When opportunity knocks....

My life this year seems to be a series of downpours... (as in, "it doesn't rain when it pours"!) The year didn't begin all that well, what with a death in the family, a health scare and relationship failure... but now things begin to look up.

First I'm ordered into my Job Network provider to learn how to find a job (as if I need lessons, being so practiced in the process myself!!) but it opens the door to study, and I'm now completing a certificate in vocational training. This in turn leads to a job interview in the kind of role I never would have expected.

Then, to top it all off, I was at a party at my sister's last weekend, and now I'm being given the opportunity to become a rep for a reputable plastics company (and with no start-up costs!)

So now I just have to consider what to do next.... I'm praying that the Spirit opens (or closes) the right doors and that I consider my future with care and wisdom. I know where I'd like to be in a couple of years time, but is that where God wants me?

Watch this space and I'll let you know what happens next!

Rolling on....

My beloved little Betty is back on the road!! yippee... I was fearful she'd never get going again, but thanks to my lovely parents and Brett the Village mechanic we're rolling again. Where would we be without our parentals eh? I don't like to think about it too much!!! Am well known for tackling things that are too challenging and attempting to punch above my weight. They've always stuck by me, prayed for me and helped me out of more than one or two tight corners! I'm constantly thanking God for such an amazing pair. They're a constant inspiration!
(If you're unlucky enough NOT to have met my awesome parents, then check out my mum's blog, there's a link on the left, but beware, you will soon be enthralled and find yourself coming back again and again for her great stories.

Speaking of which I'm writing again. I found my beloved red notebook so am getting back to my first novel. If I can squeeze it in around my new commitments then I will do a proper edit of it too, with some accuracy checks, etc. I want to make the story more realistic, and hopefully a little more suspenseful! My lovely Godmother gave me a book on writing short stories too, so I'll no doubt be attempting more of those. I've been writing a lot of poetry too, comes of the cold days and even colder sleepless nights... more about that later!

I'm getting busier these days. I just started a certificate course in vocational education. It should open up some different and exciting opportunities for me, so watch this space. I'm about to start my second week and I really enjoy it... thinking of which, I have some homework to complete!!

So, what else has been preoccupying me so much lately I haven't found time to post? Well, for one, life was in the slow lane for a bit so there wasn't much to report and I was feeling thoroughly uninspired. But this month I've also been preoccupied with athletic guys in brightly coloured lycra... you guessed it, Le Tour de France! We get every stage live here in Aus, which mean it starts around 10.30pm and finishes after 1am! Its been messing with my head and sleeping patterns big time, but all will return to normal as the August chills roll over the hills!! (like that one, couldn't help myself!) ;)



Other than that not much else is happening. I'm helping out with Breakfast Club on Wednesdays at the Primary School, enjoying my small group and catching up with friends for mid-week lunches (and movies , if its cheap day!) The Annual Writer's Festival kicks off soon, so I hope to catch some of that for further inklings. As usual I shall report any thing of interest. Will try to post at least weekly for a while, so check back regular for all the scintillating tales of joce.... ciao for now! xo xo xo xo

Dad

Today is my Dad's birthday, so its my opportunity to tell everyone how much I love him. I've always gotten along well with my Dad, and even if we don't completely understand one another, I think that we are kindred spirits. I've spent many memorable times with my dad, perhaps especially on our road trip from Adelaide to Darwin. I was just becoming a teenager, and it was so special to spend that time in the open country with my dad. I remember him reading us stories. He had a great reading voice, and he can really bring the text alive. He's also preached some very memorable sermons.
Dad you are a thinker, always considering things carefully and I am grateful for your wise counsel and encouragement over the years.
Dad you are enthusiastic for life and ready to face its challenges, you have always inspired me.
Dad, you get alongside others, befriending them, mentoring them and bringing them home.
Dad you are gentle and considerate - the diplomat of the family, I hope that I have learned from your example.
Dad, you enjoy getting involved, are not shy to try new things, and follow the Father's leading, wherever he takes you. May he continue to bless you abundantly for your faith in him.
I love you, Dad.

For Dad and Mum

I love my Mum and Dad. The way they've stood together all this time. It hasn't always been smooth sailing, but they've held on tight.

I love the way they allow each other the space each needs. A time to speak and a time to listen, and even times to be a part, and then together again.

I love the way they make a great team. With complementing strengths that balance out the weaknesses.

I love the way they brought up their children to love their Father, just as they do, but free enough to find our own way.

I love their courage in adversity, their determination to see it through, and I'm sure they'll make it to the end, for their Father loves them, even more than I do!

Happy Anniversary Dad and Mum, here's to 32 great years together, cheers!! xo xo

Things I love

• My family - Mum & Dad & my brothers and sisters
• My Church family
• Singing praises to God
• Just singing in general
• Listening to loud music, especially when its live!
• Sleeping in
• Watching the footy (especially when my team is winning, Go Cats!!)
• The smell of the earth and trees after rain
• The changing colours of autumn
• Soaking in a hot bath (with a good book)
• reading in bed
• reading out loud to my mum
• catching up with friends for coffee, beer, whatever...
• watching good movies
• going to the theater
• Performing on stage! ;)
• distilling all my thoughts into a succinct poem
• Writing and receiving letters (haven't done enough of this lately, e-mail has practically killed the art of the letter)
• Opening packages/presents
• Giving presents, especially unexpected ones
• Picking flowers
• Going for long walks
• Catching the tram or train (just not in peak hour or after the footy)
• Puppies
• Having a great big belly laugh :D
• Seeing friends and family you haven't seen for a long time
• Family reunions (see above, not so much fun at funerals, weddings are better!)
• Arriving at your destination (though the journey can be fun too)
• Long bus rides (I've written some of my best poetry on the bus)
• Road trips (with all the trimmings)

Oh, I'm sure there are so much more things to love, but that's probably enough for now. What do you love? Do you thank God for these things when you get to enjoy them? I know I do, but probably not often enough....
Love to all of you out there in cyberspace.... let me know your thoughts. xo

bits and pieces

Ah, the new bed is SO GOOD I could stay in it forever... if only!! Even the unemployed like me can't stay in bed all day, no matter how much I'd like to, oh well....

Our washing machine is still on the blink so I have to find a laundromat today. Its such a pain, but there's no way out, so to the laundromat I will go. That's for later though.



For now, the job hunt continues. I didn't get the Salvos job :( so I continue seeking. I think I really will have to try and get a decent temporary job before I can get something permanent. Its a real pain, but my references just aren't doing me any favours, I think that is the main thing that's letting me down at the moment. Its very disheartening, when you put so much work into your application and presenting yourself well in the interview, but I'm sure I'll find something good sooner or later. Meanwhile I have time to dedicate to my writing, and even a bit of art. It keeps me sane, and not just at home watching daytime TV and dulling the brain! I read a lot too - can handily be done in bed!! ;)



I have also registered for unemployment benefits, so they will start in a few weeks time and will help with my budget. I just hope I don't have to go to too many of their meetings, its not like I don't know how to find a job, I've done it that many times!



Well that's all for now, my feet are getting cold so I'm off to find myself a pair of socks!

The day has finally come...

and my new bed has arrived!! I'm so excited I wish I was sleepy so I could try it out! I've sat on it, made it, finished off my cuppa tea on it. Now all I have to do is sleep on it! I need to get a mattress protector and another pillow, but otherwise its all set. I've been counting down the sleeps on my lilo in anticipation. Can't wait to sink into it tonight, not that I'll sink exactly.
Here's a pic for you all. Do you like my choice of bedding? Its a bit like an Asian coffee.... YAY!!