Category: my thoughts

Posted in Blogging, journal wild, July, my thoughts

July Blogging Challenge – Word a Day

Posted on by marlytheadoptee

Blossom
It’s winter in Australia and I usually don’t associate the word blossom with this wonderful and cold season.  However, I believe I can still think on the word, even in this period of time.  
To blossom means to grow, to thrive and that is something we can all strive to do every day of our lives.  I see the children at work growing into their own; learning to walk, to talk, to interact with each other.  Even I’m personally growing and learning in this season.  
I’m at a point in my life where I know where I stand on a lot of issues, social justice issues and so forth.  
Tomorrow is Election Day and I know that I am still of two minds.  One is that I will vote Liberal as that is just the way I’ve always voted.  On the flip side of that I know I’m definitely not voting Labor. Two, I want to vote as an informed Christ follower, so I won’t be voting for a party just because they have “Christian” in their title.  I really need to research parties properly this time.  And I have until tomorrow to figure it all out.  
In the end I want what’s best for the country as either way I vote I don’t think it will impact me personally too much.  At least not anymore than politics already affects me.
July 1 and I’m already growing more. 

Posted in 2016, Blogging, half way point, June, life, life update, my thoughts, politics, relationships, work

29th June 2016 – Half way point.

Posted on by marlytheadoptee
Half year thoughts 
Today is the second last day of June of 2016.  Hard to believe that we’ve reached the middle of the year.  Well, almost hard to believe.  I look back over this first half of the year and marvel at what has happened.  I’ve grown as a person, that’s for sure.  I’m a different person than I was at the beginning of the year; but in many ways, still the same.  If that makes any sense at all.  
Mark and I have been married for nine months.  That’s as long as full term pregnancy.  Don’t get me started on being pregnant, though.  
I’m not pregnant.  Just to clarify that point.
Anyway, we’ve been in our little place in Tuart Hill for six months, now and it definitely feels like home.  I could hazard to say though that anywhere with my husband is home.  Profound?  I tend to become pensive when I’m home sick from work.  
Yes, I’ve had two days off because of my stupid cough that’s just exhausted me.  So, I now have a two day working week?  And the serious consideration of perhaps going back to a five day working week…with shorter hours?  As in full time, 7.5 hour shifts.  Technically 8 hours with a half hour lunch break.  My health seems to have taken a step back since picking up the ten hour shifts.  Makes a whole lot of sense.  Though I do enjoy the extra day off.  However, if the payoff is that I get sick more…it might not be worth it.  Will have to see.
Anyway, half way through the year, and where are we at?  Let’s see.  Maybe a list to start the thoughts flowing.  30 things that have gotten me to the middle of the year.
1. We’ve been married 9 months.
2. We’ve been in Tuart Hill for six months
3. Our Connect Group is planned to begin in July, after many setbacks – being sick, too busy, etc.
4. Hubby is starting up his own DJ business. So excited for him.  Supplement to our income.  A hobby job.  He’s doing a wedding next month.
5. We’ve started trying.  You know exactly what I mean…
6. Work has gotten busier with more babies in my room – though half of them were sick all week last week.  Perhaps why I got sick?
7. Hubby’s work may have more opportunities for him, beginning with an extra two hours per shift.  Makes a whole lot of sense.  I just don’t like change.  But, by the same token it will work for us.  
8. I helped my best friend move out of home. – twice – her house warming is at the end of July.
9. Music is a huge part of what’s happening in my life.  New worship music especially.  And Good Charlotte.  Always GC.  
10. You thought I was going to put Simple Plan.  But that doesn’t even need to be said.  Team SP all the way.  Taking One For The Team.
11. Spending time with our Breakaway crew.  Bowling, Pool, Just Dance party, food, fellowship.
12. Movie dates. 
13. Hanging out with my husband’s best friend and God-daughter.  
14. Spending time with family.
15. Celebrating birthdays.  Three in one in June….
16. My dad was awarded an AM for his contribution to Chiropractic work in Australia.
17. My brother started his first real job.  So proud of him.
18. Our centre has been open 18 months and we went really well in our Assessment and Rating – Meeting overall, exceeding in some of those areas.  
19. Being sick only in Autumn/Winter – score.  Though it sucks because I can’t seem to shake it.
20. I really need to work on being clean at home….Haha.  I have no problem with being a clean freak at work, though.
21. I have the best co-workers in the world.  They’re my team.  My third family.   Family is where your heart is.  So, that makes sense.  One member of that family even invited us to her Church family.  The Rocks.  An amazing heart for God and His people in that place.
22. I’m cluckier than I’ve ever been.  
23. My Nan is on Facebook now.
24. My parents have been married 35 years!  Pretty darn amazing.
25. Mark and I watch Q and A on ABC.  It’s led to some heated discussions.  Also some well thought out debates.  I love that I can have conversations that matter with my husband.  Also silly convos too 😉
26. I discovered a great devotional tool/app called She Reads Truth.  I’ve always wanted to read the Bible more and learn and grow from it, but I’ve always found it difficult to commit.  But, because I can engage with it through social media and on my phone, it’s perfect for me. And I can engage others through social media as well.  Just my thing.
27. My writing has dwindled…and I’ve been focussing more on my blogging and journal, but that’s alright by me, especially as every now and again inspiration does strike for my stories.
28. During this election campaign period (for Australia and the U.S.) I’ve learned a lot about where I stand on social justice issues.  Especially as a faithfully committed follower of Christ.  
29. I’ve sung Row, Row, Row, Your Boat more times than I can ever hope to count.
30. Mark and I drove by Riverview’s home building in Burswood…and I can say we are just that much closer to moving home.  But, Church is where the people are.  So, come to Curtin and worship God with us.
I don’t suppose I really need to elaborate on any of those points as they may speak for themselves.  Though I do want to say something about the ‘trying’ point.
I want children.  It’s a need that I have deep inside me.  To be a mother.  To nurture someone into being a person who will make a difference.  It’s difficult for me at the moment, knowing that health and other issues stand in the way in some small form.  Yes, this is the twenty-first century and there are ways to manage those things.  Ways to get past all that.  But, it doesn’t make it easy.  I think I’m more at peace with it now, though.  After an emotional moment last week.  
To me, the most important thing is that I get to walk this journey of life with my husband by my side.  Me at his.  And even that is something I battle with.  God alone knows how long that walk will be.  But, I promised with all my heart that through sickness and health I would stand by my husband.  No exceptions.  
Serious thoughts…topical points
Election Day on Saturday.  On the second day of the second half of the year I have to make a decision that impacts not just myself, but also my country.  Yes, yes…I know my one measly vote may not make much of a direct impact.  However, I need to consider my stance on what has been thrown up during this campaign. The same-sex marriage plebiscite, the asylum seekers and what the government is planning to do about it.  Early learning educator wages.  And many other things that I may even not have thought of.  
I have read some interesting and thought-provoking views on how to vote as a Christian; the most radical being a shift in thinking.  That is:  We should vote in light of what other people need.  Not necessarily what we want.   If we’re already better off and the vote won’t change much for us either way…then perhaps we should be voting in a way that helps those who are less advantaged.  Now that’s a paradigm shift if I ever saw one.  And it makes a lot of sense.  Hard to change people’s views though, but if anyone should vote that way it’s a committed follower of Christ.
Also, just because a Party might have the word “Christian” in their title, doesn’t automatically mean you should vote for them.  Just a thought.  Vote instead for a party that acts out Christian values.  Not one that is nominal.  
~~~~
My views on a plebiscite for same-sex marriage are quite simple.  I think that we should have a say in what happens.  My husband believes that it would divisive and damaging.  Mayhap the campaign may come across that way, but I would hope it wouldn’t end up being that way.  Who knows, and I think I may need to write a separate post on my thoughts.  But, that’s where it stands right now.  
Incidentally, I would be voting yes.
~~~
Pay rise for early childhood educators?  That needed to happen yesterday.  Enough said.
~~~
I am looking forward to the second half of 2016.
Federal Election withstanding.
Posted in Blogging, Church, connect, life, my thoughts

In God We Trust

Posted on by marlytheadoptee
Building community; building the Church – God’s calling in my life 
The big decisions in life can only be made in light of what God has called us to do.  Without God there is no true purpose for life and I truly believe that.  Even for people in the world who are on a journey that doesn’t intentionally include God; their lives all have a purpose in God’s ultimate plan.  
In light of this my husband and I have decided to take a step of faith and lead a small group in our home.  We’ve started Connect Group training through church and we are on a journey to help edify others in their own life travels.  
In making this decision we’ve had to pray and allow God to guide us in what we needed to do to make this work for us.  One of the biggest changes we had to decide upon was stepping away from the worship team.  Not an easy decision; choosing to follow where God leads isn’t always easy.  However, a decision that I know will be rewarding in the long term.  Still not a decision made lightly.
On my end I’ve been in the Riverview worship team for almost 9 years and all that time I’ve not had a break (except for when I was sick).  On my husband’s end he’s been in worship teams on and off since he was in his late teens, so quite some time.  Going by that, I know, God willing, that we will be back in a worship team some day; it is a huge part of who we are as followers of Christ.  But, in this season of life as a newly married couple it is time to move on to the next step.  
We’ve been looking to join a small group for quite a while now, but there really wasn’t somewhere for us to fit.  I’d been in a young adults group a few years earlier and so I know and value the need for small group community within a church such as Riverview.  It’s a large church and so easy to get lost within the crowd.  And one of the most important things in ones faith journey is that we are not meant to do it alone.  We were created for relationship:  with God and with each other.  
I hope and pray that this next step in our journey will strengthen our relationship with God, with each other and the community that we will hope to form within the larger church community.  
Posted in 2016, album review, my thoughts, new music, Simple Plan, Taking One For the Team, Team SP

Taking One For the Team – Simple Plan Album Thoughts

Posted on by marlytheadoptee




So, I’m finally ready to share my thoughts about an album that I’ve been waiting for since 2013.  Simple Plan just released their fifth album, Taking One For the Team and I can tell you that my initial thoughts were that overall it’s a great album.  Some of the tracks (read Everything Sucks) are a little weaker than I expected.  The ballads are really strong and I love the collabs.  (I Dream About You is so so so different but beautiful and Problem Child made me cry.)
Pierre’s vocals are showcased so well on this album, though.  
And that was after the first listen through.  Now that I’ve listened subsequent times I think I’m now ready to do a track by track review of the album.  (More an opinion piece than a proper review…but hey, that’s how I roll.) 

The opening track Opinion Overload is a great way to begin an album that has been so long in coming.  It is classic SP, pop punk, catchy with lyrics that call out those who are opinionated and like to bring us down.  It also has, I feel, a personal message pertaining to the band and their critics (including the fans who get upset about the different things that the band try; read: Saturday.). I love this track, it reminds me of Still Not Getting Any.
Boom!  What to say about this track? It’s been a while since the very first time I heard this song, but I can honestly say that I have a soft spot for this one.  The band first revealed this track live at a Simple Plan Foundation event, an acoustic version in 2014, and I loved it from the get go.  
The third track on the album Kiss Me Like Nobody’s Watching is a punchy, pop song that professes love and PDAs.  There isn’t much else to say about it, though, except I love the call and answer in the bridge of Jeff’s guitars and Pierre’s vocals.  
Farewell is a track that I had to listen to a couple of times (including when they released it during the release week before the album was released) before getting into.  This is the first track on the album that features a vocal collaboration.  Jordan Pundik of New Found Glory lends his voice to the track and it works really well.  I don’t really know NFG that well, but the bands’ genres are very similar so the collab works.  The song itself sounds lyrically like it could be about a bad romantic relationship but the band hinted that it could have a deeper meaning pertaining to the band itself.  I personally think it reminds me of Friend by Reset (which was referencing Pierre and Chuck’s falling out in their earlier band).  
Singin’ in the Rain didn’t sit right with me the very first time I played it.  It’s so different to anything the guys have done before and R City’s parts jarred as well.  But something clicked the subsequent plays.  It’s got a groove to it that I just want to bob my head along to.  And the lyrics are relatable, talking of life and how even if things aren’t going the way we want we can choose to just sing.  
I love these lyrics: I’ve got a song in my heart and I’m bulletproof/There’s nothing in the world that’s gonna kill this mood/No matter what life wants to throw my way/I’ll be singing, I’ll be singing in the rain!
Apparently the band will be filming a music video for this song this weekend, can’t wait to see what that will look like.

The band teased the next track early on in the studio process.  Everything Sucks is a track that is slowly beginning to grow on me.  It’s the weakest track on the album, but I still really like it.  I think it’s just a very safe song with rhyming lines and a formulaic lay out (you could say the same of plenty of other songs on the album, though).  It does showcase Pierre’s vocals well and the gang vocals at the end are catchy.  To be honest, knowing me, I’ll probably absolutely love this song after even more listens, but I think after hearing the tease of the chorus I was expecting a stronger song.  But, there it is. 

WOAH-OH I Refuse to accept criticism of this band by haters… This whole song is a big fuck you to the detractors in life who want to tear us down with their words.  It’s a choice that we can make to not allow them to make a difference in our lives.  This should be everyone’s anthem. I Refuse, the anthem of every bullied person in the world.  Boom! (This is a hard hitting pop punk track that I definitely want to hear live.)

Simple Plan’s collaborations with hip-hop artists have become a staple now, and so I have high expectations when it comes to these tracks.  I Don’t Wanna Go to Bed feat Nelly didn’t disappoint.  This track was released last year as the official lead single for the album.  The band filmed a Baywatch themed video for the track, which even has the Hoff himself cameoing in it.  If any song on the album is going to be labelled pop, it would have to be this one.  Pop and RnB to be honest.  Nelly’s contribution fits perfectly with the track, though on the single release he has a line right at the beginning that is cut from the album version.  Probably as it didn’t flow from the end of I Refuse. All in all a track that I actually really love.

If you haven’t been living under a rock you’d know that Simple Plan is pop punk at their roots and this track, Nostalgic, reminds me of all the pop punk bands that were around when I first became a fan of the band.  It sounds like a mix of Blink 182, Good Charlotte, Lee Harding (Wasabi era) and even Bowling For Soup.  Nostalgia eat your heart out, right?  It throwbacks to the early noughties, but at the same time sounds fresh and new.  Chuck’s drumming in this track is on point.  

Perfectly Perfect.  Apart from the corny title, I have no complaints about this track.  This song is very relatable especially as I’m married to a man who basically says this about me…that I’m beautiful, sexy etc and I really don’t see that… Maybe this song will change that.  

Horns and Simple Plan? I never thought that possible, but I Don’t Wanna Be Sad (which was first released when I was on my honeymoon last September) brought a completely different feel to a Simple Plan song.  The band is well known for their heavy (theme wise) songs being catchy and poppy and fun.  This offering was no different, except that it is very different.  I loved it from the first listen, especially as I’d been feeling a bit down at the time.  

P.S. I Hate You.  I don’t think I’ve ever hated anyone…so my thoughts on this song are purely about the music itself.  This song is another quintessential Simple Plan track, in its barest form.  Enough said.

I don’t cry when listening to Simple Plan songs.  Not ever.  Not until now.  Problem Child broke something inside of me.  I don’t even know what it is really.  Is it the heartfelt lyrics? Is it the actual chords and melody of the chorus? Is it the piano in the instrumental and Jeff’s solo? Or is it the fact that even though I love my parents and they brought me up well, and I’ve reached a place where I know they’re proud of my achievements, there are moments where I felt I disappointed them and could’ve done a lot better? Whatever it is, the song has made me emotional every listen.  Every single time.  (Oh, and the key change in this song was well done.)

The final track on the album, I Dream About You, is nothing like any other song the band has ever written.  From the opening notes, and Pierre’s vocals to Juliet Simms sultry tones, to the strings this song has a dreamlike quality that may not appeal to everyone but has captured my heart.  This song is pure art, no mistake and I love that the band were brave enough to put this on the album, as the final song no less.  It really rounds out the album and leaves a lasting impression long after the final note has ended.  

Bear in mind that these are just my opinions, you may disagree with me and that’s fine, but to sum up what I’ve said here, this album is full of diverse songs that bring a fresh new sound to the music landscape.  However, at the same time remind us of where Simple Plan have come from, the pop punk arena of the late 90s/early noughties, and they haven’t forgotten that either.  

I’d hazard to say this so early on, but I believe this is the best album Simple Plan has released and that’s saying something since I’ve always placed SNGA on that pedestal.  

So, TL;DR
I give this album 9/10 – for diversity and reminding us of their roots
Best tracks: I Dream About You, Opinion Overload, Problem Child, Boom!, Singing in the Rain
Weakest track: Everything Sucks

Posted in Blogging, my thoughts

New 30 Day Blog Challenge – Day 1

Posted on by marlytheadoptee
Discuss your current relationship 
I’ve been married almost six months and sometimes it’s difficult to remember that I haven’t even been with my amazing husband for two years, yet.  That’s a scary thought, considering my previous relationship lasted only two and bit years.  At the same time my marriage is very very different to my previous relationship.  
Mark and I have a very open and honest dialogue with each other; as much is possible for me.  I’m a reserved person and find it difficult to open up to anyone, especially if I’m stressing over things that I have no control over.  My husband though is very good at drawing me out and getting me to speak out my thoughts. That’s something I treasure.  
We can go from having silly insignificant conversations to deep and serious discussions; example: We were talking random stuff tonight and then started talking about same-sex marriage and other relational subjects.  
We are compatible in so many ways and I am forever grateful to God for that.  
Posted in my thoughts, personal, sex

On Sex and waiting after marriage

Posted on by marlytheadoptee

Sexual compatibility isn’t about the act of having sex


It’s so much more than that. It’s a heart connection. That’s why having sex outside of marriage (or committed long term relationship) can be so damaging. 

~~~~

Asking how can one know if they’re compatible if they don’t try before marriage is a pointless question.

Because you can know before you ever engage in sexual intercourse.

I waited. But we both knew we were compatible because we didn’t abstain from touching each other and talking about what we liked.

You see the way I see it is this: if you know your own body you can actually make yourself compatible with your partner. You just need to communicate your needs, and they theirs. You have to be on the same page, emotionally and mentally. The physical side of things will follow.

I don’t pretend to be an expert about these things, but I think I’ve managed to prove a couple of people wrong on that front.

Waiting until after marriage has actually made it all the better.

One more thing. In the end, it comes down to the act of love.

God, who is Love incarnate, created the act of sex to be enjoyed between a married couple. It is the ultimate show of love and trust in a relationship.

For me, waiting until after marriage was the best decision I ever made.

No regrets.

Posted in Best of 2015, December thoughts, my thoughts, reflection

Best of… 2015

Posted on by marlytheadoptee
2015 has been an amazing year, so in light of that have the run down of my best thoughts of the year.
I may elaborate on some of these in subsequent posts 🙂

Book of the year:  Mrs Queen Takes the Train – William Kuhn/The Hypnotist’s Love Story – Liane Moriarty
Album of the year (Band):  Diamonds – Hawk Nelson
Album of the Year (Singer/Songwriter): Crazy Days – Paul Morrison
Song of the year:  Boom – Simple Plan/ Will You Be Mine – Paul Morrison/Sold Out – Hawk Nelson
Worship Album of the year: Wildest Dreams – Riverview Worship
Worship song of the year: Wildest Dreams – Riverview Worship/ Great Are You, Lord – All Sons & Daughters/ Ever Be – Bethel Music/ Good Good Father – Housefires
Christmas Album of the Year: Adore – Chris Tomlin 
Concert of the year: Third Day/Paul Simon and Sting
Gig of the year: Crazy Days Album Launch
Movie of the year: The Martian/Mockingjay Part 2
Movie Character of the year:  Katniss Everdeen/Mark Watney
TV Show of the year:  Heroes [Yes, I know it’s not actually new this year; it’s an old old show…but, I’m watching it on Netflix]
TV Character of the year: Hiro Nakamura/Peter Petrelli [see above comment]
Sporting Moment: NRL – North Queensland Cowboys winning their first Grand Final/ AFL – Carlton v Collingwood game at the G/ NBL Wildcats v Crocs game at the Arena
Personal moments: Going to Melbourne with Mark, started new job, getting married
Milestones: Turned 30
Memorable hashtags: #mwsquared #spbed #spalbum5 #worldadoptionday #crazydays #teamsp #takingonefortheteam #lovemakesaway 
Best announcement: Simple Plan’s fifth album – Taking One For The Team, release date 19th February 2016. 

Posted in Music, my thoughts

Top 25 songs of 2015

Posted on by marlytheadoptee
I’ve compiled my top 25 songs of 2015. 
These are not only songs that were released this year; the list includes tracks that have been a big part of my emotional landscape this year. 

1. Boom – Simple Plan
2. One Life – Hedley
3. Sold Out – Hawk Nelson
4. Good Good Father – Housefires
5. Great Are You Lord – All Sons & Daughters
6. Ever Be – Bethel Music
7. Wildest Dreams – Riverview Worship
8. I Don’t Wanna Be Sad – Simple Plan
9. Drag Me Down – One Direction [Cover version by Our Last Night]
10. I Don’t Wanna Go to Bed – Simple Plan
11. Diamonds – Hawk Nelson
12. Drops in the Ocean – Hawk Nelson
13. Live Like You’re Loved – Hawk Nelson
14, Made to Live – Hawk Nelson
15. Precious Love – Riverview Worship
16. Saving Grace – Riverview Worship
18. Immortals – Fall Out Boy
18. What Are You Waiting For? – Nickelback
19. A Whole New World – Peabo Bryson & Regina Bell
20. Makeshift Love – Good Charlotte
21. Adore – Chris Tomlin
22. Game On (Feat. Good Charlotte) – Waka Flocka Flame
23. History – One Direction
24. Will You Be Mine – Paul Morrison
25. Crazy Days – Paul Morrison
Bonus:
This is Amazing Grace – Phil Wickham
O Praise the Name (Anastasis) – Hillsong Worship
Rejoice – Riverview Worship

Posted in Blogging, marlysworld, my thoughts, updates

Tis almost the season…

Posted on by marlytheadoptee

It’s the 4th of November and I thought I’d give you another little update of where Mark and I are at.  

First off, he’s started his new job and is really enjoying it. He’s a greeter at the entrance to Target, perfect job for him.  Backtracking a little, we finally found out what was wrong with him (probably); it was a reaction to the antibiotics they put him on…go figure. 
Anyway, he’s over that and we’re tracking OK in that regard.  
I’m in the babies room at work this week, and seriously that’s the best thing.  Or maybe the worst thing?  Haha, not helping my cluckiness, that’s for sure. 
I have sciatica.  That is I have pain in my left leg which is being caused by a disc in my spine pressing on the sciatic nerve.  It’s a pain, literally; but I’m getting treatment and it’s not effecting my ability to work.  
I have no car anymore because my baby got crashed into last month.  It got written off and I will eventually get a pay out from it.  So, we’ll be able to get a relatively decent secondhand car if we decide to do so.
Another thing at work, my centre has employed a male educator, which I think is fantastic.  There are not many men working in early learning education, as teachers or in centres, so I think it’s wonderful to see.  Especially, young men who are passionate about education in the early years.  
I think it’s sad that the negative stigma of men in the profession is what drives them away.  We need men in the profession because many children need positive male role models in their lives.
In a less serious note, November 1st marked 11 years of me being a Simple Plan fan.  They also released their official first single off their 5th album last month.  
Good Charlotte is apparently back. 
And this Friday night Mark and I are off to watch the basketball at Perth Arena:  Wildcats v Crocs (my Tville boys :)). 
So, that’s me.  
God bless you all. 
(Oh and it’s almost Christmas!)
Posted in Blogging, Church, health, hubby, life, marlysworld, my thoughts, Simple Plan

I’m 30! The rest is all down hill from here!

Posted on by marlytheadoptee

Not really. 

I apologise for the lack of thoughts from my brain; 
the last few weeks have been a bit insane.  
Before I update you, have the cover of Simple Plan’s soon-to-be released (tomorrow!!!) single, “I Don’t Wanna Go to Bed!” (“Is this their I Don’t Wanna album?” – Mark). 
Anyway, updates:
1.  My husband’s health took a turn, and he ended up in hospital.  We initially thought it was due to ongoing issues with a wound he has on his foot, but over the past week of tests etc (I won’t bore you with them) the doctors now think he has the flu.  
2. In the last two weeks of school holidays it was absolutely crazy at work.  It’s settled down now, but we now have hand foot and mouth going through the centre.  Fun.  Spent ages cleaning every single toy in our room yesterday. 
3.  I turned 30 on Sunday the 11th.  Not the most auspicious of occasions, what with Mark being in hospital, but a strangely beautiful day, nonetheless. 
4.  Riverview is now based at Curtin for the next ten or so months.  The first service, which incidentally was on my birthday, went amazingly well.  God’s presence was there in the large space.  It still felt like home.
5.  Throughout all this time, one thing is abundantly clear:  God is forever with me.
And finally.  Have this photo of the team worshiping pre-service. 
God bless you all.