Regnum Advenio

Moving on up

2010-01-06T14:22:00.001+13:00

atrevathan.piratepup.com

Follow me...

Less of me

2009-08-11T13:55:00.002+12:00

I don't do very well at this whole "dying to self" thing. In fact, I may even be utterly crap at it. The more tired I am, the crapper at it I get.

Which I think is the reason why I have to re-learn this so often.

I'm full of envy, pride and some very selfish desires. Worse still, I'm a control freak. I need to have things go my way. I can always tell when I'm edging towards the "my way or the highway" attitude. I'm more stresses, things affect me more and I get angry and bitter when things don't go my way.

Unfortunately, I don't always recognize the trigger symptoms until it's too late.

The truth is, it's so much better to be submitted. You don't have to worry so much because you trust that everything is in hands much larger than yours. It also makes decision making a much pleasenter experience. I think we should all try it.

Donald Miller: Million Miles Tour

2009-08-07T08:07:00.003+12:00

I don't know how many of you have heard of Donald Miller. Pretty much, if you haven't, you may have been hiding under a rock. And you need to read Blue Like Jazz now.

Anyway, Donald Miller is awesome. He's one of those incredibly authentic writers who say stuff and you find yourself thinking "Wow, that is so true..."

AND...he's offering you a free download of a chapter of his latest (audio)book A Million Miles.

The link is a little off centre (who says I need to change my layout??) But it's the yellow-y bit down the bottom. Click and voila - free audiobook chapter! Yay!

Money, money, money

2009-08-05T13:39:00.002+12:00

Money is such a necessary evil. Often I think that my life would be much better if money didn't exist and everyone gave & recieved freely in a perfectly ideal world.

I can hear you scoffing from here. You've got to admit it would be nice!!!

The inspiration behind this is simply the fact that I find myself thinking about money A LOT lately. I guess that's what comes of having a mortgage, building a house & paying rent all at the same time. Here's where I've got to confess to my lack of faith.

I know God can and will provide. And, when I look at this situation honestly I can see that we haven't been without. AND I've heard the stories of people who have had way worse debt and they're still around to tell the tale. But it's kinda scary.

Here's how I see it: For me, God providing is great in an abstract way. When it gets down to the nitty gritty of it all then I get worried. I get worried because it's not really "abstract" any more...it's real and it's my life and I know there are people out there who get random donations posted in their mail but there's a recession out there and it's bigger than God...

Or is it?

I don't want my faith to be the kind that constantly needs to be affirmed. And deep down I know that the God who healed my friend's daughter's sight (an awesome story by the way) is so much bigger than anything else that's going on. But I've never been here before and that's a little scary.

I guess we all need reassurance sometimes.

Busy.

2009-06-28T16:43:00.002+12:00

I haven't had much to say lately. Life has been, to put it simply, crazy.

Which probably explains why I'm feeling so drained today. I've basically had three weeks without a weekend. Consistantly. I keep looking forward to the next weekend only to find that it is full of "stuff".

Thing is, I don't mind the "stuff". In fact, most of it was quite enjoyable. Some of it was even awesome. It's just the timing that sucks.

It's really made me think about the way I spend my time. (Time seems so precious at the moment.) I am really, positively quite sure that busy-ness is a massive, life-sucking tool of the devil. Here's the thing, right? If can be busy with all matter of stuff that is abso-positively eternal - in the sense that it is a good way to spend my time. But if I'm giving out all the time I also need the time to fill up myself spiritually.

Because, and I'll be frank - living eternal is pretty difficult. I feel really challenged to start living my life in a way that counts. The thing is, I've found it really, really hard. It's like the moment I started trying all I found was roadblocks in the form of tiredness, leading to frustration, annoyance and all manner of other things. I know I need to lean on God more. But in the middle of the full on, frustrating day, I find it really difficult to step back and take perspective.

Learning curve, right? If there was an easy way I'd LOVE to know what it is!

Sadly, I'm quite doubtful of there being an easy way.

Lucky God is full of grace.

This week coming up is, again, crazy busy. I don't want my relationships to suffer for busy-ness and in a way they have been. Both with God and with Isaac and with other people. It's such a fine balance that I'm still learning about what that is.

Lucky God is full of grace.

Better still - lucky God knows who I was meant to be, and I trust he'll steer me in the right direction.

Blessings in abundance

2009-06-08T22:12:00.002+12:00

Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol him all you peoples. For great is his love towards us and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord. - Psalm 117

We were told today that work is on a pay freeze. Understandable given the "economic climate".

I've been thinking lately about the things that get me worked up and worried. Money is one of those things. It's stupid really because I've never lacked for anything. But the nature of the world we live in is to tell us we want things that we don't need.

Yes, I'm aware my job contributes to that. My thoughts on that another time...

"Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you" Psalm 116:7

I want this to be true of me. It is true if me. I just forget sometimes. Here's the deal:

1) I have a roof over my head = blessing
2) I don't go hungry = blessing
3) I have a job = blessing
4) My husband has a job = blessing
5) I have an education = blessing

I think you see where this is going...

I'm not writing this list to boast about what I have. I'm just trying to point out that there are so many things we take for granted in our lives.

So can I, in good conscience complain about not getting a pay rise? Not really, no. Because I don't lack for anything. Moreover, I don't lack in the things that really matter: friends, family, grace, mercy, love.

And, in the light of eternity does it really matter how much I get paid?

Hello June!

2009-06-05T21:06:00.003+12:00

It's winter and it's COLD. Supposed to possibly snow (again) tomorrow so we'll see how that goes! I finally went out and got some new layering basics from Dotti since they're having a sale and all!

That and most of my basics are getting a few holes in them due to over-wearing. Work clothes wear out so quickly!

(Am slightly distracted...Petespace is on Rove)

Right...Petespace is over.

This week has been INTENSE at work. We're full on into new system training/updates and changing just about everything. One more week and we are re-entering EVERYTHING into the new system. Fun times.

Highlight of the week (apart from Isaac coming home from the West Coast) was seeing STOMP at the James Hay on Tuesday night. Opening night even! It was incredible. No photos as they weren't allowed, but I cannot believe the sense of rhythm those people have! It was so much fun and they had us all clapping and stomping along by the encore. And they were hilarious!

Dom Post review here (I can't find the Press one!)

If you want to go - and you should - you can buy tickets here. Only 8 shows so get in quick!

ANNND tomorrow is another show day. We are going to Disney's Princess Wishes on Ice. Yes, childish I know - but oh what a way to relive my childhood!!!! I'm excited :)

Be Still

2009-05-31T11:33:00.002+12:00

I had a "moment" yesterday.

We're down at Ohau and I took my bike to the road. (As you do)

It was spectacular. The sun was out, but dropping behind the mountains very quickly. Probably about 6 degrees out and I was biking into the wind. Brrr!

At one point I just pulled over and it was so utterly quiet. No cars, nothing. All I could hear was the occasional bird. Right in front of me? Massive snow-capped mountains. My breathing sounded almost intrusive in an atmosphere like that.

It was like I could hear God whispering. In the light of such awesome, magnificent beauty it's like the whole world fell into perspective. It's why I love getting out of town. You never get utter stillness and silence in town. We clutter life with noise. Traffic, tv, radio, advertising. Humanity is very good at talking and not listening.

Imagine all that would be revealed if we just listened.

(P.s - it's snowing again)

I think it's important to remember that God's not the noise of the storm - the thunder, the waves, the earthquake, the hail, the sleet...you get the point.

If I was to associate God with the weather system it would be snow. Snow is silent, it has this ability to blanket everything it touches. What's more it transforms. Not in a hugely intrusive way. But in a gentle, quiet way. And yet it has the ability to make the whole world grind to a halt if it's heavy enough.

That's what I think anyway. I think we all need a little more snow in our lives.

Indescribable.

2009-05-11T19:46:00.003+12:00

I don't know how to explain what God has done in my life. Well, I do. But I don't - if that makes sense!

There are no words to explain what He has done in my life.

I wasn't a drug addict.

I wasn't an alcoholic.

I wasn't abused.

But I was broken.

And though I'm no where near being whole I am on the journey to getting there. And I wouldn't be able to get there if it wasn't for him. You have no idea the sense of relief in knowing (and I forget this often!) that I don't have to worry. That I don't have to be in control. That there is a plan and even though I don't know the next step that I am going somewhere. The things that frustrate me don't need to frustrate me because I can have perspective. There is a bigger picture.

I get to be accepted. I get to be loved and not just in the broken, distorted way of human love. Because we can only love to a certain extent and our very human-ness distorts what love is meant to be. I get unconditional, lay-down-my-life-for-you love.

If you don't get what I'm talking about that's fine because I don't think you can until you're at the place you can understand that. But that's what it is for me.

Fringe is back!

2009-05-09T15:07:00.003+12:00

Nothing like a tidy to make you feel good about yourself!

I find that if you don't make eye contact your soul doesn't get sucked into the camera...

I love V for Hair. I see the head stylist there and she's awesome! I will have to start going back to see Amber once she starts cutting again though. I always feel like I'm cheating on my hairdresser if I go see someone else.

Does any one else feel that way or is it just me and my neurotic personality???

Did the early Mother's Day thing with Mum & Dad today. Test ran the new Drexels in Ricc Mall. YUMMY! I love Drexels. It is SO GOOD. Love the Mexican 3 egg omelette. I always get no guacamole and mushroom instead. *drool* And free refills of coffee...muwahaha.

Highly recommended. Tomorrow we are doing the Ground Floor Cafe for breakfast with Isaac's mum. I'd better get on my bike soon or I'll have to start rolling places!!!

Fly, fly my pretty!

2009-05-07T21:56:00.002+12:00

My week has gone so quickly! Seriously. We're at thursday already, and let's be honest right now it's pretty much friday. Surprisingly, or unsurprisingly, it hasn't really gone to plan. It was supposed to be my "down" week. (Up week is small group week)

The weekend has blown out on me due to Mother's Day - not that I mind as I appreciate a day that is all about appreciating my mum - but with two families it takes a lot of negotiating. Less with my family and more so with Isaac's. But that's ok.

House stuff is totally in full swing and taking up time! But that's good, sooner we get it all started the sooner they can start building!

Stupidly I also made dinner plans for Saturday. Not stupid as in I don't want to go, because I do. It's just that it means that Saturday is REALLY full on. As is Sunday. Hmmm...

I may need a weekend after the weekend.

Few "interesting" things have happened at work lately. Nothing I'm willing to elaborate in the public sphere but just a number of things have happened that have made me go "hmmm..." And some days I don't really want to be there, but I know very certainly that God wants me to be there so there's no real arguing with that, is there?!

Trying to find time to write but it seems a little far off now. Hoping things settle down soon!!!! Barely time to Tweet, let alone blog, let alone songwrite.

My thoughts on swine flu

2009-05-03T17:25:00.003+12:00

Get over it, people.

Seriously, GET. OVER. IT.

People die from the normal flu all the time. Especially, in NZ (read: Christchurch) when combined with the freezing cold winters and poorly insulated houses.

Has anyone stopped to consider the difference in medical standards between Mexico and places like NZ and the US? All our so called "unbiased" media agencies have conveniently forgotten this. And also, talk about scaremongering. We went from 150 (ish) dead in Mexico to 7. How's that for attributing every single possible cause of death to swine flu??!

Meanwhile we can now buy Tamiflu on Trademe. So hopefully that will make it cheaper than the $60-80 it will cost to get it without a prescription. (P.S according to Wikipedia Tamiflu is not so sucessful with Bird Flu anyway, fingers crossed for Swine Flu though!)

People need to calm down and not panic so much. So there are infected people in the country. Most of them aren't actually that sick (from what I've heard) and they've been quarantined. How is it any worse than the general course of colds and flu that people get over winter anyway? And the media need to stop perpetuating this. *smacks wrist* Bad media.

Also, go the Brits for using Swine flu as a reason to not go to work. "I think I have the flu, I'll just quarantine myself now...I'll be back in a couple of weeks"

Of house dreams and designs.

2009-04-28T11:11:00.003+12:00

Am home sick today. Have been in bed all morning, I figure if I do that I might feel well enough to actually do things in the afternoon.

So, have been thinking and surfing the net, mainly checking out SaucyDwellings - which is basically a community of people who post photos of their houses once (re)decorated. Pretty cool. It got me thinking about the house - if/when it's built it'll be pretty modern, which is great because I love modern. But modern often lacks a bit of character. (Though if you look here you'll see that that's not always true!) So I'm trying to think of ways to give it character. Which is silly because it's not even close to being built yet.

But I'm a little like that. Currently am thinking a little old mixed in with the new.

Anyway, will be exciting because once it's done (like 6 months from now - eeek!) I can post pictures and whatnot. I'm just excited to get my own space!

2009-04-26T10:38:00.003+12:00

I always feel slightly guilty when I don't go to church on a Sunday morning. Which is silly, isn't it? I'm going tonight. But I feel like I should be going in the morning as well.

Logically it makes no sense. I shouldn't feel guilty in any case.

Plus it's not like God only resides in church. He doesn't. And I don't regularly make a habit of NOT going. I've been so tired lately that today I just feel like I want to stay home and get things done.

AND take the new bike for a spin.

Hmm...maybe that's why???

PS - People if you're on here and reading this, click on one of the links below! It'll greatly help our house fund if people start clicking on adsense!!!!

We got approved!

2009-04-23T17:51:00.000+12:00

The bank approved us!! Only took almost a week lol. Yay!!! It's all becoming a little more "real". Lotsa decisions to make in the next wee while - going to need lots of prayer!!!

Ageism

2009-04-19T22:32:00.002+12:00

Sometimes I look in the mirror when the make-up is off and I feel old.

We had a retro worship night tonight...not just the '80s but the '90s too...good to listen to the old stuff but MAN the 90s feel like a LONG time ago!!

One of my ex-youth group girls is ENGAGED!! I'm happy for her but am also thinking it doesn't seem like that long ago she was in high school...

Perhaps when we all have kids I will ponder this again. Thing is the best time is now!!! Loving to live the dream...or at least part of it!

New to come

2009-04-17T19:00:00.003+12:00

Working on a new layout. Wanted autumnal but am leaning towards Spring. Hope for the future perhaps?

Getting slowly re-addicted to Shorty Street. Not sure if it's bad or not. But the acting sure is!!! *sigh*

So...this week have met with the builder/real estate agent and today we met with the mortgage broker. All very positive sounding. Will just have to see what the banks say now!!! Feels so old and grown up though!

Watch this space!!

I am a shopper of the times

2009-04-16T18:52:00.002+12:00

I buy general stuff from Pak n Save. Meat and veg for Raeward and ocassionally go to the Funky Pumpkin or the Mad Butcher depending on what is cheap.

Basically, I am awesome.

2009-04-14T22:37:00.002+12:00

I'm glad I've started carrying my camera around town. Means I can capture moments like this. I'm putting together a new Flickr set - Christchurch in Autumn. Hopefully it'll be something really worth doing!

Love this country!

2009-04-13T20:17:00.004+12:00

The Ahuriri

Where else in the world can you go and see sights like this?? I love this country! It was a great, relaxing Easter as well. Felt a little like summer but slightly colder.

Just by the Ahuriri Valley Track

More photos to come on my Flickr. It's almost enough to make me want to throw in my job and just go live somewhere that's NOT the city and wake up to the mountains every day :)

Traffic!

2009-04-11T10:02:00.002+12:00

Traffic on SH1 - outside the Synlait factory

Yep...we couldn't believe it either! Traffic stretched all the way to the Rakaia bridge! According to Google Maps it's a good 16kms of crawling traffic. WELL away from civilisation!

Crazy!!! Turns out there was an accident on the bridge. Ouch.

But we're here now!

Today

2009-04-09T10:52:00.004+12:00

Today I apparently believe in the power of internet advertising. Oh no what have I done???! Like it's not enough to be surrounded by it 24-7 at work! I suppose if it generates revenue it's okay. Or is that what ad execs have been telling themselves for years in order to justify the creation of this consumerist state we are in??!

Or am I over thinking?

On today's baking menu - lemon/lime squares! I am quite excited regarding this as it's out of my 500 great cookie recipe book which doesn't use cup measurements but weight instead. I got to use my new Salter scale which rocks! It's also extremely quick to do in the mini oven. (Book estimates close to an hour for baking but it took me just over half an hour)

These are to take away with us this weekend. And am going to do bread as well. Will let you know how they taste! Cooling in the tin now :)

NOMS

Isaac is graduating today which means that everything is fairly full on. Being him he didn't actually look through all the stuff that they gave him in his graduation pack till last night! *sigh* At least he managed to book his robes...lucky I love him!

Am really, really looking forward to getting out of town. Had a bit of a missing kitty moment yesterday. Every time I head out I feel like I'm forgetting something like checking his food bowl, making sure he doesn't run outside or just saying goodbye. This too shall pass I guess.

House hunt is still on. Mum is on board now which is nice - she likes looking at houses and has an agent friend so that's good. And she makes it her business to know what the best deals are. Kinda like I do but to a greater extent. I learnt from the best! (Haha)

Enjoy the ads people ;)

Ps - 8 degrees and it's 11am! Awesome!!! :(

Biccies!!!

2009-04-08T17:43:00.002+12:00

So, I decided on Belgium biscuits for some UNKNOWN reason. I forgot that I am crapski with biscuits that need rolling and cutting out.

BUT these turned out pretty ok if I do say so myself! I am happy to send these a church-ways.

They also taste good. NOMS!

Lack of exciting

2009-04-08T10:10:00.002+12:00

Am trying to find something exciting to bake for Journeys Towards Easter pack down on Sat. Since I'm not going to be there and all I thought I'd contribute in some way.

Alas, everything I find appears to have "frosting" (said with American twang) on it.

May have to drop back to the old failsafe Edmonds choc brownie. Am also thinking biscuits to take away with me.

Will let you know how I go. First time in yonks I am at liberty to blog all the time and no one else is here so how better to use up all my words for today??

White Cat needs home!

2009-04-07T19:18:00.003+12:00

Someone, anyone in Christchurch after a cat? Saw this on Trade Me and it just makes me feel so sad! He needs a home and we can't give him one at the moment as it's too soon :(

But I figured that I'd get the word out there in case anyone is looking or thinking of maybe adopting a baby. He's a bit older and he's had a hard life.

So...if you've been considering it and have a place in your home and heart for this baby please, please, give him a home!!!

Freedom!

2009-04-07T17:58:00.002+12:00

Well, it is officially Easter weekend for me due to a mix up in when Isaac's graduation is. (It's Thursday, not Wednesday)

But that's ok. Initially I was planning on spending most of Weds with the kitten, but that has obviously gone out the window now. So I am filling my day with things like baking and going to Journey Towards Easter and preparing for heading down to Ohau. Again, we originally weren't going any where for the holiday but with kitty gone it seems like a good time to get out of the house as it's a little uncomfortable-feeling here sometimes.

Sometimes I think I see the kitten sitting somewhere on the floor. It always ends up being my shoes or something like that. But I don't expect him to walk into the room as much any more :(

So tomorrow will be okay. Just me. My parents get back tomorrow so may stop in for a visit and Isaac and I are planning on trialing the delights of Wagamama tomorrow night as a pre-graduation celebration.

I feel that I will probably have to take a few deep breaths. But that's okay. I'm doing okay and that is really only due to the grace of God.

We are looking at places to move to. Places to buy. Looking into how much we can/need to borrow. It's all very exciting and grown up. I'm believing for the right place and the provision to get it.

Still haven't heard about the job I applied for. But that's all good. Supposed to hear by the end of the week - but I'm not there (haha). I'm not worried though, I still like my current job well enough and part of me would feel bad for leaving in such a time of change.

6 days off work! Whoop!

Thoughts

2009-04-05T15:40:00.003+12:00

We are thinking of buying a house.

For a number of reasons:

1. The market is really good right now and it's probably good to take advantage of it before it changes again. (Btw - how much of a grown up do I sound like using terms like "the market")

2. One day at some stage I would like another kitty. Simply because I miss Mr Squirrel's company very, very much. We can't do that here, not with the dogs and all.

3. Some days this house feels claustrophobic because it's ours but it's not.

4. I want my own place. And more space.

Last week was really hard. I miss my kitty like nothing else. It sucks knowing that he's never coming back. I have gone over so many things in my head and cried so many tears. We had a beautiful memorial service for him yesterday - I think it helped. And I guess with time I will stop being sad and remember the good times. I'll see him again one day - I really, really believe that.

The whole house buying thing was a bit of an impulse decision. Especially when we were upset at the neighbors and their dogs. But now I think we'll do it. We have a couple of areas we like. So yes. Watch this space.

Complexity

2009-04-03T22:09:00.002+13:00

Life isn't always easy
Complexity surrounds me
Some days it's not clear to see
Evidence of your majesty...

But I am hanging on,
To the one,
Who gives me life...

I am hanging on,
To the one,
Who gives me life...

I'd forgotten this song. Must be Easter if I'm thinking of Satellite. It so fits my mood right now.

Wow

2009-03-31T19:09:00.002+13:00

Things can change so quickly.

My heart hurts...so, so much. I miss my baby SO much.

I don't get the unfairness of it all.

I don't get why it had to be this way.

I keep expecting him to poke his head round the door and come bounding up to sit on my lap.

I miss him.

I wish I could have held him one last time.

I wish I'd kept him inside all day.

I wish bad things didn't happen.

I just wish he'd come home...

My love for my slow cooker

2009-03-22T15:51:00.003+13:00

So it's like freezing cold and whatnot at the moment. Totally a precursor to winter. Brrr! So the last couple of nights have been really good opportunities to use the slow cooker.

I love my slow cooker - if you don't already know this - I think it's because it makes such hearty, comfort food. Or at least I think so! On tonight's menu is beef strogonoff, which I love but don't make very often due to the fact that I don't like doing it on the stove and it takes a wee while to do in the oven. And when you do it in the oven nothing comes out quite as tender as doing it in the slow cooker.

Last night was lamb ragout with white wine. Basically a really hearty lamb stew. Nommy! Perfect on a really cold night.

What I love about the slow cooker as well is on days when you know you're going to be rushed for time at the other end (think: work followed by church meeting) you can chuck everything in in the morning before you head off, stick it on low and voila it is done when you get home! Loving the ease of it all! ANNNND apparently they are cheaper to run than your cooktop. (Unless perhaps you are on gas)

As far as I'm concerned it's at least a little bit of a money saver, you can buy cheaper cuts of meat, top it up with veges and it still comes out tender! In fact, with a slow cooker fat is good because it softens all the meat!

Am I gushing? I don't mean to gush! I am just excited by the possibilities! Also this post was NOT sponsored by any type of slow cooker manufacterer. Just in case you were wondering.

If you do happen to have a slow cooker and are a little unsure of where to start here's a couple of websites with great recipies/people who are willing to help!

Crock Pot Cooking
A Year of Crock Potting

Looking forward to dinner tonight all ready!!!

Tweets

2009-03-17T21:35:00.005+13:00

So I'm totally into this whole "mindcasting" thing. It's taken preceedence over my blogging. WHY has no one told me about this sooner? And the widget!!! Now I can tweet and blog at the same time.

Yes, I am a retard.

Or a geek.

Geek is the better term.

Also, hello! I have lost inspiration to blog lately - somewhat due to aforementioned love of tweeting and reading John Mayer & Jamie Cullen's tweets (amongst others).

Here are grainy, cellphone photos from our work dinner last weekend. Went to Nobanno and it was SO GOOD.

This is Pablo!

This is Pablo again and me with the gammy GIANT EYE OF DOOM!
(Like the fringe?)

Bry-diggity!!!
I've just noticed that the bags under my eyes are HUGE.

My word we are retards! Hahaha but it was a good night and didn't run too late for a nana like me.

Also...we are finally making progress with our wedding photos & album - whoopitty whoop!

And that is all. But I will be tweeting - oh yes I will be!

Beauty woes

2009-02-28T12:38:00.003+13:00

So...does anyone else feel super-duper insecure when they go in to get their hair cut? Every time I go I ponder whether or not I need to be totally making myself up so that I feel just as pretty as all the people in store look. And they're just the stylists!

I mean, I'm going there to get pretty (so to speak) but I find all these gorgeous ladies a little intimidating! I don't look that good on a normal day! I have to say though, getting a haircut - and in my case a specialised treatment - always makes you feel GOOD.

I am loving V for Hair at the moment. The girlies in there are lovely, and they have their token gay guy who is so camp it's funny. Last time I went was just after the wedding and I got all the length taken out of it because I was so sick of it long. I had a lovely stylist then who has now unfortunately left the place.

This time I wanted a bit of a change and they had sent out a voucher for a free treatment plus $10 off a cut. AND my hair was basically pissing me off so it was really about time to give it a bit of a hack. (Haha) The treatment was awesome. My hair feels great! They basically moisturised it and added some shine. That and a head massage (bliss!) plus some heat treatment and a complimentary coffee. (Noms!) I love head massages - they are SO GOOD. There's something about them that is so relaxing and stress relieving!

This time they booked me in with the head stylist - they hadn't told me this when I called to book and she costs $10 more than booking in with one of the regular stylists but that's all good. She'd just had her hair cut by one of the trainees that morning so she was looking pretty sharp too! She was awesome. She kept checking back with me to see if the length was good, if I wanted more layers etc etc. She even told me how to style my hair when it was all done. I really wanted a fringe but wasn't too sure if it would suit or what style would suit and she totally talked to me, gave her opinion and basically all in all did a great job. Totally worth the extra $10 bucks!

That and she did everything herself! Normally the other stylists get the colourist to blow dry and straighten the hair. But she totally did it all. It was quite cool.

And I'm really happy with it because I totally needed a different look!

So the "Woe" part of this post...well, I missed an eyebrow waxing appointment. This is not the end of the world for me as I usually don't really bother with my eyebrows. But last year I went with a friend from work to get them done and they booked us in four weekly.

But work's really busy and I forgot. Now, this friend of mine had an appointment the very next day and she forgot too. (Like I said, work is busy) I didn't call them and neither did she. But they called her and asked her to reschedule. No such service for me!! I thought to myself "that's weird" and didn't really think any more of it and was like "Oh well, I'll book and reschedule eventually"

Next thing I know they have sent me an invoice for half the price of the missed appointment. Apparently that is business policy when someone misses an appointment. Which is all well and good as I did miss an appointment and I didn't call them.

BUT THEY CALLED MY FRIEND.

Double standards, no???! I would happily pay the invoice if I knew that every time someone missed an appointment and didn't call they had to pay the fee. BUT I KNOW SOMEONE WHO DIDN'T CALL THEM BUT GOT CALLED INSTEAD. (Caps for emphasis) I'm not paying them their measly $7.50 - more on principle than anything else.

Btw - It's Body Business on New Regent Street, if anyone is thinking of going there. I mean, the girls there are usually lovely and I quite like it and they do a good job. But this really disappointed me. They need to have one policy for all customers. I don't care if they had a spare appointment slot to fill at the end of the day and so they called my friend to see if she'd take it. That's bull.

And that is the end of the woe.

High point

2009-02-18T20:35:00.002+13:00

So...high point of today is the potato story running in the southern edition of the Mail. Check it out when it arrives in your mailbox, Christchurch!!!

Dramas with one of my "more difficult" clients today. I love working with travel advertisers!!!

Sunday Funday

2009-02-17T18:17:00.011+13:00

Photos as promised...

On Sunday we totally got ourselves along to The Outwits performance of The Complete History of Cinema...Abridged. It was awesome, those guys are funny as! It was the last night otherwise I would recommend that all others go along. It was a good crowd and we brought a picnic - fun times :)

Jeremy is angered at having to wait for the play to start

We are less impatient!

Anyway, I didn't take photos of the play as the play was on and I was more engrossed in it's amusing-ness than in taking photos. These guys do it every summer in Hagley Park and it's well worth a visit - I'm already looking forward to next year!

After we made a stop in at the Chinese lantern festival:

Shiny!

It would have been fun(ner) if not for the BILLION (I am only exaggerating slightly) people wandering the park and rudely walking in front of people (namely me) trying to take photos. Bastardos!!! They are so rude!! Nevertheless, I persevered despite my hatred of crowds.

Kitty cat!

The turtle band - cowabunga!

Crazy crowdfolk

Some crazy Asian dude

Pandas!!!!

And finally for this photo-blogging moment, my baby!!!

Whatchu lookin' at punk???!

Awww...he so cute!!! (No more cutie-cutie!!!) Who remembers that dulux ad???

Crappity crapski

2009-02-16T21:49:00.003+13:00

Well there are a number of reasons why this Monday particularly sucks the big one.

1) It's freaking freezing!!!!! Seriously it's like winter out there. It's almost like we jumped from hot summer weather to the depths of winter.

2) From 3pm today I will basically be the only person from my team actually at work... *sigh*

3) The Killers cancelled their Chch show!!!! "Personal reasons" my ass!! That's a total cop-out! They've only postponed their Auckland show...what up with that????!! And what am I supposed to get Isaac for his birthday now??? Highly inconvenient!

Oh well...the only positive is that it's lunchtime. I have photos to post (for a change) and will do that tonight so no more bitching and moaning!

Valentine's Day

2009-02-13T19:10:00.002+13:00

So I was pondering how commercialized Valentine's Day has become as I walked to work this morning. Especially these days with retailers trying to "beat the recession"!

But...having thought about it a little it's kind of good to have that wee reminder to spend time together (even if you can't use your Entertainment Book vouchers - what's up with that?!!) and it doesn't HAVE to be ridiculously expensive either.

People are busy and relationships take quite the pounding in this old world! It's nice to say this is our time.

Or at least I think so anyway...

Speculation is rife

2009-02-10T13:16:00.001+13:00

Did Chis Brown really attack Rhianna? I love how everyone seems to be taking this as fact regardless of there being no evidence to it.Normally I wouldn't even be THAT interested...but work has been ridiculously quiet lately!

*sigh*

I would give just about anything to be on holiday again!

But the good news is that the v-day potatoes sold for $20!!!!! I'm stoked that people apreciated what a good cause it is! I'm really quite proud to have participated :)

And we'll do it all again this weekend!

Long weekend...

2009-02-08T15:37:00.002+13:00

So, I coped with the absent husband long weekend! Only now his flight is delayed. So instead of being home at 1.30 he isn't coming in till approx 4pm. Fun times.

Spent the weekend with friends and potato picking!

Incidentally, you gotta check this out - perfect V-day present or what??? Get bidding!!!

Recession ponderings

2009-02-02T18:40:00.003+13:00

So...if we are in a recession and the price of living has gone up then WHY are Pak n Save - the self-professed supermarket of guaranteed lowest prices only running FOUR specials in this month. Two of which revolve around alcohol??

Yes, let's encourage people to drink when they can't afford to feed their children.

I mean really!

It's as bad as the people who were getting food from the foodbank after Christmas but who were still paying for their Sky subscription.

People like that need a good slapping. Priorities people!!!

I am unimpressed.

Week in review

2009-01-30T18:25:00.013+13:00

So...I am actually exhausted. Isaac has a work leaving dinner tonight and I am declining attending due to tiredness. It's been quite a full on week. Mainly due to having to organise a raffle for today at work - which was a GREAT success by the way. We raised $394 for our sponsored kids! It means that we don't have to run another raffle for another three months! Whoop!

It kinda got dumped on my desk this week and I was told that we were pretty much out of previously raised money. In true Press organisational style! All good though, we rallied and managed to put together two hampers plus a guys prize pack and a womens prize pack (including Redken hair products, L'oreal mineral make up, Bobbi Brown lip gloss and Clinique eye shadow - yes I really wanted to win that one!)

Incredible huh!

That, work in general and the new "baby" makes life quite involved at the moment. Neither Isaac nor I have ever had a cat before. And a kitten is very different to a puppy! He's very affectionate though - hates being shut away when we're at work (but he's getting used to it now!) - and he's learning not to climb up us anymore! The backs of both our hands are covered in kitty scratches though!

So yes, following on from J&J's wedding and all the stuff we had to do then - it was quite full on! I'm glad it's the weekend!

Speaking of the wedding:

The Church filling up

The Bride - awww!

The Kiss!

Watching the races at the Showgate

That's me!!!

Entrance of the Mr & Mrs

Mmm...cake!

Our slightly overexposed table (in terms of lighting!)

Me and Melsie

Wedding finery!

So yes, was a good night and good times! Just such a busy day what with the making pure chocolate truffles for the afternoon tea (yummy!) and setting up the reception venue after the ceremony!

No wonder this week has been exhausting!

New Baby

2009-01-28T18:09:00.004+13:00

Mr Squirrel is a mischief maker...this is why I've been busy!

Busy!

2009-01-23T18:34:00.003+13:00

Argh! What a week!!! The wedding tomorrow and then church on Sunday will top it off nicely methinks!

Shall update when things settle down a little. I don't think I was this busy when MY wedding was coming up - but that may have had something to do with the fact that I had a week off work!

I am a perfectly responsible human being

2009-01-14T19:46:00.003+13:00

I am working on the design for the wedding thank you cards. It needs to be done...and I quite like doing it. Don't like it when people keep "reminding" me to send thank you cards. As though we weren't ALWAYS intending on sending thank you cards.

I love them but REALLY. I am not a child and am perfectly responsible (mostly!).

I just dislike it when every form of communication contains a reminder to send thank you cards to overseas people.

I'm GETTING to it!!! *sigh*

A belated introduction...

2009-01-12T21:23:00.003+13:00

Mr Fishie!!!

We got him a couple of days after we got back from honeymoon because we had this bowl - one of many - that had been part of the table centerpieces at the wedding and we thought it would make an awesome fish bowl.

And it does!!! Unfortunately kitting out Mr Fishie's bowl cost close to $50 - including the price of Mr Fishie! Glad we don't have a tank!!! He is very cute - probably about the size of my thumb and he may be a teensie bit bigger than when we first got him but I can't be sure...

A closer look...

When we first got him he was uber-depressed...probably because he had come from a giant tank with lots of friends to our fish bowl. He would just sit in the part of the tank that faced the window and stare at his reflection in the glass. We never even saw him eat!!!

Thankfully I think we are past the critical stage in his development. He is much more active and even eats in public. He must not be bullimic. Hurrah!

I personally think he has just forgotten that he used to have friends....

Anyway, he is a good fish as fish go. Doesn't complain too much about bowl cleaning which is a plus!!!

sigh

2009-01-09T21:39:00.010+13:00

Well...all good things must come to an end I guess. I have to go back to work on Monday - which means we are leaving Ohau tomorrow morning :P

I really, really don't want to!!! *sob*

Although right now I'm in a lot of pain. So I'd probably sob over having to move off the couch. We went mountain biking today. Hard core!!!

Weather when we started out...see that little trail up the hill? THAT'S where we were heading!

It was so lucky that I've been doing 3km around the village pretty much daily since we've been here. I think if I'd done no exercise at all I'd have been in A LOT of trouble...lol. As it was it was pretty intense. Lots of hills and pretty rough terrain.

Geeky husband lol

Our intrepid leader - excepting he is behind other people

Isaac doesn't really like biking - well, he never used to. He's more of a runner. But I basically never run because I don't like the impact. (Possibly because I don't have proper running shoes!) Anyway, am hoping to talk him into getting bikes because that will actually mean that I will possibly be inspired to get some exercise when NOT on holiday.

Me all hot and sweaty - awesome :P

I have not the ability or stamina to make it up this hill. But if you peer closely you will see the intrepid leader make his way up!

So yes, two hours (approximately) there and back. 8kms total...but felt a LOT harder than that, probably because we weren't on the flat. Parts were very windy and rainy. My Columbia outer served me quite well when we were waiting for the really fit ones to make it up the hill and back.

However, it really fined up for the ride back :)

So yes, sore and holidays are over. Much sadness! But I'll sleep well tonight!!!

All artistic-like

2009-01-06T20:37:00.013+13:00

So being on holiday is good for the soul (I totally didn't mean to get all preachy in the last post...btw - Elinor has responded and she pities me...good thing I care fairly little about her opinion! Really I pity her for her narrow minded-ness.) I have finally had a bit of a chance to play around with photoshop with recent photos :)

Candle in a bar that we ate at in Queenstown. I think it's called Brazz???

Lillies in the Queenstown botanical gardens

The gateway to Narnia...

Pretty roses :)

Thistles out the back at Ohau

Glenorchy

Queenstown was fun :) Good-ish weather and we had a gorgeous little apartment to ourselves which was quite self sufficient really. We were only there two days but it was a pretty good way to unwind.

So yes, am having fun "playing" and am actually quite pleased with the results of what I've played with. Shall have to do more as long as this holiday lasts! SO not looking forward to going back to work :P

Something I dislike...Palestine & Israel take two

2009-01-06T13:28:00.003+13:00

Actually, not just dislike - more like really, really abhor. When people who don't even know who you are attack you for your opinion.

Not only that - when they are too cowardly to do it in a public forum and so they privately send psuedo-scathing private messages to one's facebook account.

I'm sorry, but you are doing nothing to change my opinion or gain my respect. So long ago that I can't even remember how long ago it was...2007 as it turns out....I blogged about Palestine and Israel. Probably in response to some act of aggression that was happening at the time. Now, I don't claim to be an expert on the situation over there. In fact - I am probably anything but. However, I don't think it is possible for us to assign blame all over the place - especially when people's lives are being taken without their permission. Especially when childrens lives are at stake.

There are people all over the place who believe firmly in what they believe. The Palestinians and the Israelis both believe that they are entitled to the land of the Gaza strip. (Like I said, not an expert - correct me if I'm wrong!) But there are people involved here too. People who are losing their lives and families being torn apart - on both sides.

I am not - and I really want to stress this - not picking sides. All I am saying is that there is a point where enough is enough. Where compromise is always going to be the best option. This is one of those occasions. Yes, Elinor, Israel did give that land in Gaza to the Palestinians. You say "stupidly" and perhaps that may or may not be right. But that land originally belonged to the peoples in that area - the arabs who you claimed attacked Israel when they were still trying to get recognition as a "people".

So how can you say that these people are not a nation? Are not people but terrorists? Are all Palestinians terrorists? Israel have their own military that has caused it's fair share of terror. And if I remember correctly (5th form history is a long time ago now!) that land never originally belonged to Israel. They took it from other nations. Is it really a surprise when those people want their land back?

I'll admit that I am not there. I don't fully understand - and possibly will never fully understand. But don't you dare lecture me on my opinion. I'm not opposed to learning - but not when you seek to force your opinion on me. I have the right to study all sources of information and make a reasoned judgment. And I don't need you to judge me for that.

You say New Zealand would respond in the same way if a neighbouring country was attacking them? Yes, perhaps. (Although with our pathetic lack of air force we'd probably lose...hmm...) But this is more than just one nations greed and want. This is about hurts - real or imagined - that have gone back years and years and years. People who can't let go, who continue to hurt the innocent people around them and who have very little regard for human life if it doesn't suit their agenda. And that is on both sides.

So thank you for sharing your side of the story. But don't you think you might be the tiniest bit biased? After all, these people are in your country, attacking your family. And to you the loss of life on the other side is deserved because, hell, they did it first! But is that really the right attitude? If your attitude is the same as the majority of the Israelis (and I pray that it's not!) then I doubt we will ever see any resoultion to the middle east conflict in my lifetime, if ever. On some level people need to learn to forgive and to let go. They need to time to heal and rebuild their lives.

Your attitude won't let that happen because you see them as beneath you. They don't deserve to live but you do? They don't deserve a home, a land, a place that they belong - but you do?

Think about that...

Ringing in the New Year

2009-01-01T16:33:00.003+13:00

They say pictures speak louder than words. We rung in 2009 with cocktails - what else???

Me, Jen & the lovely Mrs Kelly back from honeymoon!

Yes, cocktails in champagne flutes is a TERRIBLE faux pas...but that was all that was there! A Mocolada - yummy!

Mmm...cake! The icing was an invention and it was YUMMY (and obviously good for us!)

Jem ponders his next amazing cocktail creation...

So, it's 2009 - yay! Going to Queenstown tomorrow!!!

Belated Christmas...but here's to 2009!

2008-12-31T17:57:00.002+13:00

So...I am finally on "official" holidays! Whoop! I did have four days off over Christmas - just long enough to get out of "work" mode only to go back to work again! But it's not been all bad. The latest I've finished all week is 2.30 and today I got back from lunch at 1.30 and left at 2! So I'm loving it!

Christmas was good - had brunch with Mum & Dad (blueberry pancakes and fresh fruit!) and then bummed around home setting up/playing with presents and such and then drove down to Ohau to meet up with Isaac's family. We arrived just as they were pulling Christmas crackers - awkward!! Lol. Stayed there for a couple of days - just long enough to get a wicked sunburn! All thanks to our 10km bike ride!

Surprisingly I have taken NO photos this time around - I didn't bring my camera and I think I needed a break! But it was very fun, and we had awesome weather on our last day there which was nice - hence the BURN.

By the way...HAPPY NEW YEAR people! We are (shortly!) heading over to the old flat for a bbq of the good old fashioned kind. And then are planning to ring in the new year with a few people and drinks and nibbles over there.

Speaking of bbqs - Isaac got his fancy new hooded barbeque today. It's still in it's box but I'm positive we shall get much use out of it. (Thanks Deloitte tax team!) Since he's been off work he's been very diligently trying to get the house sorted - which is good of him! We've made a number of other significant purchases in the last week including a massive bookcase (which I love) and a chilly bin. (Which I do not love quite as much as the bookcase but is useful nonetheless).

Off to Queenstown on the 2nd - gonna spend a couple days there and then back to Ohau to hang for three or four days. Then it's back home and hopefully the house will FINALLY be completely sorted. Good times :)

Counting down...

2008-12-22T21:16:00.011+13:00

To a holiday at least!! Yay for short weeks. Boo for occupations that don't "sleep" so to speak. The newspaper must go on! (Apparently!)

At least I have real time off in the new year. Quite looking forward to it - firstly the getting away and secondly the finally managing to get fully settled into the house. We are slowly but surely getting there!

Anyway, most exciting thing for us recently has been the getting of the official wedding pictures. Some favorites:

Jen's hand is the other hand - I can tell by her engagement ring!

The Jo Po stand back and make sure everything blends...

Veil adjustment outside of the church...

Really cool via the parent's room shot!

Kiss! (Hehe)

Skinner posing for the camera...

Awww....

My favourite wee man :)

Okay...to be honest I have A LOT of favourites! So we shall call this one of two...

Ps...our photographer - Tony Stewart Photoshots (He is AWESOME)

Tired

2008-12-16T18:31:00.003+13:00

Hmm...work is not busy but feels busy. What up with that???

We had our team lunch yesterday at Yellow Cross in Sol Square. Food was VERY good. Service was REALLY lacking. Seriously, the girl who was waiting on us had NO CLUE. She dropped some food off our Mediterranean platter and didn't bother to replace it! I would definately go back there...but only if she wasn't serving!

We also exchanged Secret Santa presents which was quite fun. I got a pair of pink baby booties. Haha...and NO, they are NOT for anything in particular. Still, it was funny. But no children, not for like 10 years or so. Hahaha.

So...married life two weeks in. (Well, two weeks and three days...) It's actually really nice. Just the waking up together and all that. Which is not to say that I don't like my own space but it is nice. And it's nice to be able to do nice things for each other - even if it's just packing lunches for work! Or ironing shirts! Or baking. (Mmm...baking!) We're both quite busy people but now it feels like we just have that little bit more time on our hands. It's nice.

I really, really loved our wedding day. It was just so relaxed and laid back. Timing-wise everything worked perfectly. I did have the few moments of "family annoyance" especially when the photographer was being held up! But I moved past that. It was just a really awesome day and a LOT of fun. I guess you don't often get to throw a big party just for yourself! It was really special.

Hopefully will start to sort out the photos this week. Tony has them all ready for us to look at and pick out the ones we want - which is good! I'm really looking forward to seeing them :)

Christmas Countdown

2008-12-14T14:20:00.002+13:00

So...seems like it's not all THAT long until Christmas. Just a week and a bit! Argh! And we are only halfway done with the present shopping!

We started present shopping this weekend - but then got distracted and instead bought a tree and decorations! I have gone with a silver/blue/white theme this year. Looks pretty! Have multi-coloured lights though but it adds a little something to the mix.

It's a all a little exciting really! The year has gone by so fast!!!

Soon it will be 2009 and I'll have to start thinking up some New Years Resolutions....

No rest for the weary

2008-12-09T19:42:00.005+13:00

Well, that is not ENTIRELY true...

Holiday was awesome! Nice to sleep in and just relax and not worry about having to do anything. Talk about having to change your state of mind! Not used to this relaxing business!

But we had some awesome views:

Lake Henry Conservation Area Te Anau

Only about a million ducks!

Small church for lease in Manapouri - 6 months free lease!

It was very fun. Naturally, the week went WAY too quickly! It seemed like we were heading home a little too soon - with only two days before heading back to work - which has ALSO gone too quickly!

Have spent the past two days unpacking and moving Isaac's stuff in. On top of normal life stuff - like washing and ironing! I think this is the first time I've sat down properly for more than 5 mins all day!!!

And I need to do the ironing now.

But for the moment - my current favorite wedding picture:

Fun times :)

Friday?

2008-11-28T08:17:00.002+13:00

It's Friday.

Thinking about tomorrow makes me slightly queasy. But in a good way. It feels like the whole year has been leading up to this and suddenly it's actually HERE. It's a weird feeling!

I think I'd better write down everything that needs done today.

We have a wedding practice tonight. I have a feeling that that will make it seem all the more "real".

Am just trying to remember Amy's advice to relax and enjoy the day. Guess that only applies on the actual day itself huh???

There is something wrong

2008-11-27T08:29:00.004+13:00

When one can sleep in - and does. And actually wakes up and discovers that it's only 7.30am. That should be banned!

Things to do today:

- Finish of place name holders
- Boys pick up suits
- Tidy house
- NAP!!!
- Pack for honeymoon???

I'm sure there are things I've forgotten that need doing...

Oh...

- Source car ribbon

I don't know why people do this to themselves! We could have just eloped!!!

Also, a picture to amuse:

My other wedding and "family" photo

The photographer had shaky hands - good thing we didn't pay him quite as much as the other photographer! Lol

Birthday..!

2008-11-26T16:37:00.001+13:00

Spent - watching Private Practice & House, picking wedding dress up and getting ring shiny. Lol.

Man, I'm tired!!!

All in all a good day - and am off work now! Whoop!

The rest of this week is going to go SOO quickly!!!

One week!!!

2008-11-22T09:02:00.002+13:00

Last week has been a blur. It has gone so quickly it is unbelievable. Stress at work doesn't help though!! And there's plenty of that around. TENSION!!!

Am really looking forward to time off work. Only two days to go!! This weekend is pretty hectic. But I guess we'll get there. All the things yet to be organised keep running through my head. Not much fun. And this is all additional to normal life! Boo-urns.

I don't think I know how to deal with stress anymore. Last week I was in tears at least three out of five days. Or about to be in tears. I need to learn how to cope better. Before I have a nervous breakdown!!!

Oh well, gotta keep on trucking. It's just hard to be motivated. I went for a facial yesterday and almost fell asleep. Am just so tired at the moment!!!

Photo blog: Pic of the day

2008-11-18T21:07:00.002+13:00

Sunset - Birdings Flat

And again

Man I need some serenity in my life right now...

Long weekend

2008-11-15T12:45:00.002+13:00

And it was spent baking. Or non-baking as the case may be. On the upside ALL the sweet stuff for the afternoon tea is organised and the fudge is done. Whoop. Nice to know that we can feed approx 180 people just like that!

Two weeks to go now and it feels like there's still so much to do. Menu for the reception is yet to be finalised - although that is not because the George people have not been friendly. On the contrary they have been VERY helpful. But it does feel a little like the list is never ending.

Next week is my last full week at work. REALLY wondering where all this time has gone and how is it that I did not organise these things sooner??? Oh well, have to hope that everything will just come together.

Waiting for Isaac to return with new furniture purchases that we picked out last weekend.

If I think about all the things that need to be done too much I have a small panic attack... *sigh*

My little friends

2008-11-13T07:38:00.003+13:00

Well, they aren't really MY friends. Mummy duck would just as soon attack me as have me come close! But look at the wee paradise duck babies! They're actually quite big here. There's two in this picture and another one here...

They are a little hard to see...which is why I guess camouflage works!

BUT...want to know something really sad?? When they were really little there used to be NINE of them. Now there are THREE left!!!

Sad huh??? I don't know what happened to the other six. It went from nine, to six, to three. They used to all huddle under mummy duck early (well, walking to work time) in the morning. It was very cute!!

And then one day I caught daddy duck (not pictured and currently MIA) trying to lead the whole family across a VERY busy stretch of road. He got about halfway across - mum and babies were a little smarter - and all the cars came and he freaked out and started running back.

Crazy ducks.

But these three are still around! I hope they make it!!

So..

2008-11-08T18:43:00.002+13:00

Just waiting at the moment...for something to happen?? Lol...I have no clue what's happening tonight but I was supposed to be picked up at 6.30 and it's now 6.45....

Hmmm...

ANYWAY...to fill in space I am here. Have been re-reading the Obernewtyn Chronicles by Isobel Carmody. I used to LOVE those books when I was a kid. Well, teenager at least! I read all four in high school. (At that stage there were only four) Now I've bought the first three (thanks Borders for your 50% off vouchers!) and she's written the fifth and the sixth book comes out end of this year in the states.

WHOOP.

I still love the books. I was semi-worried that they wouldn't be as good as I remembered - but they are. And it's kinda weird, I mean it's been a good 10 years since I've read them but certain parts of the books I still remember having read once I read them. Nice to know I just needed a little prodding to remember. Can't remember how the story ends though!

Looking forward to reading the fifth book at least, seeing as how it's the one I haven't read before. (And the 6th!) I'm so glad Borders is in town. I'd have had to order them in otherwise - and how expensive that would have been! At least with Borders I can just go in and get them.

Not that I have that much time to read at the moment - well, I did today but only because I was feeling lazy... THREE WEEKS today!

Time flies man...seriously, where has the year gone! The past week(s) have been a mad rush of sorting stuff out and organising to meet with people so that we can finalise things. Of course all these people have mad-long lists that we need to fulfil as well! Add that to the usual end of year rush and you have some serious fun times. Haha.

Short week next week which I'm REALLY looking forward to. We have organised a baking/fudge making day for then. Will be good to get all that sorted. And we are finally looking at final numbers and all that - also fun. I guess you just want people to have fun and have a good time. That and the whole getting married thing. Lol.

As an aside: my ride is still not here - should I worry? Or is this what hen's nights are supposed to be like??? (Or hen's early evenings...???)

But I am looking forward also to finally having a BREAK. Work has been mad. We are officially short-staffed again that that will probably continue into next year. Which is fine. The staff member we had did basically no work anyway...but you know. Makes it hard if you want a holiday. Oh well, the days will go fast at least.

And I am almost 24...which is a scary thought! Feels a little old.

But now I'm just rambling. Huh. If these people don't show up soon I'm going to take my collected newspaper and just go to bed. While the sun still shines. (Doncha love daylight savings???)

Not my wedding...

2008-11-03T21:38:00.012+13:00

But still SO gorgeous (I am assuming my wedding will be gorgeous...haha). The weekend was awesome - great night on Saturday. Shattered all the next day though!

The ceremony was great - the groom looked SO nervous when he first got up there. But he loosened up in the end. Hehe.

Check out the stunning bride:

I loved her dress - it just suited her PERFECTLY

The boys practicing before the ceremony

Bridal party - Chris looking REALLY nervous

Vows...

All done!!!!

Mrs Kelly!!!!!

Corey all kilted out!

So that was the ceremony all done and dusted. After that it was basically time to party. And party we did!!! Nothing better to celebrate, right???

Bride & Groom arriving at the reception dinner!

Bridesmaids :)

More photos to come in the next post...I took WAY too many!!!

Going...

2008-11-01T12:51:00.000+13:00

To the chapel and we're gonna watch Amy and Chris get married!!!

I may be some time...

Spoilt...

2008-10-29T20:51:00.003+13:00

So a parcel showed up for me at work this morning:

(Love hearts are additional)

Occasionally I get stuff sent to work when I've ordered it online - but I was pretty sure I wasn't expecting anything. Especially not something with a big pink bow on it!!!

So I open it up...

Yummy!!! Haven't actually delved into it yet. But it was from the boy! We are one month out but it's also our 2 1/2 year anniversary.

Isn't he sweet????

Love it!!!!

Man...

2008-10-27T09:21:00.002+13:00

It feels GOOD not to have work today!!!

Plans so far...clean my extremely messy house, go shoe shopping, coffee with Rob. Oh and Areosmith is playing and the sun is shining! Nice change after the HAIL yesterday. Who loves the unpredictability of Spring!!!

Centennial weekend is over - well, for me anyway. It was a good - but tiring - day yesterday! The church has been going for 100 years now. Crazy! Was really cool to look at all the photos and stuff though :) Memories...

Anyway, had people over last night - Isaac was obviously not as tired as I was! - and none of the dishes have been done. The place is basically a sty - but that's ok...lots of time today.

Also...we are like officially a month out (or something) which is pretty freaky. I mean, I'm looking forward to it. But I hate the attention. And in so many ways I almost feel too young to get married. I think that's a mental age though! Lol...I must still be a kid at heart.

Although, you can't blame me...look at the people I work with:

Retards!!!!

Lol...but we have fun :)

AWOL for awhile

2008-10-25T17:46:00.002+13:00

But we finally have internet sorted at the new house!!!

Have I mentioned I hate moving?? I accumulate so much stuff - am WAY to sentimental! - and now I am in the process of clearing it all out or at least packing it away in nice boxes... *sigh* It's a BIG job.

All the furniture and stuff is moved in/sorted. It's just all the little things that need to be done....

Long weekend this weekend though which will help :)

At least I can take time with the clearing. Almost a month out and HEAPS to do....

2008-10-14T07:38:00.002+13:00

My list of stuff to do seems to just be getting longer instead of shorter. And it's not like I'm not doing anything either...

Murphy's law???

I almost kinda want the week to be over already!

Heat!

2008-10-11T16:00:00.002+13:00

SO hot today. Not such a good day for driving all over town in the car but we did it anyway. Day started pretty lazy with brunch out at J&H's. The good thing about brunching with people who used to own a cafe is that you get a pretty darn good cafe-style brunch! Yummy! French toast, bacon and caramelised banana. You don't get much better than that.

All the food made me want to sleep - but at the moment it's a little like no rest for the wicked. Not that we are wicked. But there's not a lot of rest. We trundled all over town looking at whiteware today. Mainly because moving day is next weekend and we need a fridge and a washing machine. And, as it turns out washing machines are basically ridiculously expensive. And all they do is wash clothes.

Hopefully the new credit card goes through, that way if we buy anything we'll at least earn true rewards points!!!

Egad

2008-10-06T21:28:00.002+13:00

Just went for a walk/run that equated to 1.8kms - or so Google says. And if Google sez it must be true!!!!

Thighs killing me - (wo)man was not made for such running!

Am determined to keep fit however, I really need to. Don't wanna be 30 and "big boned"

Tired...

2008-10-06T18:20:00.002+13:00

Okay...so, somehow I seem to have been really busy recently.

1. Work...work!!!
2. Packing - moving in two weeks!
3. Church stuff...
4. Wedding stuff!
5. Fighting the b*stards at the bank...!!!!
6. Reading Brisinger - all finished!!!

So tired...

Tomorrow:

1. Jen's Birthday
2. Pre-marital counselling

And all I want to do is sleep.

Sorry, can't form coherent sentances. Must bullet point.

Something that makes me feel better

2008-09-27T09:41:00.002+12:00

So...we got an email around work on Thursday telling us that the two sponsored children that work sponsor were $180 in the red which is pretty sad considering that they are sponsored kids and two months behind on payment could basically mean life or death to them.

Normally we do meat raffles for them, but the person who usually organises them left the company like 4 months ago. (We obviously had some money saved up!) Anyway, the most awesome Kylie came up with the idea of a hamper raffle complete with home baking. So, she bought, a couple of us baked (mmm...brownies and mini scones...) and we basically had the worlds MOST AWESOME hamper. It was HUGE.

We had so much interest we had to add another two pages of numbers AND a second prize of a bottle of wine and mini digital photo frame.

We raised $300 for those kids!!! I was so, so stoked about that. Especially since we work in this industry that is all about commercialism and consumerism. It was nice to be able to do something for other people who really needed it.

I will post photos of the most awesome hamper when I get them of my computer at work.

Feel good moment for the week :)

Keep fit

2008-09-23T18:18:00.002+12:00

So...I'm like trying this whole keeping fit thing. Mainly because I am really, really, really unfit. Like...really and secondly because the wedding is not actually that far away. I have "fitting into my dress" concerns.

I don't think they are necessary valid concerns. But I don't want to get to the dress fitting and suddenly realise the dress itself has to be taken OUT. Scary thought!

Anyway...keeping fit is not as much fun as I thought it would be. Running is really not my thing. I'd rather go to a class or something and that requires both money and motivation. Both of which I mainly lack after a day at work. Running at least I can pretend to be motivated about - because my level of fitness means that I can do very little of it and feel like I've done a lot.

Not sure if this is the right attitude to have.

Sorry for lack of interesting things to say. There's lots going on...but not worth writing down...Mainly work and wedding prep stuff. NOT that exciting.

Although...moving is in a month - less than a month! A little apprehensive yet excited about the whole thing. Looking forward to my own pad and being able to do my own thing. But I will miss the flatties. Plus it makes the whole getting married thing seem so much more real. Which is stupid, but true!

As long as I may live....

2008-09-14T18:01:00.002+12:00

So...Inspire is over. Which is crazy seeing as how we didn't even see it coming. Was so tired this arvo...slept for an hour! And Jem was mowing the lawn and my windows were open and I heard it but it didn't even bother me.

THAT is tired.

But what a fantastic weekend! It was just so...gentle...for lack of a better word! Hard work, but very laid back and relaxed at the same time :)

Yes, I am full of contradictions today. David Lyle Morris came down again, he's such an awesome man! Last time he was here was three years ago. And to be honest I don't remember much of it. But he just has such an awesome spirit. He's so down to earth and enthusiastic about stuff and just so passionate about God and music and serving other people.

He's an incredible man! You can just see God in him, you know. He's so, so...tuned in to what's going on. It's awesome. You can check out some of his songs on the link up there. I love "We Live in the Shelter" - he played it acoustic over the weekend and I just teared up every time! He wrote it after hearing about his wife's cancer scare.

It's also such a reminder of how blessed we are with our team. We really, really are. And that's not to blow our own trumpet. But we have truly inspiring leadership in D&M and we have an awesome leadership team that I'm incredibly privileged to be to be a part of. It's such a "family" - I love the wider team, I love our team. It's awesome. We have incredible musicians, incredibly passionate people who want to improve and play and sing like they mean it. And they bless so many people by their presence.

Awesome :)

Weekend already?

2008-09-12T07:47:00.001+12:00

Seriously, where has the week gone???

Friday morning. Had work drinks last night AND choir. Whole weekend taken probably with Inspire and signing of tenancy for the house.

Then it will be Monday.

Not too sure when my life became like this...

lolcatz

2008-09-06T12:39:00.000+12:00

more animals

Hectic

2008-09-05T18:49:00.003+12:00

Man, this week has been insane. We finally hit friday and it's probably the first night I've had at home with just me. Smid and I ate at home for the first time all week last night.

Isaac and I drove down to Oamaru and back on Weds for his nana's funeral. Rather sad reason for my first trip to the mighty city of Oamaru...but it was a nice (but long) drive. Met a LOT of extended family which was also exhausting!

Good news though, we put in a tenancy application in for the house we saw and really, really loved a couple of weeks ago. The agent rang today and told us that the landlords had approved our application! They even dropped $10 off the rent and we move in on the 18th of October!

Well, I move in.

Crazy!!! We'd only sent off the application this morning as well!

So I'm stoked because I really liked the house. It's quite compact and modern which I really liked. Quite low maintainence. So looking forward to moving in and NOT having to move for another 12 months (if not longer!)

Whoop!

Boo-urns

2008-08-30T09:36:00.002+12:00

I totally wrote this awesome blog entry about how Baghdad Baby was awesome - and left it on my computer at work.

So all you fantabulous punters will have to make do with a not-so-awesome entry about how I have the house all to myself for another hour. Because then Jen comes to stay!

The boys are off partying it up in Wellington. So yes. "Allllll by myself!!!" I don't really mind. So far today I have done tae bo and cooked breakfast. Yes, these two things seem at odds with each other. But I remain confident that the amount I consumed is less than what I've burnt.

I'm considering lowering my carb intake. I was slightly concerned last night when I tried my wedding dress on again. I haven't really been watching what I eat because I haven't needed to. But I can't think of anything worse happening than suddenly not being able to fit into this very expensive dress! So yes, watching what I eat! I will stop bringing baked goods into work and instead opt for fruit and vegetables.

YUM.

I don't really mind too much. I think it's more a matter of being careful than being TOO hard core. So yes, diet galore! Only I'm not calling it a diet. I shall think of some other much more exciting name to give it!

Shame I am not muslim. I could be fasting for Ramadan next week. That would probably help! But it is also a fairly shallow reason to turn muslim. And also, not really into the muslim thing so much. So yeah.

We've had sunshine for the past two days - it gives me great hope that Spring is FINALLY on it's way! I'm so sick of rain and snow. Perhaps the ground will finally get a chance to thaw out. Perhaps I will finally get a chance to thaw out! I hate being cold!!

So yes, I find that I have little to do on the internet these days. I start most days with the intent of doing things. Like update the wedding gift register etc. But work has been hidiously busy. Like, I have not known busyness up until now. Oh the stress. I have gone from putting one daily paper out to putting out one daily, two weekly (one with three different editions) and one twice weekly paper out. And of course ALL the deadlines clash for these!

Disfunctional.

Thus work tends to be a madhouse for hours at a time and then I suddenly have nothing to do because it's lunchtime. And then I come back from lunch and it's a madhouse again. FUNNN.

I shall abruptly end here. :)

Koda's House!

2008-08-26T19:08:00.008+12:00

So...Jen has been house-sitting the giant malamute again the past week. We went over to play on the weekend :)

Koda looks ferocious...

But he's actually a giant puppy!!!

House-sitter & House-sittee :)

Awww...

Double awww...

Not so awww...

Winding the dog up :)

Koda looks small here but he is not!!

Fun times :)

Mike Guglielmucci

2008-08-24T08:28:00.005+12:00

So...people might remember how I blogged about the song Healer when it first came out on the latest Hillsong CD.

Recently it has come to light that Mike Guglielmucci, the composer of the song, a former youth pastor at Planetshakers, has been living a lie for the past two years. He isn't actually dying of cancer - he never even had cancer. It was all an elaborate deception that seemingly fooled his wife and family and friends.

....

My first reaction was shock. I mean, if anyone has watched the Hillsong DVD his "testimony" seems so convincing. He performs on stage with an oxygen tube! He walks around backstage with a walking stick! His strength even causes other members of the church and band to speak about his faith.

For all that to be fake seems incredible.

The really sad thing is that he hasn't just made himself a liar. He has caused other people to become liars as well. People like his father - also a pastor - who has asked people in his church to keep praying for his son. People like Joel Houston who spoke about how Mike's faith and courage had deeply impacted him.

The scope of damage is huge.

People won't believe that this is something that one man has been able to pull off on his own without any help. I mean, he must have had help. Someone must have known. He had doctor's appointments, medical equipment...the works!

And what about the song? How can a song that has such an anointing come out of such decit? Will we ever be able to sing the song again? (Besides the point, I know...)

Here's what I think; firstly, good on him for coming forward. After two years - and, if the news reports are to be believed, he had other "sicknesses" over the years that were faked - of living this lie he came forward of his own free will to confess and tell the truth. He is obviously a very sick man, just not in the way that he portrayed himself to be.

Secondly, there will be hundreds - if not thousands - of people who will be impacted by this. Not just people who knew Mike personally, but also people who were touched by his music and ministry in some way. They will probably be hurt, they will probably be angry - I think that's natural. And I also think it's okay. People need to process stuff like that.

Thirdly, in light of all the media attention surrounding this, I think the best way to counteract the damage is to do what Jesus would have done. Support him, love him, pray for his family. This isn't something that will be fixed in a day, a week, a month. It will probably take years. If the latest news reports are to be believed, Mike has been struggling with addiction since he was 12 years old. That's a long time to feel guilty and alone about something.

I honestly think that the Christ-like thing to do in this situation is to rally around this man and love him. The rest of the world will probably condemn him. And they'll probably think we're crazy. ("We" in the larger church sense of the word.) But they've always thought we were crazy anyway. What's a little more crazy?

Just my thoughts.

Links here

Hmmm...

2008-08-22T16:52:00.003+12:00

Hmmm...interesting...

If it does end up being true the question of "How far will China go?" will have to be asked. It does seem as though lying - and not just lying, but tampering with official documents - is not beneath them.

While we're at it why don't we just re-write history?

At least it explains the poorly applied make up...

The American gymnasts were so much better!

Zounds!

2008-08-21T21:18:00.002+12:00

I decided that as a fun thing to do I would listen to my iPod with songs in alphabetical order. I started on Monday - and not at the very start of "A" for some reason - today I finally reached the first song of the "B"s.

O_O

And it's like 80-something of 1,800+ songs.

This experiment could take awhile!!!

Going to the theater tomorrow to see Baghdad, Baby! it should be good. I am quite looking forward to it as it will be a nice change from sitting around and doing nothing. Plus, the tickets cost NOTHING as I got them from work.

Working for the media has it's perks sometimes :)

But not when I have to stay at work half an hour late because there are too many things to do...and I have conviniently forgotten that it's Thursday...hmmm....

Oh well, tomorrow is Friday. Yay!

Mental health day

2008-08-15T10:26:00.002+12:00

I've needed one for so long!!! Feels good to not have to do ANYTHING.

I've updated my deviantart a fair bit recently. Sometimes I want to throw it all in and do something completely crazy and whacked out with my life. I think my compositions are getting better - which is nice to think about!

I am proud of some of the photos I've taken - of course the scenery helps! But yes, I enjoy it. Sometimes I enjoy it more - a LOT more - than just sitting behind a desk all day.

Perhaps in time I can do that. Seems we're always paying for the later now.

Obligated to speak on The Olympics

2008-08-07T16:18:00.001+12:00

Let’s be fair, the 8th day of the 8th month of the year 2008 approaches. Aside from the exciting fact that the date will read 08/08/08 (oh yeah!) and the fact that it will be Friday (even better!) the only other thing this date has to recommend to it is the fact that the opening ceremony for the Olympic Games will be held on this date. If you happen to be in China – if you live somewhere like NZ the Opening Ceremony technically will be being held after midnight – thus making the date 09/08/08 (not as exciting, or auspicious – apparently).

Of course, the Opening Ceremony isn’t really the “opening” ceremony. After all, events have already started. The soccer (or football) competitions kicked off (hah – see what I did there?) on Wednesday.

Obviously soccer is not the sort of game that requires an opening ceremony.

It seems ridiculous to me – they have essentially delayed the Opening Ceremony by two days for the sake of some slightly delusional belief that the number 8 is lucky.

Please…superstitions aside, why would China need luck? They have it all! They’re hosting the games, the pollution is gone (at the risk of their economy) and they have found some mysterious new green water weed. It could be anything from gillyweed to the cure for the world’s fuel crisis. Although if it is gillyweed perhaps they should have left it that for the swimmers to consume?

Add to that the communist government, the terrorist attacks and the “Free Tibet” banner that was unfurled for a whopping 12 minutes…China is on a roll.

The Chinese saw the Olympics as a way of showcasing to the world that they are a developed nation that is on par with any Western democracy in the world. Unfortunately, all they have showcased is their neglect of basic human rights, pollution, suppressed (oppressed?) media and state control.

Well done China!

But hey, thanks to the state of the media in China – your average Chinese citizen will probably deem the Olympics a great success. And let’s face it, for the Chinese it’s all about “face” anyway.

If a fruit is rotting on the inside but the outside still looks shiny and new is it still rotting?

I am alive

2008-08-04T19:40:00.002+12:00

Yes, indeedy I am.

Last week was fiendish and I am still recovering.

Basically I am just exhausted, all I want to do is sleep.

I did have a more intelligent post - but my brain has died.

Epic Fail and Batman

2008-07-26T11:32:00.004+12:00

I’m sorry but this is absolutely ridiculous. The world is full of stupid people.

Not meaning to be degrading or anything like that, but seriously. I had a go at editorial for publishing it on the front page. I suppose it would be a nice human interest story if the woman wasn’t so stupid.

I mean, yes it is sad that the poor boy can’t go to the Gold Coast – especially since he’s in remission for cancer and everything. But, reading between the lines, his mother had the ability to take the money out of the finance company a week ago and she chose to reinvest it for another 30 days instead.

This amid reports that Hanover was in trouble because they had invested heavily in Five Mile and Dave Henderson and that loan – worth millions of dollars – was defaulted on. But just because and employee of the company told her the money was safe she thought she’d be okay to re-invest.

Plus, it’s not like they’ll never be able to go – Hanover is working on getting the money back to investors. It’s a process, lady. You made a bad financial decision and now it has to work it’s way through. That is life, and yes it sucks but, the way I see it, if you take a risk in investments then you’ve got to be willing to strike out every so often.

And there’s still a chance they’ll get their money back, it all sounds like it could be quite positive. The funds are just frozen to prevent a run on the company and – like I said, the odds are they will recover some of the money.

In other news…the man who went with his friends to recover a stuck vehicle, got stuck himself and then died 2km from his house when he told his friends to go get help. At midnight, in the middle of the storm. Stupidity? That article here.

I have a few things to say: Firstly, it is terrible that a man died. Secondly, it is terrible a man died for so stupid a cause. Thirdly, I cannot believe we ran this on the front page of the newspaper. Fourthly, with friends like the ones he had – who needs enemies?

It is terribly tragic that he leaves five children behind – one who is only 10 months old and will never know her father. But there are a number of factors that contributed to such a tragedy, and to be honest this tragedy could actually have been avoided had a few things happened – namely, that people had utilized common sense and not gone out to rescue and (presumably abandoned) vehicle that was stuck in a riverbed at midnight in the middle of a storm.

But according to his partner he “does this all the time”. Apparently he is some sort of superhero who goes out rescuing stranded cars in the middle of the night all the time. AND he’s an asthmatic.

He is basically more awesome than Batman.

Of course, if he was Batman he probably would still be alive today. Or, at least he’d have a more reliable sidekick – like Robin. Sadly for him he had three incompetent friends. All of whom abandoned him to the wild weather and the cold. When he couldn’t walk. Which is what all good friends should do. That and not call the police as soon as you get home when your friend is missing and risks dying from cold and exposure. Wait a few hours, then call them. Stoopid!!!

Pictures courtesy of www.failblog.org.

Speaking of Batman, we went to see The Dark Knight last night. Man, it was awesome!!! It did make me sad to think that Heath Ledger will never reprise the role of the Joker. I think he might have damn well been the best Joker I have ever seen. I have no idea how they’ll replace him for the third. We came to the conclusion that the only person who could possibly replace him was Johnny Depp.

I think I will have to buy it when it comes out on DVD and I’m not even that great of a Batman fan. I have to say that the last two movies would have to be the best representation of a comic book I have seen in the past few years.

I have no words to describe it. The acting was superb. Christian Bale is awesome as Batman, probably one of the best I’ve seen. (Certainly better than George Clooney!) Heath, I have already spoken about – he was just incredible and it is so, so sad that this role might have been the reason that he was on sleeping pills and resulted in his death. Also, I may have to join some sort of “I love Gary Oldman” fan club. Because I really do love Gary Oldman. He’s just so versatile! (Sirius Black vs. Commissioner Gordan)

Just…wow. If you haven’t seen it yet you probably should!!!

Gastroporn

2008-07-20T12:37:00.002+12:00

Peanut butter munchies - stolen from here

Nummy!!!

Glorious weekends

2008-07-19T10:12:00.008+12:00

I just don't know where the week's go to. Wasn't it the beginning of July not THAT long ago? And now all of a sudden we are mid (verging on end of) July.

(Please note that when I say "verging on" it is because I work in the newspaper industry and hence am always three days ahead of myself anyway...I think this is why my weeks go so fast...but I have no empirical proof to back this up with...)

It is pouring with rain this morning. Was kinda nice to be able to lie in and know that I didn't need to be anywhere for AGES and listening to the rain on the roof. Cold out of bed but what the hey.

Last night:

Boys playing Cranium. Smid is like the Godfather.

We break the pantry door (no, really) and Smid has to fix it. Jen sprays us. Lol.

Charades...

We are such children sometimes!!! Ah well, at least we amuse ourselves. Retarded though we may be. I shall miss such nights.

I feel like I should have lots to do today, but am completely unmotivated to move from the couch to having a shower. Although I really need to...

Digression: I made an egg and mushroom muffin sandwich for breakfast...very tasty but resulted in egg getting EVERYWHERE. My clothes, my hair...argh!

Hence need for shower. I'm sure everyone wanted - no, NEEDED - to know that. Hah!

Am glad for a work free day. And even better than a work free day is a work free haircut achieving day. I have needed a hair cut for SO long and have been putting it off because of non-money-having-ness. (Hint: If you hyphenate everything it automatically becomes a word - coining and assimilation into the general lexicon be damned!) But the payrise has FINALLY kicked in and I am celebrating. Plus, if I get hairdresser for the wedding out of this I will be stoked.

Double whoop for no work though, everything is getting a little "politic" and catty. Tired of it. Some people just need to get over past issues and let bygones be bygones. Don't ruin what we have!!! Lol.

Right...shower time!

Foodie

2008-07-14T20:27:00.002+12:00

Trifle was great success! No pictures as it is all eaten now.

Today I am trying my hand at custard square. Which - as it turns out - is not as easy as it could be without a rolling pin.

It did result in me googling the origins of custard though - which was about 3 pages back on Google, surprisingly enough! Am hoping this will be a success. Although the Sminternet seems to think that custard square cannot be made by normal human beings.

We shall see...

Mmmm....

2008-07-12T15:27:00.004+12:00

I have a strange craving for trifle.

This is what comes of watching The Office.

I may make trifle...

Edit: Okay, have bought the necessary ingredients (and then some!) for making trifle. Shouldn't be too hard, right?

I bought the latest Hillsong CD on Friday. Well, actually I bought the CD/DVD special edition.

I wasn't going to...but I felt compelled. Well, I didn't. But I really, really wanted the version of Healer on this CD. Mike Guglielmucci wrote it. For those that don't know, Mike was a youth pastor back in the day. One day he wasn't feeling well and so he went to a doctor to see if they could figure out what was wrong. Turns out he had this wicked aggressive form of blood cancer. They gave him two weeks to live. He went home and wrote this song.

This was back in 2006.

If you watch the video, Mike is up there singing with his oxygen tank next to him. He can barely finish the lines of the songs but he sings them with such conviction that you can't help but be moved. We watched the video this week at a music night and I seriously cried.

It's such a powerful song. It really, really speaks to me. And to be honest it speaks the truth, you know? Nothing is impossible for God. Nothing.

So far liking the album, really love Stronger. Which we've already been doing in church. Nice to hear it how it's meant to be done though! Brooke Fraser makes a few appearances on it. Will do a full review at some other point.

PS: Like the new layout? One of my own. I'm loving it at the moment. Just need to get the boy to fix up the links. Last one was way too dark for my liking after awhile!

Nacho Weekend

2008-07-07T20:34:00.014+12:00

There is nothing quite like braving the cold conditions to stand out on a veranda to take photos of the snow as it falls...

I had a WHOLE extra day off work this weekend...it was fantastic. Obviously with so much time on our hands the only sensible thing to do was to brave the 3 and a 1/2 hour drive down to Ohau. We'd been planning this trip for quite some time and had all been looking forward to it. Four of us set out on Thursday night - and completely missed the bad weather. Two of our party set out on Friday night and got caught out by the weather - and had to spend the night in a motel room at Burke's Pass!

Nevertheless those of us who had made it through safely persevered with the cold and bravely went out for a walk once the snow abated...look at the mountains. Awesome, right??

Meloui...not the drink, the couple. Rugged up because obviously it is COLD...felt a little like we were in Canada. Not that ANY of us have ever been to Canada before. But it was so wintery and wonderland-like that you kind of imagined it that way.

Without the bears of course!

Brrr...us facing into the village INSTEAD of out at the scenery. We are the retardation. But hey, the village looks very pretty. So does the lamp post next to us. We will find our way to Narnia next....

Clouds on the way back from our walk...pretty, right? Was very, very awesome!!! I like being out there...so few people and all the home comforts. And it's just so QUIET. Brilliant :)

Boys breaking up icy puddles so they can play with the ice. So amused...lol. Ah nature and it's wonders....

Ice ice baby....

Isaac and his ice shard that he chipped from the road...Ah am so proud of mah boy...lol. These are the achievements in life worth remembering! Hehehe...Not to mention that I later got him in the ear with a snowball. Yes indeedy I am awesome!!!!

Most awesome action shot ever!!! I love my new but not new camera. It takes awesome photos and they are all in many pixels so I can enlarge them :)

I tell you what though, I seriously, seriously needed the time off work. I haven't really had a break since January (when I started) and I'm not likely to have a break till November - when the wedding madness truly begins!

Long trudge back to warmth and hot drinks!

The past...month (?) in pictures

2008-07-04T17:34:00.005+12:00

The day we had so many dishes that we did not know what to do...also known as the night we had fish pie...

See...not jus tin the corner but all the way down the bench!!! Possibly the laziest moment ever in our flat.

The day after Jem's birthday...the Arrested Development allusion that he did not get and hence we were successful in confusing him. Although that is sometimes not hard.

The sun coming out from behind the clouds today...we are in Ohau, it has snowed, rained and the sun has shone. Life is good :)

2008-06-28T11:12:00.002+12:00

Okay...so, whatever happened to weekends where one could just laze around and do nothing? I feel like I haven't really stopped doing things for the past two weeks. And they have FLOWN by...all of a sudden it's July???

What happened to June???

Also, July seemed very far away not that long ago and now it is basically here. On Tuesday.

Crazy...it's been so, so busy but really, really fun (if not stressful...)!

I'm in this place where I'm not very descriptive at the moment. It's weird. So often I get this feeling like I'm part of something so much bigger than me and I still don't know what that thing is. I don't know where my path leads at the moment...it's a little like blindness, but it's exciting as well.

boys...

2008-06-24T20:56:00.000+12:00

Ugh...I don't know why I live with boys...they smell.

The Final of House

2008-06-14T10:29:00.004+12:00

Watched the final of House MD (for the season!) and cried.

I don't need to warn anyone about SPOILERS, do I?? (Not sure where it's showed and not showed...definitely hasn't showed here yet...)

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SPOILERS!!!!!

I never thought I'd cry at House. But the final (all two parts) was just insanely dramatic. I mean...look at the pictures:

What was even more incredible was that I just couldn't really imagine myself liking Amber. She'd always been such a b*tch to House - hence her name - but she really, really loved Wilson. The whole episode with the buying the new bed and putting up with the waterbed thing really built the whole thing up.

And the whole time you're wondering if she really did have an affair or one night with House when actually it was all his fault. GAHHH!!! I knew she was going to die - my flatmates are good like that...Smid told me that he almost cried when he watched it and Jem also said it was quite dramatic.

But the way she died and there being NOTHING the team could do to help her and Wilson being able to say goodbye...

Heart-wrenching.

And House and Cuddy....

She's holding his hand!!! And at the end where she's asleep on the chair next to him....you can't help thinking "Man she really cares for him!" And Wilson being in the room when House wakes up and the eye contact and then he leaves...

WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT SEASON????

The whole House/Wilson friendship is on the line. And what will happen between House/Cuddy? The angst, the angst. Although I can see where the new season's going and I applaud the writers - now that they're not striking - for keeping it original.

But the very end, when Wilson gets into bed and he finds the note from Amber? My heart almost stopped. Seriously. I think I started crying all over again.

I love TV.

Pictures courtesy of house_daily

Talk about media saturation...

2008-06-12T20:39:00.002+12:00

Man, I would suck as a reporter! I just get the feeling sometimes like no one really cares.

Petrol prices rising.

Low hydro lake levels.

Power cuts over winter.

People dying due to aforementioned power cuts.

Rising food prices.

Missing teenagers.

The list goes on. But it's a little too much sometimes. I think that we, on the whole, have lost the ability to be shocked. TV brings images of devastation, starvation, suffering and violence right into our lounges. So much stuff leeches into our subconscious that we don't even think about it anymore.

Meanwhile we all complain about the stuff that affects us - the fact that we have to get up twice as early so we can catch a bus into work because petrol has risen in price by 12% in a week, that we have the scour the papers/pamphlets to find good deals on cheap food, not turning any lights on to save power - but there's nothing we can do about it.

I would really be interested to hear if someone actually knew of a viable way in which:
1) petrol prices can come down
2) food can be less expensive

It's all supply and demand, isn't it? There is HUGE demand for petrol, so naturally the prices skyrocket. Meanwhile Joe Bloggs on the street gets hacked off because everything is so expensive and you end up with a situation like the riots in Spain.

So, is the free market all it's cracked up to be?

Something to think about, isn't it?

Whoop!

2008-06-11T19:13:00.002+12:00

It's so nice to be appreciated!!! I feel like I've been busting my ass for AGES at work. Been getting semi-frustrated with the state of things. Not the team, more the new member of the team...SO not right for the role.

I know, I know, I'm judgemental. Working on it!!!

But there are some things I find really hard to tolerate. Laziness is one of them, and people who have spent most of their life depending on mummy and daddy to bail them out and pay their way hence they have never had to work a day in their lives.

Now of course this is biased because I know people who have done that who I love dearly. In some ways it's a cultural thing too...I really hate culture sometimes, maybe because I struggle with it. I feel so clearly one way - and one culture - and yet I have another one foisted on me.

ANYWAY...I digress. There's no way we can untangle the complicated web of how I feel in one sitting! Especially not about culture...

But yes, pay reviews today. And feel VERY appreciated. VERY.

Now if only I could collapse and sleep forever :)

It's snowing!!!

2008-06-07T16:08:00.003+12:00

The storm has hit!!!!

Is like a white christmas...without the christmas part.

Starry starry night?

2008-06-07T10:30:00.004+12:00

We were supposed to be hit by a storm this weekend. You should have seen the sky driving home from work last night.

Pics from my faithful LG phone - hence the quality. It was like this golden orange colour. Admittedly I didn't get "it's best side", but still.

Even this isn't as intense as it could be. It was pretty awesome. It was really, really windy last night....but it all seems to have blown over today. Strangely enough it's not cold and the sun is out. Still windy though!

Heh...it just stands to reason that the one day I really need a decent camera I have none around. Although others would argue that the LG's camera is pretty significant all on it's own. I, of course, disagree!

Have been pretty meh-ish lately. Did Friday Forum last night at church. It was on going to university and keeping your faith. Egads! May I learn that it is always, always good to prepare before you answer a question at a place like that - i.e: one that is full of intelligent people. I am a knob. And possibly the only person there who would say "Well, we used to watch pornography in my lectures..." Boy, I tried to back track but I think the damage is done! No one intelligent will ever talk to me at church again.

I was about ready to die of embarrassment...seriously!!!

Think I shall hide under a rock now...

argh

2008-06-05T18:36:00.002+12:00

Currently I'm feeling a little...

* drained
* pulled apart
* tired
* overwhelmed
* out of control

I wish I could...

* fix you
* curl up in bed
* sleep forever
* step up
* be a better person

I'm so sick of...

* work and dramas and sagas to do with
* the lack of time for anything in my life
* worrying about you
* being so tired
* noise

Loving long weekends take two

2008-06-01T20:26:00.005+12:00

How good of the Queen to have a birthday this weekend! Just what I need after an EXTREMELY stressful week.

So far I have done a lot of grocery shopping at many different places - bargains!!! (Like 99c Brunch bars and 99c flour...) And two batches of baking and two loads of washing. Exciting, I know.

Oh, but what WAS exciting...

Super 14 Final last night!!!

Now, I'm not normally a huge rugby fan...but it was the final, and McCaw AND Carter were playing. And it was Robbie Dean's last night as coach...it was bloody good game. I don't think there was a MOMENT in there where you felt not-tense. And the results...

Favorite part of the coverage was when McCaw looked a little tearful at his interview at the end. Awww...

We ran out to the street so we could see the fireworks from the stadium - one of the pluses of watching at the boy's parents' house.

Am reading up on how to look after plants. We got given a rubber plant for our engagement and am looking at repotting it as the pot seems very small. We also have a yucca (we the flat) that looks as though it is slowly dying outside as the leaves are all yellow and it actually seems to be shrinking...It's not mine so to speak. But I do feel like we could look after it a little better. Especially since they are supposed to be easy plants to look after!!!

Am also re-reading Harry Potter, as is my yearly activity. Up to book three, so am really churning through them now! (The long weekend probably helps!) Book four is one of the big ones though so that should take me a wee while longer!