Monday, December 13, 2010

Adventually.....

as in eventually posting....  a little bit about my 2010....

January.... wow... um Started a New Job with Alzheimer's Australia as an Educator... short lived.... Oh and Sensation... an Ocean of White... ah January, so full of promise!

February... um... new job... working... long distance cold to warm but a little wet in Melb's (I can't really remember...was trying to be a good worker

March... well Thanks, but no thanks... but I'll be flying to Europe mid winter anyway... Goodbye AA... hello unemployment...

April... Easter... Anzac Day Dawn Service at The Shrine... breakfast at Macca's... so very Anzac Day, I guess.... we were quite cold and hungry....

May... Dad's birthday, Mum & Dad's wedding anniversary... maybe I should have found a new job by now... and only a few weeks left of 29... what has Joce achieved so far....?

June... 30!  need I say more?

July... Europe... read July blogs!

August... exactly so, (Actually- I did try and fail to work in a call centre....) SO  unemployed, poor, cold, wet... but there is still a lot to Love about a really wet winter after so many dry ones... and I did get to break up my winter with a very warm month in Europe!

September... belts still tight... scarves still popular... Please Government can you help me with my rent?

October... I Knew as soon as I ask them for money I'd find a job... last week of October... Joce is a permanent part-time employee... Health and Wellness Coordinator of a Camberwell Aged Care Facility to be exact... oh and our home goes up for Auction...

November... home opens (erk)... Auction (passed in)... opens... SOLD!  phew!

December.... so here we are... the last week of Advent is upon us (Advent is the 4 week's leading up to 25th December/Christmas Day (not only Winter/Summer Solstice!)... and TODAY was/is Internation Human Right's Day...

interesting....

xo <>< xo

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Song of the week - SOS

No, it's not the song by Abba... though they've been plauging me lately....


There's so much to love about this song, this band, this singer....


I could go on, & on, but I'm going to let the lyrics speak for themselves.  Spearhead roughly play hip-hop, I guess... Not sure that Michael is so easily categorised, but that's my go of the style!  


It makes me want to dance like nobody is watching!

The Sound of Sunshine

I wake up in the morning at six o'clock
They say there may be rain, but the sun is hot
I wish I had some time just to kill today
And I wish I had a dime for every bill I got to pay
Some days you lose, you win and the water's as high as the times you're in
So I jump back in where I learned to swim
Try to keep my head above it the best I can
That's why
CHORUS:
Here I am, just waiting for the storm to pass me by
and that's the sound of sunshine coming down
and that's the sound of sunshine coming down
I saw my friend Bobby, he said 'What's up man, you got a little work or a twenty to lend?'
I opened up my hand, He said, 'I'm glad to see, they can take away my job but not my friends
you see'
CHORUS
That's the sound of the sun goin' down
When the people of the world start to paint the town
A day that's long is a day complete
so kick off ya shoes and relax ya feet
they say tat miracles are never ceasing
and every single soul needs a little releasing
they say that money makes the world go round
but only one thing'll help the sun go down
Sweet, sweet love'll help the sun go down

It's true, it's true, it's true
CHORUS
You're the one I want to be with, when the sun goes down
CHORUS

* and to Mr Franti... I know I haven't asked, but I thank you for letting me publish your song on my blog... I just want you to know that somehow you always seem to sing exactly what I'd like to in a way that I want to shake up to... so I guess that's pretty cool!

Here's to dancing in the sunshine! xo xo

Saturday, October 02, 2010

Can't catch me....

No, apparently I'm it!  so watch out...  Grandma Pat had this on her blog & I've been terribly quiet lately so here I go...:


1) What is your biggest pet peeve?

Judgementals & hypocrites... how dare you!

2) If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? 

Paris... oh my sweet Paris how I long to inhabit your spell binding streets...  but the sun has appeared in Melbourne and so I'm pretty happy right here now! ;)

P
3) Have you ever been searched by the cops? 

 Does breath-testing count?  I have been searched by customs/immigration too - so paranoid since '01.

D

4) What is the one thing on your mind right now? 

 Go SAINTS!!! (AFL grand final replay starts in under 2 hours)

Go

5) What is your favorite song right now? 

“The Sound of Sunshine" or anything else by Michael  Franti... currently on high rotation in my house... I'll introduce him next Wednesday!


6) What talent do you wish you had?

Can I vote for a superpower instead...? Teleporting!

Can

7) What is your favorite drink? 

French Earl Grey... or gin & tonic... or just water (depends how thirsty I am!)

Ea

8) Describe yourself in one word

wound-up ;)

will up-date properly soon... watch this space! xo xo

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Stuck in a Moment

Back to a song of the week.... I wanted to post about being in a bit of a rut, and then I thought that this song just captures that completely.  I'm home from my adventures with Mum and Dad in Europe.  It's fairly gloomy and cold (though Spring is making a comeback).  I quit a job where I wasn't making any money anyway and just don't really know what to do with myself.  I want to return to study (writing this time), but that won't start till the end of summer next year (March).  My accomodation is too expensive, but I keep chickening out on talking to my flatmate.  Its a bit of a connundrum and to tell the truth I just don't really feel all that up to it!


But U2 express it even better, you might remember this one.


STUCK IN A MOMENT YOU CAN'T GET OUT OF
I'm not afraid of anything in this world
There's nothing you can throw at me that I haven't already heard
I'm just trying to find a decent melody
A song that I can sing in my own company

I never thought you were a fool
But darling, look at you
You gotta stand up straight, carry your own weight
These tears are going nowhere, baby

You've got to get yourself together
You've got stuck in a moment and now you can't get out of it
Don't say that later will be better now you're stuck in a moment
And you can't get out of it

I will not forsake, the colours that you bring
But the nights you filled with fireworks
They left you with nothing
I am still enchanted by the light you brought to me
I still listen through your ears, and through your eyes I can see

And you are such a fool
To worry like you do
I know it's tough, and you can never get enough
Of what you don't really need now... my oh my

You've got to get yourself together
You've got stuck in a moment and now you can't get out of it
Oh love look at you now
You've got yourself stuck in a moment and now you can't get out of it

I was unconscious, half asleep
The water is warm till you discover how deep...
I wasn't jumping... for me it was a fall
It's a long way down to nothing at all

You've got to get yourself together
You've got stuck in a moment and now you can't get out of it
Don't say that later will be better now
You're stuck in a moment and you can't get out of it

And if the night runs over
And if the day won't last
And if our way should falter
Along the stony pass

And if the night runs over
And if the day won't last
And if your way should falter
Along the stony pass
It's just a moment
This time will pass

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Peripatetic in Paris

Last stop on my itinerary was the beautiful Paris.  This city lives up to all your expectations!  Nothing quite compares to that first thrill as you glimpse the Eiffel Tower for the first time....

We were blessed with a cool change and enjoyed (mostly fine) days in the mid-high 20s.  I had a list of must-see sights and we managed to cover them all!  I even got to see the bikes race round the Champs Elysees and ride the TPG in first class style.  It was a quick visit in more sense than one!

First our host took us to Versailles, King Louis XIV's famous castle in the outskirts of Paris.  We were staying in that direction.  My favourite part was where this picture of Mum and I was taken - the famous Hall of Mirrors.  I had also been reading a book that was largely set in Paris (including several visits to Versailles), so it was easy to imagine it in its heyday.

On Saturday we traveled into Paris on the train.  Mum and I took a trip around town on the Red Bus and saw many of the most famous inner-city sites.  Then met up with Dad at a Little tart cafe near Notre Dame.  We also had a look around inside the cathedral after lunch as the line was a bit shorter.  Then we split up again and Dad and I explored Musee d'Orsay, home to many impressionist paintings.  The one below was my favourite, I'm a big Renoir fan, but I also discovered the Edgar Degas didn't only paint dancers!

On Sunday I trooped into Paris on my own after checking out the Sunday market in St Germain En-laye, where we were staying, with my parents and our host.  It was a long wait for the bikes to arrive, but I made some new friends while waiting and it was well worth it!  You could feel the excitement build up as the cavalcade arrived... we even participated in a few mexican-waves around the circuit while we waited!  The picture below is me in the crowd, followed by a shot I took holding the camera above my head.  I had a better view but camera's don't move like eyes....

Monday I was a little weary, but our admission tickets to the Musee d'Orsay also qualified us to visit the Orangerie gallery, so Mum and I went and checked out the enormous Waterlily canvases by Monet (the gallery was built around them!)  There were other impressionist painters represented there too, many by lesser-know artists.  After that we reunited with Dad (who had checked out the Bastille) and went to explore Monmatre.  Monmatre is famous for Sacre Cour on the hill, the Moulin Rouge and was also where much of Amelie was filmed.  The photo below is me outside "Amelie's cafe" better know as Cafe des Deux Moulains.

Tuesday, out last in Paris, took us to Normandy for a much anticipated visit to Monet's Garden in Giverny.  Mum and Dad had been before, so I had heard about it, and seen it many times in his artworks, but visiting it, and his house that has been preserved as it was, is something else.  Mum took so many photos, below are a couple of my favourites.  One day I hope to return with a special friend who has spent many hours in Adelaide Botanic Garden with me.  I could just imagine her soaking it all in, like I did.  

Sadly, now my peripatetic days are over and I'm packing my case to return home tomorrow.  I has been a very special month with my parents, full of memories I will treasure forever.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Rules for Roaming

Now that I have spent the better part of a week exploring Rome... I thought I'd treat my readers to some witty "rules" to follow on your next visit....
  • Wear appropriate shoes
When in Rome... you WILL be walking.  The narrow streets are unevenly paved with cobblestones and scooters, motor bikes and even cars can come careering round corners so keep your eyes open.  Also, Romans think nothing of barging into you - you have been warned!

  • Guard your personal space on public transport!
The buses and trains can become very crowded... I won't go into detail here, suffice it to say you'll have a much more comfortable journey if you can nab yourself a seat!
  • Buy water only once
You should only need to buy one bottle of water (pay no more than 1E).  Once you've drunk that you can refill it all over town at the plentiful water fountains (choose the ones meant for drinking rather than the decorative ones).  Even on our 40 + days the water from these fountains was refrigerated cold and very refreshing.  Also, drink up, the pavements and surrounding buildings radiate heat day and night in peak season.
  • Ensure you know how to say "No"
There are salesmen everywhere trying to get you to join their tours, buy their wares or just get your money.  Learn how to say "no" emphatically.  I usually raised my hand in a backing off gesture as well.  It can get a little bit annoying.
  • Buy a multi-trip ticket
We bought a 7 day ticket for 16E which allowed unlimited travel on city buses, trams and the metro.  The buses are the best option.  You have to walk for ages and ages to get to your train (especially at Termini station near where we were staying).  For Melbournites... Termini is a bit like Box Hill... all the buses seem to go there! 
  • Pre-book your visit to Villa Borghese
There is a great museum at Villa Borghese on the edge of town (Galleria Borghese).  It has a wonderful history and great collection of paintings and sculptures (especially Bernini, who made a significant mark on Rome you will notice).  However, the queues are long and it you don't book beforehand you are unlikely to get in on the day you visit.  Allow plenty of time, you will probably spent 1.5 - 2 hours in the galleria, but the villa is also situated in lovely formal gardens.
  • Shop at the Drugstore
The Drugstore doesn't sell drugs.  Conads is just one chain of "drugstores" that sell groceries.  We saved a lot of money buy purchasing fresh fruit and sandwiches or salads to cover two of our daily meals.  Eating out can become very expensive - and don't bother with much of a tip unless the service is really good as most restaurants bill a cover charge up to 5E.
  • Know what you want
Mum and I were determined to nab a few bargains (chiefly shoes and clothes), and we did!  However the sales assistants can be quite pushy, trying to sell you additional items, especially jackets, so keep in mind what you want and be firm (or you'll spend a lot more than you intended!).  This month almost all the stores had Saldi (Sales) and up to 60%.  We also found that most of the items we bought were wholly made in Italy, which in nice.  So do not be surprised when you see me in my new clothes to hear me reply "why I bought it in Roma" when you ask where I got it...!
  • Curb your enthusiasm
I was disappointed by a few things, so do not build up your travel experience more than necessary.  I found the Vatican overwhelming and more than a little over-the-top, but it was worthwhile.  The queues to get into the Basillica and especially the Sistine Chapel (it was too hot for me to queue up for that one) can be long and you have to wear sleeves or wrap something over your bare shoulders.  Also they charge 16E for entry to the Colloseum and Palatine Hill now (each) and if you join a tour you usually have to pay your entry in addition to the tour charge.  Again, be prepared for long queues... especially for the Colloseum.
Also, I was a little disappointed with the food (especially the gelato).  In Melbourne we are blessed with high quality Italian fare.  Watch out where you eat too, the prices will be heavily inflated nearest the big sites so travel a block or two away to find a cute, authentic experience.

  • When in Rome...
you know how it goes.... Do as the Romans do.  We enjoyed our daily siesta.  It was far too hot to venture around town all day so we generally visited the sites in the morning and shopped in the evening.  This meant we achieved what we wanted and didn't get too grumpy and hot.

Lastly, don't be merely an armchair traveler... save up and have your own adventures! Ciao xo

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Ups and downs of traveling

Sometimes everything goes peachy... and other times....

When departing Melbourne Airport I forgot to grab a departure card at check-in, so I dutifully returned and when I got there they asked for my boarding pass.  It was taken away and upon return had been upgraded to business!! Well, you can imagine my excitement... I'd never had this privilege before and it was a 14 hour overnight flight to Doha.  I felt like royalty, but just to ensure I didn't get used to the idea too soon... I was assigned what would have to be the worst seat on my leg to Frankfurt.  No window for my window seat (for views of the Mediterranean and Alps) and no ability to recline my seat - most uncomfortable and I strongly recommend you avoid row 27 on all long-haul journeys!!  One could say a rather bi-polar experience, two extremes of the airborne journey.

Then on Thursday, Mum and I went for our swim in the Rhein.  All you have to do really is float as the strong current pushes you along.  It is very popular with locals during the summer.  All was going swimmingly... that is until I left the water and felt very green around the gills.  I gave my poor mum and her friend a scare as I fainted on the stairs!  This is a bad habit of mine... now I am banned from swimming in Perth and Basel!  It will be paddling in the shallows from now on, sadly.


This coming Wednesday brings Bastille Day and I will be attempting a French Classic for our dinner.  Then on Thursday afternoon we head to Rome.  Hopefully no misadventures to be had there!

Ciao for now, Joce xo

Thursday, July 08, 2010

Delightful Dresden Days

What a joy to be met by my dear papa* at Frankfurt airport.  It was HOT!  We had ice-cream while waiting for our train connection to Dresden and then treated to first class in the train.  Our train steward was very friendly and obliging.  We had Weissebier (can you guess what that is?) Then I bombed out for a few hours.  Before I knew it we were racing to change carriage at Leipzig and then a short trip and we pulled into Dresden.  What a picturesque city!  It is rightly called "Florence on the Elbe".  Unfortunately a little Soviet taint still lingers, but it is gradually being replaced by Dresden's former glory.  It was completely flattened in famous bombing raids in February 1945 at the end of the war and much of the rubble remained throughout its days as part of East Germany.  Historically it is the capital of Saxony and Luther's reformation was very strong in the area.  Many of the grand churches (Catholic in appearance) have been Evangelical since the 1400s!
It remained very hot all weekend, but we did manage to see the sights and enjoy ourselves.  Our accommodation was very close to the center of "old town" and we bought ourselves 3 day Regio-cards that enabled free access to all city transport, entry to museums or discounts.  On Saturday we explored the city and attended two superb recitals.  A free organ recital at Kirschekruz (church of the cross), and then a really special concert of Bach pieces by German Brass in the famous Frauenkirsche.  Germany defeated Argentina that afternoon so the streets were filled with German revelers.
On Sunday we visited Zwinger palace/museum in the morning... Augustus the Strong (Elector of Saxony and King of Poland) was mad about porcelain, so there is a massive porcelain collection in part of the palace.  Such beauty!  There is also an armour gallery and old masters gallery that just goes on and on and on!  When we had enough of the pictures we found a little cafe to have some lunch and then I suggested the Grosse Garten (Great Garden).  The Garden is HUGE and we decided to view it on the mini railway.  Dad was in heaven!  He has always loved trains of all sizes.  We had a steam locomotive and he even had a chat with the driver.  The stations were manned by children and they took it very seriously... even the mini railway must leave on time in Germany!
On Sunday evening we decided to venture into Dresden Neustat (new town, but really old) for dinner.  Neustat retains much of the Soviet look and is not touristy at all, but we found the most wonderful Thai (and sushi) restaurant called Old Siam.  Very authentic delicious food and inexpensive and generous portions.  I ordered Green curry and Dad had chili prawns.  Yum-yum!
Monday morning found us in nearby Meissen, famous for its porcelain... Dad found he had a taste for it after Zwinger...  The locals (with Augustus' support) discovered a recipe for porcelain in the 18th century and they have been producing exquisite porcelain since then (and VERY expensive/exclusive).  We had a tour of the presentation factory, they still produce it exactly the same as they always have, every part of the process is done by hand (or foot for the potter's wheel).  Monday afternoon we rushed around town trying to find my favourite post card (Why didn't I buy it when I first saw it?!) before arriving at the station to find that our train was 40 minutes late!  We eventually arrived in Hanau 2 hours late!  At least Dad will get a 50% refund, and our friends picked us up there and took us to their home - we were far too late to make our connection.It seems that Jocelyn has brought Melbourne's timetable with her... all the trains run late when she's around!
Now I'm "home" in Schopfheim and it is so lovely to see my Mum.  We will swim in the Rhein this afternoon... more to come... xo 
The picture above is a statue of Martin Luther in front of Frauenkirche.  *Papa is German for Daddy.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

That special feeling....

I really adore feeling special!  Of course one shouldn't feel too special every day or we'd certainly explode with our own importance, but I've grown and sometimes even thrived on the earth for 30 years today so I'm experiencing a certain sense of achievement.


My 20s were difficult to put it midly... lived up to that curse of "may you live in interesting times".  However, I think I've learn't a lot about myself and the world and feel better equipped to face whatever it (the world, that is) decides to throw at me next.


The next few years will certainly bring their share of challenges and pain, but I feel surrounded and supported by such a splending array of friends and family. 


This is why I feel particularly special:
Psalm 66 (beginning the day with praise)
Breakfast in bed (pancakes c/o my lovely housemate)
Birthday Cards (and newsy letters... thanks Aunty Irene!)
Facebook messages
Phone calls & text messages


Tonight I'm gathering with my sibling for a "retro" birthday dinner.  My sister is making my old favourite birthday recipe... been years since I've tasted it, so if its nothing like the original we'll be none the wiser!


I feel so blessed and that's the way it should be.
Biggest thanks to my Lord and Heavenly Father... for making me me and surounding me with other special people.  Life is indeed beautiful (even on a gloomy winter's day in Melbourne!) xo 

Monday, May 24, 2010

What'll I do?

You probably already know that I'm between jobs at the moment.  It's nothing new for me, but every time is equally frustrating.  My motivation wavers as I get bored and then blue.  My cashflow ceases making it more difficult to socialise (let alone pay the bills!)

So I've been thinking... what to do...?

My ideal job...? Writer!  Wish I had room for this:

Or maybe I could be creative making stuff:

I'd love to do a hat-making workshop... but I can't afford it!

I'd work in a cafe... but I don't have any experience!

So it looks like I'll fall back on the old faithful:

Cleaning!  At least the rates have gone up a bit...........................

If only I could just....

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Ready for juicing...?!

I'm so excited!

Only one more sleep and The Emerging Writers Festival begins here in Melbourne.  The first week is peppered with activities in and around the city - forums, workshops, book lauches, etc... Then the piece-de-resistance... The Town Hall Program!  Two full days to soak up all things writing, and the best bit... the cost is kept low to accomodate poor emerging writers (like me!).

Another plus will be that I'll have a friend this year, not that I won't make a couple along the way like last year, but this year I have my good friend Cheryl joining me from Adelaide.  Us two have long held a common interest in arty, scholarly kind-of-things.  I'll be joining her in Adelaide next month for more festivals (of a more frivolous nature!  I shall reveal more in time...)

Ready for juicing means that I'm ready to get my creative juices flowing.  I've already started to put a bit of a business plan together (to enact when I return from the continent in a few months time.)

I've got a really good feeling about this year.  I'm not going to let the flame dwindle to a pilot light, but keep the gas connected in a steady stream.  I hope to make enough connections that the motivation will keep on coming.

I just can't wait!!! tootles xo

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Happy Birthday Dad


It's really quite hard to describe how I feel about my Dad today.  There's quite a lot of pain associated with the word at the moment.

Ever since I can remember we've enjoyed a special understanding.  I guess its because we think in a very similar way.  We're both dreamers, idealists, thinkers, creative.  We both love to sing (I remember trying so hard - in vain- to sing louder than my Dad as a kid!)  I think it was Dad that first showed me how to sing in harmony.

We both seem able to irritate Mum in the same way!

I also remember sitting on the back of his bicycle and cycling around Melbourne (fast)

I remember snuggling up to his snoozing form on the couch late at night... and quizing him on the program on telly.

My Dad is such a special man.  He's sure had his share of ups and downs over the years, especially in this decade, but he seems to face it all with optimism and determination.  Its a constant inspiration and reminder to keep on keeping on.  It reminds me of the lyrics from a favourite Christian artist, Michael Card:

From you I learned the kind of faith

That looks up to the mountains

From you I learned just what I'd like to be...

I hope you're having a great day Dad, you deserve to feel so special!

All my love, Joce xo xo

Friday, May 14, 2010

...Baby it's cold outside!

Well our delayed-Autumn has hit it's stride this week with a wintry kind of bite to the air and cloudy, soggy short days.  It puts me in mind of a few tunes... (nothing new there)

Autumn Leaves is one of my favourites and among my standards, I'll sing it at any opportunity, but it is pictorial present at the moment.  Especially as I took a little trip up to the hills last Sunday.

My mood seems to have gone the way of the weather.  Too many unaswered job applications, and not enough to keep me busy.  I have a plan... but not the funds to put it into action - grrr... the frustrations!  Maybe I'll buy a lottery ticket this weekend... nah, still, what I couldn't do with a cool couple of mill.... dreams!

Now it's Friday, and as I listened the an inspiring "conversation hour" on the radio another of my favourite Jazz standards punctured the conversation between guests... Baby It's Cold Outside... so cheeky!

I'm feeling a little more chipper as the week ends and the weekend approaches... mmmn, questionable sentence structure there... sorry, but you get what I mean, I'm sure.  It's shaping up to be another fairly busy one with catch-ups, parties and churchy activities.  I also had a lovely evening with friends last night, always helps. 

So, rug up, don't forget the umbrella and enjoy your weekend (If you're North of the Equator, perhaps a hat is more de-riguer!)

I'll post some pics next week, promise!

Monday, May 10, 2010

All This Time

I had a really full-on weekend, lots of fun, but was exhausted today and didn't get a whole lot done... I helped a friend to celebrate her birthday on Friday night, we're both massive karaoke fans so I'm afraid we rather hogged the mic!  I over indulged, so spent a lot of Saturday feeling a little poorly, but recovered enough to sing a lot more karaoke (without the need for sharing!)

I met a lot of my friends church pals on Friday night.  They were all talking about the launch of a new service at a central Melbourne cinema, so I decided to go along an check it out.  It was a very encouraging time and I made at least 5 new friends in the process... They're called City on a Hill (after Jesus quote from his Sermon on the Mount) and they have a cool ministry to the city's homeless called Many Rooms.  I'm thinking of getting involved in that too.  It's right up my alley really.

All these thoughts of serving are inflamed by a favourite album of mine that I was also listening to yesterday.  Although its not Wednesday I thought I'd share my current favourite track off the album with you.  It's called All This Time... hence the title of my post today.

All This Time

I'm a father and a son; I've been a lover with just one,
But this world can get me all undone,
And I'm frightened I'm the only one.
I wrestle with the thoughts I keep,
If I sow the seed of arrogance then it's loneliness I'll reap,
It's loneliness I'll reap.

Please don't leave me stranded here,
With a head of lies and a heart of fear.
My life's a show on Gods TV,
The world an audience, watching me.

So wake me, shake me, keep me sharp,
As I touch the power of Gods great harp.
And this world can fill your head with praise,
That steals me from eternal grace.
So how can I serve God and wealth?
I can captivate an army, but I can't control myself.
I can't control myself.

Ghostly figure out at sea, I hear a voice that's calling me,
To walk upon the waves of faith.
For in the arms of God, I am safe.

All this time, since the day that I was born,
I've never known a time like this,
I don't wanna let you down.

I will sing, sing for your light has come.

Written by Delirious? 2005 Curious? Music UK

This Album (Mission Bell) is a little dangerous really, it gets me all motivated to get out there and do something to demonstrate my faith.  I've been putting a lot of consideration lately into what I want to do with my life.  Like, do I want to study more, etc... I do feel like I'm leaving behind a period of exploration and finding out who I am and who I want to be, now it's really time to do something with all that.

Of course, I still need a job, to be able to support myself, but I'm also excited by the new directions that my faith is taking me.  I'll keep you posted!

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Song of the week - On the Borderline

This week I turn to a new song... not sure I'll be able to get the lyrics so I'll just share the chorus that I like singing to myself.  Would make a good alarm clock song!  The song is by an Australian Independent Artist, Sally Seltmann, she used to be known as New Buffalo.

Get yourself up, get yourself up,
Get yourself out of it
This is a new day; this is a new day,
This is a new day today
Snapping your fingers, tapping your toes,
You were humming a tune
You know, you know
This is a new day; this is a new day,
This is a new day today


I like the upbeat tune and lyrics and it gets into my head, a pre-requisite for "song of the week" I guess.

I'm not fully enamoured with the current trend of female singers, they seem to share a breathy style that's not really my thing, but works here.  Sounds to me like a break-up song (a favourite category of mine!)  Not that I've had all that many break-ups, but they sure make for a good tune.  A lot of my favourite songs would fit into this category, and as I reflect I think the guys generally moan about their loss, while gals tend for a more optimistic note of moving on... I'm sure that's a grose generalisation, so feel free to prove me wrong!

I too feel a bit like I'm on a borderline... looking ahead to new horizons, not at all sure what is ahead.  There are many changes coming my way, some I look forward to, others, well... change and I have always had a fractious kind of relationship.

Today I'm putting a positive spin on things... getting myself up and remembering that it is a new day today.  How about you...?

Tschuss till next time xoxo

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Down time...

Feeling a bit deflated as I begin this week.  I had a great time emerged in costumes for my friend's production of Midsummer Night's Dream for Melbourne's Comedy Festival.  It came on the back of Easter and time with family and friends.  It was all busy and a very new experience for me, so was all consuming.

I also had the opportunity to make some new friends, and you all know how much I enjoy that!  To hang out with like-minded people for a whole week was just bliss.  It reminds me how much of a difference common interests make to a friendship.

I have a few "hard" things to get through this week, so no doubt that's contributing to my cloudy mood.  I'll perk up though, never fear.  Melbourne's experiencing some lovely unseasonably warm weather too, so I'll ensure I make the best of it.

I'll try and find some pics of the production to share with you all, it sure was a hoot!

Ciao for now xo xo

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

All I Need...

I thought I'd resume my song of the week posts.  I've been thinking a bit lately about what I need (sometimes vs what I want!!) not always mutually exclusive...

Here's the lyrics from Air (a French duo)

All I need is a little time,
To get behind this sun and cast my weight,
All I need is a peace of this mind,
Then I can celebrate.

All in all there's something to give,
All in all there's something to do,
All in all there's something to live,
With you ...

All I need is a little sign,
To get behind this sun and cast this weight of mine,
All I need is the place to find,
And there I'll celebrate.

All in all there's something to give,
All in all there's something to do,
All in all there's something to live,
With you ...


The song is set to a really cute video clip of a young woman waxing lyrical about her boyfriend, I'm sure you'll find it on Youtube...

Now, I'm not saying that I need a man in my life.... I'd sure like one, but that's not the same thing.  In all my years of singleness I feel most happy at the moment.  I'm glad to be putting my tumultuous 20s behind me this year, keen to explore new options for work and things over my next decade.

I could really do with a job at present... Not quite sure what it is about me and work, perhaps a lack of ambition...?

Really all I need is a safe place to rest my head, friends and family to share a little love, and something to do each day that gives me a little joy and meaning.

This week I'm keeping very busy helping a friend out with her production of A Midsummer Night's Dream.  I've a to-do list as long as my arm to complete when the sun comes up so its time for the head to hit the pillow.  I was housesitting for two weeks and now enjoying being back in my own bed.

I'm so thankful to live in a free and democratic country, in a time when I can be on equal footing with my male counterparts, to be able to express and share my faith freely, to sing in the street if I want!  I'm so thankful to live in city that doesn't just tolerate diference but celebrates it.   To live among a people that don't take themselves too seriously and know how to build a bit of fun into their lives (It's Comedy Festival season at present!)

What do you need?

What are you thankful for?

till next time... xo xo 

Sunday, March 21, 2010

coming soon....

Sorry I haven't been posting much of late.  I've not only been busy, but just found it difficult to put into words what I've been feeling... or maybe just not wanting to make it public!

I'll post early next week with my adventure in Canberra... it is sure to feature a big queue... always an opportunity for making new aquaintances ;)

Catch you all soon... xo

Saturday, February 13, 2010

get me outta here!!!!


This is just too much for a Saturday morning... usually I can read/doze through my flatmate's piano lessons, but that's the LEAST of my narks this morning. 

The upstairs people are renovating their bathroom... basically demolishing it's 3 walls at present.  They did it till I asked them to stop at 9.30 last night and then started at 7.30 this morning... with loud radio accompaniment from 8am!!

I am not happy... maybe I'll get a haircut like this chick next week... less to pull out of headache frustration.

I should be tidying up and doing my chores but I can't stand another minute!  I'm off for a swim and catch up with the siblings... as far from here as I can reasonably get!

Addios!

PS please excuse all the spelling and grammatical errors... I've barely slept and so can hardly think!

Monday, February 08, 2010

Hot in the city

It's been a fairly relentless summer here... I have burnt my left arm and now my right, but at least that eases the pain of sleeping on my side.  Today heat had be dreaming.  I wrote one poem and a few short memoir/stories.  I'm trying to collect up lots of memories of Dad for all the future Grandkids.  He tells the best stories, and I don't want them to miss out.

I can remember the extended family gathered around the lunch table laughing histerically and demanding yet another story of Dad and Dave growing up in Japan.  Not everyone's parents had such an exotic upbringing!  I swear his US history still beats his Aussie!  He could name the USA's fourth president but would be pressed to name our's....  We're just not as proud of our short history in Australia.

I caught a little of a show about John Monash on Saturday afternoon.  He was a major of the ANZAC AIF during WW1.  He championed ANZAC day (which nearly died after the great war as everyone was so war weary) and helped to design our magnificent Shrine of Rememberance.  I walked past it with a friend on Sunday afternoon and had to reflect that it was so fitting.  It is neither a tourist attraction or glorifies war, but is a fitting testament to the sacrifice of our young men (and now women).  War is such a terrible waste (War, huh... what is it good for? Absolutely nothing, sing it again!)  Well, that's not completely true, many of our medical and scientific breakthroughs have come about as a consequence of war.  Even my profession, Occupational Therapy really kicked in as a consequence of rehabilitating the returned soldiers (that's how we got the tag "basket weavers")

Anyway, now I'm just rambling.  It's late, but its too hot to get an early night.  I guess I should at least try through.... I'm facing two straight days of meetings (coke will be required... of the liquid kind, that is!!)

Ciao for now, I'll check in again soon and may even share a little of my writing.  Must get onto Dad to start getting some of his tales down on paper! xo xo 

PS Below is a little pic of the Shrine with the eternal flame in the foreground.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

disOrientation!

Today was my first day as an Educator with Alzheimer's Australia.  Now I've nothing but admiration for the way they did our orientation today (there is another new Educator that has started with me), but there's something about orientation that is just so overwhelming.  My new workplace occupies 4 buildings on two sites in metropolitan Melbourne (they have country sites too apparently).  There are about 75 staff, of whom I think we were introduced to at least half, and hundreds of volunteers (there were only a couple of them around today, thank goodness!!)

We were taken on a comprehensive tour, and then shuffled about between various staff to be introduced to the various aspects of the organisation.  Now this is far superior to being stuck in a stuffy room all day listening to dull presentations (I've had too many orientation days like that) where the highlight of the day is fire and emergency training becaucause you get to use a fire extinguisher!

Still, it didn't prevent me feeling like I was suffering information overload by lunchtime!  It didn't help that I tossed and turned through a sweltering night last night (the temperature barely dipped below 30 degrees!).  Tonight promises better as the cool change has swept in.

Today felt good though, despite the information overload!  The staff seems lovely and helpful, and I just got a good vibe about the place.  Plus we have three more days of exclusive orientation and most of the rest of this month is orientation, really, as we look in and the assist with education sessions.  I think my first session as a facilitator is in early February.  I think it helps that the year hasn't really got into full swing as yet, and everyone is nice and relaxed after the Christmas break.  Many people only returned to work this week.

Well, I sure need my beauty sleep and my brain needs unwinding, so I'll sign off for today.  See you soon! Tschuss xo

Saturday, January 09, 2010

Beginning

Next Tuesday I start a new job, in a new field and I'm both excited and a little nervous.  No bad thing I'm sure as it will give me the edge I need to put all my energy in the right place as I start and attempt to make a good impression!

I'm hoping that this will be a good year and it has begun well... though its only the second week of January, so there are another 11.5 months to go, and just as well.

Half-way through the year I turn 30, so not only is it a new decade as we go into the "teens" but I leave my topsy-turvey 20s behind too.  I didn't want to turn 30 last year, but on reflection I'll be glad to leave my 20s behind.  Just like the "roaring 20s" almost 100 years ago, mine seemed to be between two wars as well!  Life can be like that at times I guess, and I think I had a delayed adolescence as well.  I didn't have the chance to be rebelious and naughty in my teens, so keep it all up for my 20s.  At least I can say I've learned a lot... let's just hope I remember my lessons!!

Well, I just wanted to check in, 'cause I know I've been too quiet for a long while and you'll all have given up on me!  I'll make no committment to blog more regularly, though I will try.  For the next few weeks at least I'll be pouring myself wholeheartedly into my new job.  I'm to be an Educator with Alzheimers Australia.  It should be interesting if nothing else!

I hope that you enjoyed the festive season too... I spent lovely times with friends and family and tasting new experiences...  How about you? 

Ciao for now, see you again soon....