It's so nice to just get away to a different environment every so often. I went to Tawharanui this afternoon.
We had way too much stuff to fit comfortably in the car. There were two chilly bins, a smallish BBQ, a couple of boxes of food, two big tents, a gas bottle, four people and all their gear. It was hilarious trying to pack it all in.
We almost gave up a number of times. We were going to bring a third tent just in case but we discarded that idea very quickly.
It ended up that Michael had all of his stuff on his lap including his big bag, Andrew had food at his feet, pillows and the gas bottle on his lap and I had lots of small bags over me. It was super hot too which added to the hilarity.
We got there in the end and live to tell the tale so all is well. But man, it was one awesome car trip.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
25.02.09
I am writing this three days later and I am racking my brains trying to remember what happened on Wednesday, 25th February. I could make up some complete trollop and you would never know.
But that wouldn't be very honest.
I went to aquarobics again which was incredibly fun. I didn't get out of my wet togs until I got home so it was quite chilly driving whilst being completely soaked. But the discomfort I felt just made getting into the shower all the more pleasant. I turned the temperature right up. It was great. It's like in the winter when your toes are so cold they are almost numb and they actually ache when the hot water hits them and thaws them out.
But that wouldn't be very honest.
I went to aquarobics again which was incredibly fun. I didn't get out of my wet togs until I got home so it was quite chilly driving whilst being completely soaked. But the discomfort I felt just made getting into the shower all the more pleasant. I turned the temperature right up. It was great. It's like in the winter when your toes are so cold they are almost numb and they actually ache when the hot water hits them and thaws them out.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
24.02.09
This evening was stressful to say the least. I'm not going into it but believe me it was.
My headache started this afternoon and has just subsided. I have just sat down with a hot chocolate. As soon as I tasted that calorie-filled goodness my headache slipped away and I calmed down.
Flip it's good. What a relief.
Hot chocolates FTW
My headache started this afternoon and has just subsided. I have just sat down with a hot chocolate. As soon as I tasted that calorie-filled goodness my headache slipped away and I calmed down.
Flip it's good. What a relief.
Hot chocolates FTW
Monday, February 23, 2009
23.02.09
I think this counts as today.
Last night, which was actually early this morning, I was trying very hard to get to sleep. I had had a fairly huge day and was trying to wind down. My mid was racing though. Don't you hate that?
Anyway, I was struggling enough as it is when I heard a faint buzzing sound. It got louder and louder and then it suddenly stopped. I turned the light on and there was this massive fly on my duvet. I was not impressed one bit.
I shooed it and turned the light off, hoping it would fly off to a small corner of my room and die like it deserved.
It did not.
The buzzing reappeared. I ignored it. It stopped. I tried earnestly to sleep. It happened again. Finally I couldn't take it any more so I sat up and waited for the miserable creature to land.
It refused to, so I took out my bible and started reading. I got a fair way through Mark chapter 12 and I saw it. It had landed on my pillow of all places!
I picked up the pillow and promptly escorted the fly out of my room.
I should have shot it. Or killed it somehow. No doubt I would have had some satisfaction from that.
When I got back into bed I felt so free to kick off the covers and not have to fear that I would experience a telltale tickling sensation on my leg.
I could relax. It was such a small thing. Who would have thought a fly could cause me to be so tense. But it was almost worth it afterwards when I could drift into a peaceful slumber.
Last night, which was actually early this morning, I was trying very hard to get to sleep. I had had a fairly huge day and was trying to wind down. My mid was racing though. Don't you hate that?
Anyway, I was struggling enough as it is when I heard a faint buzzing sound. It got louder and louder and then it suddenly stopped. I turned the light on and there was this massive fly on my duvet. I was not impressed one bit.
I shooed it and turned the light off, hoping it would fly off to a small corner of my room and die like it deserved.
It did not.
The buzzing reappeared. I ignored it. It stopped. I tried earnestly to sleep. It happened again. Finally I couldn't take it any more so I sat up and waited for the miserable creature to land.
It refused to, so I took out my bible and started reading. I got a fair way through Mark chapter 12 and I saw it. It had landed on my pillow of all places!
I picked up the pillow and promptly escorted the fly out of my room.
I should have shot it. Or killed it somehow. No doubt I would have had some satisfaction from that.
When I got back into bed I felt so free to kick off the covers and not have to fear that I would experience a telltale tickling sensation on my leg.
I could relax. It was such a small thing. Who would have thought a fly could cause me to be so tense. But it was almost worth it afterwards when I could drift into a peaceful slumber.
22.02.09
This is NOT ON! I need to post on the day, every day. I promise to try harder.
Yesterday was pretty good. Hectic as always. I struggle to think of a moment.
At church last night the preaching was really good. It was about recognizing the poor around us. Not just financially poor, but emotionally, spiritually, physically and relationally. It made me realise that I have been a tad selfish as of late. It's so easy to get caught up in your own world, in the busyness of your own life that you become blind to the anguish of those around you. I feel like I've neglected some friends and I need to just get real with them, to empathise with them and love on them.
I know It's not a moment, but I still think it's important.
Yesterday was pretty good. Hectic as always. I struggle to think of a moment.
At church last night the preaching was really good. It was about recognizing the poor around us. Not just financially poor, but emotionally, spiritually, physically and relationally. It made me realise that I have been a tad selfish as of late. It's so easy to get caught up in your own world, in the busyness of your own life that you become blind to the anguish of those around you. I feel like I've neglected some friends and I need to just get real with them, to empathise with them and love on them.
I know It's not a moment, but I still think it's important.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
21.02.09
This evening we had a Lunar New Year celebration at my church. The whole things was great but when the drums came out, man, it was incredible.
There were these four drummers all playing together and I was blown away. They were amazing. I couldn't take my eyes off them. They went so fast and did such complicated movements. I was waiting for one of them to send a stick flying but they never did.
Flip it was cool.
There were these four drummers all playing together and I was blown away. They were amazing. I couldn't take my eyes off them. They went so fast and did such complicated movements. I was waiting for one of them to send a stick flying but they never did.
Flip it was cool.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
20.02.09
Today's moment is a tad cliche I'm afraid.
But you can all suck it up.
I lay in bed this morning with a good amount of time to waste before I had to emerge from the sheets and act human for another day. It took me a while before I got to the land of the living and realised a comforting and relaxing sound.
It was the pitter patter of rain drops against my house.
I love being all cosy and hearing rain. You feel so secure knowing there's all sorts of barriers between you and the wet.
I just lay there listening and thinking about how this was a remarkable moment indeed.
But you can all suck it up.
I lay in bed this morning with a good amount of time to waste before I had to emerge from the sheets and act human for another day. It took me a while before I got to the land of the living and realised a comforting and relaxing sound.
It was the pitter patter of rain drops against my house.
I love being all cosy and hearing rain. You feel so secure knowing there's all sorts of barriers between you and the wet.
I just lay there listening and thinking about how this was a remarkable moment indeed.
Friday, February 20, 2009
19.02.09
Isn't it great when you see someone totally come out of their shell and do something unexpected.
That's what it was like today. My friend came over and we shot some notices for church on Sunday.
She was flippin amazing.
Just jokingly I asked if she wanted to do this one which would require her to dress up in a chicken suit. She did it!
Oh flip it was funny. I've put it up for your viewing pleasure:
That's what it was like today. My friend came over and we shot some notices for church on Sunday.
She was flippin amazing.
Just jokingly I asked if she wanted to do this one which would require her to dress up in a chicken suit. She did it!
Oh flip it was funny. I've put it up for your viewing pleasure:
Thursday, February 19, 2009
18.02.09
AQUAEROBICS!
It was ridiculously fun. I felt like such an egg doing all of the silly movements but I was with friends so all was well and we just laughed at each other. Ahh the joy.
I love the feeling after you do exercise when you just feel so good about yourself. I was elated. And hungry. But I did not eat, no. And for that I feel even better.
It was ridiculously fun. I felt like such an egg doing all of the silly movements but I was with friends so all was well and we just laughed at each other. Ahh the joy.
I love the feeling after you do exercise when you just feel so good about yourself. I was elated. And hungry. But I did not eat, no. And for that I feel even better.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
17.02.09
Isn't it such a relief to find something important you think you have lost.
That happened to me today when I found my phone. I called it one last time up in my office just to check that it wasn't in the vicinity and sure enough I heard the glorious sound of my ringtone coming from none other than my bag.
Not only did I feel very relieved but also quite idiotic as I had been retracing my steps everywhere that I had been in the past few days.
It's so nice to have it back, to feel in the loop with everyone. I was having a minor freak out. I nearly went and bought a new one. Thank goodness I have it back and safe.
That happened to me today when I found my phone. I called it one last time up in my office just to check that it wasn't in the vicinity and sure enough I heard the glorious sound of my ringtone coming from none other than my bag.
Not only did I feel very relieved but also quite idiotic as I had been retracing my steps everywhere that I had been in the past few days.
It's so nice to have it back, to feel in the loop with everyone. I was having a minor freak out. I nearly went and bought a new one. Thank goodness I have it back and safe.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
16.02.09
There's something calming about driving by yourself at night along the motorway.
You see all the lights flashing past you and it's easy to zone out. That is, until you realise you are slowly drifting into the neighbouring lane. No, no. I don't drive that badly.
Seriously though it was awesome. I had Kings of Leon playing at just the right volume and it was so tranquil.
You see all the lights flashing past you and it's easy to zone out. That is, until you realise you are slowly drifting into the neighbouring lane. No, no. I don't drive that badly.
Seriously though it was awesome. I had Kings of Leon playing at just the right volume and it was so tranquil.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
15.02.09
Oh man today was the most hectic day ever in my whole life.
It was the first morning of our programmes at church and so it was my big debut. I didn't realise how nervous and tense I was getting in the build-up to today.
Now it's the end of the day and everything is done. It feels so great to have that stress lifted.
I feel so proud though. There were no massive dramas or anything. No kids died because they ate my playdough. It's great to know that I can actually run a programme on my own and have it work out ok.
It was the first morning of our programmes at church and so it was my big debut. I didn't realise how nervous and tense I was getting in the build-up to today.
Now it's the end of the day and everything is done. It feels so great to have that stress lifted.
I feel so proud though. There were no massive dramas or anything. No kids died because they ate my playdough. It's great to know that I can actually run a programme on my own and have it work out ok.
14.02.09
Valentines Day 2009.
Like every other February 14th in my life.
It was actually just a regular day. Very productive. I had a lot of fun decorating letters I have been meaning to send for ages. It's great to get things done finally. It felt very accomplishing. If that's a legit feeling.
I went to my friend's place for dinner. It was pretty much a lonely hearts club. But it was so much fun. We all brought ingredients for dinner and dessert and made it when we got there. It was so lovely to hang out with good friends and have a meal together. There's something special about that. Especially when it's homemade and has a glass of wine to accompany it. It was so great to laugh and giggle and hang out with some good girl friends.
After dinner we watched Domino in rebellion of everything romantic.
Like every other February 14th in my life.
It was actually just a regular day. Very productive. I had a lot of fun decorating letters I have been meaning to send for ages. It's great to get things done finally. It felt very accomplishing. If that's a legit feeling.
I went to my friend's place for dinner. It was pretty much a lonely hearts club. But it was so much fun. We all brought ingredients for dinner and dessert and made it when we got there. It was so lovely to hang out with good friends and have a meal together. There's something special about that. Especially when it's homemade and has a glass of wine to accompany it. It was so great to laugh and giggle and hang out with some good girl friends.
After dinner we watched Domino in rebellion of everything romantic.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
13.02.09
Doesn't it just feel so good when things are clean?
I spent a lot of time yesterday just cleaning up my room and getting rid of junk. I even vacuumed the top of the skirting boards and all the way under my bed. Hardcore, I know.
I also washed my sheets, pillowcase AND duvet cover.
This meant that when I got into bed, having just had a shower, I experienced the best clean feeling in the world. I was in cleanliness utopia.
It wasn't just the fresh sheets with the fragrance of fabric softener which did it but my entire environment was sparkling.
Lovely.
I spent a lot of time yesterday just cleaning up my room and getting rid of junk. I even vacuumed the top of the skirting boards and all the way under my bed. Hardcore, I know.
I also washed my sheets, pillowcase AND duvet cover.
This meant that when I got into bed, having just had a shower, I experienced the best clean feeling in the world. I was in cleanliness utopia.
It wasn't just the fresh sheets with the fragrance of fabric softener which did it but my entire environment was sparkling.
Lovely.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
12.02.09
Today was an incredibly stressful day. I have just been trying to get everything sorted for the kids programme on Sunday and it's hecka hard work. But it's great and I love it. I just wish I'd thought ahead.
Well anyway, I got home and flopped down on my bed. A wave of exhaustion came over me. You know when you lie down and it actually hurts because you've been rushing about so much? That was what it felt like. But it was a good hurt.
You appreciate the chance to relax when you've been going nonstop for so long. It was so refreshing just to lie there for a while.
Well anyway, I got home and flopped down on my bed. A wave of exhaustion came over me. You know when you lie down and it actually hurts because you've been rushing about so much? That was what it felt like. But it was a good hurt.
You appreciate the chance to relax when you've been going nonstop for so long. It was so refreshing just to lie there for a while.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
11.02.09
The year is starting up again. Today has been mega busy. So much to do.
Tonight was band practise and I was so underprepared. It all came together in the end though and we made some noise which slightly resembled music.
Without a drummer or a bassist Sunday it's a tad weird. We'll manage though and God will provide.
You know when you're uptight about something and you don't realise until the stress is gone? That was what tonight was like for me. It feels so good to be free of it.
Tonight was band practise and I was so underprepared. It all came together in the end though and we made some noise which slightly resembled music.
Without a drummer or a bassist Sunday it's a tad weird. We'll manage though and God will provide.
You know when you're uptight about something and you don't realise until the stress is gone? That was what tonight was like for me. It feels so good to be free of it.
10.02.09
I went around to my friend's place for dinner this evening. I hadn't hung out with her for ages so it was lovely to catch up. She's one of those friends with whom I am just so comfortable around. I can be me with my weird little quirks and she won't care. It made me realise how much I do put up a guard. Just being able to be me was so refreshing.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
09.02.09
It has been so hot and sticky here. Especially today. Thank goodness for air conditioning is all I can say.
When I stepped outside not only did a wave of heat hit me, but the smell of rain on the hot concrete. It's such a strange smell and not one which is completely pleasant. It's amazing how log it lasts in your nostrils. I think I may even be able to smell it now. That could just be my mind telling me I can. Maybe.
When I stepped outside not only did a wave of heat hit me, but the smell of rain on the hot concrete. It's such a strange smell and not one which is completely pleasant. It's amazing how log it lasts in your nostrils. I think I may even be able to smell it now. That could just be my mind telling me I can. Maybe.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
08.02.09
I just got home from the lantern festival!
What a hoot. For most of it I was freezing and we were attacking toffee apples listening to the drone/screetch of this lady singing or whining. It was great.
But man...the fireworks were a sight to behold. I absolutely love it when you feel as if they are falling on you. It's such a crazy feeling.
Maybe the best part though was the Mongolian hat I bought. I have wanted one for the past three years but never had enough cash on me for one. I saved the $3 this time though. Don't you think it was well worth it?
What a hoot. For most of it I was freezing and we were attacking toffee apples listening to the drone/screetch of this lady singing or whining. It was great.
But man...the fireworks were a sight to behold. I absolutely love it when you feel as if they are falling on you. It's such a crazy feeling.
Maybe the best part though was the Mongolian hat I bought. I have wanted one for the past three years but never had enough cash on me for one. I saved the $3 this time though. Don't you think it was well worth it?
07.02.09
My friend and I were walking along a walkway on the beach and trying to dodge the waves which were splashing up at us. It was a grand old time. We laughed as we got drenched from head to toe by the water. What a laugh.
The best part about it though was just spending some quality time with her. We didn't have to badmouth anyone or make fun of people as my friends often do to enjoy themselves. We were quite civil. It was lovely to talk to her without having to try be positive all the time. I actually love hanging out with her and I'm glad she's the stay-in-touch type because she's just moved away and I am shocking at that.
The best part about it though was just spending some quality time with her. We didn't have to badmouth anyone or make fun of people as my friends often do to enjoy themselves. We were quite civil. It was lovely to talk to her without having to try be positive all the time. I actually love hanging out with her and I'm glad she's the stay-in-touch type because she's just moved away and I am shocking at that.
06.02.09
My remarkable moment was again to do with the beach. Sorry that they aren't varying. It's just that it's summer and what else can you do in summer but swim?
We drove just over half an hour to this beach. It had glorious blue water and amazingly soft, fine sand. Ahh it was beautiful. I noticed how polluted our beaches here on the Shore are because at this one I could see right to the bottom and see my toes, even out deep. It was beautiful. PLUS there were no waves so I could relax and float in peace. Summer is amazing.
We drove just over half an hour to this beach. It had glorious blue water and amazingly soft, fine sand. Ahh it was beautiful. I noticed how polluted our beaches here on the Shore are because at this one I could see right to the bottom and see my toes, even out deep. It was beautiful. PLUS there were no waves so I could relax and float in peace. Summer is amazing.
Friday, February 6, 2009
05.02.09
Tonight we went for a late night swim down at the beach. The waves were massive and I was terrified. I hate waves. But it was awesome to be to confront my phobia and jump over them. It felt awesome to be propelled by the power of the surging water. The darkness instensified the excitement. It was beautiful.
I am so incredibly lucky to live so near a beach.
I am so incredibly lucky to live so near a beach.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
04.02.09
I just had the most amazing drink I have had in a long time. It was a Jarrah hot chocolate which, by itself would have been amazing. Coupled with a shot of Baileys, however, it was bliss. Pure, unadulterated bliss.
I then had a great chat with a friend over skype and now it is time to sleep.
I then had a great chat with a friend over skype and now it is time to sleep.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
03.02.09
In some ways I want to live a conventional life. It's safer that way. You grow up, get a job, get married, have babies and live happily ever after, all wrapped up in a blanket of security.
However, I have a problem with this. Well, I have a few.
What happens when life doesn't go as planned? The foundations crumble and the relationships you have built on a fake premise fall, along with the life you have constructed for yourself.
Or it could just grow stale and deteriorate over time. The picture of perfection you have painted for yourself fades and cracks.
Those possibilities are so dreadfully glum and cynical but they do happen, believe it or not.
The reason I don't want to be conventional is much more positive.
I want to have real relationships with people with real feelings and real actions. I want to be genuine. And I think that in doing that, life will become exciting and unconventional. It's easier to put up a wall and keep your thoughts and true feelings to yourself because they are too extravagant or could make you feel awkward or ashamed if you opened them up to someone else. In doing so you create a facade, a fake version of yourself to hide behind.
Imagine if we all were just honest with each other and weren't afraid of letting people know where they stand.
Wouldn't it be nice.
Sorry for spouting this rubbish. I just saw Revolutionary Road and it got me thinking.
However, I have a problem with this. Well, I have a few.
What happens when life doesn't go as planned? The foundations crumble and the relationships you have built on a fake premise fall, along with the life you have constructed for yourself.
Or it could just grow stale and deteriorate over time. The picture of perfection you have painted for yourself fades and cracks.
Those possibilities are so dreadfully glum and cynical but they do happen, believe it or not.
The reason I don't want to be conventional is much more positive.
I want to have real relationships with people with real feelings and real actions. I want to be genuine. And I think that in doing that, life will become exciting and unconventional. It's easier to put up a wall and keep your thoughts and true feelings to yourself because they are too extravagant or could make you feel awkward or ashamed if you opened them up to someone else. In doing so you create a facade, a fake version of yourself to hide behind.
Imagine if we all were just honest with each other and weren't afraid of letting people know where they stand.
Wouldn't it be nice.
Sorry for spouting this rubbish. I just saw Revolutionary Road and it got me thinking.
Monday, February 2, 2009
02.02.09
Well, we are getting into the second month of this project which is quite a big milestone I think. Although some are wavering I'm trying to stay true to the post per day system. It's going to be challenging but it'll be worth it. Just keep going, hang in there everyone involved in the project.
Tonight was band practise. Isn't it such a wonder that we are able to produce something so beautiful as music. Music has such a power over us to manipulate our feelings and emotions. Now, I'm not saying we are the best musicians but tonight when all of the right notes and instruments came together and worked in harmony it was a beautiful sound. that may have only happened a couple of times but it's a start. Next week there will be more, I hope, of that sort of noise, the sort that makes you smile when you hear it.
Tonight was band practise. Isn't it such a wonder that we are able to produce something so beautiful as music. Music has such a power over us to manipulate our feelings and emotions. Now, I'm not saying we are the best musicians but tonight when all of the right notes and instruments came together and worked in harmony it was a beautiful sound. that may have only happened a couple of times but it's a start. Next week there will be more, I hope, of that sort of noise, the sort that makes you smile when you hear it.
01.02.09
I always forget how lucky I am to live such a short distance from so many beaches.
We did church outside on the beach which was fleeping awesome. Worship was quite a strange experience but there were over a hundred of us so it was pretty darn cool.
A homeless guy joined in and he and my brother shared a moment when they saw each others' mullets.
We did church outside on the beach which was fleeping awesome. Worship was quite a strange experience but there were over a hundred of us so it was pretty darn cool.
A homeless guy joined in and he and my brother shared a moment when they saw each others' mullets.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
31.01.09
It is fantastic to see friends which you haven't seen in a long time. My friend was in Germany for a year last year and I saw her at a leaving party for another friend tonight. It was so lovely hearing about her trip and chatting as if we had seen each other throughout the year. Ahh. Lovely.
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