Posted in Blogging, my thoughts, my writing

50 Day Challenge – Day 2

Posted on by marlytheadoptee

Write whatever is in your head right now. 


Excuse my scatter brain thoughts.  I’m at the shops right now and thinking about not a whole lot actually.  My fingers are cold though, so it feels kind of weird typing on my phone (where I’m currently writing this post).   

There’s a long queue here and for some reason they closed most of the check outs and they had to reopen one because lots of people suddenly needed to pay for their shopping.  

My brain is tired right now. Haha.  Mum accidentally called me while she was fixing the bathroom curtain and it even left a voice message….just the sound of nothing.  Mum texted to say at least it wasn’t while she was on the toilet… Too much information?

My hands really are frozen.   Might have to start wearing gloves soon.  

Or maybe I could write with another part of my anatomy… Say…my elbow?

Write with my elbow?  Let’s see how that works on my phone…

Ghgghhgfg gggggfvb shhhhh cd ganged daffy gfffdsserthjjjjjkvgyy dodgy ugh fdaawetyhjjihbvc dffgggggfgg judge fdsdchh Lilith cfddfg hjik afghan CFDs hjik addff hfs hajj gods Khufu hfs gim 
Did fid hahafgggeagv fos ghi God 

Bwahaha.  Typing with my elbow is fun. 

Posted in 50 Day Blogging Challenge, Blogging, my thoughts, sleep time at work

50 Day Challenge – Day 1

Posted on by marlytheadoptee

I’m going to start another blogging challenge, this one a bit longer than the other one.  I’m also not going to be so strict with the timing of my posts. 
This one is going to be a 50 day one, but I may take longer to do it, or I may take shorter.  It’s really just to inspire my thoughts and let you get a peek into my thoughts.
And without further ado…I’m going to start with a post that isn’t a part of the 50 day challenge.
Instead I’m going to talk about rest time at work with the children.  Yesterday, I almost put myself to sleep while patting one of the kids to sleep.  I know I was probably really tired because the weekend wasn’t really restful, but it made me think.  Maybe we need to introduce nap time for adults in work places? Even just short periods of time?  Because I know that for me 15 minutes of having my eyes closed and not doing anything actually helps.  
A little cat nap.  I mean, I’m not saying we should have 3 hour siestas like the Greeks do, but I think it would be beneficial if we could have a rest period during the day.  Not a lunch break, but an actual rest period.  I’m sure we would be more productive throughout the day if it became an option.  
Because, I know I do become less productive at a certain point in the day.  And I’m just going on autopilot.  If you asked me if I did anything of any consequence from around 4 pm I’d probably say no.  But, if I could have a nap, maybe that would change.  There has most likely been studies completed in this area, but right now I’m not awake enough to sift through what they say about naps during the day.  I’m just writing from what I’m feeling.  
~~~~~
Picture of something I hate

Well, okay here’s 1 of the 50 day challenge.  And let me just say that I think  ‘hate’ is a very strong word, so I’m going to post a picture of something I strongly dislike.
You would think that this would actually be easy.  But, to be honest I don’t think I have many things I dislike.  And the things I do dislike you can’t really share photos of, if that makes any sense.
I think I especially dislike people who try to guilt you into feeling certain ways, for  example when it comes to the whole vegan/vegetarian debate and the slaughter of animals for food.  So a picture like this…really gets under my skin. 

Do, you seriously think that’s going to change people’s minds?  I mean, I’m sure it will change some people’s minds. But, even after seeing some horrific videos of cattle being slaughtered over seas that still won’t make me turn into a vegan.  
As the daughter of a doctor I know the benefits of eating meat and humans are meant to be omnivores.  Not vegetarians and definitely not vegan.
I’m not going to discriminate against people who are.  And there’s nothing wrong with the choices people make for themselves, but people who make others feel guilty and judge them for eating meat?  That really isn’t the way to try and make people change their eating habits.  
(Same with people who eat meat and judge vegans and vegetarians). 
And it’s not like vegetarian meals are boring.  I’ve tasted vegetarian pizzas that are way better than meat lovers pizzas…. 
So, that’s not an excuse for not being vegetarian.  But to be honest, I love the taste of meat way too much to stop eating it.  
But, anyway, I dislike people who guilt trip other’s about the choices they make.
Posted in Blogging, my thoughts, social media

Social Media

Posted on by marlytheadoptee

Sometimes I used to look up the Facebook page of my senior school crush.  Is that weird?  Probably.  

I think social media has a lot to answer for. It has definitely made my attention span shorter, I guess, and I feel contributes to the impatience many people exhibit now.  We have all this instant news and information at our fingertips and to what gain? 
How does social media enhance our lives? (Yes, I am aware of the benefits of social media.) Would our time not be better served by actually talking to people face-to-face?  Spending quality time with them and not our phones?
Don’t get me wrong.  Technology is useful and we have made great strides in our world with what we are capable of doing.  It has its benefits and I don’t think that should change.  But, sometimes I feel we need to take half a step back and just be. With others.  With ourselves.  Without the phones and computers.
I still write in a journal with a pen, albeit my handwriting has suffered somewhat due to prolonged use of a keyboard to type with.  I also still read proper books, though I do have a Kindle for ease of reading when travelling.  
What I think is essential is that we teach the younger generations the joys of real interaction with each other.  Not online, but going over to each other’s houses, playing at the park, swimming in the pool, riding bikes, playing games (card and board games or trivia or any of those sorts of games).  
I should follow my own advice more.  I do read a lot now.  There was a season where I was doing more writing than reading.  Perhaps getting back to full-on reader mode will help my writing.  
But that’s a tangent to my main topic here. Social Media; maybe it’s time to remind ourselves what it was actually created for.  
Think about the name: Social Media.  It’s social and it’s media.  Now let’s consider the fact that normal news media usually report headlines, or news of interest and not every mundane bit of information that passes in a day…perhaps we should go back to only sharing our social media headlines and not every little thing that goes on in our lives. 
Just a thought. 
Posted in Blogging, Life tips, my thoughts, tips

Marly’s 15 Top Tips for Doing Life

Posted on by marlytheadoptee

I turn 30 this year, and I’m also going to get married this year, so I feel that I’ve lived long enough to give some tips on doing life well.  At least up to the age of 30.  

And really these are subjective and might not work for everyone, but hey, it’s what’s worked for me.  So…  Here we go.  In no particular order.  
15 tips to doing life.
1.  Be grateful for the little things
2.  Surround yourself with people who you trust and will grow you – not just lift you up, but will help you learn as you go through life.  Sometimes constructive criticism is necessary.
3.  Be that person in 2 to others around you.
4. Go for walks in nature 
5. Smile – even if you’re feeling down, if you smile you will actually start to feel better 
6.  Keep a journal or blog, even if it’s just one word or sentence describing how your day went or what you’re thinking or feeling.
7. Play/enjoy life 
8.  Learn an instrument/Sing in the shower

9.  Volunteer/serve your community in some way.  
10.  Pray (as a follower of Christ this is important to me)
11.  Read a good book
12.  Go to concerts/plays/shows/musicals/anything arts related
14.  Travel 
15.  Enjoy your work.  Even if it’s just the little things. 
Bonus:  Find someone to do life with. (My fiancé is the one person I want to spend the rest of my life with, learning how to do life even better together)
Posted in Blogging, my thoughts

Why do I blog|What’s in a Name?

Posted on by marlytheadoptee

Hey blog readers.  

So, here’s a thought.  Why do I blog? I know I’ve touched on why I write in an earlier post, but blogging is a little different, no?
Well, there’s a few reasons I think.
1.  First of all, it’s an extension of my more private journal, which is obviously not shared on this blog.  
2.  I enjoy putting my thoughts out for people to read (if they read them or not).
3.  I can actually read what I’m typing.  You should see my handwriting.  It’s shocking.  
4.  It’s fun.
5.  Blogging is a sharing of my thoughts with others.
So, why Imagination is Evidence of the Divine?
The name of my blog came from a quote that I read years ago.  I can’t even remember.  But, it alludes to my belief that the fact that we even have imaginations is evidence that God is real.
I use my imagination when I’m writing, even when I’m talking about things that aren’t fictional.  It helps me to find the right way to describe things.  
So, that’s why I thought it would be a good name for my blog. 😀
Posted in Blogging, my thoughts, Writing

May Is Almost Over

Posted on by marlytheadoptee
Greetings readers.
May is almost over.  Hard to believe how fast this year is going.  The first half of the year is almost done with.  For me, looking back, it has mostly been filled with positives.  With some minor health setbacks. Including today.  
I was at home yesterday, and again today, and it’s frustrating to say the very least.  I don’t enjoy being ill and unable to work.  I’m sure you would all agree with that sentiment. 
So, to amuse myself I think I’m going to pick and choose topics to write about from some blogging suggestions I’ve looked up.  
This morning I’m going to focus on music.
10 random songs on my iPod and how I feel about them

Crimson Day – A7X
This song is off Avenged Sevenfold’s album Hail to the King.  I don’t have any real or deep thoughts about this song.  But, it’s a mellow, melodic song with strong drum beats that I can’t help but sit and nod my head to.  Not a favourite of mine but, definitely not a song that I would skip.  And Shads has a good voice …so…
Mountain of God (Live) – Third Day
One of my favourite Third Day songs.  I’m a little bummed that Third Day didn’t do this song at their concert when they came to Perth earlier this year.  
Such a beautiful song that speaks truth about my God. 
Hope Springs Eternal – Riverview Worship
Beautiful worship song from my home church.  Nothing more needs to be said, except:
Hope springs eternally
Christ is risen
Your love has taken hold of me
I am forgiven 
I am forgiven
Hope springs eternally 
There’s no condemnation
Your love has made a way for me
Now I belong 
I belong to You.
Surrendering – Riverview Worship
Devotional worship.  From my home church once more.  Reminding me of the best place to be when I need rest. 
Immortals (End Credit Version) – Fall Out Boy
I’m not sure why I like this song.  The tune is catchy and it’s just a fun song.  It’s just one of those songs that I can’t help listening to over and over
It’s a Hard Knock Life
Annie is one of my favourite musicals and this song is one of the classics from it. 
Momentum – Riverview Worship
Instrumental piece of worship from my church. 
Sarah (Live at MAX Sessions)
I love Eskimo Joe.  They are a great Western Australian band.  And this song has always been one of my favourites.
Come Revive – Riverview Worship
This is a great worship anthem written by my church team.  Praying for the Holy Spirit to come and revive God’s people, the Church.
Afterlife – A7X
This song was written by late drummer, Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan and is one of my favourites off the band’s self titled album.  I haven’t listened to any Avenged Sevenfold for months but, these days I tend to need to be in the mood to listen to their music.  It’s a lot darker and heavier than music I tend to listen to in this season.  But this track holds a dear spot in my heart because it marks a season in my life.  If that makes any sense.  

Songs that have made me cry and why?

Fiction – A7X 
This was the final song Jimmy sang on and it’s so haunting to hear his voice coupled with Matt’s I cry every time I listen to it.  Even now after six years since he died.  And I always make the mistake of listening to it in the car while I’m driving.

Hole in the World – The Eagles
The story behind how and why The Eagles wrote this song breaks my heart.  They wrote it just after the events of “9/11”. 
Glorious Ruins – Hillsong
Whenever we sing this at church I always get emotional 
Wildest Dreams – Riverview Worship 
This song has been my anthem and my truth since I first heard it in 2014.  It helped remind me of the truth that God is there for me and got me through the crap that happened last year.  And this year has been the proof of it. 
10 Favourite Songs 

Perfect World – Simple Plan
Sold Out – Hawk Nelson
One Life – Hedley
Bye Bye Bye – *NSYNC
He Don’t Love You – Human Nature
I Want It That Way – Backstreet Boys
No Ordinary World – John Farnham
Scream – A7X 
Victim – A7X 
Precious Love – Riverview Worship




Posted in God, hands and feet, Jesus, living a life of worship, my thoughts, serving people, the church, worship

Thoughts on Worship and God

Posted on by marlytheadoptee

Zac spoke about worship on Tuesday night and about how when we worship NO ONE misses out on Jesus and who He is.  


I had some thoughts that came to me after hearing his word.  So, enjoy my thoughts.

It makes me sad the number of people who do not know the joys of a relationship with God, through Jesus. 
It is the greatest relationship anyone could ever hope to have.  He heals all the hurts in our lives and has promised us joy and life on the other side of physical death.  He has promised no more sickness, no more pain, no more suffering, no more poverty.
Who would want to reject that?  
By the same token, we who are already saved have a mandate, a responsibility and mission to be lights to the world.  Shining God’s love into the world.  
We are called to love.  
To be God’s hands and feet in a broken world. 
To those who say, why doesn’t God intervene in the world’s suffering? 
Well here’s the answer:  where God does not intervene is where humans are turning a blind eye.  WE are the ones who are responsible for doing God’s work here on earth.  And if nothing is happening to help those who are oppressed, it’s because WE aren’t doing enough. 
Do not blame God.  He has called US to work good in the lives of His people and if we do not, we are at fault.  
Not God.  Never God.
So, remember.  When we worship, live lives of worship, NO ONE misses out on Jesus.
Posted in Blogging, my thought, my writings

30 Day Blogging Challenge – Day 30

Posted on by marlytheadoptee
What changed this month and what you hope will happen next month? 

I think I will have to stop and really think about this question.  

What changed this month?

I can’t really put my finger on any specifics but I believe that my outlook on my future changed this month.  
The other day while my boyfriend and I were in the city (boyfriend is such a weird word, considering our ages…) he said something like ‘what am I to do with you?’ in a joking manner and I said in response, ‘make me your wife’.  As soon as I said that it dawned on me how serious I really was about that.  
It’s what I want.  And it’s not just the whole ‘oh, you know, in the future I want to get married and have a life together and have a family together’.  This is the real deal.  Yes, if I’m going to be completely honest with myself, I’ve been clucky for the past two years; but, of course it was just a thought for ‘way in the future when I find the one’.  

But now, it’s something I know is the path I want to go down and it’s serious and I’m not making much sense here, but there it is.  There’s the change.

I want to marry my boyfriend and have a family with him. And grow old with him. And live life with him.  Remembering to keep God at the centre of it all.  

What I hope will happen next month?

Growth in my relationships.  Maybe some more socialising with my other friends. Haha.  I think I’ve been so focused on work and not being sick that all that’s kind of been pushed to the side.  But, I think June will be more settled.  

Looking forward to more family time too. Dad’s birthday, Mark’s dad’s birthday.  The next month is looking busy.   

🙂

And hopefully that all made sense.  Or maybe not.  My mind is all about right now.   In a good way, though. 


Posted in Blogging, my thoughts, my writing

30 Day Blogging Challenge – Days 27/28/29

Posted on by marlytheadoptee
Talk about your siblings

My brother turns 21 in August.  Which makes him, practically, nine years my junior.  Like me, he is adopted; however, he was actually born in Australia.  So, he’s our young ABC.  (Aussie Born Chinese for the uninitiated). 
He was 5 months old when we first met him at my Nan’s place in Melbourne.  I was 9 years of age and I don’t remember much of that first meeting, but I know I fell in love with him the moment I saw him.  I know my parents did.  
Even now, that we’re both adults, I know I love him though I don’t see him or even speak to him often. He’s my brother and I will always be there for him and pray that I will become closer to him as he gets older.  I think he’s just at a stage in life where he sees his friends, study, work etc as more important than his family.  And that’s ok.  Everyone has selfish tendencies at some point in life or other.  
I am proud of him, though.  Just found out he got the job he applied for at the bank so, very happy for him. 🙂
I also have three half-siblings that do not know I exist.  My birth mother eventually got married (not to my birth father) and had two more girls and a boy.  The eldest girl is probably in her late teens or early twenties.  Her name is Jamie Lee.  And the boy is Timmy if I recall correctly.  Can’t remember the younger girl’s name.
Part of me wishes that they knew about me, but another believes that it is better off they don’t.  I really don’t know where the future will lead in that regard.  But we’ll see.
The month you were happiest this year and why? 

I think this month, May, is the happiest I’ve ever been for several reasons.  First of all, I went on holidays with the love of my life, and got to introduce him to my Nan and my aunt (my mum’s sister).  
And then when we arrived back and I went back into work, having the sense that I’m wanted at work and actually missed made me realise again how blessed I am. My director’s exact words were, “You’re not going anywhere, we’re keeping you.”  
That feeling of being wanted and needed is in total contrast to how I was made to feel at my previous work place.
I am so grateful to God for the blessings in my life at this point in time.  And I will not take it for granted.  I will use God’s blessings to hopefully influence others for the good.  
I have that responsibility and I believe there is no more important thing than to influence little ones in a Godly way.  Their little personalities are in my hands and they are precious, each and everyone of them.  
A picture of yourself 

I’m going to share with you a photo of myself from when I was a child, and I will unpack it a bit for you. 

Here I am not long after mum and dad brought me home from Hong Kong, so circa 1988.  I was 3 years of age here.  
In the photo with me are my cousins, Peter and Jane.  Dad’s sister’s kids.  (I’m the one in the chair).  I have good memories of spending time with them as a kid, but due to circumstances beyond my control I am no longer in touch with them.  
On my trip to Melbourne I was able to get contact details for them from my Nan, so now it’s a matter of deciding what to do with that.  They have basically been estranged from us due to my dad’s sister having stopped all contact with Nan and the family.  
I firmly believe in reconciliation though, but I believe I am the one who will have to make the first step.  

Posted in A7X, bands, Blogging, fob, Music, my thoughts, Pierre Bouvier, Simple Plan, yes I know his middle name

Ban the word Frontman

Posted on by marlytheadoptee
Pierre through the years
Pierre Charles Bouvier

I’m not one for idolising people.  For several reasons.  People are flawed.  People are not perfect.  Everyone makes mistakes and are not worthy of being put on a pedestal.  However, in saying that, I’m not a perfect person, either.  So, I will allow myself to indulge in the act of ‘idolisation’ somewhat. 
And there is this one frontman – I’ll get back to how problematic I think that word is, in a minute – that I will hold up a little.  
Mr Pierre Charles Bouvier, lead singer of Simple Plan has been on my radar for the last eleven years, and today he turns 36.  I’ve probably talked and written about him a lot over the years, but I felt lead to go a bit more in depth.  
I must admit, my initial attraction to Pierre was shallow, based on looks and voice…but, that’s normal?  I mean at that point I was 19 and had never really had any crush on a ‘celebrity’ [not counting Kick Gurry from Looking For Alibrandi].  And seriously, who could blame me?
Pierre in the studio recording Still Not Getting Any
My early days/years of being a Simple Plan fan I must admit were, in hindsight, a tad embarrassing.  Being in the middle of my science degree at university, and nursing a fledgling obsession with this band…was a recipe for disaster.  Well, not quite.  But it was a matter of contention with my parents.  My writing flourished thanks to my crush on Pierre…which then ended up in arguments with my mum because she’d catch me awake at all hours of the night on the computer.  At one point she even told me I needed to see a shrink…basically…yeah…
I blame Pierre.  Always.  Still do.  Or more specifically, EP.  But, I digress. 
[I always blame this face]
Pierre on Channel V’s What U Want Live, 2005
Pierre became my writing muse; I’ve written over 40 fan fictions featuring him in some form or another.  Then seeing the band live in 2005 for the first time?  That just cemented the attraction for me.  

Pierre, 2nd October, 2005, Brisbane Entertainment Centre

I haven’t looked back, really.  He will always be my favourite singer in a band.  His personality and raw talent are what attract me these days.  Especially after having met him twice.  

Pierre, 2012/2013 obviously
Pierre is down-to-earth, self-deprecating and seriously an all round nice guy.  He’s not afraid to joke about where he comes from and take the piss out of the band and their music.  
Plan!

Chuck: We didn’t play… Save YouPierre: Save You…save you…David: Which is by the way now called, ‘Shave You’.Pierre: ….*sings* I wish I could shaaaave you…

Pierre and Delilah
How can you not love that face? Anyway.  
Pierre [EP, Pips…] is one of those singers in a band that I will always recognise and respect.  Simple Plan would not be the band it is today if this wonderful man wasn’t fronting it.  
The dreaded word…. frontman

M Shadows, A7X
I’m not a fan of the term ‘frontman’.  Especially when it comes to Pierre Bouvier of Simple Plan.  Let me unpack that a bit for you.  When I read the word ‘frontman’ I visualise a rockstar, a guy who is cocky and struts around the stage.  I would call M Shadows of Avenged Sevenfold a frontman.  Because that is what he is most definitely, at least on stage.  Off stage…not so much.  But, that’s the point really. [I’m not dissing Shads by any means…he’s my second favourite lead vocalist ;)]
Pierre on the other hand, doesn’t come across that way.  Yes, he exudes charisma and can hold the crowd in the palm of his hand, but he doesn’t come across cocky.  He’s real, personable… almost like an Aussie.  Maybe that’s the Canadian in him, though.  Haha.  
The other issue I have with the term ‘frontman’ is that it seems to shine the spotlight on the lead singer and take all the attention away from the rest of the band, who, to be honest, are just as important.  
It’s also problematic when you get a band where even the lead singer is forgotten or not known.  
Eg.  When I first heard about Fall Out Boy…I thought Pete Wentz was the ‘frontman’ because he was the one most seen in the media.
Pete Wentz, frontman?
But, guess what…this is their lead singer.
This is not Pete Wentz.  This is Patrick Stump, lead vocalist of FOB
I don’t think it’s necessary to call them the ‘frontman’… ‘the face of the band’ whatever.  The band should be seen as a whole!  Incidentally I think the drummer is the most important member of the band…
Lucky Simple Plan has four drummers.  [What?]
Chuck, official drummer
Pierre, self-professed better drummer than Chuck
David actually better drummer than Chuck, according to Chuck
Seb, air drummer extraordinaire
So, anyway.  Let’s ban the word ‘frontman’. On an aside, I’m sure all the lead vocalists of bands who grew up with self-esteem issues would thank you for it.
Simple Plan and other bands

In today’s world of One Direction [and the fall out going on with them at the moment] and dance music that seems to be taking over the airwaves, I miss the days of actual bands.  You know…Good Charlotte, Blink 182, A7X, Simple Plan, Eskimo Joe, Coldplay, The Living End….and then back further, The Eagles, ACDC… and I could name many others.  But, I won’t.
The point I want to make right now, is that these bands write their own music and play their own instruments and have fun doing it.  They also care about their fans [maybe not so much Blink…] and want to make a difference through their music.  
Not saying that pop groups or other artists can’t or don’t, but I think bands like Simple Plan and A7X are special in ways that I can’t even really put in words.  
Watching a band live is something I think everyone should do at least once in their life.  I’ve been pretty lucky to do it a lot more than once.
Coldplay x 2
Simple Plan x 3 
Eskimo Joe [and support acts]
Third Day
The Eagles
Needtobreathe
Tonight Alive
The Never Ever
We The Kings
Youth Group
All American Rejects
Kisschasy
The Madden Brothers [I count as a band, because Good Charlotte] [and support acts]
Murphy’s Lore
…to name just a few.  
This whole blog post seems a tad disjointed, but I’ll just blame this face and I’m sure you’ll forgive me…or him.
PS.  Pierre is the best band dad going.
Pierre and his daughters [from his instagram]