Posted in 2013, 2014, life, updates

Update on my life.

So, it’s been a long time since I’ve written on this blog.  And, so much has happened.  I’m coming into my third year at my childcare centre and we are in the middle of preparing for one of the many Jewish festivals that they celebrate. (It’s a Jewish childcare centre).

I’ve helped my friend with her short film and I’ve done many exciting things in the past fifteen months or so.  Saw Simple Plan again for the third time.  And, I got to meet the guys again thanks to a friend here in Perth. 

I’ve recently joined a new connect group and as it is Lent I’ve decided to give up something.  Namely, Simple Plan.  So, this is the last time I’m referring to them until after Easter. 

I’m trying to eat healthier and spend less money.  It’s not easy, because I think I’m an impulse buyer.  I also have a habit of buying when things come out, right away.  I need to practise restraint or ask for things as gifts instead.  For birthday’s and Christmas. 

I’ve been writing more of The Baker Tapes, which has been starting and stopping.  I have up to chapter five completed and started on chapter six.  It’s interesting that writing wise it’s a lot easier to write about the guys in A7X than it is about, you know which band. 

I’ve also been reading a lot of good books.  Started a devotional with my friend and finished a few good novels recommended by my mum.  I think that when I read a lot it really aids in my writing.  There is, I believe, a correlation between people who read a lot and can write well. 

Footy season starts in four days.  Collingwood play Fremantle on Friday night.  I can’t wait for the season to kick off.  Though I have been getting more into the summer cricket this year.  So, so stoked that Australia won the Urn back.

Last but not least, I’ve been refocusing on God. 

Shine Jesus Shine
Fill this land with the Father’s glory
Blaze Spirit blaze
Set our hearts on fire

Flow river flow
Flood the nations with grace and mercy
Send forth Your Word, Lord
And, let there be Light.

Posted in Random, working with children

Blogging

So, I haven’t written on this blog in so long.  Probably because I now have Tumblr.  And I’ve been Facebooking a whole lot more, as well.  A lot, and I mean a lot, has happened since I typed anything on this particular blog site, and I have to say it would take forever for me to list everything, but maybe I could start with the highlights?  So, here goes:

  1. Paul and I have been together for 19 months and our relationship is progressing, no matter what my parents think.
  2. Riverview is about to release their first worship album since ‘And Sing’.  A studio offering called “Beginnings” and I am super stoked to hear the heart for God in these songs
  3. I saw Simple Plan live in June of this year, and I met them.
  4. I’ve been at my job for almost fourteen months now and there have been a lot of staff changes and a lot of emotional upheaval.  Though it is exciting, watching the children growing and learning every day.
  5. I’ve turned 27.  
  6. I had sinus surgery.  
  7. I’ve made headway on my Cert III
  8. I’m considering early learning childhood education in the long term
  9. I went to my ten year school anniversary.
  10. And…I’ve endured the emotional rollercoaster which is the AFL season.
Speaking of which, I’m still stoked that Travis Cloke is staying a Magpie.  And I’m excited for 2013.
Anyway, I’m really not sure what else to write, so I’ll sign off for now.   I have to go feed my friend’s dog and cats as she’s away on a mini holiday.  
Posted in Christianity, God, life, personal, religion, working with children, Writing

Life as me. Or at least some little tidbits.

Sometimes I wonder what exactly it is I’m doing with my life. Do I really want to work with children? Is my writing just an obsession? Pertinent questions. But, notice, I never, never seriously ask myself, what if God doesn’t exist? What if all the worship I do is worthless, pointless? I never seriously think about that.

I have in passing thought about what my life would be like without the God aspect, but I always come back to the conclusion that without God, life isn’t worth it. God is so important to me. He is the author of everything, and though I am personally responsible for my physical life, my physical being, my physical thoughts and acts; God is still there as well, a rock for my foundation. The guiding light for my heart.

So many things in life steer me toward God, rather than away from Him, and none more so than nature itself. Science also points to God, as far as I’m concerned. But, I don’t mean in the way many ‘Creation Scientists’ claim. I just study science, see nature and believe that God has to exist. Even if it is not the Christian God [though obviously, that is what I believe], there is still a god out there who Created this world.

But, back to my other questions. I have decided that I most definitely want to work with younger children. Beginning in Childcare of course, but perhaps ending up as an Early Childhood teacher in a pre-primary school setting. Of course, it’s not a big money-earning profession, but I’m not really in it for the money. You can’t be. It doesn’t earn you enough to warrant that. Apparently, though the Union in Australia is campaigning for a significant pay-rise and also for the industry to be recognised as a proper career choice and profession as important as teaching in schools.

No matter what, though. I believe this is the area I want to work in. For better or for worse.

Next thing. My writing. I can’t foresee myself ever really publishing anything, most of my original stories get neglected and my brain keeps churning over new ideas that never come to fruition. Though my A7X fanfiction, Shadows Creed has the potential to become an original story, at some stage. However, I can’t see myself ever quitting writing, either. I’ve gotten into a lot of fights with my mum over my writing, with her calling it all ‘crap’. Though I shouldn’t take it to heart because she’s not personally attacking me…it still hurts, and it makes me feel guilty about doing something I enjoy. Which some would say means I shouldn’t be doing it…But, I think I feel more guilty about the being sneaky than actually doing the writing.

I can and will finish my stories, it will just take a lot longer. I hope, though that I won’t tire of them before I finish them… You Don’t Mean Anything being a case in point, though I have some inspiration for it lately.

All in all…that all pales in comparison to how my personal life is going. I am content with myself in general. I have a loving family, boyfriend, wonderful friends, and an amazing God.

That’s me, really. Along with my support of my favourite bands and sporting team…I wouldn’t change any of it. Not for anything or anyone. 

Posted in 2011, Get Your Heart On, Simple Plan

Get Your Heart On! Review: 1. You Suck At Love

So, today I’m going to tell you about my first impression of this song. 
It is the first new song the band officially released to the public.  By singing it live.
Incidentally they did the same thing with Your Love is a Lie back in 2007 – released it live before the studio version.  [Though When I’m Gone had already been released.]
Someone posted a live version of YSAL from the Bamboozle tour 2010 on YouTube and I came across it on the SP Crew forums.  My initial response to it was that I didn’t like it.  It just didn’t grab my attention.  Granted the recording was not good quality [it was quite horrible, actually] however, it just didn’t sound like top 10 material to me. 
I voiced my opinion and I remember several people getting bent out of shape that I would ever criticise anything created by the boys.  You can imagine how that ended. 
It took me probably around two weeks, and a few different video recordings of it live, to win me over.  I think it really clicked when the band posted a short video of them singing it live in good quality.  And my thoughts after that included:
‘Wow, this hearkens back to the Still Not Getting Any… era.’  And then I was almost sold.   I at least figured that the band was going as strong as ever, and that even if it weren’t spectacularly amazing, at least they weren’t going to disappoint the ‘hard core’ fans.
On a side note, SNGA is my favourite album, and the one that made me a fan of this band.
Of course, I decided to wait until I heard the studio version…but when I did hear a 30 second snippet of the song, I decided I preferred the live version.  [Can’t win, eh?]
Now having heard the full studio version, I really like it.  Pierre’s vocals have improved; they still have the ‘live’ qualities that the band ‘perfected’ on the Self-titled album, but has the energy and personality of No Pads and SNGA.  I feel that there is something missing on the studio version though, I’m not sure what it is but, there it is.
I don’t love it [still prefer the way the live version sounds] but, I would put it in my top 10 Simple Plan songs. 
Posted in Random

March…to October

I apologise for the corniness and cryptic-ness of the title.  It’s an ‘in’ thing.  If you’re a Collingwood supporter, you would know what I mean.

Anyway, a lot has happened since the last time I blogged.  None least than I’ve found a guy who I just clicked with.  Yes, he’s my man and he’s almost everything I would want in a guy.  I say almost, because no one is ever perfect.

Anyway, in other news:

1.  Collingwood won the NABCup Grand Final.  Even though the NABCup could really just be considered practise matches, it was still an exciting series to watch.

2.  I saw Collingwood face West Coast, and that was exciting, seeing my team live for the first time ever…

3.  Seeing the guys at their training session was great as well, I got a photo with Dane Swan, and had my member cap signed by most of the players at the training session.  Cloke was busy practising his goal kicking so he only signed a couple of peoples’ things.  Great evening, though.

4.  I’m working on and off, while looking for more work.

5.  I’ve been pretty busy the past few weekends, particularly the weekend of the WA Labour Day, that was full on, but a great weekend.

6.  This coming Friday night, I’m going out to the movies with my man ;).

And that’s it for tonight.

Posted in Random

>March…to October

>I apologise for the corniness and cryptic-ness of the title.  It’s an ‘in’ thing.  If you’re a Collingwood supporter, you would know what I mean.

Anyway, a lot has happened since the last time I blogged.  None least than I’ve found a guy who I just clicked with.  Yes, he’s my man and he’s almost everything I would want in a guy.  I say almost, because no one is ever perfect.

Anyway, in other news:

1.  Collingwood won the NABCup Grand Final.  Even though the NABCup could really just be considered practise matches, it was still an exciting series to watch.

2.  I saw Collingwood face West Coast, and that was exciting, seeing my team live for the first time ever…

3.  Seeing the guys at their training session was great as well, I got a photo with Dane Swan, and had my member cap signed by most of the players at the training session.  Cloke was busy practising his goal kicking so he only signed a couple of peoples’ things.  Great evening, though.

4.  I’m working on and off, while looking for more work.

5.  I’ve been pretty busy the past few weekends, particularly the weekend of the WA Labour Day, that was full on, but a great weekend.

6.  This coming Friday night, I’m going out to the movies with my man ;).

And that’s it for tonight.

Posted in 2011, New Year

HAPPY NEW YEAR

It’s the 3rd of January 2011, and I can hardly believe the year has begun, once again.  I could give you a list of New Year’s Resolutions but there would be no point.  A lady I sing in the choir with, said to me her resolution this year is to enjoy the year.  And to be honest, I think that’s the only resolution that makes any sense.  Really, if we want to do all those other things that people resolve to do, i.e. diet, get healthy, get fit, spend more time with a certain friend or family member, that can all come under that one word.

Enjoy.  One can enjoy themselves if they are healthier; one can enjoy themselves with friends and family; one can enjoy themselves by reading a good book.  One can enjoy themselves discovering new music.  Yeah we could say, ‘this year I resolve to eat healthier.’  But if we make it fun, like go to a restaurant with friends and choose to not have extra fries on the side and not make a huge deal of it…then it’s a win win situation.

Resolve to enjoy life and everything else will follow.  I find trying to be strict on a resolution actually takes the fun out of doing things.  This year, do not be a fun-sucker.  Say ‘yes’ to more things, have a blast, work hard and party harder.

Of course, being sensible is important, but not to the point that you bore yourself to tears, or anyone else as well.

There is nothing wrong with being quiet and still sometimes.  Quiet and still does not have to mean boring and have no life.

And to all those who believe, enjoyment can be found in sitting down and reading and learning from The Book.  Knowing God, knowing Him who came to save us all…it’s the most joyful one can be.

God bless and have an amazing 2011.

Posted in 2011, New Year

HAPPY NEW YEAR

It’s the 3rd of January 2011, and I can hardly believe the year has begun, once again.  I could give you a list of New Year’s Resolutions but there would be no point.  A lady I sing in the choir with, said to me her resolution this year is to enjoy the year.  And to be honest, I think that’s the only resolution that makes any sense.  Really, if we want to do all those other things that people resolve to do, i.e. diet, get healthy, get fit, spend more time with a certain friend or family member, that can all come under that one word.

Enjoy.  One can enjoy themselves if they are healthier; one can enjoy themselves with friends and family; one can enjoy themselves by reading a good book.  One can enjoy themselves discovering new music.  Yeah we could say, ‘this year I resolve to eat healthier.’  But if we make it fun, like go to a restaurant with friends and choose to not have extra fries on the side and not make a huge deal of it…then it’s a win win situation.

Resolve to enjoy life and everything else will follow.  I find trying to be strict on a resolution actually takes the fun out of doing things.  This year, do not be a fun-sucker.  Say ‘yes’ to more things, have a blast, work hard and party harder.

Of course, being sensible is important, but not to the point that you bore yourself to tears, or anyone else as well.

There is nothing wrong with being quiet and still sometimes.  Quiet and still does not have to mean boring and have no life.

And to all those who believe, enjoyment can be found in sitting down and reading and learning from The Book.  Knowing God, knowing Him who came to save us all…it’s the most joyful one can be.

God bless and have an amazing 2011.

Posted in Random

Christmas Season – random thoughts

I love the Christmas season.  It’s a time to remember the year, but also the most important thing of all.  That God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ to bring joy, peace, equality, freedom to everyone and, to overall everything else, save us from our sins.  Jesus is the reason for the season, and I’m not ashamed to preach that fact.

Like Haydn said in his message to the Worship team, we should not be ashamed to go public with the Good News.

I feel, especially this particular season, that it’s even more important for me to lean into God, and my faith.  No matter what is going on in the world I know that God is there for me, that he has sent His son for me.

Speaking of the world…actually, I’m not going to dwell on it.  The work situation is stable, for now.  Thank goodness.

The Christmas Production on the weekend, went off!  It was absolutely amazing.  God was definitely present.  I killed my voice, though.  But that’s more because I still have a cough.  I did look after my voice, best I could.  But, it’s still annoying me now.

Oh well, almost Christmas :D.

Posted in Random

Christmas Season – random thoughts

I love the Christmas season.  It’s a time to remember the year, but also the most important thing of all.  That God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ to bring joy, peace, equality, freedom to everyone and, to overall everything else, save us from our sins.  Jesus is the reason for the season, and I’m not ashamed to preach that fact.

Like Haydn said in his message to the Worship team, we should not be ashamed to go public with the Good News.

I feel, especially this particular season, that it’s even more important for me to lean into God, and my faith.  No matter what is going on in the world I know that God is there for me, that he has sent His son for me.

Speaking of the world…actually, I’m not going to dwell on it.  The work situation is stable, for now.  Thank goodness.

The Christmas Production on the weekend, went off!  It was absolutely amazing.  God was definitely present.  I killed my voice, though.  But that’s more because I still have a cough.  I did look after my voice, best I could.  But, it’s still annoying me now.

Oh well, almost Christmas :D.