Job Hunting

Oh boy, do I need work! Keeping up with the Jone's aint all its cracked up to be. All I want is a bit of routine and stability in my life so the round-a-bout of job applications, interviews and finding reliable referees is in full swing. I worked most of last year as a temp/casual so it has been quite difficult to find referees. It is making the task just that little bit harder, I must admit. I'm also hoping to do some cleaning jobs in the meantime to tide me over, till I land the right job.

Well, I have another interview on Monday. This time with the Salvation Army, for a project worker position. I really hope it goes well. It sounds like a challenging job, but I'm sure the team would be a good one too. I'd appreciate you're prayers, and thanks to all those who have been praying for me recently. It hasn't been an easy last couple of months, but I'm getting through it with just a little help from my friends and family, and my Heavenly Father. What would I do without you all? It doesn't bear thinking about.

One of my friends has blogged recently about communities and what constitutes one. I think there's no better place to look than on Jesus and his disciples. Wasn't it in sharing together and meeting one another's needs? (See Acts 4, 1 Corinthians 11, etc). It was Jesus himself who fed thousands and began the Last Supper as the ultimate was of remembering his sacrifice for us. I'm cooking up a storm this afternoon. At my church we share lunch together after our Sunday service, and its my turn to provide. I think its a great way to share together and make everyone feel welcome. Don't you find that people "open-up" over food and drink? That's been my experience anyway, and who better to model ourselves on than Jesus himself? I'll leave you to think about it....

head business update

Thanks to all of you who have been praying for me. I went to the neuro surgeon today and thought I'd let you all know how it went. I don't really have anything new to report, suffice to say that they won't be opening me up just yet. It turns out that it is in a bit of a hard to reach place and any surgery would have associated risks, so they would only consider that if I was having uncontrolled seizures or it grows. To that end I'll continue being monitored by the neurologist and will have regular MRIs.

I was much relieved to hear this, and have been feeling well, so am not too concerned. I will continue to look for work and live my life to my fullest capacity. I just have to consider how much I have to be thankful for. We do have a great God. I have so many lovely friends, and though some of my family is a long way away, my brothers and sisters and cousins have been lovely.

So thank you all again, I really do appreciate it :)

I'd appreciate your prayers

I just wanted to let my blogging friends know that I've been having tests lately to find the cause of a seizure I had last month. They've found a bit of an abnormality in my grey matter that requires further investigation. I'm scheduled to see a neurosurgeon on the 26th of March, next week. As they're not even sure exactly what it is yet, I'm trying not to worry, but it is a bit disturbing and I appreciate your prayers.

I'm thankful that I have so many great friends and family members around me. Its times like these we really need them! I feel a bit sorry for my parents, who I know feel so far away at times like these, but we all know that our Heavenly Father watches over us and takes care of us. They wouldn't be able to do much if they were here anyway.

I'll let you all know more as it transpires. Oh, and for anyone interested in my writing, I'm going to put one of my latest short stories on my other blog, hope you like it!

On The Move

Things are happening in the world of Joce once again, so I thought I should post and update you all. Sorry for my silence of late, I've been very lazy (tut, tut).

Later this week, well, on the weekend, to be precise I am moving... yay! Its been months since I've had a room to call my own. I'll be living in Heidelberg, just north of where I was last year (still in zone one). I am moving in with three other young ladies, two of whom I count among my good friends, so am really looking forward to it. It will be great to be able to unpack properly and have a bit of space. I am thoroughly sick of living out of my suitcases. If you want my new address, shoot me an e-mail and I'll forward it on. Not sure of the phone number yet.

I'm still looking for that perfect job, but hope to have some news to report on that front soon too.

Well, that's all from me for now. We just had a glorious long weekend here in Melbourne and I'm off to help a friend mind some children, then to choir practice. Hope you all have a great week!

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PS I'll post some pics once I'm installed!

Magic under the stars!

This is an excerpt from the Australia Post/Opera Australia free concert of The Pearl Fishes last December. The quality isn't great, but you get the idea. This duet was my Nan's favourite and I always think of her when I hear it.

Enjoy!

Why thin people have a higher mortality rate!

According to my psychologist thin people participate in more active pursuits and therefore have a higher mortality rate!!

Justin and I were enjoying a leisurely bike ride on Saturday when I came a cropper as I approaced a bride in Richmond. Ouch! I took a few pics of my injuries on Saturday evening. They're healing nicely now. The pic is of my elbow, the hip is censored, but if you want to see it I can e-mail you! The elbow is the worst of the two though!

I'm not deterred. As soon as I can put my weight fully through my right elbow again, I'll be back out there.

The weather has been great for outdoor activities. Fine and warm. I love an Aussie Summer.

We have a long weekend next week to comemmorate Australia Day.

Hope you all enjoyed the holidays and have a great 2008!

Bringing in the New Year....

I had a fun start to 2008. Celebrating in style in our apartment with Justin and his siblings and other friends from Canberra. We also enjoyed catching up with other family and friends and swimming at Sydney's famous beaches (once we found one that was open!) Unfortunately I'm not enjoying swimming in the ocean so much these days. When I get out of the water I feel dizzy and nauseous for about half an hour, so it kind of ruins the fun really. Can't work out why as I'm fine otherwise... perhaps its that pesky ear infection still lingering....

Justin and I returned home to Melbourne the long way via the coast road with quite a few stops and detours. We stayed in Bega overnight. We almost dropped by Yarram too, but decided it was a bit too much of a detour (like an extra 100kms!)

I returned to work today, the office is quiet as about half the staff are still on holidays. I have a meeting to finish my day, which should be interesting.

I'm glad to be back in Melbourne and looking forward to enjoying the rest of summer. I've a few things on my to do list... like:

• going to the outdoor cinema (there are three of them in Melbourne now)
• going to the free MSO concerts at the bowl
• having a picnic with friends
• more swimming
• celebrating Australia Day with fellow Hottest 100 fans...
• going to a music festival (hopefully Womadelaide)

I do hope to get over to Adelaide and attend writers week, but am not sure if I'll be able to manage it. I continue to work on my writing when I have the headspace.

At the moment I'm working two jobs, but think I will give one up as I waste 3 hours travelling there every time I go. Its a pain. I'm not a big fan of being stuck in traffic. I'm just not sure its worth my while, but I'll persist for a few weeks and try out a few different routes.

Well, must get back to it, hope you are all enjoying 2008 and that it brings all you hope for!

Lots of Love... xo xo xo xo