINGLE'....What is this? Then in the same store you've got 'HUGS NOT DRUGS' and 'JESUS IS THE NEW PINK'...Nothing is meaniful! Everything is just used as a slogan. You know, sex sells, so use it. 80's are back so crank up the fashion and make bug bucks. Wow, wait up a minute, a week has gone by and we're back to the 70's. It's just stupid. Everyone is so focused around money and status. Bigger and better. A new phone, the latest sound system, those new boots, a better lounge suite. It's so easy to get caught up in all of this. Where do we fit?

Back to the PC-Dolls. Search 'When I Grow Up' on YouTube. Yeah sure, many results come up as the PussyCat Dolls videoclip...I was actually trying to find young girls imitating the PussyCat Dolls (like I found many imitating 'I Kissed A Girl')...but instead I came across Shirley Temple, 'When I Grow Up'. Oh. My. Golly. WHAT! A contrast! I guess that's what happens in 60 years or whatever...society changes. War erupts, hippies evolve, divorce becomes more prominent, defacto relationships are the way to go - no strings attached, homosexuality is okay, under age drinking and clubbing is not even manned. YouTube doesn't allow 'sexually explicit content' (as per the YouTube Community Guidelines 'Don't Cross The Line') but who is really the judge of sexually explicit? Does that mean no nudity? So we can see any amount of skin on a person, guy or girl....as long as their 'bits' are covered by cloth - as small as it may be? Does it matter what they're doing?

Anyway...there isn't much structure to this blog. They're just some thoughts. And as I said, I'll try and structure something later. Imagine if I was a journalist with a deadline. Don't think I could hack that at the moment hey!

soweto gospel choir

2008-06-14T11:22:00.004+10:30

So what is new...

We have just finished the book of James in our bible study, YABS. It is a good book - I'd done a little on it before, the first couple of chapters. It's an encouraging book. Funny though, because sometimes - like novels etc. - the thing that attracts me to a book is the name. And, I like the name James, so go figure! I wonder what we're going to do next...I reckon we should maybe have a look at Ecclesiastes or Acts. We haven't done Acts in YABS, I had to go through it a fair bit - and in detail - at YITS, but it was good! Mmm...guess we'll find out on Wednesday.

Baz is going to be back on night shift as of Monday night. Bit sad, but he's taking over from a guy who has been doing night shift for a fortnight, lives half an hour away and his wife and newborn baby are sick. So I can understand that. It's just the I finish work around 5pm and live at the complete opposite end of town and he starts at 6pm. Don't get to see that much of him. And that's okay...but then things like YABS, I miss him there 'cause it's our group thing. He sleeps during the day, when I'm at work...and usually wakes up around the end of my lunch break! So even if there was the ability to slot in a lunch date once, it couldn't really happen - he'd be tired.

Anyway, June 12th - my big surprise night has been and gone. And to those who are like Shez at work...no I am not wearing anything shiny and bling bling on my left ring finger! Probably quite far from that! (Not in a bad and sarcastic way, just being realistic, taking all things into account.) Baz took me to the Frankston Art Centre to see the Soweto African Gospel Choir. I just looked them up on the art centre's site to get the correct spelling and found out that it was sold out! It was pretty packed. They were amazing. It's incredible - African people can just sing or dance or just move - and it's beyond good. Anyway, big win. Gospel music, I was hangin' out for 'Oh Happy Day' when they sang 'Amazing Grace' and 'This Little Light of Mine'...and they sang it right at the end!! Their spirit, vibrance and passion just shone through so incredibly! Their outfits were so bright and full of colour too, and their smiling faces. Gee I'd love to be part of such a vibrant, enthusiastic, passionate group of people singing and dancing because they love it! There was this one item they did, 'in the canteen'. It was just the guys. They had three guys starting off, just sitting at the table with their plates, glasses and cutlery...just tapping along. They were clever with their rhythm's and then a few others started dancing...then singing - a few 'mmmms' you know. It was really clever, quite entertaining and just yeah! I was quite impressed! I love that unusual type of percussion. Like 'Thump!' that group from Flinders Tyabb campus. Good as.

At the moment, I am watching Sox try and get into a plastic cylinder type container with a screw on lid. It's quite cute. There's dry food in there. He's rolling it and touching it with his paw.

Current Song: Jaci Velasquez_Lay It Down

Baz and myself at Jordo & Carly's wedding:

golb reverse

2008-05-28T00:42:00.000+10:30

Can anybody hear me?

things that make me...me?

2008-04-29T22:15:00.003+10:30

Well, I've been going over some old stuff. Like, old stuff...stuff that reminds me of way back (kinda sad that I can say way back!)...like year 11, year 12...even before that maybe. So what is reminding me?

1/ My blog as my homepage, the fact that I used to constantly update and I was constantly writing things, third person things, stories, wisdom, anything...and now I just don't. Doesn't mean I don't think it, just means that I don't get on here to write...and when I do, it's something like this that's pretty sucky.

2/ I was listening to my songs in the car the other day, they sound good. Not being up myself, it made me think of recording and oh how I long to do more! But I'm just so busy and it's really hard trying to organise Baz even to learn my songs, let alone a drummer and my cousin! And then there's the question of when would we record? That, and I was on the Triple J Unearthed website.

3/ Then from there I had a look at my Piczo website...the things I used to write, pictures, photos. It's just so old...so year 12, so all about me...but I don't want to erase anything, it's like a little part of the making of Naomi, you know.

4/ I had my iPod on the other night and 'Forever' arranged by Mark, came on...missed that phase of my life. My first experience at recording anything, ever. Just fun, I guess you can't really hope that a friendship based on the once a year visits and flirtation can last! Shame though, 'cause it's those kinda people you still want to think about and know how they're going with life...you could've reached them and you didn't.

5/ About that iPod thing, Nath's songs came up. I know every one I have on my iPod word for word. Miss hanging out and listening to him play guitar, singing, being crazy. Don't miss late night phone calls, I repeat, don't miss late night phone calls...miss just hanging out.

Anyway, so that all reminded me of everything that's old. But it's funny because when it's 3 or 4 (wow...old) years down the track you can place together the things that make you you. If you had've done that or hadn't of done that...you might not be in the same place today. If I hadn't of gone through some crappy times in year 12, I wouldn't have had the best friend I could right there beside me.

Then, on the other hand, the other things that suck. With no highschool, with no YITS and no uni life...you also get minus the friendships. Especially when they move to different places, or you live in a different place. Or the ones that live close to you...don't want much to do with you anymore. These things kinda hit me hard and I guess I've been thinking of them a lot lately. Anyway.

That, for now is my thoughts...I guess...now enjoy some pictures of my lovely best friend and boyfriend, Baz from around the place of stuff we've done, where we've been.

Here is Baz and myself at Olinda when we went to the Yarra Ranges Cafe...I highly suggest you go there!

This is Baz and myself at the Twenty 20 game, Gilly's last something for Australia...I think. Anyway, it was really quite fun! Yay, love a good action packed cricket match...with COLOURED uniforms and not in whites!

The above is at Parkdale last year, after my last day of YITS...so like the 18th of November or something. After the YITS formal, at Mum's friend Jenny's house. It's absolutely stunning, near the beach (walking distance)...where Baz took me round 1am when I got home from the formal...and just to make him all 'shucksy' about being Mr. Romantic, I'm allowed to brag...he asked me to dance (with no music) on the pier...let me hear ya say 'Awww'. Hehe.

busy

2008-03-19T23:20:00.004+11:00

So, blog hey?

Isn't it a shame how we get so busy and then don't have time to do the things that we used to? I used to love blogging my thoughts. Wait, I still do. I just don't have much time to type them out anymore. Just like I don't have much time to write in my journal anymore.

Just a random thought. Who else likes the presence of people in general (or specific people) and not necessarily actually doing something specific with that person/people? Like the other day, Baz was practising his songs for the big band on Sunday and I was in his room just doing some of my TAFE stuff. We weren't talking, we weren't even touching each other. We were both just doing out own thing...but I liked it, because I was still close to him. That thought kinda sprung from the fact that most of my 'spare time' is spent with Baz...and I may want to journal thoughts in that time, but don't - cause he's there to be with me...maybe! Ahhh...I don't know. Hehe, not to worry, just some thoughts!

So...busy, busy, busy...a few months have been and gone since I've even written anything. And that was about Christmas. Wow, so...well now I'm in my last year of being a teenager! Yup, that's right. I'm 19. I had my birthday on Monday - and we played netball (mixed) and won - yay! So what else about my birthday? Well, I went to work - yeahup. Got some BeeSting cake from the Cheesecake Shop for morning tea - the girls loved it! Yum, yum, yum! Went to the RSL for dinner and had white chocolate mud cake at home, yum again. We went ice skating with friends from here and friends at YITS. All cool stuff. Yay.

Christmas 2007

2008-01-05T11:53:00.000+11:00

Current Song: Young Courage by Mezz Coleman (if you haven't heard her, google her myspace!)

Christmas Day:
Went to church in the morning and then after chatting with people. Cathlyn, Richard and Gran came back to our house to do a bit of a gift exchange thing. Well, Gran, Mum and Dad gave presents because they had presents for everyone before we decided to do Kris-Kringle. Cathlyn and Richard had to go to Richard's parents for lunch, hence the early gift-exchanging. We ended up watching some VeggieTales before we went out to Aunty Rosey's because Rach got a dvd. So Rach and me were actually being silly and dancing to all the songs and singing along, "Look at the tomato, isn't he sad? He can't dance. He wishes he could dance, but he can't." Hehe. I went out with Gran to the Perry's because we left slightly earlier so I could go to Baz's house and steal some pics from his computer first. But, we arrived very last! We got lost! But that's okay, it was fun. Nobody was stressed! :-) Gran was slightly annoyed because she got lost last year too, but it's okay. (I think it's nice that Gran is always invited to the Conabere side of Christmas.)

Uncle Geoff was disappointed that Baz wasn't there because he couldn't use his tricks on him. And no doubt Andrew and Stephen bought him more for Christmas! So Aunty Heather and Scott were there (Meagan and Sam were at Sam's parents). I talked to Scott a bit, it was actually pretty cool! Uncle David came! I was pretty happy, because he didn't really know and he hasn't come in a while. I made sure I took some time to chat with him because I was earlier saying how good it would be if he came. It was also good to catch up with him and what's going on in his life these days without Aunty Carol around. Obviously Uncle Geoff and Aunty Rosey were there. Megan and Andrew too, with their wii Sports and all these new games! And Stephen came - yay! I like Stephen. He's probably always been my 'favourite' cousin on that side. If I'm allowed to say that. Then Melissa and Liam also came down, then went along to Sale to see Liam's Mum after that. Oh, Rach was down too. But Mike was with his family. It was pretty fun overall I guess!

When we went home, we watched a film called, 'Catch and Release' - different, but ok. We had Cathlyn and Richard over for tea and ate infront of the movie! But then after we played Taboo. And it was off to a rocky start, but in the end became quite fun indeed! And then my boy came to visit me at my house! Yay!

The Marett side of Christmas was the following day, Boxing Day, this time at Melissa and Liam's house in Footscray. It was cool because their house is rather large. We were actually the first to arrive I think, although the last to leave Traralgon! Very nice BBQ and exchange of our Kris-Kringle gifts. Cathlyn got me a box of goodies, it was cool. The rest of the folk came and Louise made a lovely strawberry frozen yoghurt type dessert. We played backyard cricket a lot of the day. It was good fun to have everyone join in. I liked having Baz there. Mike and Baz's first Christmas's with us. Yay, it was good that everyone joined in and had fun.

Later on, we went and saw Rachel's house in Brunswick and we also played her wii sports - well, it's actually Mike's. That was pretty fun. We - Mum, Dad, Rach, Baz and myself - had pizza for tea and then we went to the movies at Highpoint. That was fun. Bubble Cup and we saw National Treasure. It was pretty funny. I enjoyed it. When we got home we pretty much conked it and went to bed. Cricket the day to follow! More about that soon. I'm trying to update...

Sarah's Solution

2008-01-03T13:19:00.000+11:00

So how far would you go with grace?

Sarah and Jackie had been friends for years and then Sarah had to move away because her Dad got a new job. Jackie had relied on Sarah's friendship as a strength and support many times during their years of friendship and Sarah too, relied on Jackie. Something went sour and Jackie couldn't cope with changes that were happening around her. Sarah continued writing her letters and calling her, encouragin her to come out with the other girls when she was visiting. She was trying to be her friend. But Jackie stopped responding, or if she did, it was only something nasty. Sarah didn't know what to do, she only wanted to be a friend, a support, like she used to be. She knew that Jackie was having a hard time at home and in her life, but any time that she offered to talk or help Jackie would throw the words, 'It's none of your business' back at her. Sarah was often hurt by her words and so she decided to confront Jackie about how she was feeling. She didn't really get anywhere, besides the fact that Jackie still wanted her as a friend.

The only thing that Sarah had her hope on now was that one Jackie might turn around and see that she was there, trying to be her friend and hold her hand through the tough times. Sarah wasn't going to give up, no matter how much people told her they would've given up by now. Sarah continually thought about her life, and the gift that it is. Knowing the pain from Jackie's words to her, the stabbing in the gut and how that made her feel turned her world into a different light. 'Wow', she thought, 'If I feel this when Jackie hurts me...imagine what God must feel when I deny His name and say He's not there. Imagine how much pain Jesus went through so that I could be here today with the second chance to live how I was created to live.' Sarah knew that God had graciously accepted her, with all her faults and flaws - even the ones still to come. So she had no reason to not pursue her friendship with Jackie. It is only by grace that Sarah can love and be loved, she saw no reason that she couldn't show this grace and love to someone else.

So Sarah knew that she would have to endure some hurtful words and responses in order to keep trying to pursue her friendship with Jackie. She knew that it required patience and self-control. She knew that she couldn't let what anybody else thought blur her vision of what she saw as best to do. The heartache that Sarah would endure through this one friendship would be a small pin-prick in comparison to the physical that Jesus endured for her and those around her when he was pierced by nails and hung on a cross. She knew that would only be a pinch of pain in comparison to the emotional heartache and agony that Mary would've felt seeing her own child being tormented, harrassed, whipped, stoned and mocked. So with that in mind, Sarah was determined to tough it out and stick at it. After all, perhaps she was being taught a lesson in patience and self-control too.

50th's and Carols

2007-12-10T13:21:00.000+11:00

Long, long time and no update. I don't even know what to write about! Hmm...let's see. Well, at the moment I'm on my lunch break - but stuck at the office because my car (actually Mum's, mine's in getting fixed) is 'reserving' Suzy's carpark in the Centrelink carpark. I get my own carpark, so yeah - go figure. Anyway. That's my introduction and my story. I'm very out of it today. A few of us are though.

I have a new pic of Baz and me on my desk at work - it's lovely, it's a really nice photo - of both of us. I very much like it and it is nice to look at - until it distracts you! Had a trip over to Morwell this morning. Yeaaahup, that's right, it was so fun - but not really. I had to drive over to hand deliver something urgent.

So...below surface girl come on, what's going on?

This is still surfacae probably, but we had Mum's 50th party on the weekend (her actual birthday is tomorrow). It was a concert of my family's musical talent - as requested my Mum. And a quiz that Liam and Melissa made up. I was a contestant, along with Uncle Ian - Mum's brother, Gran - her mum, and Mrs. Rode - the friend. I won - hands down hey guys? We each did a couple of things and then the rest of the night was just like a supper and chit chat. I did two songs, 'Always Be My Home' - Rachael Lampa and 'Why?' - Nichole Nordeman. The last item was a song that us four girls had written. Well, Rich wrote the music and Cathlyn wrote the melody. But we each wrote a verse of which we sang. Rich was on keys, Mike did a bit of acoustic guitar work and Baz played around on the bass. It was pretty cool. It brought Mum to tears - although that wasn't the only thing that did! Anyway, I think that she enjoyed the night, it was quite fun I thought. I helped with the presents and packing them into the bags and stuff.

Last night, Baz drove himself and me to Paky in his new car (Toyota Aurion Sportivo...insert some letters that make it better here) for the Pakenham carols. CrossExamine was playing a few songs - some 'carols' and a couple of Christian songs (Newsboys and Planetshakers). It was really cool. It was at that Lakeside place - that I always drive past and never go into, it's really, really nice. Afterwards, (spelling?) we walked around the lake and took some band photos and some individual shots of the crew (7 of them). It was nice 'cause there was the band, their other half's (minus Liz, she was visiting a friend) and a few others. I can't really explain why it was nice, I just enjoyed it muchly. I think it had something to do with the lake and the area...water in the form of a lake, pond, river, ocean - how 'bout I just say 'natural' - appeals to me! But the photography ideas and stuff - that's right up my alley...I liked envisioning (right word?) the pictures myself, or perhaps what Matt (that's his name, yes?) had but I'd alter a little bit. Then we all went out to LaPorchetta for tea and back to watch the fireworks. It was really nice, lots of fun, LOTS of laughs - if you get Jordo and Baz started...everyone else goes off...and THEY don't stop for a good while. But it's awesome! Hehe. Anyway, that's about all for me right now.

Might check my other email then get back to work - even though I've got about 30mins to go!

incomplete

2007-11-14T21:07:00.000+11:00

Today we had to present our Kingdom of God assignments at YITS. Our task was to complete the sentences 'The Kingdom of God is like...' and 'And my place in it is...' It was a creative project. It could be however we wanted it to be. We had to present it to the class and briefly explain it (if it wasn't already self-explanitory). I just wanted to post that it was a really cool class. I really enjoyed it. Probably more than I enjoyed listening to everyone's speeches - although that was awesome too, because everything is so personal. It's amazing and incredible at the same time how peoples' creative juices come out. Some people you think 'where did that come from?' It was amazing. Powerpoints, dances, art, scrapbooks, songs (both original performed live and bands...eg; Switchfoot), photos, skits, stories. It was just amazing really and I will never forget the classes. I will have to post some photos later with peoples' permission. Mine was based on a puzzle...I'll post that too. Most people came to the conclusion that they don't know what there place is specifically - and that's okay! And that it's incomplete, it's unfinished, it hasn't yet been fulfilled. And that's where I thought I'd post some writings of mine...soon to be a song - maybe, hopefully!

JOURNEY OF IMPERFECTION

Each crack, each chip, each break moulds me more

To who You want me to be

Your grace has made me whole

Everytime I stumble

Collapsed to the ground, being struck down

It's just part of the journey

That shapes who I'll become

There's beauty in my brokeness

Scars aren't just skin deep

Incomplete, a cross-stitch in the making

Imferfection, I am...imperfect, we are

Not a stranded sculpture

An artwork put aside, created to be free

I'm still growing, I am unfinished

Together we can paint my picture

Slowly, day by day...

2007-10-30T17:32:00.000+11:00

Well, hello...I can't remember what I said I'd update on...except for my 'date' to Lakes Entrance...which I'll do later 'cause I'll just grab some extracts from my journal.

For now...what can I say...it's that time of new beginnings for a lot of people. VCE students are trying to decide their plans for the rest of their lives, those who've taken a year off are no wiser than they were the year before and they're still struggling to think what they can do with their life (that's kind of me)...the end of the school year means so much! New teaching positions, finishing a course and trying to get into that profession...or like others I know finishing their apprenticeships and getting to be a 'real' trady but trying to look at what places would be best. It's all about decisions, decisions, decisions...and sometimes that decision isn't even up to you. It's so annoying, heartbreaking, shattering, relieving (any of the previous mentioned an more) when you get your bubble (the idea of what you want to do - IDEALLY) burst. It could burst for many reasons; the door to that opportunity could slam in your face, a quick and fresh bucket of reality could splash you in the face, someone else who has the power to decide could turn you down - from too inexperienced to too much experience - or you could feel a strong conviction from God...telling you that He doesn't want you to pursue what you want, instead He has other ideas in mind. So it's all complicated, confusing - sometimes stressful - but I guess in the end, it's just a matter of trust.

Wow, that was a little too 'philisophical' for me to say. It's said now so there we go. What else can I update people on? Mmm...by the way, hey Rosie! It's cool to know that you read my blog, just a question...'Naomi Pants' and 'Rosie One'...huh? Just 'you' randomness kicking in? Anyway, how's your course going and when does it finish? I saw a pic of us 4 on Chook's myspace - that pyramid from MuckUp Day - made me miss you all...cause we were all so happy together then, and just together's a bonus! We should try and catch up in the Christmas holidays. Movies, swim, beach, lunch in a park - something!

Anyway, I think that's all I've got...and...I got my nose pierced on Thursday afternoon last week. Some of you may think I'm stupid, some may be shocked, some may not be surprised...but I did it, and it's just a phase thing, it won't be there forever. I suspect it'll definitely be gone by my wedding day...perhaps even before I turn 20! Just thought I'd put it out there though...

soon!

2007-10-25T10:11:00.000+10:30

Hey hi!

I will update my blog shortly I swear! If I didn't have 5 minutes until class was going to start, I'd do it now. But I have to write about my trip to Lakes Entrance...mmmk! Whether those involved like it or not! ;-) Anyway!

More to come shortly! I went all over the place last night! From Surrey Hills to Blackburn (in the morning), from Blackburn to Ringwood (class), from Ringwood to Eltham (Talia), from Eltham to past Diamond Creek (for dinner), from Diamond Creek-ish back to Eltham (take Talia home), from Eltham/Briar Hill to Fairfield (Khatt's house), from Fairfield to McLoud-ish (take Rach home to Steve and Caity's) and then from McLoud back to Sureey Hills! Yay! I didn't follow all my proposed directions...but I got there.

I'm working on some lyrics to a song as well...MAYBE to go with the riff ish I made up in the holidays! Anywho, I'm off!

hijacked!

2007-09-21T14:14:00.000+10:30

Well, I have actually hijacked Baz's computer at the moment. He doesn't know though, I imagine he's doing some things that are way, way over my head with wires and machinery and fan things that end up going the wrong way and blowing up...at the moment. I'm on holidays now! For two weeks, but my holidays just means a break from YITS and Melbourne...nothing else. This week I have work and then off to Geelong on Sunday night to play in the Teachers Games on Monday and Tuesday...then back home and Wednesday off to Lake Tyers to lead on camp. Then I'll be working on the weekend. Amongst that week I have another assignment to do! My second week I'm home alone cause my folks are in Adelaide - Mum's playing in the Australasian Games (yes, netball). But I have assignments to do, catching up with old school friends, cleaning my room...and maybe get on top of some reading...in the hours that Baz will be at the thing they call TAFEickle. Ziggy may be having a holiday at Rachel's boyfriends house - Mike's house. So just me...and my personal security person! Hehe.

So, I said I'd write about Traralgon Eisteddfod...I sang in 10 different sections and got 9 different awards. Cathlyn and I came second in the duet, which we only decided we'd sing the day before. We ended up singing "I Know Him So Well" like in Yarram, but this time stood apart. I thought it was nice, next year we'll have to get stuck back into duets with different consistant parts. I came first in the sacred solo - I was stoked...well, Baz was stoked, he played in note perfect...AND to add to it, the adjudicator was commenting on how he'd been enjoying my performances and was about to leave the stage...but then he came back and looked over at us and said something like, 'And I've also really enjoyed this young ladies accompaniest. He is quite a pianist. You both complement each other well and work together as a team.' Or something, anyway, that was pretty awesome foursome. I also got first for the musical section, my "I'd Give My Life For You" from Miss. Saigon...SO STOKED! I thought that I really acted it out well, I forgot to tell Baz...but I ran off the stage at the end to make it more dramatic. Gran told me that it's something that she will never forget and it was a very powerful performance. So yeah, I was really happy. I got another first, 2 seconds and the rest HM's (bar one...and one of those HM's was supposed to be third, but they didn't award third in that section). Does that add up? Anyway, it was a really fun weekend. Not because I did well, although that was a bonus...but because I enjoyed performing...I like performing, I like dressing up, I like having Baz play for me and I like the little community there is there. Very nice, and I really loved having some of my friends come to watch too - thanks guys! (Laura, Khatt, Rach, Mike, rest of family!)

So, I have 6 more weeks left of YITS after the break. I am relieved to have a break, but not necessarily because I hate it...because I need time to breathe. Mmmm...anyway. Do you ever get that feeling when you just know you're being attacked? I've had it a few times recently...and not because I've been in a vulnerable state. I think it's because I'm standing up in my faith more and wanting to pursue something better and learn more...so I think that because I'm wanting to do this I'm getting targeted. And it's not just like that for me...plenty of people the devil wants to shut down because they're pumped for something that he doesn't stand for. In a way it's kind of...liberating? Because thus far I'm not giving into it and the more people I tell, the more people ask me how I'm going with it. I'm just happy at the moment. Not sure why entirely.

Mmm...that's all for today. I have more thoughts on couples and stuff concerning my friends and couples, but I really don't know where to start. So perhaps I'll think about it a bit more before I just vomit words out onto your computer screen. Ciao!

PS-Hey Krystal, enjoy your hols! :P

my Prince william and God moments

2007-09-10T21:06:00.000+10:30

Well, I haven't posted in quite some time. So I thought I'd ramble and just see where things went...

So I know he'd probably prefer if readers of my blog (Hi Krystal!) didn't know anything...but I figure not many people out there read it anyway...and can't I 'boast' of my boyfriends wonderfulness? A couple of weeks ago when I came home...GOSH! My room was an absolute pigstye (how the heck do you spell that...nothing I typed looked right!) and I plonked all my Melbourne stuff on the floor - adding to the mess - and then sat down at my desk. I was there for a few minutes and then I noticed a creature on my desk which isn't usually there. I thought it was odd. Attatched to this creature was some curling ribbon and a balloon with a letter in it (sweet as letter Baz!)...so that was really nice. This creature was one of those GORGEOUS 'Me for You' bears (the grey ones!) with a tshirt saying 'i love u' on the front. I was like 'awwwww!' and some stuff in the letter melted me too. So I just wanted to boast 'cause my boy is really great! I'm not just some soppy little smitten (although I'll admit I'm smitten) obsessed teenage girl! I'm genuinely happy and it's good as...it doesn't feel like almost 4 months. But it feels like ALOT of the year already...like to think that YITS has been (excluding holidays) like 5 months (or 6 months) and Baz 4 months is weird because YITS DOES seem long...but Baz doesn't. Making sense?

Anyway. Also, awesome God moments (nothing new Krystal, told you the other day, hehe! Hi Krystal! Still can't believe you read my blog!)...there is a young chick that I know...whom considering the circumstances and the situation (those words are back in!), I have - not every right, but it would be understandable for me to not like her and want to have nothing to do with her. And for the past week or so she's just really been on my heart and on my mind. It's just like 'Wow, why do I care? She's done this and that and affected this person in that way which isn't cool and blah diggedy blig...but I don't want to see her go down." I've been praying for her - which is also different because I've had friends that are actually good friends, that I've given up praying for because nothing is happening...and here's this chick - and I'm fully excited and stoked to be wanting to pray for her often and really just...YEAH!

Anyway...that was pretty cool and also telling my mate something that he'd probably already figured out in his head but needed somebody to verbalise it. The fact that this issue in his life, he hadn't really given much 'care' (like wanting to help out) for a while wasn't a bad thing! Because it's hard to help somebody else when you're still broken and trying to sort through and process things yourself. So it was cool to be able to help him recognise that. And yeah it also pushed that, 'hey you helped someone with something Naomi' button in me that nudges me one step closer to the social welfare/youth work type field...so THAT was awesome too...and they're all tied in! Yay!

I think that's all for now! Traralgon Eist. was awesome...more about that later. Apparently I'm with a Prince William look alike! HA!!!

psalms & nanna's

2007-08-17T22:40:00.000+10:30

"Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart."

- Psalm 37:4

Met Baz's father yesterday night - who says they look the same - whatEVER! Also, his Nan, Aunty Win and Katie's boyfriend (I've already met Katie around the place)...mwahahahaha! It was funny. Go the Irish Nanna's!

risky

2007-08-15T11:11:00.000+10:30

It's a bit risky writing about this on my blog, because I actually have no idea who reads it anymore (apart from my faithful Loo). Anyway, I'm going to write it anyway.

We have had 3 weeks back at YITS so far, and I've only been to one. If I miss another week (or one of any of my classes), I will fail. I don't want to fail. I'm pretty sure that I want to continue doing YITS, as much as some of the work is just so confusing and stupid. And I hand it in on time (one thing a day late) and other people are still handing things in from last semester. THAT's annoying. Anyway, it's pretty much I hate living in Melbourne. The people in Melbourne aren't as nice as down here...the churches so different even, it's almost like a different culture it's so strange. This is how I see it:

11 more weeks of YITS (I don't think that's including the break), a heck of a lot of work to catch up on...but hey I hardly look at my notes anyway. I can't miss anymore, so I'll try going back this week and not missing anymore on purpose. My trouble is actually being motivated to get there. I am so over the 2 hour travel, by myself, singing is overrated in the car now, and getting there I'm usually more tired than coming home because it's morning. I can't stay in Melbourne full-time because for the next 3 weeks I have at least one netball committment here (finals on Saturday's) and the youth service which I am singing in and speaking at. And because I have spent the last forever looking for a job and I have finally got one - at the new Nando's in Traralgon - and I actually like it, so I am not going to quit it. I can't get youth allowance and I hate having things paid for for me by my parents so why would I quit this? So, even if I look at it as another 11 weeks - and don't get what I can out of it to begin with, least I'm there, right? I can't fail for not being there. I can hand in assignments and show up to class and go to my small group (which if anyone from my small group reads this - I LOVE!!!). I don't know.

Anyway...how 'bout we switch to a happier note. One of my two most loveable besties in my home town - Loo Loo Naomi (AKA beautiful Laura) turns 21 today! But she had her birthday party on the Saturday evening that has just been. It was a pretty good occasion! I'm pretty sure that she had a blast - all the beautiful things that were said about her - gorgeous girl! I hope you feel so loved, because you really, really are. You're such an amazing bubble and I love you muchly! Her family is just ace, really. Same type of thing after Scotty & Deborah's wedding. It was so gold after at Loo's house. I got home at 2:30am - kind of...actually, very tired. But I did want to stay and watch her open her prezzies. I did a speech, which I was very honoured when I was asked to do it. (That somehow sounds very wrong, like the grammer being extremely bad, sorry Baz - don't pick on my English!) I hope that Loo liked what I had to say about her, her purple undies, her driving lessons and her generosity!

Have to go sort some things...bye now!

i'm still here!

2007-07-30T18:30:00.000+10:30

Whoa - and I thought other people were slack! So what have I done since the 7th of June...very, very much. That's my whole entire break from YITS pretty much! Let's see if I can skimn through it. Or the highlights at least.

SYG - Valley Youth had a really great bunch of people in black and green, lots of loudness and cheering! And an awesome banner (thanks Rosie!)...we came 6th out of the Medium churches and 22nd out of all the churches. So that's pretty good, there's LOTS of churches and we are pretty small and just in it for the fun. Monday morning was definately better this year - thanks Baz! The whole weekend was pretty good. Although I was, and I know others were too, unimpressed with the night rallies. But yeah, go team go! Netball, both days - we came SO close, but yet...so far! They do it a bit sucky, the way they work out finals, but yeah. Uhh, that's about all I can think of with SYG at the moment...not going into super detail!

Mission Trip to the Philippines. WOW! That's completely another story, and a long one. But I'll try and narrow it down! Basically we went into a village in a pretty rural area called President Roxas. There we were very welcomed into the Obo Manobo community. We were there for one whole week and ran a seminar about culture and the somewhat negative influence that the western culture and worldview can have on non-western countries. We then interviewed the people and found out lots about their culture and then where God already was and how we could encourage them to pursue Him further. The kids were really gorgeous and fun all the time. As much as it's easier for me to say I loved it now that I've been back home. It definately wasn't all just a joyous ride. No contact back home kinda hit me really hard, especially being the first time ever I'd been overseas. And yeah, we are so comforted here. It was definately challenging and a good experience to have under my belt. I wouldn't say I'd be jumping into it again anytime soon, but who knows what God has planned for me. If you want to know anymore, just come and catch up with me!

After I got back, Baz and I had a bit of a 2 month shindig...(sorry in advance Baz for writing this, but I doubt many people actually read my blog anymore)...he took me out to Amigos (even though he didn't like my boots) for dinner and we went walking too. BUT! When he came to collect me from my house he came with some gorgeous gerberas (and later blossomed some kind of iris - like my deb flower - GORGEOUS!) and a lovely card. So not expecting that at all, so it was really, really lovely. Things in that department are going pretty swell I'd say, yeah? Sure there are times when I want to poke his eye out or he wants to bite my nose off...(yeah, I didn't get that either)...but most often it's all go 'ey bro? I think that in many aspects of myself (does that make sense?) Baz is helping me to grow...patience is definately one thing that I'm going to learn to abide by more with Baz at my side! But that's definately not a bad thing. Actually when I was in the Philippines I got this cute little dangley (I picked what I wanted on it etc.) and it's in my car...but it says 'patience'...so everytime is moves around I hear it and I remember that patience is something that I don't just lose sometimes I throw away...so yeah. It's good. ANYWAY!

YITS Snow Camp was pretty cool. That was all about hearing from God and prophesy and stuff. And it was just awesome that God can talk to people in the most simple ways - ways that I had never even thought of. Also, I got a word for Lauren and she a word from me. And both were pretty accurate and meant something as well. I'll just chuck in a bible verse that came to me for Lauren.

'Trust in the LORD with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. In all of your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.'
- Proverbs 3:5-6

Just one more pretty cool thing...the week just been I performed in the Yarram Eisteddfod. I heard along the grapevine that my accompaniest was pretty good lookin' - I wouldn't dispute! Five out of 5 firsts is what I got! That's just a bonus. Cause really I just love performing and singing...so it's a joy, and winning is just a bonus. It's not what I do it for though. Although it's good (especially last year when I was unemployed!), it's not where my heart is when i'm singing. Here's what I sang:
* I'd Give My Life For You - Miss Saigon
* Reflection - Mulan (Christina Aguilira)
* I Know Him So Well - a duet with Cathlyn
* Shout to the Lord - Darlene Zschech
* Why? - Nichole Nordeman

Just one more thing before I go. I also have a job at the new Nando's that has opened in Traralgon! Just had one shift on Friday and I work again tonight. Anyway, hope that's a bit of an update on some stuff!

assignments & SYG

2007-06-07T17:35:00.000+10:30

Well, what I say is that that is pretty cool! I have just finished two more assignments! Last week I had 7 assignments to do – 6 I thought by this week (the 8th of June!) and I’ve just done another two! So, last week I handed two in – one due this week and the other which is apparently now due next week. So I made a deal with Rowan, I said, ‘You know my character study…that’s due this week. But the statement of personal I.D is now due next week, but I’ve already done it – I’ve handed it in, can I please swap the due dates?’ Hehe, it was pretty cool, not very hard to persuade – especially if you promise him those banana lollies or coke! Anyway, so that’s my happy dappy for the moment! ‘Cause other than reading that I am supposed to have done – I’m all good! I can chill at SYG this weekend!

Wow! SYG! That means it’s a year ago since heaps of things! Since I played Regionals, since I got my Netball Vic shorts, since I got my Cotton On cream scarf, since I played Dodgeball in a competition, since I got my cool Blue Uggies…since…many things hey! Monday mornings…we love them ‘ey Baz? (We’ll have to do something about this year’s Monday morning to kick out the old memories!) I’m pretty pumped for SYG too! Loo (Laura, for those of you who don’t know that’s what I call her) and I have some pretty nice gear to wear to the soccer on Saturday morning to cheer – hehe! AWESOME! I can’t wait. What I really can’t wait for is mixed netball. I love it, and I don’t play it competitively anymore which is kind of sad! L Also, today we did some worship and prophesying in YITS and I suddenly got a real excitement for the rallies at SYG. Although we’ll be without Deano this year…hopefully things will still run smoothly and we’ll initiate devo’s and debriefs and all that jazz. GUNA MISS U DEANO!

At the moment I am bored – I’ve been doing work flat out and I don’t feel like reading, but there’s not much to do in Melbourne…if I was in Traralgon I’d dance, go out for hot chocca’s/coffee – something! EVEN YABS! Hey, for anyone who’s a reader of my blog and a YABer…hehe…I might take a trip or two to YABS in my holidays as per Jaeth’s suggestion. We’ll see. Anyway, maybe I’ll call someone…hope that you had fun reading my happy’s and excity’s for the day! Now my stomach is painful. Dang. Ciao! <><

full on @ YITS

2007-05-30T20:09:00.000+10:30

I am actually at my cousins' house as I am writing this. And! I have no idea what I am about to write - normally, I have some idea what I am going to blog before I blog it...not today, I'm just bored.

Well! Monday just been - as I'm not too fond of Monday's...full on! It was good, we had Annie Flack again. The lecture was about Communication - it was really interesting and yeah, just great. I like the way that Annie talks to us, she relates well. She's AWESOME! And, what made my Monday a little out of the ordinary was a special visitor! Not a surprise, but it was still nice! My Baz came to visit me at college 'cause he was up my end of the world. We only had the lunch hour, he didn't see much of Tabor (pretty quiet on Monday's - people wise - 'cause it's only the YITSers - that's where the loudness comes in), but I got to show him my favourite place in Ringwood! Don't ask me what it's called because I always forget! And...well, I'm just going to make it a secret! But it's really nice and pretty and nice and pretty and hey, did I mention nice? I love it - I can show you where it is, but I can't tell you! So yeah, that was a nice change for a Monday. THEN! We went to Kangaroo Ground, Wycliffe's home - to Geoff and Aileen's house for dinner and information about the missions trip to the Philippines! (Incase you weren't aware - I'm going there...June 29th - July 14th...scary, but so exciting!)

Classes since Monday have been pretty full on. And by full on I mean heavy. We get slammed constantly at YITS. And I'm not saying that it's a bad thing, but it's so confronting and it's like really hard to process. My mind is already a crazy highway of cars carrying random information...this just makes it like peak hour times 40! But, it's good. Next week, just before SYG, is our last week - then we have 6 weeks break. So hopefully I will recover and process some of it then! Anyway, that's about all I have to write for now, and it's occupied my last 15 minutes or so...so...there you go!

Ciao for now people who read my blogeth.

what do you think?

2007-04-19T17:34:00.000+10:30

So what do people think of these things:

A Christian who writes songs – but nothing to do with God.
I read a comment of a girls’ in a magazine and she said FIND QUOTE. Ouch! My songs don’t mean anything then, right? They’re just stupid! I don’t think so, but is that how others think. I mean, I do have couple of ‘God Songs’, a ‘Sorry’ song, a song about alcohol not being the answer, one here and there about my deep ‘me-ness’ and 3 songs dedicated to different people for different reasons – they’re meaningful. Yeah, I’ve got my share of guy songs…but that’s my life, my story. Is that wrong? To be Christian and not write songs about God? (Or in my case – always about God.)

Tattoos – getting one and on somebody else.
I think that huge tattoos all over everywhere and very visual of dragons, flames and hearts with arrows through them with ‘BARBARA’ plastered on them are stupid. If somebody else has that – that’s their deal, I’m not going to treat them like they have leprosy, but I don’t necessarily think that’s cool. Having a tattoo – for me, it’d have to be something meaningful, not just some pretty little butterfly (ooo! New Creation 2 Corinthians 15:7 I think) or star. A friend at YITS has the number 15 tattooed on his arm. Now to anyone on the street it’s just a number, but not to him. That date is significant to him and reminds him of the day his friend got hit by a car instead of him…THAT’s meaning.

Confession in catholic churches:
The idea that confessing to the priest is something expected of you at least once a week is a bit funny. But the idea that they forgive you on God’s behalf is kinda cool. For some people, they actually need to HEAR that they are forgiven…I don’t know, it’s a bit here and there. And ‘cause I left I came back, I kind of lost my thoughts! Bugg!

conversation when driving

2007-03-22T16:05:00.000+11:00

I wrote this actually on Tuesday night after I'd just got home. Later, I think I'll post something else from this week. And just to add in, class today was really cool. It was awesome to sit on a rock in the middle of the river, with my feet dangly in, with my bible, listening, writing and reflecting. YEAH!

Today I drove Moo home (well, Forest Hill) from YITS. We did a bit of talking and laughing (and almost killing!) in the car. While talking about how when I sing my song, ‘Seventeen’ it feels weird now…(weird, ‘cause now I’m 18!) we got onto that song and Run Away and who they were about, or the situation they were about. She commented, ‘Yeah, I was wondering if ‘Run Away’ was about him,’ when I told her who or what they were each about. Isn’t it interesting? I’ve known Moo for just over a month now and she knows a hefty bit of that slab of my year last year, but to say that. She also said something else that intrigued me. She said, ‘That was pretty big for you, huh?’ And it got me thinking, because yeah, it was pretty big. But it’s okay. Because these are the things in our life that shape and make us, right? Even though, at the time, and occasionally thinking about things, they can break us…in the end it’s all, ‘character building’, yeah?

In conjunction with that same chunk of my life, Rowan said something else interesting today in Influence (one of my classes). We were talking about integrity. I think what he said was character is found in your reactions to specific circumstances. That sat well with me. It’s like this: your integrity can be evident through how you respond to different circumstances. And that automatically made me think of last year’s situation…because of the word ‘circumstances’. Even so, when I really thought about it, it’s relevant and it’s true. I remember a couple of specific times when this happened to me. One time, I had every right to be angry and rude and anything along those lines, but I didn’t…I just played it out nicely, smiled along and tried to ignore things I didn’t want to see. (Even when not placing in the comp. made me more sad!) And the other time, when I could’ve so easily abused the knowledge of being a threat, I didn’t. That’s not my character. And that’s why when Rowan said what he said, it really stuck with me.

Often, I do think about that portion in my life and while its affect (effect? affect?) on me varies from angering me, stressing me, encouraging me, making me think happily…it still can bring out many learning experiences for me! And not necessarily just from the situation, but as a friendship, so many things I learned from this person. One silly little example is the matter of eye contact. This person once said that he liked eye contact when talking to a person. Now, previously, that was definitely not me! (Depending on who you were!) But now, it is important and I do value eye contact when talking to someone. It gives a sense of real listening, and real conversation. And even that of respect. So, while this situation has caused me so many mixed emotions scaling from broken-hearted to hypa-enthusiastic-pyscho-craze-ness, it has also helped me to learn a few things and grow as a person. (Although, now typing that, I’m not sure if I like to admit that!) I didn’t just learn things about the people, my friends and stupid things, I also learnt things about myself. Bad habits that I have that I don’t notice, or even how much value God really has in me.

Maybe I would’ve learnt these things anyway, maybe. But I wouldn’t have had the story to tell to maybe my daughter (if someday I have one) one day, if her heart gets broken. And not only that, but I wouldn’t have a friend in that person, one that knows me very well and puts up with a lot. And I wouldn’t have become closer with other friends. So, in closing, I guess, thankyou, for helping me grow.

YITS O-Camp

2007-02-16T10:49:00.000+11:00

There is much more than I could write about since my last post, but last week when I thought I should update, I changed my mind to update AFTER camp...so, here I am!

YITS: Year in the Son, http://www.yearintheson.org what I am doing with my year!

So an early start on Monday morning brought me and Mum to Ringwood North at the college to enrol and collect books etc. Then, Mum left shortly after that. I was so nervous, really, you have no idea! I'm not usually a person to be shy or nervous, but I can tell you, I was...everybody was around in groups, the girls talking, the guys kicking a footy or something. Anywho! We had to carpool to camp, so there I met Dave, Anthony (not Hume), Ben and Justine. At camp, we had assigned rooms...SUCH! a nice camp, view, facilities...everything! I really loved it, I'd suggest it any day! Adanac Christian Camp, Yarra Junction. I was in a room with 3 lovely girls, Amanda; Ringwood Salvo (Melissa and Liam, her folks know you...Merret, and they know Gareth too!), Ali; a Leongathanite, yeah! GO GIPPSLAND! And Chanara; I'm not exactly sure where she's from.

It was a bit of free time, table tennis, cricket in the stadium, whatever, then meeting...in the meeting room, surprise surprise! Later on. I also met a real awesome chick, Hayley, 'cept she's an Ocean Grover! (Reminds me of Caity though!) So we went down to the meeting room and Rowan (head like facilitator of YITS) had a chat to us all and then we did this thing. Agree was up one end, disagree the other end of the room. Rowan read out statements about our year's expectations etc. and we had to stand wherever we thought we were placed. Then Borris, a plastic chicken thing, was thrown to a few different people, and they had to explain why they were standing where they were. I didn't get to catch or throw Borris, which was kinda cool, although I did have some good answers for some!

We had dinner and worship, hot seated the facilitators...for those who don't understand. Hot Sear means that a person at random is picked to sit in the hot seat at the front, they can be asked any 3 questions, and they have to answer. From 'Do you pick your nose?' (Good one, MJ!) to 'What is your greatest fear?' and so on. I didn't get hot seated either! But it was very interesting to hear some answers to peoples' questions! Oh, we also had small groups. Ocean Grovers were one big group I think, cause they're only 15 people! But Ringwoodians were split into 3; 2 girls of 10 and 1 guys of 15. My small group leader is Esther, she's American, born in California, but her accent isn't always strong. She is very awesome chick! She helped me do a flip on the trampoline and land standing up...go Esther!

Mmm...Monday night, that was crazy. Worship was really good and we got to meet Russell, the other OG facilitator and hot seat him. Worship and meditation was really great (nice harmonies from some guys behind us! :p seriously!) and after that we had our own time to stay in God's presence or move on to supper. After a bit, supper called and we learnt some crazy cup things, head-hitting games and star-fish jokes and...met some more new people again! I decided to call it a night at about 12:20am...somehow after the other girls came back we got to bed at 2am! We were just talking about stuff, yeah, guys and their 'beautiful souls' (Good times guys...haha!) and next thing it was that late! AND! We had duty so we were up at 7am! It was quite amusing that for all day Monday and probably a third of Tuesday, groups were still very much so girls and guys. At breakfast Tuesday morning Amanda suggested I sit at the all boys table with one spare seat...so I went over and 'harshed their all boy mellow'...then realised I stolen someone's seat! So I returned to the girls! But wow, going there and knowing nobody and coming out knowing almost everyone and clicking with some is just amazing! There was lots of trampoline happenings on Tuesday arvo as well as some rain! And a bit of coffee shops and crazy presents! (Rosie turned 18 on camp!)

Tuesday night! HAHA! WHERE do I begin? We heard from Esther on Tuesday night at worship and it was amazing. We were asked to pair or triple up and pray for each other and new beginnings. I don't usually like praying with those I don't know well or yeah...anyway, Hayley, Amanda and myself grouped up and began a popcorn prayer. It was like, bang, bang, bang! For the whole time there was probably about 4 seconds silence, each of us, one after the other, it was amazing. And then after, Rowan said that he had a favourite sound of something (how bad I can't remember), but hearing all our voices praying for each other for 10 minutes, that was the most beautiful sound! We were touched. The environment is so good, the facilitators are there to learn just us much from us as we are to learn from them. Tuesday night, heard all about netball back at home from Mum and Brett! Miss it already! -- The Game. Played spoons, cheat...then got hauled outside by MJ through Ryan's counting down from 10 to play some songs. Ali had played two of her own and Jeremy too, then I played two of mine. GUITAR! AH! I know, how awful! I played Forever and Inside of Me, hehe...Forever being the teenage soppy love song, hehe I hope they were alright! I got some nice and lovely comments, so thanks heaps guys! If you want to hear more go to http://www.triplejunearthed.com and search for Naomi C...also search for Ali Smith, cause she's got some tunes on there too!

JimmyJames, Moo, Ben and I headed off to the stadium to burn off some energy at about midnight, finding out that it was locked! I know, how sad! So we thought we could get through the meeting room...nope. BUT! Stopped at the piano, played a piano song...shocking piano! Heard some talent from these guys too. Then got joined after some pringle happenings...sorry!, by Ryan, Josh, Anthony and Rowan! Rowan said that he was there because he wanted to be and not because he felt obliged to, Moo and I really appreciated that. The fact that he gets along with us so well, and there's this respect and understanding...it's just so cool. Heard almost everyone in that group play a bit of guitar, it was, I don't know. Liz and everyone I've heard about YITS from...(does that make sense?) are so right, it's hard to explain the atmosphere and connections you make, and this is only after camp! We ended up in bed at 3:30am! I know, insane!

Brekky the next morning, I just had a hot chocolate and sat with Anthony, JimmyJames, Ryan and Rowan...and believe it or not got some crazy routine on how Ryan HAS to have his bedding when he sleeps and what HAS to happen before he gets there. Haha. The rest of the day was spent on the other 4 of 7 things that uneffective YITS students do...that was cool, and interesting. Lunch and then we got to hot seat about 18 of 2006 YITSerz! (Liz, I'm so shattered that you weren't there!) It was really good, we (Jimmy, Tim, Kalina, Anthony H, Moo and I) stormed up a list of 14 questions, but we didn't ask them all. Although, the ones that got snaps were, 'What do you really think of Rowan?' and 'Do your best impersonation of Esther, Rowan or Lena.' A guy, Rudy was it? Had a good impersonation of Esther! Lucky she had gone home, hey?! After that we shared some chats and tea, a quick clean up and off we went back to the information night! Long, but fun, still full of laughs.

Conclusion: Rowan, Esther and Sam are great and they better beware for our craziness! Both the guys and girls at OG and Ringwood re amazing and it's so cool that we can be so different and get along well because of that one common factor! (Oh, and if I didn't say before...this year everyone is so musical [Rowan said moreso than usual] so Moo and I have decided that we're going to put on a production ending in Joyful, Joyful with HIM doing the rap! YEAH!) I am really looking foward to this year, highs and lows, challenges and much more!

a bit of this & that

2007-01-16T14:02:00.000+11:00

I guess I decided it was time to blog! I hadn't realised how much time had past since my last post! I have been on the net, but no MySpace's, Piczo sites, blogs or anything! What have I done since Christmas?

Cut my fringe to suit a few different days, tested out not having a hair straightner, gotten into a habit of having a few hits of tennis, breathed in smoke, made a few dances or tried to, written a song...and YEAH! Hehe!

So how was Christmas? I really enjoyed the Conabere side of Christmas this year...at my Aunty Rosy's in Hazelwood. One Uncle and Aunty missing, but that's usually the case. Our family has extended with husbands, girlfriends and boyfriends...leaving just Scott, Rachel and I without a 'partner', but it has made Christmas' SO much more fun! I remember a few years ago we randomly had a water fight because somebody got waterbombs in their bon-bon. Christmas is a time that we celebrate the birth of Jesus, yes...but also a time of coming together with family, and it was so much fun this time. We are close-knit on that side and with Andrew's new wii sports thing, we had a ball. The Marett side also brought a new face or two, but it seems to be a more forced family gathering, more so than ever before. But still, I try to make the most of it, seeing cousins that I talk to on the net.

I've just been on a camp Just Girlz, a christian camp run for young high-school aged girls. There wasn't many people this year, and I only went for one out of three nights, but it was still fun. I was at the age where there was only the twins (sorry, Rachel and Sarah) that are a year younger than me as campers...then the rest of my friends are the leaders...who are a couple of years older. But, it worked out alright. I did a devotion on Saturday night. On Foundations, as that was the theme of the camp...Luke 6:47 I think...to 49? About the wise and foolish men buliding their houses on the sand and the rock. It went well, I thought, with Mum's help I was happy with the illustration that I used, I'll try and post up a picture of that. But yeah, team challenges were fun, Katie and I won the Amazing Race--WICKED SWEET! ;)

So it does suck as Cathlyn kind of said in her blog, friends going overseas...not permanently, but for a period of time...when you get one back, another one goes. I remember when Joy and Judy left...I don't think Judy will be coming back anytime soon at all...but then what do I know? Joy's coming back this year...so now another mate, who I don't see all that often, but was hoping to, is going overseas for 9mths...which I knew, but now I know the date, 19th of March, just two days after my 18th...and now I'm sad! Like, a different feeling, don't know. Anyway, that's enough for one day!

Free to be Kids

2006-12-24T10:22:00.000+11:00

Well, yesterday I was in Ringwood all day collecting at traffic lights for 'Free to be Kids' - raising money to free kids in India, Africa, South East Asia, and more currentlyl, Uganda, from slavery, abuse and poverty. The funds go towards creating some sort of housing for these children so that they can be healthy and have an education and so on.

So, it was an all day-er...really! I mean, I am SO not a morning person and I got up at 5:30am! To be at Lynda's at 6:10am because Judy was MEANT to get there at 6:15am...well, almost half an hour later, we were on the road! Lynda couldn't come however, so it was just Laura, Charlene, Judy and myself. We were at the Wantirna Hwy and Ringwood Rd intersection, just near Eastland. We started the day collecting at 9am (or around 9:30am) and we finished up just after 4pm. BUT, went to Koorong on the way home, almost an hour and a half later...we left. Just wanted to get home! Then we finally got to Lynda's...stayed there for bit, and finally got home at about 9:15pm. LONG day, huge headache from the car trip home. Anyway, it was good.

We witnessed two accidents, well, one almost. (I have a feeling there was a third, but I can't remember it...) The first one was a stupid guy who was super grumpy's fault...and he zoomed off, causing one car to stop (this car wasn't doing anything wrong) and the woman behind him couldn't slow down quickly enough and she hit the back of him. They weren't grumpy, so it was alright. The other, some guy ran a red light and almost hit a turning car...INSANE! These drivers are crazy, and some so grumpy...I'm going to be driving around in Ringwood next year? Ahhh! Am I sure I want to be a part of it?! Hehe!

The guy who was organising our group, Jim, was really cool. And his daughter, who was 10, looked alot older...but not just that, so very much reminded me of my beautiful Northam (WA) little sister, Tanika. I had to give them a mention because they were just really 'wicked sweet'. (Charlene's word usage.) Jim collected the full buckets from us...he collected 5 each from our four! Isn't that super nice? Haha. Some cars didn't donate...but they had cute as dogs! Or little kids who put their hands out the window with few coins. Cute as.

There were three (well, five, three cars) funny guys.
1/The wheelbarrow man:
There was a van with a wheelbarrow on the roof, hehe. He had his window down and was getting some coins, so while I was waiting and smiling...hehe, I said, 'Hey, you do know there's a wheelbarrow on your roof, right?' They just laughed and asked if they could donate that and I said, 'Can I cash it in?' Hehe anyway's, they were heaps funny.
2/The hat man:
One guy in a van held out his floppy hat and said, 'I'm collecting too, do you have any coins?' That was funny, but I didn't have any anyway's, hehe. AND I told him that unfortunatley, we can't get the money out...once it's in, it's in. So sorry. I think that he might've been slightly annoyed at traffic collectors...but not when I left! Hehe, my (so sore by the end of the day) smiling face didn't let him stay grumpy!
3/The '16yr' & '19yr old' guys:
Laura and I were at a car together, and these guys were donating some dosh...they're like, 'How old are you girls?' Laura said she was 20, I said 12...lol, or 17. (They were 29-32ish, one older than the other I think.) The younger one said, 'Well, I'm 16 and he's 19.' Hehe, it was just funny. But Laura was having a chat to them about their motorbikes, they had a huge trailer with some bikes on the back, they were funny. In the turning lane, so we saw them more often going down and just laughed. Hehe!

There was a lady just walking past on the street and she stopped me and donated $10, how generous! And another guy thought I was a local! Hehe, asked if I knew where the station was, which I did, only just up from it, and as we walked and talked (I was changing lights...) he donated too! Yay for the kids! I hate being snobbed through a window! Like, people don't even look at you! They could at least make eye contact and shake their heads! GRR! Anywho, so overall it was a good day. And I enjoyed it! I think I would do it again no worries!

unearthed!

2006-12-18T12:23:00.000+11:00

"blogger's block"

2006-12-16T22:42:00.000+11:00

Bloggers block (word usage courtesy of Liam). That's what I have! I haven't blogged in almost two weeks. Blogging is getting a little bit rare...as in, the blogs that I look at, I guess that's why I haven't been blogging as much either. I mean, there's last posts from September, then...July!

Anyone seen Drake and Josh? On Nickelodean? Ha, I like that show, funny, funny guys. Makes me laugh. Ha, ha, yeaaaah...anywho.

I've been looking at lots of Melbourne stuff lately, 'cause if you don't know already, I was trying to find out if I've actually posted it on here, but I couldn't...I'm going to Tabor College next year, to do YITS that I've written about before. If I can't get a job down here, I need a job...so maybe I'll look in Melbourne...but looking in Melbourne means no coaching, no youth services and no newly-planned young chicks dance group at kids church! But on the other hand, it's all exciting and new and I'm totally stoked and looking foward to the huge and challenging change. These thoughts are in no order at all. You know, my posts like this, I guess, are alot like a draft essay. All over the shop! I apologise profusely (thanks Brett!) for that!

I've also been thinking about something else lately. Lies and lying. Not just lying about something that somebodies asked you to make yourself look better. But, making up things in the first place, without anybodies help. I can't believe the lies that people can come up with! And when other people find out that they've been lied to, more often than not, they just look over it. However, I don't think that's the best thing to do, lying isn't a good thing. And when you make it a habit...it becomes harder to stop. But if you have to make up things to get people to like you...then what's the point? They won't like YOU anyway...they will like the made up you, how are you ever going to know they like you or not...if you never show YOU.

I don't know...I think I'll stop now!

Congratulations Kim and Brett on your engagement by the way! And amazing dvd! :)

the "nice guys" list

2006-12-02T22:04:00.000+11:00

This is a list of things that Vicki Courtney has listed as the 'nice guys' list...she says, "Some of these may seem out of date or old-fashioned, but you deserve the best..." Basically, it's a list of things that Christian guys (in her opinion) should put into their heads. I won't list them all now, but if you want to read them all...get a copy of "Teen Virtue 2 - A Teen Girl's Guide to Relationships", I reccommend (I can't spell) it, good and valuable read. Although some things weren't relavent or helpful to me, I'm sure they are to some girls! :) (http://www.teenvirtue.com) Anyway, here's the list:

Nice guys...
** Stay true to their friends. If they are considering asking out a friend of a past girlfriend or a buddy's past girlfriend, they will wait the suitbable amount of time and, if need be, give the friend or past girlfriend the heads-up beforehand.

** Never ask a girl out over IM, text-message, or through e-mail.

** Are not in the habit of belching, passing gas, swearing other abdominable behviours in front of the opposite sex. Girls should be treated like girls- not like "one of the guys".

** Never flirt with someone else's girlfriend.

** Never engage in sexual banter with the opposite sex. Insecure girls may laugh along with them, but deep down inside they feel disrespected and devalued.
** Recognise the importance of prayer for making wise choice and avoiding temptations in a relationship.

** Never expect the girl they are dating to set the physical limits in the relationship. They have determined their own limits according to God, up front.
** Flee tempting situations. No need to explain. If need be, they run for their lives and explain later.

** Never end relationships over the telephone or by IM, e-mail or text-messaging. Further, they do not ask friends to deliver the bad news.

** Will not engage in physical intimacies (hand-holding, kissing, etc.) with the girls they are not going out with.

** Treat past girlfriends with honour and respect. They do not betray them by sharing personal information with others.

** Make every effort to introduce themselves to the parents of the girl they are dating.

** Open car doors and other doors, low their girlfriends to pass through doors ahead of them, as well as display other common acts of courtesy.

This is a good list, but guys, keep in mind, I'm sure there's a list of things that Christian girls should tuck away too! So, I'm not typing this as a stuck-up girl...but guys, let me know what you think! Accurate? Don't agree? Just a comment even. Girls, too. Most of these are fairly good, and to have a general list like that is good, but somebody older and wiser than me on a camp a few years back told me to make a list of the things that I liked in a guy...without any particular guy in mind...with God. And yeah...anywho! I read the whole magazine/book thing on the weekend at Melissa and Liam's, and that part was good, so I posted it up!

randomness

2006-11-28T23:49:00.000+11:00

Just two things...I was going to blog something copied from my Virtue magazine, but I'll do that later...just wondering one thing;

How come we cook bacon and we bake cookies?

AND! Did you know that...

The average women spends at least 8 years of her life shopping.

helping or judging?

2006-11-11T14:31:00.000+11:00

I just read a blog and though of something similar that I did. Now I'm kind of going to share it...

How often do you help out a complete stranger because you can really sense that they need your help? Or that God is telling you to help them because it's an opportunity to share your faith? I know I once heard a local youth leader say that there was a cleaner in the plaza when she went to Coles to buy milk, God told her, 'Go and tell this man that I love him', she though, 'No way God, that's crazy, I can't do that,'...it took her a while, going back to her car then coming back in, but she did it. And this guy just needed somebody to love him, but, without her step of faith, who knows what could've happened? I'm not saying you have to be as extreme as that, but are you listening when God's speaking to you?

It is an awesome feeling to know that you've helped out somebody in need or you can really sense that a conversation you just had didn't come from your words, but they were God's. I was in the toilets at the plaza and overheard a couple of girls worrying about how they'd get home. They didn't have any money to call someone, no credit and no money for the bus (how they got over)...they needed to go to Morwell. They were talking about walking there...I washed my hands and got out my wallet, I wasn't sure at all if I had any money, but I was sure I'd have a couple of coins that they could use for the bus. I said, 'Do you girls need some money for the bus?' They were bit unsure at first, I said, 'No, really, I want to give it to you.' I didn't have any coins, only a $5 which was more than they needed by far. They wanted to give me the little change they had, I told them not to worry about it, it was a gift. The girls who were probably only a year, if that, younger than me, hugged me and said thank you so much and as I left I heard them say how nice I was. Now, I'm not saying these girls were from the bronks, but they definately didn't look like they were from a Franklin Park type area. What a great feeling I got as I knew that I had really helped these girls out, I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. And who knows, a nice girl with a smile might've been what they needed that day. You never know, you just, never know.

Sometimes you don't need to go shout out on the top of the tallest mountain that you're a Christian, Jesus lives in you and he love everyone else too, yada yada yada. It's just the way you act around people, and the way you serve Him through small little things. I'm not saying that you have to be happy and dandy all the time, because that would drive ANYONE crazy, but take time out to think of those less fortunate than you, even though it can be very trying at times. Take that extra 5 minutes like I also did once, to help that elderly lady at Safeway with her heavy shopping bags, carry them to her car for her, or help put them in her boot. Sometimes I think our society has lost all sense of being a community. Instead of being thankful of a stranger helping you out, sometimes you might be shocked or scared...what's in it for them? That's the image that has been put on all people...they have another motive behind their acts of kindness.

Which brings me to another thought, I know you've all done it. Judged someone by the way they look. Seen a young girl in very revealing clothes and thought to yourself, well, that's a bit 'skanky' or something along those lines. Ever thought she might need the attention of somebody who really loves her? Or just someone who'll befriend her because of what's inside, not how she looks on the outside? It's hard not to judge, but God doesn't look at our outside appearance, so shouldn't we strive to do the same and look at where people's hearts are at?

The other day after dropping some stuff in the op. shop bin in the underneath carpark at the plaza with Cathlyn...a group of guys, probably my age, a few younger and one older, were gathered round the back of my car. On their bikes, bandana's around their heads, baggy pants, you know, that 'I'm cool, don't mess with me, gangster' type look. Because they were guys too, immediately I felt unsure, I was like, oh no, what am I going to do, they're behind my car, leaning on my car, I can't get out, will I just wait? How ridiculous is that? Waiting until they left? Lucky, I thought this to myself as I opened Cathlyn's door (yay, no central locking) then walked around to my door, one guy said, 'We've gotta move', before I could even say anything. They didn't move, so I just said, 'Hey guys, do ya think you'd be able to move over just a little so I can get out of the park?' and I smiled, they just moved to the side...a few rode off and the guy who had parked next to me (one of the guys) said, 'Sorry, really sorry' and smiled back at me. Who am I to judge those boys? All I had to do was ask them nicley to move away. Why are we so quick to judge others but get so offended when we, ourselves, are judged? Perhaps next time you go to judge somebody you should think to yourself, what are people saying about me? Do I like being judged?

And smile, don't be afraid to smile as you're passing someone on the footpath or if you've accidentally shoved into someone. Smiling is a more universal language than English. Don't underestimate the power that one simple smile can have on a life. I'll just leave with this, you've probably read it before.

Smiling is infectious

You catch it like the flu

When someone smiled at me today

I started smiling too

I passed around the corner

And someone saw my grin

When he smiled back at me

I realised I'd passed it onto him

I recognised that smile

And thought about its worth

A smile as good as smile

Could pass around the earth

So if you feel a smile begin

Don't leave it undetected

Let's start an epidemic fit

And get the world infected

Left to Wonder (Shade of Grey)

2006-11-09T18:09:00.000+11:00

Long time, no post! Sorry about that, it's good that I didn't post last time, just put a picture up! Otherwise I probably would've said something that could've turned out bad! Hehe, anyway's. I don't really have much to say at the moment either. My head is about to explode from aching all over and I have a hayfever'd nose and eyes. So, not so crash hot! I have 2 more exams to go now, last one on Monday, I'll try and write something more productive after that! For now, my latest song lyrics, written on Tuesday night after my no netball 'cause we got there and then they said, '..the team you were supposed to play forfeited, didn't they ring you?..' Grr, I was so disappointed!

Left to Wonder (Shade of Grey) (c) Naomi Conabere, November 2006

It's over, I said to you

But I never said why

Why I left you all alone

And I didn't even try

I'd turn my head the other way

If you ever caught my eye

Now I'm left to wonder, what could've been

All I'm searching for now, is what you mean to me

There is nothing I can do, to change the way

The way that you look at me, through your shade of grey

I'll see you, every now and then

As you walk on by

But now I'm just another girl

I'm caught in the crowd

I'm sorry for the pain I caused you that day

And if I could I'd make it go away

Now I'm left to wonder, what could've been
All I'm searching for now, is what you mean to me
There is nothing I can do, to change the way
The way that you look at me, through your shade of grey

Now I'm left to wonder, what could've been
All I'm searching for now, is what you mean to me
There is nothing I can do, to change that day

Please could you say to me that we'll be okay?

CasBak

2006-10-24T00:56:00.000+10:30

I'm not on blogger to write any thoughts this time, it's probably a good thing that I don't. That's why when I found this pic, I thought I'd upload it. I know I've said on my site, but not sure if I've said it on my blog. I recorded a demo cd. These guys up there are my band, also known as CasBak or CasualBackflip. If you want to hear 3 of 4 songs I recorded, you can hear them on http://www.triplejunearthed.com if you look for the artist 'Naomi C'. Let me know what you think. Bye for now I guess.

questions from a bud

2006-10-13T23:39:00.000+10:30

This is very draft...just thoughts tryping out words answering three questions that I got asked my a bud...if you have any input, I'd be interested, and I'm sure she wouldn't mind either...so leave a comment if you wish.

Can you be angry at someone if they are unaware of their actions?

It depends what their actions are. It’s hard to be angry if they’re unaware of their actions, like, are they unconsciously doing something that isn’t good for them for example. I guess if it’s being unaware in the sense of they don’t realise what they’re doing is getting to you…then I think you can be angry. But you can’t be angry without first consulting them and telling them what it is they might be unaware of that hurts or angers you. Why are they unaware of their actions? Are they too, angry at you because of your actions? I think you can be frustrated, but it’s not easy to be angry at somebody for something they don’t even realise they’re doing…

Have you ever been in a cycle that you can’t seem to break?
Yes, and no matter how hard you try, many methods…it’s difficult to break. You finally get out of the habit, and something steps right in to throw you back into it. The majority of the time it’s more something that’s hacking into you, as in, it’s something that’s not good for you, which makes it even harder to break. The cycle almost becomes an addictive drug. What can you do about it? Be persistent. Pray about it and believe in yourself above all. Seek help from a friend and whenever you seem to be falling back into that pattern, give them a call, get them to be your partner in solving it. Your distraction from the cycle…

Can we truly forgive if in our hearts we are hurting and hating the person? Can we just accept how badly they hurt us and move on?
It’s hard to forgive and forget. Forgiving somebody is the first step. Just because you have forgiven them, doesn’t mean you’ll get over it within the click of their fingers. It still takes time to get over, and it’s hard. You’re hurting, you’re aching inside, and you wish you could never see them again. It’s easy enough to say, ‘It takes time,’ believe me, too easy. And it’s really hard to let go of something that’s hurting you so bad. Shouldn’t they feel your hurt too? Your unhappiness that they somehow have something to do with? We should be able to accept how badly they’ve hurt us and move on, but even that isn’t all as easy as it seems. I guess you just have to pray, again. And have faith that God has His hand on your life and your dreams. As hard as it may be sometimes…

blind

2006-10-09T22:47:00.000+10:30

Once again the warm tears trickle down her face,
Nobody knows, she always hides them away.
He was blind to the pain in her eyes,
The ache in her heart and her longing cry.
He was blind to the conseqence of his actions,
He didn't care, he couldn't even pretend to try.

The warm tears continue to trickle down her face,
Nobody realises, she's too good at hiding them away.
He was blind to the strain in her mind,
The fog in her soul and her hurting sigh.
He was blind to the consequence of his actions,
He didn't care, he couldn't even pretend to try.

fragile

2006-10-04T16:36:00.000+10:30

Delta Goodrem's Fragile...quite the song.

I love this song...sometimes she along with Kelly Clarkson just says how I feel! Woot!

Six thoughts at once I can't focus on one

Seven days a week, but my life has just begun

So caught in emotion that I'm overcome

As I'm falling down, I come undone

Sometimes I feel like I'm alone

Sometimes I feel like I'm not that strong

Sometimes I feel so frail, so small

Sometimes I feel vulnerable

Sometimes I feel a little fragile

A little fragile

In six thousand years what will this mean?

Words from the heart or a melody?
So caught in emotion that I'm overcome

As I'm falling down I come undone

Sometimes I feel like I'm alone

Sometimes I feel like I'm not that strong

Sometimes I feel nothing at all

Sometimes I feel vulnerable

Sometimes I feel a little fragile

A little fragile

If people could see right through my eyes

Like an open door that I can't disguise

I won't be afraid for all the tears I cried

I'll not run, I'll not hide

This is how I feel inside...a little fragile

A little fragile

Sometimes I feel like I'm alone

Sometimes I feel like I'm not that strong

Sometimes I feel so frail, so small

Sometimes I feel vulnerable

Sometimes I feel a little fragile

A little fragile

not mixed netball champs this time!

2006-10-03T22:47:00.000+10:30

So this is Chokljat: from the back, Rozi (C), Kez (GD), myself (GA), stink head AKA Brettaz (GK) and below is Phil AKA Dave (GS). We started off awesome to this season! Winning a couple of games, then got put in a dodgey grade and had a theory that worked us wonders...although, to our disadvantage. Tonight's game (when the photo was taken by the lovely Kim), was really fun and I wish all the games could be like that...cause when they're narky and mean it's not fun! Twas against Deanio's team and yeah, was cool. Anyway, don't really have much to say. Well, I do...but writing so everyone can see that isn't a grouse idea, that leads to crappy things...and stuff! SO YES! Badluck guys! We probably ended up 2nd bottom as the guys we lost to today were 2nd bottom and we were 3rd bottom.

didn't expect this!

2006-09-22T23:48:00.000+10:30

Wow, I was looking back and I haven't blogged anywhere near to as much as I used to in the last month or two. Weird! Anyway's, I was thinking about why. But blogging once a week (or there abouts unless something special occurs or...something) isn't a bad idea. I mean, going back to that suggestion that was made dinosaur years ago! It's just, I don't have anything much to say anymore. What I say is pretty much the same old thing every time...school, church, netball. That's what I used to say to, "What's new Naomi?" I'd say, "Nothing much, just the usual, school, church, dance and netball." This...is leading no where.

Mmm...I was reading in Liam's blog that usually if the first paragraph doesn't interest people then they won't keep reading...well, whoops! Ha, I did think about deleting that pointless paragraph, but thought I wouldn't because it was my thought to (somehow?) provoke what I'm going to say!

Next year, I'm hoping to do YITS (Year In The Son - http://www.yearintheson.org) at Tabor Christian College in Ringwood, which should be very awesome. After forming a solid foundation of your faith, what you believe and yourself, you end up with Certificate 2 or 4 in Youth Development. From what I've heard from friends who are YITSers this year it's an incredible experience and an awesome one at that, that comes along with ALOT of challenges. But I think I'm totally up for it, it's something that's exactly what I'm looking for I think. It, kind of popped up at the right time, too. One of the things that interested me and my sister at the information night was something the guy, Rowan, said about the Bretheren (can't spell) church that she and I were completely stunned to hear, we were like 'Whoa! Really?' kind of thing (and I can't actually remember what it was, so Melissa, if you can...please say), but yeah...in YITS you look into different faiths and different denominations, discussing is huge as I understand it and friends of a lifetime are made. Anyway, that's my base for 2007.

Thinking onwards and into the future, as we all know I'm good t doing...dreaming, that is. Deakin in Geelong, Waurn Ponds Campus, Social Work. I really liked the Open Day at that campus, the people there. We even went up and talked to the somewhat islanded Christian Union gang, two girls and a guy...nice bunch! Anyway, into the Social Work/Youth Work/Guidance Counsellor type thing is I think where I'd like to go. I was telling my little 'sister' the other day that I'd love to work in a school environment as a guidance counsellor or whatever. It would be pretty cool. I'm all for youth...but more inparticularly girls. My day at September Camp yesterday was fairly fun, I enjoyed myself times a few skittles. There was one girl who had only eaten breakfast on Wednesday and only breakfast yesterday...it was lunch when we arrived...the girls said she keeps saying she's fat and she said for them to call her fat. Mmm...I hadn't met this girl before but took a stroll down to her cabin, where she was, with Loz, her cabin leader. She was in bed, complaining she had a headache. Perhaps 'cause she hadn't been eating! She didn't want to take anything for it, but I said, 'I had a piece of toast for brekky this morning too, and I'm starving! Come on, let's go get something to eat. Or just come down and sit with us and have a drink. Keeping your fluids up will help your headache.' I didn't say that much. But we got her up there, and eating. Had a chat to her after lunch...I'm not saying that I made her all better. But I feel that she just needed somebody to care enough to get her there. Things were made easy by common ground, as in, I found out she's at the junior campus of my school etc. But for the rest of the day she was around and happy, eating and hugging me! When I left she was like, 'No, you have to stay the night.' Just, I don't know why I wrote that actually. Just, something I felt like writing, and it's people like her (girls especially) that I want to get in there and help out, be a friend, someone they can rely on and confide in...

...Just a thought! HA!

are you feeling it?

2006-09-14T23:29:00.000+10:30

So, I'm hopefully recording a demo cd consisting of four original songs in the second week of the holidays. Let me tell you, excitement is really over the edge right now! Anyway's. Ever feel like you can't be bothered dancing 'cause you're not into it, but another day you wana get up there and dance like crazy? It's the same with my most recent song. The other day, went to sing it...and it was just ruins. I was like, I'm over it. But I'm not really. It's just, I'm not sure. It's a really good song and I love it and it's pretty...well, I don't know. No two songs have been written about the same person before. So if it's something to feel spesh about, I grant you permission good kid :p I thought I'd put the lyrics up because...I can. And I sang it tonight, and instead of saying, "...meh..." I was feeling it. That's when songs that aren't your own come in handy, you can relate them to more things, but when you write it about a specific something, it's harder to do so. ANYWAY...here's...

RUN AWAY (c) Words & Music by Naomi Conabere

I'm looking all around, but I can't seem to find

Something that'd bring peace to my mind

So many questions swirling 'round in my head

Leaving me a mess with all that's been said

I wana run away from here

It seems like the only way that I can see clear

But my hands are tied, by everyone's love

I wish he'd just turn my way

And open up his eyes

Trying to understand what's going on

It's not easy, when I've said almost all that I can

Confusion, he doesn't know what he can do

Not blaming, I'm just waiting for something out of view

I wana run awy from here

It's like it's the only place that I'm free to be me

But still I'm drawn, by all of those (your) smiles

Why won't he just look my way
And open up his eyes?

I ask myself constantly was it all lies?

I know it was genuine...but WHY NOW?

I wana run away from here

It feels like the only way, but I still wana be near

'Cause I am stuck in a world of my own

Can't he just face my way

And open up his eyes?

Please would you turn my way...
And open up your eyes?

songs I'm lovin'

2006-09-09T11:41:00.000+10:30

Just thought I'd share a few songs with you that I'm loving right now:
(in no apparant order...I think this calls for a new mixed cd...but I don't have all the songs!)

Reflection - Christina Aguilira (spelling!)
Beautiful Disaster - Kelly Clarkson
Why? - Nichole Nordeman

Shout to the Lord - Darlene Zschech (spelling!)
Confessions of a Broken Heart - Lindsay Lohan
Broken - Seether feat. Amy Lee
Unfaithful - Rhianna

Beauty from Pain - Superchic[k]

Plain - ZoeGirl

Home - Michael Buble
Somebody Out There - Kate Alexa

Run Away - Naomi Conabere
Say I Don't Believe - Casual Backflip

Here I Am - Shawn McDonald

Forever - Naomi Conabere & Mark Casey

deceitful bliss

2006-09-06T21:45:00.000+10:30

Just something from me, do you ever set yoursef up to be hurt, but you don't realise it until you recognise that you've been blinded by the deceitful bliss?

Why are you showing ignorance or neglect for what's happened? Protecting 'other people' or you're just a person who doesn't give a stuff about what they've done or who they've had curving affects on? Does that make any sense?

And a quote from a speaker today, Robyn (can't remember her last name), sings the Spray & Wipe ad song and is the voice of Blink Bill, Nutsie and the little mouse....

"A cynic is a person who is prematurely disappointed in the future."

superchic[k] is so HOT right now!

2006-08-31T20:55:00.000+10:30

The following lyrics, I got from Joy...told her a little bit about what's been going on in my life in the last few months (living in Malaysia...we don't exactly get to chat everyday!) and she sent me Beauty From Pain and just the lyrics for Wishes. But I already love Beauty From Pain. It's like she knew exactly what I needed. Wow, these lyrics are good. And I love the ballad feel to the song, it has an unusual beat...if you don't know the song, then go get it!

Beauty From Pain
The lights go out all around me

One last candle to keep out the night

And then the darkness surrounds me

I know I'm alive but I feel like I've died

And all that's left is to accept that's it's over

My dreams ran like sand through the fists I made

I try to keep warm but I just grow colder

I feel like I'm slipping away

After all this has past, I still will remain

After I've cried my last, there'll be beauty from pain

Though it won't be today

Someday I'll hope again

And there will be beauty from pain

You will bring beauty from my pain

My whole world is the pain inside me

The best I can do is just get through the day

Whenlife bfore is only a memory

I wonder why God lets me walk through this place

And though I can't understand why this happened

I know that I will when I look back someday

And see how you've brought beauty from ashes

And made me as gold purified through these flames

After all this has past, I still will remain

After I've cried my last, there'll be beauty from pain

Though it won't be today

Someday I'll hope again

And there will be beauty from pain

You will bring beauty from my pain

Here I am, at the end of me

Trying to hold to what I can't see

I forgot how to hope

This night's been so long

I cling to Your promise

There will be a dawn

After all this has past, I still will remain
After I've cried my last, there'll be beauty from pain
Though it won't be today
Someday I'll hope again
And there will be beauty from pain
You will bring beauty from my pain

Wishes
The saddest thing is you could be anything

That you could want

We could have been everything

But now we're not

Now it's not anything at all

The hardest part was getting this close to you

And giving up this dream I built with you

A fairytale that isn't coming true

You've got some growing up to do

I wish we could have worked it out

I wish I didn't have these doubts

I wish I didn't have to wonder just what you are doing now

I wish I didn't know inside

That it won't work out for you and I

I wish that I could stop this wishing and just say my last goodbye

After all the things you put me through

Tell me why I'm still in love with you

And why am I, why am I still waiting for your call?

You broke my heart

I'm taking it back from you

And taking back the life I gave to you

Life goes on before and after you

I've got some growing up to do

I wish we could have worked it out
I wish I didn't have these doubts
I wish I didn't have to wonder just what you are doing now
I wish I didn't know inside
That it won't work out for you and I
I wish that I could stop this wishing and just say my last goodbye

(This repeats a few times)

uni open days & jazz

2006-08-28T23:33:00.000+10:30

Well, I haven't updated in a little bit, so I thought perhaps it's time that I said a little something. And with my little adventure on the weekend, what better time? I'll chuck a few things in before that though, however...

WELL! Wednesday after the first thing Rosie said to me was 'Have you let off any steam?' I was like, 'Yeah, I guess so...' But Wednesday was okay, although Nell had to leave early to go to Melbourne again. I only have two classes on Wednesday's so I was just doing work and stuff in my spares, a SAC I'd missed out on...that I aced!!...28/30! Mmmm...Kate Alexa, does anybody know her? She came and played a few songs at school, that was pretty cool. She's better live than recorded, but I had a little chat to her about writing songs and stuff because...yeah! Thursday, I had a day off, but ofcourse Mum had something (usually her day off), the Flinders retreat. Anyhow, the day was alright, managed to occupy myself through work, piano, dance, whatever...had a visitor...although not as much a happy surprise as another time I recall, circumstances don't call for that these days. Anywho! Vanessa and Cathlyn needed dresses for the formal dinner so they came around here! It was really fun because I have a few dresses and stuff but don't get to wear them, only in Eisteddfod's and that...so it was great! Vanessa was wearing my wardrobe. I did Cathlyn's hair, they borrowed practically EVERYTHING from me, shoes, makeup!! It was cool because I got to help. I don't have younger sisters to do that to!

Saturday after the netball Prelim. finals (a couple of my fav. Flinders girls lost by 1 goal) we shot off to Geelong. Well, kind of. Lilydale first to BCV (Bible College Victoria) Open Day, which was pretty cool and I like what they have to offer, just not sure where it could fit it. GO TOUR GUIDE VIKING STEVE!!! (I'll remember you if I go there next year! Hehe) They have a REALLY nice chapel, it's gorgeous and got a beaute view. It was all pretty cool. Then travelled onto Burwood to get some musak for Nath, then onto Geelong...well, Grovdale really. We stayed at friends. After a late night (which I was really tired from!), the next morning it was off to Deakin, the Wauren Ponds Campus. They were sooo nice and friendly, so cheery and welcoming. Had a look at a few different things, mainly the Teaching and Social Work...Social Work actually was quite appealing...as was the Education Abroad. Hmm...lots of considerations. After listening to a couple of brilliantly talented guys playing and singing music and free fairy floss we travelled off to Greensy to see my sister! After chatting and meeting at the plaza we choofed off to Latrobe - Bundoora. And the guys out the front were pretty bubbly and happy. But once we got into the Business, Law and Tourism Faculty, I was kind of sad. They were just not interested at all. Which really put me off their campus and Sport & Leisure Mgt all together! A pffffft to them! Anyway's...then to home! I drove ALL THIS WAY! Yay, except stopped at the Paky Macca's and Mum drove (she was squished in the back of the little car, so I decided to let her out) and I just did stuff on the laptop.

HUGE weekend!! Interesting findings...I'm liking Deakin in Geelong, Social Work. I know its far away, but its beautiful. And it was great...and I can still drive back and forth and etc. and so on. And...it's kind of away! BUT! Not next year, the year after...YITS I'm looking at next year...perhaps some more thoughts later. Not sure if my thoughts are always safe here anymore.

interesting!

2006-08-23T21:04:00.000+10:30

I just did one of those quiz things...where you answer something then it "says" something about your personality or whatever. Talz sent it to me. This is what I found out, it was pretty accurate. This is what I found out about me...comments on its accuracy?

** Lover of Music

** Fashion? I have my own style!

** Good time Girl

** Romantic

** Co-operative

** KFC (I think that means I like it?...which I do!)

** Good relationship with parents

** Fun & Energetic/Sensible (I answered for two things)

** Creative

** Childish (that's harsh, I just said I'd buy my friend a cute present rather than something practical! Haha.

Any's! It was interesting. So...YES! :)

miss: my definition

2006-08-20T23:46:00.001+10:30

One definition I had of ‘miss’ came up in a conversation of whether or not I missed somebody when they were away…my answer, which was apparently a good answer, was this;

“If missing somebody is thinking about them frequently, then yes, I guess you could say I missed you.”

Since then, I have added onto that missing somebody…I changed it to;

“Missing somebody is thinking about them frequently and longing to see them again soon.”

But again, there are differences in missing people. Because I can say I miss somebody who lives half way across the world, but I don’t think of them all the time. And I can say that I miss somebody who is close to me, they’re just constantly on my mind. Getting the gist of it?

I was just talking to a friend about missing people. He had a lot of things on his mind and one of them was missing people. I kind of said that missing people was sad because obviously the people that we miss we care about, but there are positives too. Where they live now, may benefit them, where they are at now, may benefit them. But, then it hurts when you miss somebody because they’re drifted in the very wrong direction. So, you see whilst talking to him I was thinking that there’s got to be different levels of missing people. Yep Brett, just like there’s those 5 (and maybe more) levels of friendship.

So, not sure if this is in any order, I’ll try to make it orderly:
1/ Somebody who’s still around, but distant from you. They might be on your mind because you’re concerned about them because them. But being distant may mean that they’re making some choices that aren’t so great. Distant may also mean that something that has happened between the two of you says that you have to act in accordance to a new manner. So, in both cases, this type of miss can also hurt.

2/ Somebody who you have been close to, but don’t see that often anymore even though you still live close, your paths don’t cross. You probably don’t think about them all the time or even all that often, but when you do see them and hang out with them or have a chat it’s like you do miss them. Because you like the times you so often spent with them. Or just liked having their personality around.

3/ Somebody that you see often, but maybe not often enough. But, there’s no excuses for you to see them more often. You get a text and you want it to be them or the phone is for you and you’re hoping that it’s them. When you hang out its really great fun, but as soon as you part you want them to come back because they brighten you up and vice versa. Many of your spare thoughts contain thinking of them.

4/ Somebody that you met somehow that lives a while away from you. You’re not going to be thinking about these people every second of the day, but it’s sad that you have to live so far away because you get along so well and when you do see each other, even though it’s probably rare, it’s like you never parted. You miss these people because often they’re the ones that you need to cheer you up or support you or vice versa.

5/ Somebody that has moved away. Again, these are the ones that you’re often going to think about a lot for the first few days or weeks, sometimes it could be months. But later down the track they’re not always on your mind. You don’t forget about them, but it has become ‘normal’ without them. But you still miss their presence around and want to see them again; you hope they haven’t forgotten you.

These are only just a few examples of the, extremes, I guess you could say of missing people. There is another that I can’t seem to fit in there. When people go away on a holiday, or to university (I guess that’s like moving away, but I was thinking in that one more the extreme like moving country), or visit family away from here. That’s a different kind of miss altogether, because you know they’re coming back, kind of. I mean, not that the first few above have ‘gone’ somewhere, just…I know what I’m getting at!

But it’s kind of hard to give examples of that kind of miss and even any kind of miss because it really varies on the person in question. Then again, it may not even be a person in question. Mmmm…that conversation before has really got me thinking, I thought I had a pretty good order out, but now I’m really not sure. Although, I quite like my definition above. One more thing though, how do you tell what kind of miss a person is talking about if they don’t say something similar to what I said first?

results

2006-08-20T11:50:00.000+10:30

Just thought I'd drop those a line at who were interested how I went in the Traralgon Eisteddfod. I developed a cold on Tuesday, but managed to overcome it by Saturday I think, but my awards tells me apparently Friday! However, this is how I went! So, another good thing, I can sing...but where's it guna get me? Anyone want to offer me recording time?! The adjudicator said I had an interesting voice, good for recording, and have I tried...am I rich enough? Haha. Anyway's, here we go:

FRIDAY NIGHT:

"I'd Give My Life For You" - Miss Saigon, (Memorial Solo) HM

"Silent Night", (Christmas Carol Solo) 3rd

"Shout to the Lord", (Sacred Solo) 1st

"People Get Ready" - Human Nature, (Duet- Cathlyn) 2nd

SATURDAY MORNING:
"A Whole New World" - Aladdin, (Duet- Nathan) 2nd

"Run Away", (Australian Composer Solo) 2nd

"Reflection" - Mulan, (Vocal Solo) 2nd

SATURDAY ARVO:

"Beautiful Disaster" - Kelly Clarkson, (Pop Ballad) 1st

"Over the Rainbow" - The Wizard of Oz, (Stage Shows) SM
- Ziggy, my Toto, got the Special Mention, I sang it poorly!

SATURDAY NIGHT:
"Hard Trials", (Negro-Spiritual) nothing, but I thought I sang that one awesome!

Rachael's Dreams

2006-08-16T16:50:00.000+10:30

Current Song: Here I Am - Shawn McDonald (Jez, Rich and I did this at a Youth Service)

Rachael was set on leaving for College months before she'd even started her graduating year. She was so sure that that's what she should be doing the year after she'd graduated. She had thought it all up, where she'd live, what church she'd go to, everything that you could ever imagine...she'd already planned it.

At the beginning of her final year of school, this was still in her plans. Although she wasn't as sure that that's what she should be doing. She had come to the conclusion that perhaps that was her answer to run away from things where she lived. And while that would be an easy way out (in some ways, she'd have to find money to live away from home though), maybe it wasn't what she was meant to be doing the next year. Rachael had had difficulties fitting in with a church group, no matter where she went. She was always so much older than the youth, or so much younger. For a while, she put herself into a church group, but never really felt at home there.

That changed very shortly, as Rachael began to be involved with a new group that started up from the youth around her town. Finally, Rachael felt like she belonged somewhere, even though the ages of her new group were a bit older than her. As Rachael began to hang out with new people, she saw herself loving life again. School was even looking on the brighter side for a lot. Moving away to College next year became less and less like reality. To have just found a group that she belonged to, new friends that made her feel awesome about herself and things, she thought that moving would be running away from other things. That actually, at that time, seemed to be getting better. Although now, were those things just being blocked out by the good people that crossed her path?

During the time of thinking that moving to go to College would be a not so great idea. Rachael got her dreams and hopes up yet again with ideas that she could move out of home, still in the same town, with her best friend, Alana. That way, she'd still get to hang out with the fantastic new people that she'd met and see her family that she loved but sometimes wanted to escape from. It crossed her mind that the year after her graduation she'd be able to drive her own car, so if she wanted to get away from things at home, she could just go driving. Maybe visit people inparticular, or just go some place where she could think and reflect.

Everything was cruising along great with Rachael, her church friends (especially her home study group) , her school friends (Alana, Kerrie and Sharni were the best), and even things at home seemed to brighten up (getting along with her sister, and her Dad was being reasonable). She was really enjoying the closeness of everything. Her family, her smaller group of school friends, and perhaps a new found interest, Julian. Rachael's Mum's best friend from years back had even visited and commented on the relationship that was happening. Coralee was only in her town for three days, but saw them every day, so she had her curiosities.

Rachael's face was plastered with a genuine smile whenever she had been somewhere that Julian had also been, or if she'd been talking to him. Rachael would share everything with her Mum and Alana. And during this time aslo became closer to Alana because of the sharing that was going on between them. She'd been thinking that she'd do a Fashion traineeship the year after graduation instead of going off to College. She'd be working with people that she knew and that would give her a head start to qualify her to be 'independant' for her College year the year after. Everything was splendid. Well, school wasn't all that fantastic, but she was coping and doing well.

Smack, bang! Rachael had always questioned herself as dreamer, but had had so many confirmations this time so she ignored her doubts. Not a very wise thing to do for somebody who was always called wiser than her years. Rachael was right back to where she started. She wanted to run away. Like the words she'd put on one of her pieces of work for photography, Seventeen. It was the vital part that everybody seemed to be missing. Rachael tried to shrug it off, always being the one to make others feel good about themself and be the one to help them find what they were looking for all along. Yet, she couldn't seem to do this for herself.

Her home study group felt more foreign than ever. School seemed as if it was empty of the friends that were there before. Learning seemed pointless because she didn't enjoy what she was studying anyway. She made herself vulnerable that one time too many and got shattered, this time just a touch...more than last. And when she was at home she felt like she was in the middle of a verbal battefield. Rachael longed to run away. She wished that she could relive her whole graduation year in a different city, some place far from here.

Rachael's past year had been a chick flick gone wrong.

broken

2006-08-16T13:06:00.000+10:30

Broken families, broken hearts, broken minds, broken dreams...breaking souls?

fun stuff

2006-08-13T21:06:00.000+10:30

I wasn't going to do any posts for a little while yet, but I had to do one today because I had a pretty good night last night and morning slash afternoon today...so I'll begin with last night...

(Current Song: Bring Me To Life - Evanesence) We headed out to Hazelwood to my Aunty's house because it was her birthday on Friday and my Uncle also retired on that day...so yeah! Had a dinner there. Jammed on the piano...sounded good. I love it when different piano's have different sounds. The sound of this piano and the 'volume' and 'expression' in my voice made one of my newest songs sound soooo totally awesome! Anywho, my cousin was there, yay! But no other cousins, just one...still. It was pretty cool. I'd planned to do some work while the others went off bowling (as in my sisters and Rich)...but then I wanted to go! So I asked Steve, his girlfriend couldn't go...but we trodded along...in the cars...to the TenPins! AWESOME! Met a couple of others there. Saturday night disco bowling. However...I had forgotton that I've done something really bizarre to my pinky finger and the bottom on my ring and middle finger on my right hand...as well as down the side. It was all taped up (kinda funny looking) at netball Thursday, training Friday and netball yesterday arvo...and well, I started of awesome! Infact my second shot was a strike with no bumpers used! Then the ouch factor kicked in...I didn't want to waste my money so I kept playing...so many gutter balls, rolling it backwards, through my legs, like a lawn bowl, kinda threw one! And some left handed shots! So I was entertaining everyone...guess that's what I'm good for! My OVERALL score on the second game was...33!! Haha, I'm such a tool. But oh well, I made them laugh...there were 3 sets (that what you call them) when I scored NOTHING at all. But it was awesome fun.

And today, we had a Pleasant Sunday Afternoon Concert fundraiser for NCYC...it was cool as. Everyone looked so good in their black with a dash of colour. But I had to practise with Nath for out duet next weekend, so after his church he was coming to practise. The crew heard us pracising and said it'd be great if we could sing in the concert. So his parents hung around at the plaza for longer, and he hung around at the church longer and it was a done deal! He's got a demo cd now and it's awesome! I thought the two songs I already had were great, but this 'newest' one is like top notch! It's so great. And he's such a dag...so funny! I hadn't seen him since I finished school last year (with the exception of running into him at the movies and the plaza a couple of months ago), so when he walked in I ran and gave him a huge hug!! Everyone laughed at me! :( Haha. Oh well! Yeah, so we sung our duet and it sounded FANTASTIC (so I'm told-watch out competitors next weekend!) And the kids group was so cute, their dancing! The older choir was pretty groovy too, "My Favourite Things", let's call it a remix. Stuff like false teeth, walking frames, etc. It was awesome...then a song for cat haters!! FANCY THAT! Cathlyn and I also sang our duet and that was awesome too! Finally, the 10:30 group kicked butt! Especially with "I will follow him" from SisterAct. Haha, it was so funny, dancing, singing, smiling, Mum being the Whoopi...Suse, Jess, Cathlyn, Rach and I were the best dancers.....haha....ish!

That's all! I could babble more, but yeah.I'm glad some happy stuff has come up. It's blinding me from other stuff for a little while! :) I was GOING to put some pics on here but blogger doesn't like me right now. Apparently something in our past didn't go so great and it's holding it against me...if you want to see them...click this link:

http://www.at-seventeen.piczo.com and go to "Photos & What Not"

quotes

2006-08-12T00:43:00.000+10:30

This was on a presentation Paula, the (awesome!) speaker at Fuel tonight had...I can't remember the full name of exactly who said it. But I like it. And yet again, Paula rocked. She's hilarious!

"We talk of the second coming, but half the world hasn't even heard of the first." - Oswald

ca-ching!

2006-08-10T23:20:00.000+10:30

When you want somebody to know that you care about what they're going through...do you say...

"I'll be thinking of you." to your non-Christian friends &
"You're in my prayers." to your Christian friends?

it's now thursday 10th!

2006-08-07T23:13:00.000+10:30

Well, by golly I haven't posted in a little while. Guess I've been preoccupied with business and stress, frustration...oh, and why not stuff and things?! How about a summary of the last week?

Hmm...Monday...school, nothing too great really, started our training programs in PE that are totally dumb. And it was Deanyo's birthday soooo's we went and visited him, which turned out to be pretty good timing. Had finished verse 1 and chorus 1 of a new song and it was going pretty good. Had a SAC in every class but Business Management last week...but don't worry it's catching up I've got a SAC Friday. Got a few SAC marks back, 18/25 for PE, 19/25 for Bizman...my Maths SAC I probably failed. (As this was a draft, I got it back today and for honestly honestly! thinking that what I got 14/20 was pretty okay!) And people, this isn't Miss. Negativity, it was a really stupid SAC and I honestly don't think that I would've passed...and I tried! If I do pass, it will only be out of my teachers' sympathy or by like .00000000001! Tuesday...mixed netball! Joyous! Not a full team though, Dave, Brett and Brooke out! So Deanyo and Aaron filled in...we lost by a few but so improved compared to the first half! Their many goals to our...2. But, all was good...Az and myself bounced back in the second half (more Az)! As I've already posted the good news about Wednesday (from the Eisteddfod) I'll shoot along to Thursday, where we did Circuit Training in PE...yay (insert sarcasm) and yeaah. Then I got myself another 1st at Yarram for Reflection from Mulan. Baz and myself scored quite a few compliments that night and many people stopped to chat to us...kinda took a while to leave! But, never the less, it was pretty great! Maybe we should skip Friday too, FriDAY was pretty grouse. Actually, moreso than a Friday usually is. Weather was pretty good too, which was nice! I was in short shorts dancing! So it must've been okay! No training that Friday cause we finished the week before...to rest up before the tournament. So yeah, I pretty much moped around for a bit. We went out to the pub for tea, then saw Into the Woods which was pretty funny. (Hehe, Jess...wolf). Thanks to people who care about me lots and give me hugs and make me smile even when I might feel like I'm the absolute pits! Love you all!

My girls drew on Saturday! I was so proud :) Yay! Go Ali-B, last game is this Saturday. There was a Salt of the Earth gig at night too, that Zimri was also playing at...(half of Casual Backflip plus me for some)...so I went along to that. Saw some folk that I didn't expect to see, but had a pretty good time trying to forget about a few things that go through my head alot thanks to little reminders! But yeah, it was good. I have to say though, that I love the band version of Say I Don't Believe more than the acoustic version. But that song rocks! SUNDAY! Yay, an early morning for the Eastern Zone netball tournament, where I would be representing one of the "even" 17U sides of Latrobe. We had and AWESOME! 'pump up' cheer thing to gets us enthused before the game...hands in, quiet 1, 2, 3...YELL 1, 2, 3 LATROBE, then clap clap and a UGH! (Kinda hard to type...but it was grouse and we were SO loud!) Anyway, with a minor (ish) mishap of immaturity on the way, we got there and only lost one game. By 6 goals. We ended up second on the ladder, but won our first final which meant onto the Grand Final...to the team that we lost to by 6. At time (30mins...15min halves) it was a draw! I was off for the second half of the final, so you can't interchange so we were all anxious! But then, I don't think I would've wanted to play anyway...too nervous that I'd stuff it up! But, the girls did awesome! And we had the 13U, 15U and other 17U team cheering us on! We ended up winning by 3. But it was still even at the end change of the extra play time! Yay! So champions! Pretty awesome, because I can't play next year because I was top top age this year. State Titles in October...it's an ambition I guess...have to work super hard...I'm not sure. I can only wish. (Then again, that doesn't always work out...)

Youth Service was pretty great too, yay! I was going to keep this post surface. As surface as you can be when you're super annoyed. I'm not sure where this is leading. It just got me curious. The other day in my PE class, one of the guys (who never shuts up) was talking about how love was fake and that it didn't exist (we just said, 'who ditched you?', haha, but he claimed it was nobody)...he said that he can say that he loves somebody. But there's no such thing as being in love. You can be made happy, but you're not in love. Because that doesn't exist. A few of the guys agreed with him. I just listened, as it was interesting. When he first said that it didn't exist I thought of Melissa and Liam. Not sure why, but hello?! They are so in love. How can that not exist? I understand that you can love people. But how can you be romantically interested in somebody and looking at a future with them if you're not IN love with them? Which was something he also said. I think that what he was saying is a load of codswallop. Love does exist. It doesn't have to be romantic love. But love does exist. We are able to love others, because God first loved us. We have a free gift of a life eternally in heaven, BECAUSE we ARE loved. How can love not exist? Love is patient and kind, it is not jealous, rude or proud. Love does not boast. We all know it 1st Corinthians 13. How can love not exist? It seemed many in my class were along with his opinion, is that going to be the opinion of the future generations? I believe he doesn't know that love exists because he has only had nasty experiences of it. I have had a D&M with this guy, and actually...he was quite hurt. But NOW, he goes and sees what he can get without caring. That's why he can't see how love can exist. Anyway...not sure where that was leading. It just intrueged (spelling) me that they were talking about it. I mean, you can't spend your whole life with somebody if you're not in love with them? You can't thrive to make them happy if you're not happy? You have to be sure of these things, right? Anyway...

How come I didn't keep to myself better?

songs of praise

2006-08-03T17:23:00.001+10:30

I sang at the Yarram Eisteddfod last night, totally not expecting to get anything, maybe a HM. My second year going across to Yarram and the adjudicator last year really didn't like my style that much. His words, "I don't feel it's appropriate to sing a sacred solo in pop ballad style..." Hello! Go to Planetshakers! Pop, rock...argh! He couldn't stand it! Anyhow's! Soooo...four songs. Duet, and three solo's! GREAT NEWS! I placed in all of them! (Which is kind of a first,) last year I actually placed in Traralgon Eisteddfods for once, but not in the money sections...I didn't even think about it at Yarram, but they were all open sections and all money prizes! I was like wow! And, it's actually the first FIRST I've ever got for singing! I've placed first in athletics, swimming and dancing...but not singing...yay!

People Get Ready (Human Nature)- Duet with Cathlyn, 2nd!
I'd Give My Life For You (Miss Saigon)- Memorial solo, 2nd!
Shout to the Lord (Hillsong...Baz played)- Sacred solo, 1st!

Over the Rainbow (The Wizard of Oz)- Stage Shows in Costume, 2nd!

I've got another song tonight, but I was pretty estatic about last night, and since I haven't actually posted in a while, I though I'd let all my readers know! And I'm not trying to be, "Gosh, I'm good! Miss. Modesty Queen", I'm just happy!! Praise God for giving me the gift of song!

daniel's drawings

2006-07-30T00:05:00.001+10:30

Check it out. A mate from school and ish church drew this pic...and he's done other awesome stuff too. But this SO tops it off!!

http://www.deviantart.com/view/36969609/

something artzy...again

2006-07-29T01:05:00.000+10:30

Something that I put together. I guess it can be seen as deep, but also, don't look into it with enormous amounts of depth...I'm going to call it, "friday nYt tears" (There's more to that name than meets the eYe). I like the left eye better than the right eye, but with only the left eye, the effect wasn't the same...any comments?

snow camp!

2006-07-26T20:28:00.001+10:30

(Just before I start about snow camp...I'd like to say something I forgot to say last week. Alot of trips to Moe in Mum's car meant alot of Kelly Clarkson's album Breakaway. And I just wanted to say that many parts of almost every one of her songs on that cd I could 'relate' my situation too. And if I think about it, I still can. Anyway! Kelly rocks! I can't really expand on that, and why her songs are good because anybody and everybody can read this! But yes...go Kel!)

Alright! So an early morning of 6am! (Maybe not for some of you, but for this girl who doesn't like getting out of bed at 8am...early! Yes, say I'm slack. But I'm 99% of the time ready for where I need to be in mornings. If I've got somewhere to go at a time, I'll be ready!) Kind of tiring bus 2 and a half hour bus trip to Mt. Baw Baw with the last 6kms of the trip going at a speed of .5km/ph I swear! Anyway, it was a bit chilly, but not alot of snow :( We got to our little cabin thingo with three floors, claimed beds and got settled in. After changing into snow gear we got into our lesson early and gosh was that funny! It's not actually THAT hard to get the hang of...just like (by the way I snowboarded, oops! Forgot to mention that) all things...it's difficult to stop! But even that I got the hang of! It was super great! I did this one AWESOME as stop going the WHOLE way down without a stack (something very common for me and my girls! Haha), like almost fell over and recovered soooo nice! Hehe, instructor was proud! Joshi got some pics of Erica and me stacking. Believe it or not I didn't fall all the time, but Joshi only has pics of me falling...or...on the ground! And with my bright green snow pants it's kinda hard to not know that it's me! Learning the falling leaf ish like technique BACKWARDS was hard...haha, Sean (instructor, so reminded me of Gavin) was bold going along with all us girls...although! HE fell over once when I didn't! Yay! Go me. Haha, I don't even think I was leaning on him then (he was supporting us by holding our hands and helping us keep control for that exercise).

Lack of snow did not make ANY of us not have a great time. As our student teacher said we did not once lack enthusiasm. It was a really awesome trip, because while we have our own friend groups, when we are away with our Outdoor Ed. class it (this might sound corny) is really like a huge family! Espesh when you're sleeping anywhere. Hehe, usually card games get boring, right? Somehow 4 hours of "Scum" didn't get boring once! Random things made us laugh alot. We have a pretty close knit group. The cooking competition, me and Tom came 5th, so that was okay! I think it was out of 10. Meh! Average is what I'm good at! There was one time yesterday when everyone was just sitting around staring into space....how boring! So Erica and I were the only ones talking, and we were trying to talk quietly, cause we didn't want to be heard. Good stuff and good times is Outdoor Ed camps for sure. Pictures and movies...yay! Snowboarding is AWESOME as fun! We didn't get to go today because it rained all night and stuff, the manmade snow was really dodgey and hard, so we hiked to the summit instead, a few snowball fights later we cruised back down.

A few of the guys wrote a song (to the tune of something else) and it's hilarious (the movie is funnier) but I'll put the lyrics up here:

Kingy, you promised us heaps of snow

(Kingy's the teacher)

Goes to show us what you really know

Your predictions really blow

Joshi, you're student teacher of the year

You even bought Parlez a beer

(OE student, his 18th @ Saloon)

You've got the right idea

Girly's, you made the boys some real nice cake

Steevo even ate the plate

(OE student)

Finch thought it was great

(OE student)

Anari, thanks for giving us a bed

(name of place we stayed)

Without it we'd be frozen dead

Now Quennalt's over fed

(OE student)

King man he had it all worked out

He got us boots and boards

And we were keen to get out

But no, it was no surprise that we

Got our hopes up, got our hopes up

We wished and prayed for snow

We wished and prayed for snow

But there was no f***ing snow

faith and forgiveness

2006-07-20T22:56:00.000+10:30

Man is it hard to have faith! I mean, I know life's not meant to be easy but gosh...these times have got to suck. Anyway, I'm trying really hard to have faith and accept what God wants for me when I find out what that is. And I'm also going to try really hard to forgive anything....and I'll leave that one there.

Just a few verses I stumbled (using NLT, my NIV isn't with me at the mo) over and a quote (stolen from Tish's comment on Talz blog):

"Before you go to bed, give all your troubles to God - He'll be up all night anyway."

"Don't worry about everything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."

-Phillipians 4:6-7 (NLT)

"Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and always be prayerful."

-Romans 12:12 (NLT)

"Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love."

-Ephesians 4:2 (NLT)

"So don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time."

-Galatians 6:9 (NLT)

ironic

2006-07-19T16:03:00.000+10:30

Ironic- a favourite word of mine at the moment! Seems I'm able to use it in a lot of situations and circumstances...ha. These are two things that Nell and I found today in our spare...thought that they were cool...so I'd add them here so you guys could enjoy...too true.

Research shows that people are highly likely to have indepth conversations in cars. Why? Because you're the perfect distance from each other and you don't have to make constant eye contact, just quick glances to check they've heard what you've said (and visa versa).

A pyschological study has revealed that girls talk about guys 3 times as often as they talk about girls. Maybe that's because girls usually say about 3000 more words than guys each day...not because they're worth talking about!

Source: Dolly magazine, January 2005

(I know Dolly is stupid, I don't usually look in it...but there was Chris Hemsworth! ;) Haha, jokes...we flicked through and found them...they were the best out of like 5!)

why now?

2006-07-18T22:18:00.000+10:30

Why now I was asked. Exactly what I'd really like to know. No, not like to know, need to know. Here's me thinking I've been screwing up other people's lives...okay, maybe I have still done that, but I'm screwing up mine too. Or is mine being screwed up by another?

How come things hurt so bad? And this time tears aren't even helping, they just seem to make it worse. So much is going on...I don't understand. Why?? So good...so...different...much different and then BAM! (ha, ironic) it's right back to how it used to be. Or is it? I don't even care who's reading this. It could be the Queen for all I care. I'm just so...words can't even begin so explain what I'm feeling at the moment.

I wish I could talk. Oh, but wishes are stupid aren't they? Ofcourse they are! Who wishes that one of the best things that's happened to them in recent times should have never existed? Really, who in their right mind would say that? If not to try and disguise any disappointment or even hurt they could be feeling. Who knows if a sorry would even cut it this time. I really don't want there to need to be a sorry...(if that makes any sense)...things have been different.

And I've had observations from all angles. Something in me changes, I've had that witnessed. And I know that, was I being stupid? Was I imagining I had asked...but from a trusting source they'd noticed the changes that happened when things were perhaps how they were. I guess it's not going to be like that any longer is it? Or, is it?

How come people always stick with what they're comfortable with? Didn't God want us to escape out of our comfort zone? Like Esther? Aren't we supposed to do that and find our security in him? SO WHY IS EVERYONE SO DANG COMFORTABLE?!!!

just quickly!

2006-07-16T23:22:00.000+10:30

I'll post something HUGE like last week later on. I'm thinking that maybe I'll try and stick to once a week blogging, but on the occasion, twice a week...maybe. Gosh, the blogger.com website almost became foreign for me! For those of you who don't know...I now have a website (Talz fault, hehe)...have a look when you can- sign the guestbook! Make me LOOK loved! To go there click on the link on the left of the screen (looking AT the screen for those smarty's around...) that says At Seventeen.

So, I've got something pretty cool to say. A "deeper" post later maybe. So, on Saturday we had netball...(I really do think the guys make us play better...kinda) and it was really weird. I sucked at GD (my position!) So, we really chopped and changed...Rosie stayed the same for the whole game, but everyone else changed...funny thing was- it worked! I played GS for the middle half and then C...it was funny. BUT! The team we were playing (we're called Chokitos for this comp. by the way), Sunkissed are the undefeated team of our section and on top of the ladder. We are in fourth place, but only by default...the team who should be fourth lost points for not attending a meeting or something. ANYWAY! The point is, last time we played this team the score was a shocking 41-9! How pathetic!! This time, not only did we REALLY improve, we got their score the LOWEST it's been for the whole season and we have the closest margain to them! Wow! 19-15...did we give them a scare! And that was also only with 7 players! Go Chokitos! Girls, I'm really proud!

More later...Singing Comp. and the fact that judges don't like me...lol aaaaand maybe some thoughts on stuff, I've been thinking about friendship, but I think I said a bit about that in the trust part of last blog. Not sure! Anyhow! Just to recap, my last week has been pretty cool, with one or two minor exceptions I guess! But, I guess when I'm motivated by something special, I tend to block those out! :) All is good! I think...

not EXACTLY a week..

2006-07-09T22:46:00.000+10:30

Okay, so it hasn't exactly been a week yet. But I'm only a couple of hours away. I figure that tomorrow is going to be a pretty full on day so I will blog now. Okay...to start things off...

3 deaths last week. One of which was my Nanna. Yes, a sadness, but a little bit of relief and a much 'needed' blessing. Nan really did not like being around that much anymore, 6 very long years without her husband and since then she had slowly been losing her 'point' of living. As read in Melissa's blog, 'if you can die of sadness, I think Nanna did'...Melissa is right, she'd laugh and smile everytime she saw you or she heard you sing...but inside, she really wasn't enjoying life all that much anymore. So, a blessing in the fact that she's now reunited with her husband and her heavenly father.

Trust- a big thing of my last week. What a feeling it is to know that you've been trusted with something so huge! Something that I'm not so keen on having happened to me, I shared with a friend. In turn...she shared something with me that only I know. Wow. Something that I really think she needed to get off her chest. And in me telling her about my problems, I think made it a little easier for her to do that. And I definately knew almost exactly how and what she was feeling. Gosh, what a day Tuesday was! Somehow, a really great thing happened out of my bad experience. And even though my sister says she doesn't know how I could see it as a good thing...it's really a growing point I think. For our friendship. And I think that it's good to have somebody 'in the know' because they can rescue you in times when you might just need that to happen. Anyway...that's my little bit on trust. Just pondering actually, I wonder if people find they can confide in me because I so openly would confide in them and don't push anything? Mmm...

SOOO! A lot more happened this past week than that! Overload! Nah, I'm just kidding. I had a ball with some really great people, even if they do send confusion and frustrations constantly through my brain! Kinda half just jokes again...I think...maybe.

Anyway...at Nan's funeral, there was unexpected cousins present! In our 'country town'...what the?! But! It was really good. I always find it amusing that there are a lot of times when it takes a funeral to bring a family back together...wow. Anyway, so cousins that I hadn't talked to literally, in 6 years (and even at Pop's funeral, I'm not sure if I talked to them)...it was really good. Mum was amazed with me and said, 'you're such a bridge builder'. Well, I guess I have to be useful for something! A cousin from each family exchanged email addresses where they hadn't already and we are hopefully going to plan a get-together that isn't...a funeral! Another thing about funerals, a lot of my relatives were very upset when the coffin got taken out (my dad, 2 Uncle's and 3 cousins). You know, like it was the end. Because for a lot of my relatives...that's what the perceive death to be...the end. However, I guess my family sees it as just merely the beginning. Anyway, just a thought.

Another note on the funeral, myself and my three sisters sang "You Are My All In All"...just like we sang "Dona Nobis Pacem" at Poppa's funeral. However, unlike Poppa's where we stood behind the coffin and sang every note like a gem, then sat back down and cried...at Nan's we stood beside the coffin. The beginning was beautiful, but then Cathlyn stopped, I looked at her and noticed her tears, so I held her hand...not long after I broke down, then Melissa then Rachel. However, all holding hands and Mum starting to sing from her seat...there was not ONCE where there was nobody singing...although through tears, it was still lovely. It was real. And we ended all together with no 'teary voices'. You know Popcorn Prayers...yes, well, that was Popcorn Tears...the domino effect. But, I must say, (not being that Modesty Princess some of you might know me as) I was very proud of myself and my sisters. It is quite difficult to sing when you're in tears. It screws up your breathing and such. But it was really, really real. And Ross even said, 'you wouldn't usually applaud at a funeral, but I think those girls deserve it'. Wow.

OKAY! Sooo, surely I must've done more than that, right? Well, I did! Tuesday night I had netball with my new mixed team (well, one new recruit, hehe. Sucked in! The one I'd always had in mind! :) Photo to come shortly, too) and we won! Awesome! Go us! Without the tall, very reliable goaling skill of Mikl...we still won by about 12 or something wasn't it? Gosh, I don't know! But it was pretty fun, I really enjoyed it! I did this one awesome intercept and totally knocked out the Sports Trainee from my school...whoops! More notes of netball, Thursday didn't happen because the stadium has turned teams away. Grrr. Friday night training...am I unfit or what?! Muscles aching like crazy! Although, we have discovered that I'm quite good at skipping pepper alternating my feet. Go me! :) None of the goalers were present, so we didn't do match play, and frankly...I didn't mind! I'd rather not do it, than play it crap because I was already buggered! And netball on Saturday, my girls lost by 2 (to the Regional Coach's team...that Friday training), but my team won by about 14 in the end I think? I played C first quarter and while heaps of people said I was a gun and did really well, boy was I quick to pull that bib off! This girl ain't got a lot of puff! So GD it was for the rest of the game...and even though the team we played wasn't too great, heaps of people said I played a really good game which made me feel good! (Not in a big-headed way)...but I blame it on the yoghurt and musli for breakfast! HEHE!

A very long post, but that's definately the negatives of blogging once a week! Just want to leave a couple of quotes I liked about sisters...

"If your sister is in a tearing hurry to go out and cannot catch your eye, she's wearing your best sweater." - Pam Brown

"A sister smiles when one tells one's stories - for she knows where the decoration has been added." - Chris Montaigre

"A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit and a golden thread to the meaning of life." - Isadora James

once a week from now?

2006-07-03T18:06:00.000+10:30

Not a very long post...as to recent...oh, I can't be bothered explaining another story that was fun at the time but still remains pointless and stupid.

Just blogging to let everyone (Talz :p) know that in the singing comp. I got through to the finals, so that's really exciting and it's in two weeks. I don't know who else got through, but there was 10 people from our heat out of 18...they give 1st, 2nd & 3rd in each age group and ecouragement awards and then a massive prize of $1000 (ultimately to record) to one person out of all age groups. My age group is 16-17yr olds unless on the night, they also join with 18-25yr olds like they did with the heat. Not so sure, anyway! That's all from me...bye all.

nothing much really!

2006-07-01T14:08:00.000+10:30

Well, I haven't posted in a few days, which for my latest record, is a little unusual! Sorry about that...thought I'd post to say that I'm singing in this competition tomorrow night and my throat has been really sore, my nose is going blaaurg and I've been having constant headache. All of which make it hard for me to sing my best. Just my luck! :( I'm not just making it up, ask Baz! I told him last night. We went down to the church to practise my Sacred Solo for the Eisteddfod...and we ended up singing a few other slower worship songs (well, me singing, him playing) aaand chatting...but it's so not a 'grouse' situation. I think I can handle the throat and nose thing...but these headaches are insane! I feel like I'm on drugs again (previously I have had constant headaches)...and it's not cool! I mean, 9 days at a dance Eisteddfod with booming music as loud as loud and not one headache! A little bit of rest, not a lot of noise (unless I, myself was dancing), a drive to Melbourne and school work...gets me constant headaches! Argh!

Anyway, I shouldn't complain...I guess I'll just have to keep drinking water and taking drugs and blah blah blah. It's Scotty and Deborah's engagement party tonight and I'm pretty stoked! They are such a suited and cute couple! After hearing Deborah's talk on "Just Girlz", they're just so right! Awww...anyway's! So yeah! And I hope that everyone else is super happy for them too! They are young, yes. But no younger than my two sisters when they were married (well, Deborah will be slightly, but Rich was only 20)...so yeah. I guess I don't see young engagements as something unusual. I mean, just because you get engaged doesn't mean you're going to get married the week after! Yeah, I might kind of hush hush now. But I just thought I'd let all my blog readers know that I'm really happy for these two. And I think it should be a happy time for them, too. Keep these two, and any other newly-engaged (hehe) couples in your prayers.

Mmm...what else? It's Saturday...school is back on Monday...yay. (Insert sarcasm.) I could soooo wish it was over...just, too many things are just...stupid for me to have enjoyment! A good thing though, I have Wednesday arvo's off...as in from 10:40am I'm finished for Wednesday's...and a church friend said that the girl who usually works 11am-3pm in their shop is moving to Melbourne so there might be something of that time available. It'd suit me fine! Just that one shift a week...then I've got my netball coaching too. WHICH! Thanks to a preeeetty cool Sports Admin. (yeah?) guy I'm getting paid for at last! Hehe. Anyway's.

Youth Service on Sunday should be pretty cool. My sister, Cathlyn is speaking (check out her blog http://popular-outcast.blogspot.com) so yeah. Next month I'm singing...and Cathlyn's leading. Another sister of mine is also singing, too. Yay! BUT! That's the day of the Eastern Zone netball tournament so yeaaah...I reckon I'll be pretty (I was guna say NAK-R-ED, but I don't know how to spell it) pooped! Anyway...seems I've said that a lot this post...how interesting this must have been to read! Sorry for boring you to tears guys!

Here's just something I came across, and it's beautiful, I really like it. Some days it brings tears to my eyes to really think about it...

I asked Jesus, "How much do you love me?" He answered, "This much," and he opened his arms, and died.

mixed netball champs!

2006-06-28T00:05:00.000+10:30

Awesome! Go Son-Kissed! An awesome season! Lost two games by 2, drew one...the rest WON! Awesome! Scores like, 29-18, 25-19, 25-12, 39-12, 30-20, 31-12, 30-12, 16-16...Top of the ladder for the lot of it aaand coming out with a 5 goal win in the end! Man, I seriously thought we were going under tonight! I reckon I played shocking! Great team! From left, Rozi (Rosie-C), Kezza (Kerryn-GD), Phil (Dave-GK/GS), Hallzy (Michael-GS/GK). Front from left, Chook (Brooke-GA/C), myself (Naomi-GD/GA/C). AWESOME! New season with a few new players...and a new name Chokljat...we'll get a team pic BEFORE the game next time! Sorry, I almost forgot our 'sponsor'...Gatorade...haha, hope you're reading guys!

i do

2006-06-27T10:59:00.000+10:30

Fifth book! Well, I'm all done with the series! Now I really want to skip into Chloe's second book...called "Sold Out"...but school comes next! And I've also got a couple of books on my list...Heaven is so Real aaand Deep Green: Colour Me Jealous. So yeah! I'm sorry I ruined the ending as Mum commented...but the blurb of the 5th book ruins the end anyway! And you just know it's guna happen. I guess these books are a little like a chick flick in a way. But definately more reality...and encouragement to pray! And so on!

How great are Christian book shops? I could spend so much in them! Time and money! And that's only our little one here...imagine if I got caught in Koorong or Word! I bought United We Stand today...I know burning cds is wrong...blah blah...but I just wanted a couple of songs, however...the two people that said they'd do that for me haven't done it...I asked over a month ago! Sooo...I just bought it instead! Although, I think it's ridiculous to pay $30 bucks for a cd...that's huge profit. Anyway, I also bought a new bible. I already have a bible that is really cool, and it's not like I'm not going to use it...but it is getting a little tattered at the back...anyway's. This one's pretty cool, too...and I might chop and change at Bible Studies...I've been bringing my Biblezine Revolve anyway...but this new one is an NIV...sorry NLT buddy!

who's who?

2006-06-26T20:19:00.000+10:30

Your job is to guess which is myself,

and which is my friend, Janelle...

on my own

2006-06-26T20:11:00.000+10:30

Yeah, fourth book I finished almost on the second's day's night. Does that make sense? Hehe. I finished it early in the morning the next day instead. So, it kind of had three days to be read. Caitlin goes off to college in this book and boy does a lot of stuff happen! Still, I liked the books and strangely had a dream about finding a new church and my new house and horrible room-mate (and 2 of my sisters and 2 chick teachers from Flinders showing up!?? Go figure??) when I was 'on my own'. But I don't think it was to Uni...mmm...can't remember, anyway. It was funny, the books got to me that much I DREAMT THEM! AHH! Haha. I still reccommend these books to teenage girls! Although, if you're into singing and songwriting...maybe try the "Chloe" series...the first book is called, "My Name is Chloe", same author...it's Josh Miller's younger sister...(the guy Caitlin ends up marrying...the fifth book...anyway!)

who I am

2006-06-23T23:17:00.000+10:30

Well, I kind of ruined the a book every two days thing. I finished the last two chapters of book 3 this afternoon and took the next one to begin. I didn't find the third one as interesting to read as the other two for some reason...maybe I was tired reading it, I'm not sure. Anyway...still good books...and thus far (about a third in) I'm enjoying the fourth book and can't wait to get to into the fifth (phone call inter(double R?)uption)...so where was I? I guess I was just talking about the last book. They're a good series...I struggled with one thing in it though...

"...my mum still smokes cigerettes and cusses, but it doesn't mean that she's not a Christian."

Because she's given her heart to the Lord...everything's okay...I don't get that. And to write that in a novel for teenage girls, some who may be struggling with similar things, to me, kind of says, "that's okay"...but you see, I've never seen that as okay. Anyway...another thing totally not in the book, but Talz msn name...

"Going to church doesn't make you a Christian anymore than going into your garage makes you a car."

it's my life

2006-06-20T19:35:00.000+10:30

Diary of a Teenage Girl: It's My Life. The life of Caitlin book number 2. COMPLETE! How great is that!? This second book was pretty awesome. I mean, still, some of the events in Caitlin's life I say yeah, 'cos something like that would happen to me everday! Like, in both books, so far...she's influenced Beanie (her best friend) to recommit her life to God, she's witnessed to Jenny (a past "popular" anorexic girl) and now Jenny's a Christian, Josh, Zach, working on her pysch partner, Trent and even beginning to influence Beanie's alcoholic, beaten up (by her numerous partners) mum...all within...actually, now that I write it. I guess both books are over two years...so that's not that unrealistic. But, I can name that many people that have come to church or some church event with me and maybe two that have committed their lives to God, but since then just avoided it even more. Anyway, I'm learning heaps. As in stuff like praying for everything! And I mean everything...it's I don't know how to put it into words. Ha, for me, hello! I guess not putting things into words is so totally old news. I mean, yeah writing is meant to be a bit better. I guess...but even then...on a note not from the book, don't you think it would be brilliant if you could just say, "Confusing. Decisions. Friends. God." or something like that (that's totally made up by the way) and the person you're talking to would be able to understand exactly what you're trying to say? ANYWAY! Off to play a netball final...hopefully win! :-)

diary of a teenage girl

2006-06-18T23:06:00.000+10:30

Hmm...a fair while since my what did become regular blogging! I'm not actually updating as such, just saying that yesterday I began and today I finished the first book in the series, Diaries of a Teenage Girl. The life of Caitlin O'Conner. At the beginning of the book, I thought it was kind of a little (haha, does that make sense?) below me...but as I got deeper into the book, although I couldn't necessarily relate to all the situations, it was a little bit more 'relevant' to me. In her 'diary' she goes through all the events of her life (far more drastic than mine) but through each little thing, her relationship with God grows stronger and she discovers new convictions (is that the right way of saying that?) and so forth. I think it's kind of encouraged me to have that same passion that Caitlin, in the book seems to have. I mean, I guess I'm near it...but it should be my everything, not just my almost everything.Yeah, I guess I've said what I wanted to say...I'm looking foward to the other 5 books...hopefully I can read a few this WEEK otherwise I can't read them until after VCE (mother's orders...but with the exception of boredness at my first week holiday job, I'm allowed to take them!) soo yeah. But in the later books, obviously, she gets older. In the one I've just completed, she's 16...so I'm looking foward to when she's writing around the age of 18 and that jazz :p

Seventeen

2006-06-15T19:04:00.000+10:30

I'm really thinking that this needs some sort of bridge...but nothing is coming to my mind as of yet, and I've been through it numerous times...however, if I adapt it one day and add a bridge, I'll just change this post! Written 13th June, 2006.

I hear the sound of someone,

Whispering so sweetly,

Though I cannot understand what they say.

My mind, a foggy puzzle,

Full of foolish dreams,

Dream so big for a girl of only seventeen.

Why? Why?

Why does it happen to me?

And why is it all that I can see?

It's something so special.

And something so sweet.

But it always ends, with tears.

And I don't understand,

How things like this happen,

From the observation of another someone.

Is it that I can't see clearly?

Cause I'm already fragile,

Or how come they don't just say what they mean?

Why? Why?

Why does it happen to me?

And why is it all that I can see?

It's something so special.

And something so sweet.

But it always ends, with tears.

And then...some...stuff! To be continued...
(I guess!)

an extra long weekend...

2006-06-14T13:39:00.000+10:30

How about I begin from Friday? Since, my school had the day off...that's kind of where my long weekend began...

FRIDAY: I went to Flinders on Friday with Mum, on "work experience"...so I tagged along in all her PE classes and helped her out with the kids. Had heaps of the kids that I already knew which, in some ways was good...but others, bad. When it came to the girls I coach for netball they were excited! Hehe! Cuties! I helped out my sister with the soup and bread rolls for lunch as a SYG fundraiser too. That was pretty funny, trying to thaw out frozen soup in the Cooking Rooms! Masses of kids appeared at about 3:00pm when they returned from their camp! So that was fun! Haha, from there I walked home after talking to Suze, then packed for SYG...I trodded along to the church with Rich to fairwell my fellow team-mates to be meeting them later on.

Yay, after that came a drive to Moe for the second Regional tryouts...where I was sure that I was going to be cut. This time there were 19 girls, and lucky me...being the odd one out when it came to partner stretches, not know-knowing anyone. That's kind of a downer. I was put WD twice and then rolled into C! I actually did quite well, I was determined to push myself! I was fairly speedy up and down the court, but definately lost my puff way to early! Just not fit enough! So I was glad when they took me out of C! Then, I was sitting off with a girl, Lisa...who also doesn't really know anyone. So, that's a good thing, I think! It came time to announce the girls on the team...which they hadn't decided. Not knowing whether to ahve 2 teams of 8 or two teams of 9. Two teams of 9 meant cutting only 1 girl. So they made a Top 15 (midcourt, goals and defense) and an extra 4 (if they train better than the top 15, they might be able to steal a place). I'm like, yay! I won't be cut, but I'll have to train super hard! Although, to my surprise I was called in the Top 5 for midcourt! Or, kinda...WD, GD, GK. Same as always! So yeah, coolies! We went WAY over time and I was hoping Brettaz wasn't waiting for ages. We finally got out the door and I was greeted by a green hoody, blue-eyed funny looking kinda thing :p Haha. AKA- Brettaz. Not sure how long Rina and him had been waiting. But it was now time (already smelly gross) to get ready for a long weekend of sport with no showers! JOYOUS!

The journey there was fun one! Random...as always I guess...backwards mu and raglafart and mta and anything to think of. Quite enjoyable infact. We went through Warragul (which apparently was the silly way to go) and saw an Ambo! Haha. From Moe to Warragul is a short trip! Still full of super fun, laughs and un-annoyingness (I hope!). When we arrived, it was FREEZING! I was in my NetballVic shorts and a hoody...it was really cold at Lardner Park so I borrowed a pair of tracky's from Brettaz as my sister had all my luggage! Who knows where she was!! We found Valley's camp ground and then headed up to the Village where we eventually found our crew and we then sat through the Opening Ceremony. Somewhat interesting...quickly after that Casual Backflip was performing so a race down to the campsite and then back up to the Bands Tent...they were pretty awesome (as always!) and I got up for "Say I Don't Believe" (as always) and that song rocked (as always)...and just to add another, "as always"...the instrumental in "Time to Sing" TOTALLY kicked butt, espesh Jordo's drum thingy...guess what! AS ALWAYS! Hehe. Watched some guys on the mechanical bull and then went back to the campsite where I think I set up my stuff and had a chat to some people around the fire and so on...I can't really remember! Anyway! The night turned into day quicker than I remember and...

SATURDAY: Woke up cold...and tried to feel as un-yucky as we could with our "toothbrushes" and our "showers" (hehe)...waited a while until Rach arrived and then headed into Drouin for the Soccer! Boy, did Valley Youth have the best Cheer Squad ever! We even had the OTHER teams cheering for us! It was totally awesome! And a HEAP of fun! Calling the players by their last name and so on...the second the ball made it into our offense side it sounded like we just scored a hundred goals! It was totally brilliant! Had a few wackos trying, and succeeding (pretty impressive) to do standing backflips, too. Back to the campsite for lunch cooked by Jon aaand then off to an afternoon of netball. There was only 7 on the team, so I was backup...although, I wasn't meant to play because I was going to play mixed the next day...I played one game and then shot off to basketball with Baz to cheer the team on. Had a pretty fun time with the guys there mucking around between games and cheering on Valley Youth. They actually did a pretty good job in basketball! Judy was the only lass. In the last game, Daniel scored 2 3pt shots (the foul ones, I don't know what they're called!) and Brettaz scored 2 of them as well (I think? Correct me if I'm wrong) and another real 3pt shot! How awesome was that! What did I do after that? If I could only remember! I think we just bummed around camp doing whatever and had some tea then off to the night rally. I saw with Lauz, Brettaz, Cathlyn n Rich and some others from our crew. After the rally was The Village, where the band performed Love Generation. It was a pretty good effort too! They had some dancers, but I couldn't see them very well! We were doing our own dancing anywho's! Haha, found out that somebody else likes the film clip to that song, too! Even though it's pretty boring! The kid riding along...something about it, is just cool! Hehe! A WHOLE heap of fun was this night! And yeah, a beginning of a D&M with Scotty and some stuff and stuff and all was good and YEAH!

SUNDAY: Early start for dodgeballers, Cathlyn and I decided we didn't want to...but lucky we did, because we had a ball! It was super fun! Twice, I was the only one left from Valley Youth with 4 people on the other team...I dodged 3 balls, hehe that was fun! And once, Cathlyn was left by herself too. The Weribee dodgeball team was pretty funny. The first time we played them they all bunched up and we were like, huh? So Adam just threw a ball at them and it hit the couple at the front and the rest of them just fell like bowling pins. They weren't very good but they made everyone laugh...so we ended up cheering for them in their later games. The games only went for about 6minutes or something, with ages of waiting inbetween. We then headed for a snack at Macca's and travelled back to camp where we were following John's carload (illegally loaded I think...there were 6 people in that car, were there not?) so that was pretty cool. Lunch time next and changing into my shorts with my knee high socks ready for some mixed netball. But, before that had a kick of the footy with Lauz, then some fella's joined in...ouch! A poke in the eye made me cry and my eyeball sting for ages! Then a fair punch in the nose leading to an instant headache and a blood nose! Haha, and Baz said the guys weren't game enough to go up against me cause they'd hurt me...he was in the something? both times! Haha! Well, thought I'd catch a bit of Valley's swimming first. But they were running behind time and netball was running early. So I saw Flick's race but didn't get to see Brettaz. He won, no surprise. And I think Craig, Jez, Rich and him came 2nd in the relay? But there was only two teams anyway? Not too sure! Nice effort though! Our first game, we got flogged...the second game we flogged, third game we lost and the last game...was awful! Such a bitchy pyscho team...such a shame at a Christian event. I was like oh, what a sad note to end the netball on. They were really narky, we lost by 1...but found out later, we should have won because all their points should've been forfeited because they had too many guys on at the start. But, I was GA the whole time...haha, put up a few shots, but missed a couple too! I hope to see the footage of the netball on video! I liked playing in goals with Liam and Dean, but I think (no offense Liam), I liked playing in there with Deanyo better! It was still fun though. NEXT! On my Sunday busy schedule was to rehearse the aerobics with some people who had never even done it with the positions etc. with the group. That brought me a lot of stress and anxt and STUFF! But, it happened...although, I wasn't impressed with the comments on the crit. THERE WAS NONE! How are we supposed to know what to improve on? We did all the compulsory moves but still scored crap! I wasn't expecting anything huge anyway, but yeah! It was fun, though. Had the whole of Valley down there I think. Push-ups...out of time...grr! BUT! Recruits for next year: Kim, Baz, Brettaz and more! People that can make it funny and have some skill...hopefully, and practises will begin earlier I think! But it should be fun...that is, if I go with Valley Youth...I might be in Ballarat or Greensy...

The night rally on Sunday was pretty cool. Valley was pretty packed in the doors before they were open, and that was heaps of fun! Dan (Frampton...met him when I was with Jase way back in yr10...mates with Brettaz) and his chicky (yeah?) Joolz came so that was fun too! There were people falling asleep everywhere...it cracked me up! Right in the middle of the 'saving' prayer...a guy behind up let out HUGE snore...haha poor guy! But it was funny as, so hard not to hold the laughs in! Joolz is a crack up! I think she's coolies! The energy level of Sunday night, although VERY tired was up super, super high! Dancing to the MAX! It was cool, haha. There's not too many guys I know that will just dance...because they can! So good on ya! ;) Hehe! I had two pairs of pants and two jumpers (one pretty cool green hoody...although it belongs to someone pretty shady) and I was still cold! Cartwheels and Roundoffs and a walk back to camp for some cake...it was Deborah's 20th today! So we had some cake and all that jazz...then 'debriefed' on all the sports that had taken place on the weekend. It was pretty coolies, then Deano did a devotional thingy and yeah, then it was 'do what you want time'. Kim came for a visit to our campsite and I was chatting to her (haven't really 'chatted' to her 'cept maybe that time at Bible Study...she's pretty cool, reminds me of Meags)...she's totally up for aerobics next year so that's awes! Her and another chick I met in the toilet (haha) said that you could tell I was a dancer up on stage...so that made me feel pretty chuffed! A group of us headed for a walk and ended up in The Cafe. How cool was that place? It was so unique, so different. I really, really liked it...then a game of follow the leader through other peoples camp site led us to OUR campsite...and for me a quick nighty night to some people...and then off to bed.

MONDAY: Up bright and early! After late night in bed (I thought it was late ish until I heard those of 4am!) Had something to eat, got changed and went down with Joel, Cathlyn and Lauz to cheer on Brettaz and Rich in the mountain bike riding. Brett came 3rd and Rich 3rd last (with a dodgey bike). It was pretty cool, I guess. Raining when time to pack up the tents. Joy...to all those people who didn't really help out. A GRR! Anyway...Monday, like Baz, wasn't the most super fun of the days on SYG! Numerous reasons, but I'll get over (have gotten over?) them! However, some pretty cool guys tried more than once to cheer me up. With some endorphines...haha, which by the way, I told Baz...but the time you guys really did "get" me...that REALLY hurt my shoulders! But thanks for the effort anyway. How GOOD were the chocolate biscuits at lunch?! There was a pretty cool game of volley ball to watch before the Closing Ceremony. I like watching guys play volley ball, I liked watching them at the Interschool sports, too. They're good. You can so tell when some guys are just naturals at every sport. I love sport. ANYWAY! Closing Ceremony is kinda boring for Valley Youth because we're not huge and we often just miss out on finals (which means big points)...but I do believe we did better than last year...we came, overall 41st out of...66 churches. And in our division, medium churches...we came 18th out of 23 churches! Hehe! We scored 78pts! Yay! GO US! Aaaaanywho...not talking much about Monday because it wasn't my weekend's highlight.

HIGHLIGHTS: I was in the 20:01 (which apparently means best thing at SYG from the worst, at 20, to the best at 1) on the big screen. My moment (the Valley youth Cheer squad for the soccer) was number 2! And Flick's red boots were number 1! That was pretty cool! Mmm...hoody swapping...means more than some people will ever know...muahahahaha! ;) What else? SNAP! I can't believe I forgot...putting shaving cream on Rina's back and front windows...hehe. "50,000yrs old" and "You're a good kid" that was Sunday morning. Everything was pretty awesome I guess! I've got some great memories, for sure! And some good mates and well...yeah! Sorry about the novel! But it was a HUGE weekend! And there's DEFINATELY stuff that I've missd out! Oh yeah, and my beanie was also on the big screen...meh, I can't remember whose head it was on! ;) JAZZ! :p

negative or positives?

2006-06-12T21:19:00.000+10:30

Why is it that it is so, so easy to see the negatives but not quite as easy to see the positives? I mean...the simple things that we all so easily take for granted. Having a house, having clothes on your back and having some food in the fridge...did you know that if you have all this, you are richer than 75% of this world? And if having some money in the bank and a spare coin or two in your pocket, you are among the 8% of the worlds' wealthiest people? Not saying that I'm perfect, not at all...I definately take these things for granted. I'm so easily blinded to the great things that I have.

At the moment, I can't see a lot of blessings that I most definately have. Or, I do recognise them...but I think that they're of little worth. Like they're not recognised...it's like I'm only good for an ear to talk into, the occasional hug and the fact that my 'ever-so-bubbly' personality makes everyone smile. I love the fact that I can have so many people confide in me, it's a real privilege (that doesn't look right) but sometimes instead of them comparing all their worries with mine, I just want to talk to somebody. However, more often than not, the person that I'd most want to talk to (in whatever situation) I somehow can't. It may be because they're the problem...or I just can't put what I say into sentences...a combination of both...or perhaps something completely different. I enjoy being a bubbly person, and I like the fact that I can bring a smile to other peoples' faces by making myself complete fool or whatever it is that I do...sometimes that gets tiring if that's all you're good for.

What I guess I'm saying is why is it so hard to see what you've been blessed with? I know that life wasn't meant to be easy, but was it meant to be this hard? Tough patches, sure...learning curves, whatever...sometimes, to put it ever so bluntly, they just plain suck. Can't some things be simple? And how come when you finally find some place (a large group, small friends group, church community or even one friend) that you're so comfortable and happy in/with and everything seems hunky dory something happens to alter that? Whether it be a tiny little thing that makes you slightly uneasy or huge thing...it always seems to happen at the time when you thought everything was going to be so great.

Hmmm...no conclusion, for the moment grrr is all I can say. I will post about SYG (State Youth Games) very soon...probably my next post, be prepared for a novel! I just wanted to get that out...without being so specific! Anyway's...got a headache that has been lingering all day, so now I'm going to leave...

artzy..

2006-06-08T23:10:00.000+10:30

Yes, well, I really like this picture...artsy I say. I've had a few people say they love it, one say it's goth (a pffft! :p) and a couple say it looks punky. Rich and I think it'd make an AWESOME cd cover...so when I get recording...that's the go! Hahaha. Any's, it's different...abstract. Can anybody guess where I took it?

5 of this and 5 of that!

2006-06-08T16:28:00.000+10:30

5L of Communications and 5L of Friendship...there is something about that number 5...

(that's levels by the way, not litres!)

Pet Peaves:

1. Walking through the kitchen wearing socks and stepping in a puddle of water somebody didn't clean up.

2. When somebody takes something out of the microwave when it hasn't fully finished and they don't press clear. Then when you look up to see the time you see 20seconds. Grr!

3. When people mimic me and I'm in a really bad mood.

4. When the bread gets a hole in it because you're trying to spread hard butter on it.

5. When people don't indicate at an intersection and you could've gone or when they don't indidcate to take over you...annoyance!

Top 5 Ways to Eat Fruit Loops:

(or a cereal with a hole in the middle)

1. With a straw.

2. Stick your face sraight into it!

3. Without milk.

4. Use cream instead of milk.

5. One at a time.

Peaceful Places: (go to them with a journal and an iPod)

1. My unique (I hope!) room with my lava lamp or just candlelight.

2. The beach when it's warm and you can listen to the ocean.

3. Sitting on Caz & Bruce's brick wall in their front yard in WA.

4. Somewhere alone outside looking at God's creation.

5. The trampoline.

Bible Verse for the Day!
"Know that the Lord is God. He made us, and we belong to Him. We are His people, the sheep He tends."

- Psalm 100:3

mmmMmmtay...

2006-06-07T18:58:00.000+10:30

Baz and myself...more information at a later date...

Yes! Well, today was super cool and random ey?! Haha...it's guna be gold. GOLD I TELL YOU!! The GAT went okay today, I think that it was a little more logic than last year's one. Anyway, I don't really have much to write other than the stuff that happened today. Which, funnily enough, I can't actually disclose...yet. How AWESOME is State Youth Games guna be? Sooo great! I really can't wait! Anyway's...I'm going to go and...do something. Unfortunately, I can't go to Bible Study tonight at Jae's as I have no way of getting out there...and I have a gut feeling I can't go next week either, but I'll cross that bridge when I get there. Mmm...de javu (spelling) strange! Netball final tomorrow and hopefully the Grand Final next Thursday night...any interested cheerleaders? Yup, well...I'm going to go now!