tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271924382024-03-07T19:31:46.777+11:00jocelynspaceThis is the space where you can explore all things Joce aka pixie... and if you're in Melbourne, see you soon!!Jocehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961864298928931076noreply@blogger.comBlogger158125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27192438.post-74042129296205992252017-07-12T21:38:00.000+10:002017-07-12T21:38:52.453+10:00Introducing Arbonne<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am sure many of you will have heard of Arbonne. They make cosmetics, body care and nutrition products - all Vegan and fabulous quality. My sister became an Arbonne independent Consultant last year, so I have got on board to both support her new business, but also because by and large I love the products! All the body care products (cleansers, moisturisers, etc...) smell amazing and my skin is loving the quality!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recently I also jumped on the nutrition in a big way - I had already tried their Fizz-sticks (caffeinated, vitamin packed, drink sachets... kind of like berocca with caffeine!) and I had started adding their unflavoured protein powder to my smoothies, but then my sister held a Nutrition party and I enjoyed the flavours so much I bit the bullet and invested in a nutrition pack. Now I have Choc and Vanilla flavoured protein powder, Fiber Boost, Greens Balance, herbal tea, and more fizz sticks!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So... now I wanted to expand my repertoire of smoothies... so I hunt the internet for some smoothie recipes using Arbonne powder... A few have been great, but Tuesday morning's was a bit of a flop. I think it was because I varied the recipe so it tasted a bit funky... still I drank most of it! This morning I made a yummy almond flavoured one (with Almond milk and slivered almonds), but I didn't find it as filling as the ones that I include fruit and/or vegetables in.<span id="goog_26860903"></span><span id="goog_26860904"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you want to give smoothies for breakfast (or any other meal) a go... try this link. If you, like me, would like to give botanical, environmentally friendly and lovely cosmetics and body care a go... then check out my sister's Facebook page (and if you live in Melbourne she can help you!). If you don't live in Melbourne, don't despair... Arbonne is available all over the world!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent.fmel5-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19399920_1747848301907049_991964364550258129_n.jpg?oh=f8c58ae87da317afd5e775959017307e&oe=59CCBC9A" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://scontent.fmel5-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19399920_1747848301907049_991964364550258129_n.jpg?oh=f8c58ae87da317afd5e775959017307e&oe=59CCBC9A" width="240" /></a><a href="https://scontent.fmel5-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19420428_1747848298573716_3258597547987810106_n.jpg?oh=a8ba444bcbe31a1ba984d99245244c45&oe=5A0D1CEF" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://scontent.fmel5-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19420428_1747848298573716_3258597547987810106_n.jpg?oh=a8ba444bcbe31a1ba984d99245244c45&oe=5A0D1CEF" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://wp.vcu.edu/lsgeorgiadis/wp-content/uploads/sites/230/2012/12/Protein-Shakes-Recipes-3_112.pdf" target="_blank">Abrönne Essentials - Protein Shake Recipes</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/glendaarbonne/" target="_blank">Glenda Hanslow, Arbonne Independent Consultant</a>Jocehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961864298928931076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27192438.post-20947065428393618482015-09-09T14:02:00.000+10:002015-09-09T14:02:12.202+10:00RUOK - Postcards for Change<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm participating in a gig this Sunday afternoon. It's for a charity called RUOK - about checking in with your friends (in real time) and preventing social isolation (and suicide - yuck!)</span><div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every year they try to get out there in the media and with gigs and fun stuff to try and get the message out... we need each other peoples....</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So this weekend try and hug as many as you can, and then send me a message with how many you achieved.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What else can you do? Call up your friends, schedule in a coffee catch up... If you're in Melbs, make it a walk and catch up, the weather is improving - TG! <><</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also if you're in Melbourne - come to the gig!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1437387146591053/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/events/1437387146591053/</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you're not on Facebook, but have some free time this Sunday 13th afternoon....</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are the deets:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Postcards For Change Art Exhibition Opening (with Music and speeches!)</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Western Glow</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>79 Ireland St, West Melbourne</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>3pm - 6pm</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not sure if exhibit is continuing past opening - it has limited tickets which you can purchase here:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=150232&embed=150232&hs=www.facebook.com" target="_blank">http://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=150232&embed=150232&hs=www.facebook.com</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And it may be a sell-out, but if not, it's likely $10-15 at the door.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bring extra $ for the art! All proceeds to RUOK</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't be late or you'll miss me mate (That's Girl Friday, the folky music gal who's up first in the live line-up) and me, as I might have to rush back to Blackburn early....</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love ya's</span></div>
Jocehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961864298928931076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27192438.post-29351361429749864772015-09-09T13:50:00.000+10:002015-09-09T13:50:03.426+10:00I'm Writing again!<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I'm back and with a vengeance - gotta get my words out there and tweets are silly, I need more Space!</i></span><div>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Hence here I am back at JocelynSpace and hope you can find me here...</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Here's a little poem I wrote last Winter, but reminds me of this winter too - thankfully Spring is beginning to warm the air and I tell you it can't come soon enough...</i></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><u>Stormy Weather Reminds Me</u></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
tumbling, gushing wind</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">the
splinters of rushing rain</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">remind
me of those times in your life</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">when
all seems upheaval</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Most
call it stormy weather</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">filling
your life with uncertainty</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">feelings
of distress and fear</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">hesitant
to take the next step</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">These
times you just have to weather</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">like
any storm they give way</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">to rainbows</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">reminding
us of love and truth</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">and
better days ahead</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">And
as the wind calms down</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">and
the rain turns to mere drizzle</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">you
can breathe a sigh of relief</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">and
focus once again</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">thoughts
become calm and ordered</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">you
know what has to be done</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">now
you can smile and remember</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">what
you have come through, where you're going to</span></div>
</div>
Jocehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961864298928931076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27192438.post-84011780195483010292013-11-13T01:05:00.002+11:002013-11-13T01:05:31.657+11:00Video clip of the week... (formerly known as Song of the Week)<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tqvbgads1E">
</a>Can't help loving The Dresden Dolls... I did want to be a clown ("What do you want to be when you grow up little girl"?) after all, when I was a kid, and sometimes contemplate giving up all the trappings of my normalised self for the other side of the mirror... I think the lyrics of The Kill describe this so well... as does the style of the music...<br />
<br />
Watch and Listen... then dance if you want to!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/4tqvbgads1E?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
Here's to music and dancing over the Summer holidays.... I might even have time to gather with some musicians and put a few of my 2013 poems to music... TBC... and watch this spaced! Ciao xoJocehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961864298928931076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27192438.post-40448283624277176302013-05-12T23:08:00.002+10:002013-05-12T23:08:52.920+10:00Happy Mother's Day!<br />
<div style="font-size: 16px;">
Hi people who read my blog... sorry I haven't been updating much of late. Thanks to all my faithful friends who keep up with me on twitter, Facebook, or even Pintrest... our world is so big and small these days, isn't it..?</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px;">
My life is so full these days, even though I'm not even working much... I have started "appearing" on the television... Neighbours, even... but only in the background, pretending to ' talk and drink and eat with my "friends" - aka fellow extras. Yep! Last year I signed up with a talent agency. They supply extras and models for all sorts of media campaigns - both advertising and TV, and films. I hope to get more "easy" money... </div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px;">
While I'm busy with my life... I don't want to go too much in to what else is keeping me busy. Though not because it's not interesting. I think I <span style="text-decoration: underline;">always</span> live an<i> interesting</i> life!! That is only my opinion though, I guess. Though I too believe I have "decent" opinions, even if their not always "right". Who are we to judge others opinions as "wrong" though...? I guess I view myself as someone with <b>positive morals</b>... I've only given these two words emphasis to draw attention to the point I want to make in this post. </div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px;">
Ordinarily I am someone who cares. I love life and I also want to be helpful. Helpful to myself <i>and</i> every one. I say one because I care about ALL my Father created. I believe he created and cares for me so I should take care of me and, well, lets be honest, most things. Of course, I don't really like rodents, or annoying creepy crawlies, or even <i>dangerous</i> things. I am a little bit racist at times, sadly most of my compatriots are though, comes of our difficult and ignored history! I take care when I interact with people and things. Things that I value. I believe all things have some kind of value, value in what the are to me and you, and can do and be for all of us. Things that can be beautiful, or make us smile, laugh, or even cry, just because of what and who they are. This is why I love people most of all.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px;">
Today I wish to acknowledge and thank all my fellow females too. All the wonderful women who have cared, inspired, befriended and encouraged and challenged me. I thank him for all the bossy women, I can be a bit bossy sometimes too, so I thank him especially for making me a strong woman. A woman who knows my strength comes not only in my jeans, or genes… but from the women who helped to make me who I call me today. My Nan, Grandma, Gaynor (Mum), my aunties, my godmother Cheryl, my other females god parents, my female cousins, niece, sisters, best friends… yep. All of us girls. I think we can all be thankful today.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px;">
Thankful for all the things that make us womanhood. Thankful for our sister hood and thankful especially for our Mums. Who would we be without them? xoxo <><</div>
Jocehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961864298928931076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27192438.post-5139074989515439722012-11-20T04:17:00.000+11:002012-11-20T04:17:16.294+11:00Song of the week - or an album of the week....I really dig Goyte's music... he's doing a gig at The Bowl soon... should be a cracker if Melbs comes the goods with the weather... but still... If it were a cool show it would be worth it even in the rain... preferably I go to The Bowl for free and cheap events... but I guess I'm just a tightarse!<br />
<br />
Anyways... I love his album Making Mirrors. I liked his music before this album too, but I bought the Album last summer and there are multiple favourite tracks... Like... a good break-up song (Somebody I used to Know)... an excellent rocking out dance if you want to track (I Feel Better) and this one... just to name 3.<br />
<br />
Save Me<br />
<br />
In the mornings<br />
I was anxious<br />
It's better just to stay in bed<br />
Didn't want to fail myself again<br />
<br />
Running through all the options<br />
And the endings<br />
Were rolling out in front of me<br />
But I couldn't choose a thread to begin<br />
<br />
And I could not love<br />
Cause I could not love myself<br />
Never good enough, no<br />
That was all I'd tell myself<br />
And I was not well<br />
But I could not help myself<br />
I was giving up on living<br />
<br />
In the morning<br />
You were leaving<br />
Travelling south again<br />
And you said you were not unprepared<br />
And all the dead ends<br />
And disappointments<br />
Were fading from your memory<br />
Ready for that lonely life to end<br />
<br />
And you gave me love<br />
When I could not love myself<br />
And you made me turn<br />
From the way I saw myself<br />
And you're patient, love<br />
And you help me help myself<br />
And you save me<br />
And you save me<br />
Yeah you save me<br />
<br />
<br />
<div id="songlyrics" style="background-color: #35456e; color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Jocehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961864298928931076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27192438.post-51171508603777342632012-02-16T14:08:00.000+11:002012-02-16T14:08:30.680+11:00Song of the week<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm going through a rather sad time in my life, as you will have noted if you read this blog. There are some lovely songs about grief in my collection. I first heard this one live at Womadelaide festival in March 2011 and it brought me to tears as I thought of my Dad and that I would soon have to say a final goodbye to him. It really captures the mood, perhaps she wrote it about a parent too....</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><u>Goodbye - Leah Flanagan</u></b></span><br />
<br />
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Goodbye is so hard to say</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">When you know you won't be saying it again</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">And each night this heavy heart breaks</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">For goodbye is a lifetime away</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Well I, I have no lies</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">And for that I am proud</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">I didn't do it alone</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">'Cause I learnt from the best</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">You showed me how to love & then I made up the rest</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Now I, I'm doing my own</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">To keep these demons out of my mind</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">And its hard to keep my head up high</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">With each sun going down I feel we're losing time</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">'Cause goodbye is so hard to say</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">When you know you won't be saying it again</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">And each night this heavy heart breaks</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">That goodbye is a lifetime away…</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">If I've been a sinner I'll confess till I bleed</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">I'll take a world's worth of punishment to have you alive not in dreams</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Take these bones from my back, take all that I own</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">For life without you is a wine I don't know</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">'Cause when, when its the last sky</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Changing with the pull of the tide</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">I remember the colours, and I remember them well</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">The Alyawarre people the ran ocean swell</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">'Cause goodbye is so hard to say</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">When you know you won't be saying it again</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">And each night this heavy heart breaks</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">For goodbye is a lifetime away</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div>Jocehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961864298928931076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27192438.post-27543470483551538342012-02-15T12:18:00.000+11:002012-02-15T12:18:23.692+11:00Another month, another move<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix-_S8E9xuDlJLmIRdYO1o_LIBB2EqJCTafftJ3-YaMqoHMQxxGZLSe2L1qaYGWDSayCvzZ3HvR62nRSxPXgYcMz5sfqzUu0L9PDnkV-i1XmjpBfy2vtEdYMoaZ5r5yFOgRr8V4w/s1600/snoopy+moving+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix-_S8E9xuDlJLmIRdYO1o_LIBB2EqJCTafftJ3-YaMqoHMQxxGZLSe2L1qaYGWDSayCvzZ3HvR62nRSxPXgYcMz5sfqzUu0L9PDnkV-i1XmjpBfy2vtEdYMoaZ5r5yFOgRr8V4w/s320/snoopy+moving+house.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Well, I've been back in Melbs a little over a month now and I've found a new place to call home. It's in the Camberwell end of Kew about 1.5 Kms from Camberwell Station. I'll be living with a couple from Peru, but he will be moving to the Gold Coast in a couple of months.<br />
<br />
My new flatmate loves to Salsa, so that will be just one thing to look forward to!<br />
<br />
At least this time I'm mostly all packed up so for once it will be an easy and simple move. I'm looking forward to having my lovely comfy bed, the rest of my wardrobe and all my music and books around me. <br />
<br />
But most of all I'm looking forward to having a place to call home again. I've been of no fixed address for almost 3 months now and it's easy to get tired of it!<br />
<br />
If you feel like helping me out on Saturday morning that would be grand! I'm throwing in lunch and an invite to my housewarming dinner party for all helpers! Give me a call and I'll let you know where we're meeting up. Big Thanks to all those who've already put up their hands to help out. Love ya! xo xo<br />
<br />
<br />
P.S. I'm hiring a van, so it won't look this this!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWAyboK2zfl386WME1TdMiUi6Ui5Z37oIt0R5gmQO__DknV7P0gTZDzthEXCq6Mw50FGiPoLYHJ05rQGRU4hH2aGUyhxS1W7851Wdn7EPWz15xVA9O8V2SWSBKe0tQkZCyjvyMDQ/s1600/moving-house-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWAyboK2zfl386WME1TdMiUi6Ui5Z37oIt0R5gmQO__DknV7P0gTZDzthEXCq6Mw50FGiPoLYHJ05rQGRU4hH2aGUyhxS1W7851Wdn7EPWz15xVA9O8V2SWSBKe0tQkZCyjvyMDQ/s320/moving-house-1.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>Jocehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961864298928931076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27192438.post-44831773048792266202011-12-17T00:06:00.002+11:002011-12-17T00:10:32.067+11:00Goodbye Dad & Thank you<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwjn94wABRSPfWIT0I4YoyWKaxQ-rUjhg4hyphenhyphenngOKaxQ5tEFMw2eVCMORy238W8Ij-kS27KYRep4Aa12PZF0rFeDlfYv3AoihG0P25wA-VyY_4AkkkXyM9P2pqMFwjmrOqGK4i9w/s1600/ADSC04378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwjn94wABRSPfWIT0I4YoyWKaxQ-rUjhg4hyphenhyphenngOKaxQ5tEFMw2eVCMORy238W8Ij-kS27KYRep4Aa12PZF0rFeDlfYv3AoihG0P25wA-VyY_4AkkkXyM9P2pqMFwjmrOqGK4i9w/s400/ADSC04378.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roger Kenneth Ridley - 19-5-1953 to 15-12-2011</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">My dear Dad passed away on Thursday morning 15th December (local Perth time). We thought he was sleeping peacefully after a difficult night till we noticed all the colour had gone from his face. We were so thankful that his regular carer, Michael, was here as he just took charge and made sure Dad looked comfortable and was laid out properly.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Dad's last few months were so difficult for him and Mum. He deteriorated so rapidly after their visit to us kids in Melbourne last August (to meet his twin Grandsons). At that time he was still talking, eating and walking, but in recent weeks he was immobile, only drinking a few things (like coffee and his favourite tomato juice), and struggling to speak. It was so heartbreaking bringing him home on Wednesday. (He had a difficult journey as he cannot hold up his own head and it fell back during the journey). It took some time for us to calm him down, but by later in the evening he was relaxed and happy watching 'The House of Elliot' on DVD.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I sure feel privileged that I could be here to support my Mum and to spend time with Dad these last days. No one could ask for a better father. He was the one who first told and showed me our Father's love too! He preached the word with such integrity and passion, using stories to touch the heart and light a fire in the soul of anyone who heard him. A couple of his sermon's are online, if you'd like to hear an example! I'll attach a link. If the topic was mission he was even more passionate... being a mission-kid and missionary himself. He took God's word seriously and he and my mum always opened their home and lives to whoever needed them. They have friends from all walks of life, religious faith, sexual orientation - none of these mattered to my Dad who just loved everyone he met. We have been flooded with phone calls, visits, messages and facebook posts (over 50 just on my wall!) of those who fondly remember Roger. I'm working on a poem that I'll put on my writing site. It has been hard to write through all this, but my Dad was just so special that the words just come flooding out!</div><div style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Dad and I had a pretty special relationship. We were a bit like two peas in a pod! (It often used to frustrate my family, especially Mum...) We loved the same kind of things and enjoyed visiting Art galleries and museums together as we both loved to read all the citations!! I remember all the special times I spent with Dad. He took me to Melbourne Zoo for the day when I was having trouble saying goodbye to Panton Hill. We went on a month-long road-trip from Adelaide to Darwin while Dad did deputation for Church Missionary Society. He met my plane in Frankfurt last year and we spent 3 days in Dresden together (he made me wait half an hour so he could see the other locomotive on the model railway in Grosse Garden!). Then earlier this year I took him up to New Norcia (a monastic town North of Perth). </div><div style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">He'll be a hard yard-stick to measure up to. He was gentle, considerate and kind. He encouraged as well as provided guidance and fair discipline and most of all he just loved my Mum to bits and pieces!!</div><div style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Dad, I miss you already, but I know you're in a better place now. Father, I thank you for giving us Roger Kenneth Ridley for 58 wonderful years, you obviously need him more than we do, and I know you'll welcome him as a good and faithful servant. I know you're singing at the top of your lungs in Brandenburg Praise room now Dad. You've had a raucous reunion with Howard, your parents and others. Dad, you helped me become the woman I am today, a servant of Jesus and a lover of life! Thank you, and see you soon!</div><div style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: white; color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Joce xo xo xo xo</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: purple;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSIdz1T0RU3t0yJq0l6XkSDJrWtW9j8NJDvp98LMz1-N-fJRaOyHfRip4hyphenhypheneVC6TuEDwTXEueiF-lEc3OVX8A6VXWDCeqrW_FmOA-YiecBhvdCep7EKk_r1xsHVKDFvaOPEf-ehg/s1600/P7030014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSIdz1T0RU3t0yJq0l6XkSDJrWtW9j8NJDvp98LMz1-N-fJRaOyHfRip4hyphenhypheneVC6TuEDwTXEueiF-lEc3OVX8A6VXWDCeqrW_FmOA-YiecBhvdCep7EKk_r1xsHVKDFvaOPEf-ehg/s320/P7030014.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad and Martin Luther - Dresden, July 2010</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="background-color: white; color: purple;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQOs4MQshyphenhyphenUeqMcYFsaZUW6F46ID_D0-C83HAk_xsIp1jNjNpk1hbEdzFw7YTnYyAi8GDsmpzL1sDjZP3ZDZEyuNToFATLSkaQw0iAhvUKYxWVp10LVCTKFzknySMoLeSydqc-Q/s1600/P7040055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQOs4MQshyphenhyphenUeqMcYFsaZUW6F46ID_D0-C83HAk_xsIp1jNjNpk1hbEdzFw7YTnYyAi8GDsmpzL1sDjZP3ZDZEyuNToFATLSkaQw0iAhvUKYxWVp10LVCTKFzknySMoLeSydqc-Q/s320/P7040055.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad & Joce on the model railway - Grosse Garden, Dresden 2010</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCXVp6UKsoCkM845J2EXjojXjmmI5gjPOHPFbPdgyeqXj98FQrGn6WNf1ZkbCNCLupbJrAvezG5i7lYnZvscibXnYZR-KLsrQfeYlnJ8-6GJuzr8HpNEtWt_5_aJL4cKkyoYLuQ/s1600/P7050083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCXVp6UKsoCkM845J2EXjojXjmmI5gjPOHPFbPdgyeqXj98FQrGn6WNf1ZkbCNCLupbJrAvezG5i7lYnZvscibXnYZR-KLsrQfeYlnJ8-6GJuzr8HpNEtWt_5_aJL4cKkyoYLuQ/s400/P7050083.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joce & Dad at Thai restaurant, Dresden July 2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="background-color: white; color: purple;"><br />
</div>Jocehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961864298928931076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27192438.post-70608524231325143372011-12-10T20:53:00.000+11:002011-12-10T20:53:30.241+11:00Under the stars in PerthI've been in Perth since Wednesday. It has been good to spend time with Mum & Dad and provide them with any support that I can. Hopefully Dad will come home early next week. Dad's brother and sister-in-law are here too, and we're taking them out tonight for a free concert. The West Australian Symphony Orchestra and Chorus under the stars. It should be lovely.<br />
<br />
The weather hasn't been too hot since I've been here, its actually been hotter in Melbourne! I don't mind, it means I haven't had any trouble getting a good night's sleep and Mum has been sleeping better since my arrival too.<br />
<br />
We are trying to get organised for all that is to come. No one thinks Dad has long to go now, so we try to make the most of the time we have left. All your thoughts and prayers are much appreciated.<br />
<br />
What are you doing to prepare for Christmas this year...?Jocehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961864298928931076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27192438.post-15895082365014415032011-12-01T19:45:00.000+11:002011-12-01T19:45:29.799+11:00Up in the AirMy life is all a bit up in the air at the moment... both literally and metaphorically. I'm in the throws of moving house at present to no fixed abode. I reality I will be helping to take care of my Dad in Perth, but I'll be living out of a suitcase in various places so not fixed there either.<br />
<br />
<br />
I'm not a huge fan of all this uncertainty. In many respects I've been here before, but I've never waited for someone this close to be to be called home. It is hard to watch my Dad fading away and I hope it doesn't drag out too long for all our sakes. He's had a good and fruitful life with much to thank God for, so I will have to keep that in mind all the time.<br />
<br />
I'm really going for Mum's sake, so I hope I can be all that she needs at this time. Not that I can hope to fill in all the gaps, but I'm going to need all the strength I can get. So if you're of the praying inclination, that would be much appreciated.<br />
<br />
I intend to return to Melbourne sometime in the New Year and take up that Millinery course at TAFE. Can you see me as a Milliner? In my wildest dreams I'd love to spend a year or so in Paris honing my craft, wouldn't that be something?!<br />
<br />
Its at these times in life when our dreams are really important. We all need something to look forward to. Christmas for my family this year won't be as joyous as usual, but we knew that was always going to be on the cards. None of us looks forward to saying goodbye to a loved one, but I just want to do it well.<br />
<br />
I'll keep you in touch with my adventures as they come....Jocehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961864298928931076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27192438.post-503582600890823212011-09-21T16:05:00.000+10:002011-09-21T16:05:27.104+10:00waiting....I'm not a bit fan of waiting... but I've no choice at present. I'm waiting to hear from WA for a phone interview and waiting to hear back about another opportunity as well.<br />
<br />
I'm off to find a medieval costume for a wedding I'm going to on Friday. Not sure about themed weddings, but I'm sure it will be fun.<br />
<br />
I've also applied to a local TAFE to study Millinery next year. Its a part-time night course so I'll be able to keep working, that is, if I have a job! Sometimes I despair of finding the right kind of opportunity, haven't had a real good year, this year.<br />
<br />
Not much else to report. I'm enjoying being an Aunty to my two adorable nephews. I really admire my sister, she seems to be taking it all in her stride. They're growing and developing rapidly, I can just see them crawling all over the place and driving Mum crazy in no time at all!<br />
<br />
Must away, I've a few errands to run before the sun sets... ciao for now!Jocehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961864298928931076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27192438.post-21339695036113534522011-09-16T18:23:00.000+10:002011-09-16T18:23:17.927+10:00Leaving on a jet plane....?I'm currently investigating a locum job in rural WA. Its about 2 hours North of Perth and close to my Aunt, Uncle and cousins. It would be a good opportunity to work in the community as well as being closer to my parents and able to provide more support for Mum.<br />
<br />
I haven't heard back from them yet, but here's hoping. If you're of the praying persuasion all prayers appreciated!<br />
<br />
Will keep you posted... literally!<br />
<br />
Enjoy your weekend, we're expecting a beautiful spring-ish day tomorrow... so if you're in Melbs... why not go for a picnic! I might visit 'the nongs' Tschuss xoJocehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961864298928931076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27192438.post-76927153938835218922011-06-06T12:52:00.000+10:002011-06-06T12:52:11.062+10:00The heat is on!A new week at work and the heat is well and truly on... not only do we need heating (as Melbourne's winter has well & truly arrived) but the pressure is on to find new leads. People to host their places on our website, that is. The top 10 workers will get an iPad2 and the bottom 10 look set to lose their jobs. I don't know about mine as the parameters are slightly different for me (being Office Manager), but still an iPad 2 would be nice....<br />
<br />
So if you have a spare room.... or know of someone who does... get onto me!<br />
<br />
Oh, and if you want to come to Melbourne for my birthday this weekend, I can organise you a voucher for free accomodation... do get in touch!!Jocehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961864298928931076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27192438.post-90279197308823772892011-05-27T13:38:00.002+10:002011-05-31T15:03:24.934+10:00Travel like a local<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Planning a long weekend in Melbourne to watch the Australian Open or go to Sydney to explore its gorgeous harbour & various boutiques? Wimdu can offer you affordable accommodation for your stay. Depending on your budget you can choose between simply crashing on a couch or getting your own room for a few nights. Best of all, you’ll be meeting great new people along the way!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The recently launched company Wimdu (</span><a href="http://www.wimdu.com.au/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.wimdu.com.au</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">) is one of the fastest growing companies in Europe and now rapidly expanding into the Asia Pacific region and both North and South America. It is a central platform for private accommodation that connects travellers and hosts on a global scale. This is great news for anyone who prefers to learn about the local culture, save money, stay with locals, and receive valuable insider information! The impersonal service and relatively high cost of hotels, and the poor amenities and safety provided by hostels makes this an easy win. Through its exciting online marketplace, Wimdu offers a unique choice of rooms, apartments and houses and allows travellers to experience countries and cities as a local would experience them. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">The benefits of this online service are not limited to travellers alone. Anyone who wants to rent out a house, spare room, couch, or even a castle can set up a profile, offer their place and receive additional income. In order to add security, the website handles all the money and requires guests to pay online before arriving at the location. Also, home owners can choose among their potential guests before confirming their booking and write a review about them after the stay. Travellers also have the opportunity to evaluate their hosts and write comments and recommendations to inform fellow travellers about their experience. This creative business model enables home owners to offer spare rooms to travellers and at the same time helps travellers save money. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">One of the largest start up launches in history, Wimdu was kicked off in eleven languages and forty cities across Australia, Asia, Europe, North and South America. It is financed and supported by the German incubator firm Rocket Internet which was also responsible for building up eBay Europe and manages the international growth of Groupon, the fastest growing company in the history of companies.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">So get on to Goole Earth and pick a place!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get going, with Wimdu!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">For more information please contact:<br />
info@wimdu.com.au<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Jocehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961864298928931076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27192438.post-37903571141481599072011-05-27T13:33:00.000+10:002011-05-27T13:33:27.385+10:00Opening doors....Hi eveyone!<br />
<br />
Sorry I have been quiet of late... that's all about to change (starting today). I've scored myself a job where blogging and facebook are not only allowed, but encouraged... how cool is that?!<br />
<br />
I'm working for Wimdu Australia in their Melbourne office. We find people who want to host temporary visitors in their spare rooms (or couches). We get to know our hosts, take professional pictures of their places and advertise them on our website... all for free. Then we screen potential guests, screen them and help them get in touch with you... beautiful! I'll tell you more about it in the next post...<br />
<br />
In other news... I have found myself a lovely new man. We've been together almost two months now and I'm really enjoying getting to know him. He owns a cool bar in the city, so if you're ever in Melbourne town and feeling a pit parched you should swing by! Its called Troika and is open Tuesday to Saturday till late (he basically stays till the last punter leaves, so yeah... late!) Its on Little Lonsdale St, up the Exhibition St end, and we've introduced mulled wine for the cooler months... its proving rather popular. So hope to see you soon....<br />
<br />
I'm just enjoying getting the most out of life at the moment and this weekend my favourite writers festival started so I'm going to be rather a busy gal. Emerging Writer's Festival... one of the few festivals that really caters itself to writers rather than readers, with affordable prices too! It is in its 3rd year and just keeps getting better with a broader variety of speakers and sessions and a great booklet put together post festival called The Reader... it keeps you inspired all the year through.<br />
<br />
I'm still enjoying church, though I'm not such a regular at City on a Hill now. I'm enjoying meeting regularly with my Mosaic friends, were really hoping to get a regular meeting going this year. For now we're just enjoying lunch and prayer together each week... we shall see what God brings us.<br />
<br />
I just love my city in Autumn and this year it is particularly beautiful. All the rain we've had since last winter has made for a gorgeous Autumn colours show. I've also been hanging out in the city a lot as that is where Paul is most of the time. Getting to know how it all looks in the the middle of the night too... I love the nightlife!<br />
<br />
So, keeping in touch from now on... stay tuned to share in all my adventures! Tschuss till next time...Jocehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961864298928931076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27192438.post-87784972025460920082011-01-20T04:39:00.000+11:002011-01-20T04:39:08.329+11:00Four Seasons in One DayIf you have come across Australia in the news since New Year... then you've probably heard...<br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><ul style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><li>That we're experiencing <b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">FLOOD</span>s</b></li>
<li>That we can't play <b><span style="color: lime;">CRICKET</span></b></li>
<li>That it's warmer than usual (I think it's called <b style="color: magenta;">LA NINA</b>)</li>
<li>That the <b style="color: #8e7cc3;">TENNIS</b> is on</li>
<li>That there's been <span style="color: red;"><b>FIRES</b> </span>outside of Perth</li>
<li>That Lance Armstrong is around Adelaide riding his <b style="color: #ffe599;">BIKE</b></li>
<li>That we're experiencing <i><u><b><span style="color: #76a5af;">FLOODs!</span></b></u></i></li>
</ul>I had to put the floods in twice as that's only a few made up headlines of my own since this year started... and that doesn't even cover <i>MY NEWS.... like job, house, family, friends, etc, etc...</i>.<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Suffice to say that when it doesn't rain it pours... and that the only thing you can expect from the weather in Melbourne, is that the forecast is only an educated guess! One of my resident's at work even told me it's been likened to New York?!?!</div><br />
I prefer our own Home-grown Melbourne pop version... and apologies to anyone who disapproves of bad language. This band, Crowded House wrote this song a little bit about the town that they were formed in. Now days the Lead Singer, Neil Finn, is back and forth from New Zealand. The Drummer, Paul Hester, died a couple of years ago, and the Bass player, Nick Seymour, is still with the band along with Neil and a couple of other "newies". If you're interested in their sound check out more about the band in the link.<br />
<br />
Here in Melbourne tonight it is a clear starry sky, with a bright, full moon and some high cirrus clouds. We've had a couple of fairly cool (low 20 degrees C) days, but the forecast is for warmer (moister) weather leading up to the weekend!<br />
<br />
The only thing that stays the same is that I love to sing! Tonight it's "moon" songs again... like "How High The Moon" or "Fly Me to the Moon"... maybe "Moon dance"... whichever song I sing.... I eventually come back to some kind of lullaby... or it will be AWFULLY hard to get up when my alarm goes off in the morning!<br />
<br />
Guten-nacht.... iio tenki desu ne? (Goodnight... it's a nice day, isn't it?) <span style="color: #ead1dc;">xo</span> <span style="color: #b4a7d6;">xo </span><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">xo</span> <span style="color: #d9d2e9;">xo</span>Jocehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961864298928931076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27192438.post-22223351418485207312011-01-05T22:43:00.000+11:002011-01-05T22:43:43.981+11:00Song of the week is back for 2011!Happy New Year everyone... I thought I'd re-start a tradition I began last year... if I aim for once a week at least it means I blog once a week most of the time, eh?<br />
<br />
I'll blog a bit more about my plans for 2011 soon... in the meantime here's a track I'm enjoying at the moment:<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">My Will - DC Talk</div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">I'm setting the stage for the things I love</div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">And I'm not the man I once couldn't be</div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Nothing on earth could now ever move me</div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">I now have the will and the strength a man needs</div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"> Chorus</div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"> It's my will, I'm not moving</div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"> Cause if it's your will, then nothing can shake me</div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"> It's my will, to bow and praise you</div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"> I now have the will to praise my God</div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Complexity haunts me, for I am two men</div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Entrenched in a battle that I'll never win</div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">My discipline fails me my knowledge it fools me</div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">But you are my shelter all the strength that I need</div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"> Repeat Chorus</div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">I'm learning to give up the rights to myself</div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">The bits and the pieces I've gathered as wealth</div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Could never compare to the joy that you bring me</div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">The peace that you show me is the strength that I need</div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"> Repeat Chorus (We've got to be children of peace)</div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"> </div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">In one of the repeat choruses they also sing, it's your will not mine....</div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So much of the Christian journey is a "battle of wills". Sometimes I think that I'm following God's will for my life, only to discover that I chose what I wanted. Sometimes too the battle is even deeper... a battle between God's voice and the devil's. Is that voice in our conscience the still small voice of our Heaven Father... our experience... or the voice of one who doesn't want us to follow his leading? When making an important decision I think it is worth wondering who's will you are following.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Even in this New Year (including if you're not a Christian). Will you follow the negative voice of past hurts, or difficult experiences that prevent you from going somewhere or trying something new? Or will you put the past behind you, trust in your skills, experience and knowledge and take a risk?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Who's will are you following in you life? Are you willing to make a change for the better?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I've just been thinking.... what do you think? Joce xo xo <><</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span>Jocehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961864298928931076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27192438.post-60165012728427402012010-12-13T01:50:00.000+11:002010-12-13T01:50:34.648+11:00Adventually.....as in eventually posting.... a little bit about my 2010....<br />
<br />
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!<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
March... well Thanks, but no thanks... but I'll be flying to Europe mid winter anyway... Goodbye AA... hello unemployment...<br />
<br />
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....<br />
<br />
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....?<br />
<br />
June... 30! need I say more?<br />
<br />
July... Europe... read July blogs!<br />
<br />
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!<br />
<br />
September... belts still tight... scarves still popular... Please Government can you help me with my rent?<br />
<br />
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...<br />
<br />
November... home opens (erk)... Auction (passed in)... opens... SOLD! phew!<br />
<br />
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...<br />
<br />
interesting....<br />
<br />
xo <>< xoJocehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961864298928931076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27192438.post-42768502364996114712010-10-14T00:45:00.000+11:002010-10-14T00:45:10.038+11:00Song of the week - SOS<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">No, it's not the song by Abba... though they've been plauging me lately....</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">There's so much to love about this song, this band, this singer....</span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"></span><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">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! </span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"></span><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">It makes me want to dance like nobody is watching!</span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><strong>The Sound of Sunshine</strong></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><strong>I wake up in the morning at six o'clock</strong></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><strong>They say there may be rain, but the sun is hot</strong></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><strong>I wish I had some time just to kill today</strong></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><strong>And I wish I had a dime for every bill I got to pay</strong></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><strong>Some days you lose, you win and the water's as high as the times you're in</strong></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><strong>So I jump back in where I learned to swim</strong></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><strong>Try to keep my head above it the best I can</strong></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><strong>That's why</strong></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><strong>CHORUS:</strong></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><strong>Here I am, just waiting for the storm to pass me by</strong></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><strong>and that's the sound of sunshine coming down</strong></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><strong>and that's the sound of sunshine coming down</strong></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><strong>I saw my friend Bobby, he said 'What's up man, you got a little work or a twenty to lend?'</strong></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><strong>I opened up my hand, He said, 'I'm glad to see, they can take away my job but not my friends</strong></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><strong>you see'</strong></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><strong>CHORUS</strong></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><strong>That's the sound of the sun goin' down</strong></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><strong>When the people of the world start to paint the town</strong></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><strong>A day that's long is a day complete</strong></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><strong>so kick off ya shoes and relax ya feet</strong></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><strong>they say tat miracles are never ceasing</strong></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><strong>and every single soul needs a little releasing</strong></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><strong>they say that money makes the world go round</strong></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><strong>but only one thing'll help the sun go down</strong></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><strong>Sweet, sweet love'll help the sun go down</strong></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><strong><br />
</strong></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><strong>It's true, it's true, it's true</strong></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><strong>CHORUS</strong></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><strong>You're the one I want to be with, when the sun goes down</strong></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><strong>CHORUS</strong></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">* 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!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: lime;">Here's to dancing in the sunshine! xo xo</span>Jocehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961864298928931076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27192438.post-60263347834942877552010-10-02T12:34:00.000+10:002010-10-02T12:34:06.599+10:00Can't catch me....No, apparently <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm it!</span></span> so watch out... Grandma Pat had this on her blog & I've been terribly quiet lately so here I go...:<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1) What is your biggest pet peeve?</span><br />
<br />
Judgementals & hypocrites... how dare you!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2) If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? </span><br />
<br />
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! ;)<br />
<br />
P<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">3) Have you ever been searched by the cops? </span><br />
<br />
Does breath-testing count? I have been searched by customs/immigration too - so paranoid since '01.<br />
<br />
D<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">4) What is the one thing on your mind right now? </span><br />
<br />
Go SAINTS!!! (AFL grand final replay starts in under 2 hours)<br />
<br />
Go<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">5) What is your favorite song right now? </span><br />
<br />
“The Sound of Sunshine" or anything else by Michael Franti... currently on high rotation in my house... I'll introduce him next Wednesday!<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">6) What talent do you wish you had?</span><br />
<br />
Can I vote for a superpower instead...? Teleporting!<br />
<br />
Can<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">7) What is your favorite drink? </span><br />
<br />
French Earl Grey... or gin & tonic... or just water (depends how thirsty I am!)<br />
<br />
Ea<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">8) Describe yourself in one word</span><br />
<br />
wound-up ;)<br />
<br />
will up-date properly soon... watch this space! xo xoJocehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961864298928931076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27192438.post-34596943174715658972010-08-18T14:47:00.000+10:002010-08-18T14:47:25.804+10:00Stuck in a Moment<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">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!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">But U2 express it even better, you might remember this one.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">STUCK IN A MOMENT YOU CAN'T GET OUT OF</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'm not afraid of anything in this world</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There's nothing you can throw at me that I haven't already heard</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'm just trying to find a decent melody</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A song that I can sing in my own company</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I never thought you were a fool</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">But darling, look at you</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You gotta stand up straight, carry your own weight</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">These tears are going nowhere, baby</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You've got to get yourself together</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You've got stuck in a moment and now you can't get out of it</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Don't say that later will be better now you're stuck in a moment</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And you can't get out of it</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I will not forsake, the colours that you bring</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">But the nights you filled with fireworks</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">They left you with nothing</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I am still enchanted by the light you brought to me</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I still listen through your ears, and through your eyes I can see</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And you are such a fool</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">To worry like you do</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I know it's tough, and you can never get enough</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Of what you don't really need now... my oh my</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You've got to get yourself together</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You've got stuck in a moment and now you can't get out of it</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Oh love look at you now</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You've got yourself stuck in a moment and now you can't get out of it</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I was unconscious, half asleep</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The water is warm till you discover how deep...</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I wasn't jumping... for me it was a fall</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It's a long way down to nothing at all</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You've got to get yourself together</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You've got stuck in a moment and now you can't get out of it</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Don't say that later will be better now</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You're stuck in a moment and you can't get out of it</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And if the night runs over</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And if the day won't last</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And if our way should falter</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Along the stony pass</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And if the night runs over</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And if the day won't last</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And if your way should falter</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Along the stony pass</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It's just a moment</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This time will pass</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</span>Jocehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961864298928931076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27192438.post-12553072233405923202010-07-31T02:41:00.000+10:002010-07-31T02:41:40.581+10:00Peripatetic in ParisLast 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....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9cY7F1l9kg8gR9z_oNLptqgZ4AIgRF-FJy8In0EjGHtT4XRldR8BQmHKXRAKB3yyCImXdF0qGLsIXJiw0k7_LYY5b-TVV3ZEWCUj5TEPPET4Pc4mNkURhxCJH1H3FMQwaenDZg/s1600/P7240038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9cY7F1l9kg8gR9z_oNLptqgZ4AIgRF-FJy8In0EjGHtT4XRldR8BQmHKXRAKB3yyCImXdF0qGLsIXJiw0k7_LYY5b-TVV3ZEWCUj5TEPPET4Pc4mNkURhxCJH1H3FMQwaenDZg/s320/P7240038.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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!<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisyyOsQWgv8UpyYt7jfsu9ltoU4rAF0U2sXd_3jX3CUHInj00AcHjWy0E4P9-potei1FoGj2EP-GOLqqDZ-Hha2nsXx4TyZHYtTF5e7wJo9bNNOpB2eeFhXCedYXChDUfmCpuqrQ/s1600/P7240025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisyyOsQWgv8UpyYt7jfsu9ltoU4rAF0U2sXd_3jX3CUHInj00AcHjWy0E4P9-potei1FoGj2EP-GOLqqDZ-Hha2nsXx4TyZHYtTF5e7wJo9bNNOpB2eeFhXCedYXChDUfmCpuqrQ/s320/P7240025.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVrjVUv0wgZd_XKUf6YUgtVcurtGLDyczKf-mrOtoACooswcQxKdI-Yc7z3PrNQWXSYgYFrHN22eWIviT_qQSP9Y8MUYTU-rsoPfDytRvPcKwnVbWVhoM2jDv7sQ1pc5G_IR0Ug/s1600/renoir.moulin-galette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVrjVUv0wgZd_XKUf6YUgtVcurtGLDyczKf-mrOtoACooswcQxKdI-Yc7z3PrNQWXSYgYFrHN22eWIviT_qQSP9Y8MUYTU-rsoPfDytRvPcKwnVbWVhoM2jDv7sQ1pc5G_IR0Ug/s320/renoir.moulin-galette.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBpLhNFHBt7_I7hotd5w3VkXNrH1T2wDNSCdcGLkTswfuqtMoSJBBHxC__tHGSn8Q6UTaC33KZaGQAPcC_AR7XneGFmM2Fv6nKtQC65iH22F7mL6Xvy02F-JPVTWWhanu4Yxpdw/s1600/P7260085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBpLhNFHBt7_I7hotd5w3VkXNrH1T2wDNSCdcGLkTswfuqtMoSJBBHxC__tHGSn8Q6UTaC33KZaGQAPcC_AR7XneGFmM2Fv6nKtQC65iH22F7mL6Xvy02F-JPVTWWhanu4Yxpdw/s320/P7260085.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW687m5ONYgPHlyrP2d-YxjeAx9tghfIwwCZdGcF2uRPXsYFJFGd3gxpQJWAi9MnZq7T7xcyt5bZMx2jVLyhErARwsT50-2kZ6E0uj4IC0gVKRxOvX_n_Zz1f6A7VI9rS3tDkp4A/s1600/P7260088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW687m5ONYgPHlyrP2d-YxjeAx9tghfIwwCZdGcF2uRPXsYFJFGd3gxpQJWAi9MnZq7T7xcyt5bZMx2jVLyhErARwsT50-2kZ6E0uj4IC0gVKRxOvX_n_Zz1f6A7VI9rS3tDkp4A/s320/P7260088.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-RKsXtOTGB9Erb4-nf8rHAtNipCabYQSF5a38a6YrY1dQnzf82Hj4AFklRvOredFk1rAIIuBAdHR1ZxxCswA3WfBykRK9gO18fKUa0nZszOeGrxns_VDZ-MvbblTHttlrKVV8g/s1600/P7260116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-RKsXtOTGB9Erb4-nf8rHAtNipCabYQSF5a38a6YrY1dQnzf82Hj4AFklRvOredFk1rAIIuBAdHR1ZxxCswA3WfBykRK9gO18fKUa0nZszOeGrxns_VDZ-MvbblTHttlrKVV8g/s320/P7260116.JPG" /></a></div>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. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaxueaGL8Z0oGG7YkO9Wbaw-Yh5eV02D5EK_KDV0x4apvU2FVU_LlnUsU1cjcCQ9iPXEzozaJSzt9yBN2aT-ZK823qnfB9JE11c3dYGWnHkdlLnYhTAIL2HwAXcw5TP30reFZGIw/s1600/P7270159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaxueaGL8Z0oGG7YkO9Wbaw-Yh5eV02D5EK_KDV0x4apvU2FVU_LlnUsU1cjcCQ9iPXEzozaJSzt9yBN2aT-ZK823qnfB9JE11c3dYGWnHkdlLnYhTAIL2HwAXcw5TP30reFZGIw/s320/P7270159.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxQuJx90tLS1k_Sq4inJ3uKkN5OC8Yr_9REbfiO1m11oQuWgLiwctmabPb5YyrHP4cH4dil3zd5f7rwDmffZkADfMVkl_5fl4UwPOe_qaj1y6Wpz_opUrUc1FN47Kc-ly2Y7Qfw/s1600/P7270153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxQuJx90tLS1k_Sq4inJ3uKkN5OC8Yr_9REbfiO1m11oQuWgLiwctmabPb5YyrHP4cH4dil3zd5f7rwDmffZkADfMVkl_5fl4UwPOe_qaj1y6Wpz_opUrUc1FN47Kc-ly2Y7Qfw/s320/P7270153.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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.Jocehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961864298928931076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27192438.post-57330338140841322022010-07-22T23:19:00.000+10:002010-07-22T23:19:18.885+10:00Rules for RoamingNow 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....<br />
<ul><li>Wear appropriate shoes</li>
</ul>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!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkG2msYXe7ohUZ4-DUiw9vyCXW1pYHNEYg3i9-cHrMU7J0XOg3tGKWwbSECqYFzHq9zXg-rWH1QZzFToIYO4Xa2OfudsL4zprkJbJxhkW-l8oAs-FeztL-P8m8BIG4a3zxCdV9A/s1600/P7160016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkG2msYXe7ohUZ4-DUiw9vyCXW1pYHNEYg3i9-cHrMU7J0XOg3tGKWwbSECqYFzHq9zXg-rWH1QZzFToIYO4Xa2OfudsL4zprkJbJxhkW-l8oAs-FeztL-P8m8BIG4a3zxCdV9A/s320/P7160016.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<ul><li> Guard your personal space on public transport!</li>
</ul>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! <br />
<ul><li>Buy water only once</li>
</ul>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. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeI79XKIB64typgXUQ8APSgJuK0kU865iAOfR4acYDvU3Z6M0QgHij2Vt8F9pR5vpcLlqx67NXJXtHXfZOKvAfZnK3CU62iQNPVpVsf6rC1IF6-s9haZVVAMKTJ8GiIvXww-g9Hw/s1600/P7180063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeI79XKIB64typgXUQ8APSgJuK0kU865iAOfR4acYDvU3Z6M0QgHij2Vt8F9pR5vpcLlqx67NXJXtHXfZOKvAfZnK3CU62iQNPVpVsf6rC1IF6-s9haZVVAMKTJ8GiIvXww-g9Hw/s320/P7180063.JPG" /></a></div><ul><li>Ensure you know how to say "No"</li>
</ul>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.<br />
<ul><li>Buy a multi-trip ticket</li>
</ul>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! <br />
<ul><li>Pre-book your visit to Villa Borghese</li>
</ul>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. <br />
<ul><li>Shop at the Drugstore</li>
</ul>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. <br />
<ul><li>Know what you want</li>
</ul>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...! <br />
<ul><li>Curb your enthusiasm</li>
</ul>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.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJZFT6A1bAc6NAoSC6UHS_S2Pvt3H1hV7hpPpoa7Zu9imc8dpxdkZAKW99DgSzA0qIKrzFqU6HWkcT87ZcG_KqYltSf6q-CviOyx6bcdQKbA4KPCd5OSUXL6eaqf1BYJMSEJrAw/s1600/P7160045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJZFT6A1bAc6NAoSC6UHS_S2Pvt3H1hV7hpPpoa7Zu9imc8dpxdkZAKW99DgSzA0qIKrzFqU6HWkcT87ZcG_KqYltSf6q-CviOyx6bcdQKbA4KPCd5OSUXL6eaqf1BYJMSEJrAw/s320/P7160045.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssrQ4TwzcOuFA3JKL0Ojuf5F3lcbjq9A5nmLtZuY0L9w5XCbukLOjT99ijFdifRTGULftGNttK317V8ZDlDqvMU0QJakuH4Q0iVaD1rUBtuN2ZaTsb_Kv8w19z_lnUeoTGdlmxA/s1600/P7200078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssrQ4TwzcOuFA3JKL0Ojuf5F3lcbjq9A5nmLtZuY0L9w5XCbukLOjT99ijFdifRTGULftGNttK317V8ZDlDqvMU0QJakuH4Q0iVaD1rUBtuN2ZaTsb_Kv8w19z_lnUeoTGdlmxA/s320/P7200078.JPG" /></a></div>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.<br />
<br />
<ul><li> When in Rome...</li>
</ul>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.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5udwSwpGROevHdODmUq_MLQSOvZRHco1PDehzxR2pNZRtu2bfCph8BkzjqekDXXkjuoIrH-rKgpRpkq3wobs8MTRiX7PSs-DwM7xpgYVlOu1buYkq7uUgRSVmJ_97Z-Vl-NtWYQ/s1600/P7160012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5udwSwpGROevHdODmUq_MLQSOvZRHco1PDehzxR2pNZRtu2bfCph8BkzjqekDXXkjuoIrH-rKgpRpkq3wobs8MTRiX7PSs-DwM7xpgYVlOu1buYkq7uUgRSVmJ_97Z-Vl-NtWYQ/s320/P7160012.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Lastly, don't be merely an armchair traveler... save up and have your own adventures! Ciao xoJocehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961864298928931076noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27192438.post-69515107273384145742010-07-11T03:33:00.000+10:002010-07-11T03:33:18.739+10:00Ups and downs of travelingSometimes everything goes peachy... and other times....<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
<br />
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!<br />
<br />
Ciao for now, Joce xoJocehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961864298928931076noreply@blogger.com1