Ruby's Spot Of Bother

Psalm 139 and Summer and New Life Resolutions

2012-01-02T20:22:00.001+08:00

My dad got the lastest Sons Of Korah CD for christmas, and so far my favourite track is number two, a rendition of Psalm 139.

Not to retract from the original, which still astounds me every time I read it.

Psalm 139

For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.

You have searched me, LORD,
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
you, LORD, know it completely.
You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.

Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are your thoughts,[a] God!
How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand—
when I awake, I am still with you.

If only you, God, would slay the wicked!
Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!
They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.
Do I not hate those who hate you, LORD,
and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?
I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.
Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

Those words just... move me. The fact that they are true blows my mind. And freaks me out.

It's been an amazing summer so far. It began when I flew to Adelaide and roadtripped to Melbourne. I then went on to Canberra for National Training Event (NTE) and from there to Sydney to work with a church and put some of what I'd learnt into action. I stopped in at Newcastle for a night to visit a few good friends before another brief stop over in Katoomba and a three day bus ride back to Perth. It was a crazy five weeks!

Christmas was hectic and heartwarming and holy! It's a joyful celebration which is eagerly anticipated as my favourite festival every year and I'm sad it is over.

And now here we are, the New Year of 2012!

This is the part where I post about my new year resolutions (or new life resolutions, as I like to call them!). I look at me and I see the things about me that I want to change, the not-so-Christ-like bits, bits I want God to take and replace. Isn't this what we've been called to do? Isn't every day a new challenge? "If anyone should come after me he must deny himself and take his cross up daily." (Luke 9:23, thanks Colin!) So, this is my new life resolution - to remember that old, would-be, sinful me is well and truly dead (thank-you Jesus!) and to take up my cross every day.

I've decided to start reading my Bible daily in the mornings, before I start uni or go to work, no matter how early. I would also like to challenge myself to read it in a year.

I want to live healthier. Eat healthier. Sleep earlier. Exercise daily. But most of all, strive to put God first in everything I do. I know this is idealistic but I also know that God is greater, God is stronger.

"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

Is it God..?

2011-09-09T20:42:00.003+08:00

"Idolatry is any form of religious exercise or activity which requires only a modicum of response and gives in return a sufficient religious, social or emotional satisfaction that one may think that they have fulfilled their religious obligations and are thus free thereafter to be the lord of their own lives. We have but two choices - idolatry or martyrdom."

Author Unknown

Day 30

2011-09-01T23:13:00.000+08:00

Who Are You?

I've waited a while to answer this one because when I started this challenge I wasn't entirely sure. Now's the time.

I am an Australian woman of Scottish and Irish heritage (from the Burke, Sullivan and Jenkins families respectively).

I am strong, funny, sarcastic, bubbly, intelligent, judgmental, friendly, foolish, honest, sinful and easily pleased.

Most of all, I am who God says I am - made in his image, his child, and someone who he has made precious and beautiful. Someone who definitely isn't perfect, but who is definitely forgiven and redeemed for everything I have done or will do. I am justified through Christ who has saved me by his grace.

Question is, who are you?

Anberlin

2011-08-31T11:57:00.001+08:00

A photo of the lead singer (Stephen Christian) from the concert. Guess who was front and centre? :)

Anyone who knows me will tell you that I have spent the last week or so raving about Anberlin. This is true. I went to see them live last Friday and was blown away. Here's an interview with one of the guitarists (Christian McAlhaney) and one of their many fantastic songs.

1 AM

2011-08-24T01:08:00.002+08:00

Why does everything seem so much blurrier at one in the morning?

Sharing the love for this:

And this:

Here's to getting up at six! (why do I do this to myself?)

Day 29

2011-07-25T23:21:00.001+08:00

In this past month, what have you learned?

I know that this is referring to the challenge, but I would like to post a little about my actual past month instead.

This past month, I have learned that I can make the same mistake twice far too easily. I have learned the full impact of Jesus' death and what that means for my life. I have learned that my parents support me far more than I realised. I have learned how one small bad decision can have big effects. I have learned that I have stopped moving so quickly outside my comfort zones and have instead started to get to know my comfort zones better. I have learned that this bothers me a little. I have learned that I'm not one hundred percent sure how to be compassionate. I have learned these things and so many more. I constantly think back to the fool I was yesterday, and forward to how much wiser I will be tomorrow.

I have learned, most of all, that God has all of this in his hands. I have learned that he knows what he's doing, even in the lives of those who do not know him, and he knows those whom he has called, and they know him.

Once again, I have learned how little I have learned.

Child Brides

2011-07-24T11:57:00.000+08:00

John Mayer

2011-07-16T17:37:00.001+08:00

Can't believe how unbelievably amazing this guy's music is.

Worry and Soundtracks

2011-05-18T15:00:00.001+08:00

This is a lovely classical playlist that I stumbled across on a friend's Facebook page. It is wonderful for pretending that your life is a Jane Austen novel, and people and houses and grounds really are the way Austen portrays them.

I have been thinking a lot about worry this week, and why we worry so much. I have three assignments due tomorrow, two of which I haven't started. You can imagine that I was pretty stressed out. I, however, have a terrible way of dealing with stress. You see, most of the time I just stop handling it and give up completely. If I feel under pressure or like I can't deal with it, I walk away. Which essentially means that the only way I can productively handle stress or pressure is by convincing myself that I'm not under any.

Yeah. Not good.

Anyway, it was getting to the point earlier this week when I was losing a lot of sleep to worry. I finally had to stop myself in my tracks and remind myself that GOD is the one who's meant to be in control, not me, and realise that worrying about my own short comings was not going to help one bit. I needed to remind myself that I am not doing what I'm doing for my own gain. I'm doing what I'm doing for GOD's glory.

I know that in the end, everything is meaningless (Ecclesiastes!), but I also know that I should work at everything with all of my heart, soul and mind as though I am working for the Lord (Colossians 3:23). Therefore, I have to keep on reminding myself that hey, even though this world will perish, I should still work at everything with all my heart, soul and mind - it's like working to save someone's life even though you know that eventually they will die anyway.

That may sound depressing, but to me it's the most glorious thing of all, that although this world will pass away, there is a new one to come, and just the fact that we can be saved despite all of our many, many flaws and then transformed for that world amazes me every day.

Joy!

2011-05-08T17:26:00.002+08:00

This is a playlist I made of 8 songs that make me HAPPY!!

Note: It was actually very hard to find songs that I love that are purely positive; not all of these are, however I tried to choose ones that just give me an amazing feeling of happiness, even if they are sometimes a little sad, or tell stories of hardness.

The Ghost In Your Genes

2011-04-19T18:57:00.003+08:00

A great documentary we watched in class today. All about how things that have happened to our grandparents and great grandparents, events such as famine or the stress of world wars, don't just pass on new psychological family dynamics, they can also cause gene mutation which can be carried throughout the coming generations. Makes you think about what we're doing to our bodies and how it will affect our descendants.

Self Doubt

2011-04-13T16:15:00.001+08:00

Today I was given the task of creating a mix CD for an unknown person with ten of my favourite songs. All was well and good as I gradually scrolled through my music library randomly picking songs to add to my list. But then I started to have doubts. What if - the person who receives this doesn't like Christian musicians? What if - they think I'm ridiculous because I like country music? What if - they think I'm weird because I like a bit of classical? What if - they don't like it, and henceforth me?

Doubts.

There was a time when my life was governed by doubts. It was a time when I was afraid to say anything for fear of being shut down. When I was afraid to make friends with people for fear of being betrayed. It was a huge learning curve for me, and it took a long time for me to get back on my feet and allow God to rebuild me.

The thing is, when it came down to it, it wasn't other people's actions towards me that so broke me. It was my own self doubt. Self doubt that infected my mind like a disease and allowed me to look at everything through a grey coloured lens.

I look back to that time and I wonder how it was that I got to a state where I doubted myself so badly that I couldn't even express my own opinion. I know I am healed and by the grace of God I have been saved from eternal death, so something as trivial as gossip, or whether or not someone likes me doesn't matter. But it's amazing how easily human beings can crumble to pieces when left to themselves!

Of course, on the flip side, I am now stronger then I have ever been before, and I know now that with God I can withstand anything. Sometimes you need to get lost to be found.

After I thought about my moment of weakness with the CD, I decided it was time for me to do a bit of soul searching, trace my way back to where I began, remind myself of the absolutely amazing PLANNED miracle that is me, and just how much God loves me.

So I am going to send off my CD, country songs and all, knowing that my God created me for a purpose - to worship Him all the days of my life. And if that purpose involves sending out a CD to a random person with a couple of songs that may seem a little bit ridiculous, I will rest knowing that God has it all under control and maybe, just maybe, God has a plan for that person and my CD is a part of it.

Jesus - All Here, All The Time

2011-03-27T22:01:00.001+08:00

I study nursing at uni, and today I was completing a client health questionnaire on myself. One of the questions asked was this:

What is the client’s religion? What effect does religion have on health?

I smiled when I saw it because Jesus is my creator, the reason for my being, so essentially he's the reason I have any health at all. It's amazing how so often God provides small opportunities like this for us to share our faith with others. My tutor will read my answer when she marks my questionnaire, and I can only hope and pray that it will make some difference to her life, however small. Mustard seeds.

On a different note, here is a fantastic song I recently discovered. It's called 'Dilly' and it's by Band of Horses.

HBF Freeway Bike Hike For Asthma

2011-03-08T21:44:00.000+08:00

I have been asked and decided to participate in the HBF Freeway Bike Hike for Asthma. My team is known as the 'Purple Helmeted Warriors' and we are going to dress up as, surprise surprise, purple helmeted warriors! We will be riding up the freeway for charity, but first we need sponsors. So please click on this link and donate generously towards a great cause fighting a condition that affects millions of people all over the world:

http://www.everydayhero.com.au/rubylee_burke

Day 28

2011-03-03T13:52:00.002+08:00

A Picture Of You Last Year And Now - How Have You Changed Since Then?

Me around this time last year, during the early hours of the morning after a night out in Northbridge.

Me (right) last week, at the Curtin Christian Union stall during Curtin O Day.

How I have changed:

1. My hair has grown :)

2. I have learnt so much more about what I believe in as a follower of Jesus, and continue to learn more every day!

3. With that knowledge has come more of an understanding and confidence of who I am in Jesus.

4. I have learnt how to not fail, and I look forward to this semester knowing that I have the ability to do well at uni.

5. And lastly, probably the biggest thing that I've learnt is that I have so much more to learn!

Day 27

2011-03-01T17:43:00.002+08:00

Why Are You Doing This 30 Day Challenge?

Several reasons I suppose.

1. I first heard about it through a friend who was doing it, and I was enjoying reading her posts and answers to questions. It provides an interesting insight into how people think and what influences their decisions. I thought it would be interesting to see how I answered the questions, and to see how other people responded to my answers.

2. I was a little bored at the time.

3. It gave my blog some direction, a purpose. Made me actually think about what I'm writing and what kind of a message I'm sending to people.

I think that's about it.

Day 26

2011-02-26T15:32:00.000+08:00

What Do You Think About Your Friends?

This is a question that I'm going to shy away from answering in depth as it concerns the lives of people other than myself.

I will simply say that I think the world of my close friends.

Sophie Joy Madison

2011-02-21T12:02:00.001+08:00

This is a shout out to a friend of mine who recently recorded her debut album, entitled 'Coming Home'. You can visit her site by clicking on the title.

Here's the first single off the album, also entitled 'Coming Home'. Check it out.

Day 24

2011-02-17T13:49:00.000+08:00

A Letter To Your Parents

So I figure I only have six days left, I might as well finish it off.

Here goes.

Dear Mum and Dad,

Hi.

First off, I want to say thank-you. For bringing me into this world and raising me the best you could. For bringing me up to love and know God, and for loving and knowing God yourselves. For admitting when you are wrong. For pulling me up when I am wrong. For teaching me to think for myself, no matter the circumstance. For loving me, no matter how many times I toed the line. For bringing my brothers and sister into the world.

Secondly, I want to apologize. For all that I have put you through and for all that I will put you through. For not listening when I knew you were speaking truth.

I have committed to changing and growing and listening. I know that the going is tough sometimes, but we're getting better at it. Having a good relationship. I'm learning to understand, and so are you.

I love you both. I think you're amazing.

Your daughter,
Ruby

Do You Ever Wonder..?

2011-01-14T21:18:00.001+08:00

It's been a while.

I'm listening to Anberlin.

"This is our last goodnight
Say what you will
Say all that you can
Words have no meaning without
Seeing where you've been.

This is our last goodnight
Say what you will
Say all that you can
This is our last goodbye
This is where love ends."

I have spent the past three days with two good friends of mine and I would like to take a moment to thank them both for a great couple of days, and for their many years of friendship. I love and appreciate them both.

I also want to reflect on the many meaningful conversations I have had over the past couple of months. There have been moments of doubt and moments personal revelation. It has been a journey to say the least. However, throughout it all, God has been there, ever faithful and all powerful. It constantly amazes me how much he is so completely in control.

So here's a poem from e.e.cummings.

i thank You God for most this amazing
day:for the leaping greenly spirits of trees
and a blue true dream of sky;and for everything
which is natural which is infinite which is yes

(i who have died am alive again today,
and this is the sun's birthday;this is the birth
day of life and love and wings:and of the gay
great happening illimitably earth)

how should tasting touching hearing seeing
breathing any--lifted from the no
of all nothing--human merely being
doubt unimaginable You?

(now the ears of my ears awake and
now the eyes of my eyes are opened)

The Cave

2010-11-10T19:26:00.002+08:00

It's empty in the valley of your heart
The sun, it rises slowly as you walk
Away from all the fears
And all the faults you've left behind

The harvest left no food for you to eat
You cannibal, you meat-eater, you see
But I have seen the same
I know the shame in your defeat

But I will hold on hope
And I won't let you choke
On the noose around your neck

And I'll find strength in pain
And I will change my ways
I'll know my name as it's called again

Cause I have other things to fill my time
You take what is yours and I'll take mine
Now let me at the truth
Which will refresh my broken mind

So tie me to a post and block my ears
I can see widows and orphans through my tears
I know my call despite my faults
And despite my growing fears

But I will hold on hope
And I won't let you choke
On the noose around your neck

And I'll find strength in pain
And I will change my ways
I'll know my name as it's called again

So come out of your cave walking on your hands
And see the world hanging upside down
You can understand dependence
When you know the maker's hand

So make your siren's call
And sing all you want
I will not hear what you have to say

Cause I need freedom now
And I need to know how
To live my life as it's meant to be

And I will hold on hope
And I won't let you choke
On the noose around your neck

And I'll find strength in pain
And I will change my ways
I'll know my name as it's called again

Dreams

2010-11-10T15:29:00.000+08:00

I had the weirdest dream last night. It was all about showering. And it was horrible.

In my dream, there was one shower and about ten to twenty girls who all needed to use the shower also - but we all had to wait our turn. When my turn finally came, I had been sitting around in the bathroom with all the other girls staring at the shower being used (come to think of it, that's actually kind of creepy..) and I was SO READY for a shower, but then all these boys walked in. And in my dream, it was all normal like, oh yeah, there's all these guys in the shower room and I'm sitting here half naked, oh yeah, that's cool.

This is something like how I imagined the room to be (only much older, with no toilet, and a shower curtain instead of glass)

So anyway, my turn to use the shower finally came around, and I'm standing there trying to shower but the shower curtain kept doing that thing where it billows in and sticks to your legs and I began to get very frustrated. Then I spent the rest of the dream tying to wash my hair but failing miserably because I had forgotten my shampoo and conditioner, and although there were tubs and bottles all around the perimetre of the shower, I couldn't find a SINGLE SHAMPOO OR CONDITIONER. I even looked in the butter containers (don't ask). Plus there was all these people in the shower room, outside the shower curtain, heightening my anxiety. Oh, and the room was tiny.

Hence, when I woke up, all I could think about was the horrific experience of showering that I had been living through all night and how I was just going to get up and do it again. Then I remembered that it was all a dream, and I hadn't forgotten my shampoo and conditioner, and all was ok again :)

500 Days Of Summer

2010-10-18T01:44:00.001+08:00

I'm in love.

Brooke Fraser

2010-10-13T09:08:00.000+08:00

AHHHH NEW BROOKE ALBUM!!! She's one of my favourite artists in the whole wide world and the passion and talent she has is inspiring! Here it is, it's called 'Flags':

U2 360 Tour - Poland

2010-09-24T10:13:00.000+08:00

Just wanted to share this inspiring article from the U2 site... Click on the blog title for original link.

'Something I've Never Seen Before'

09 August 2010

'We were sharing something that simply never happens at rock shows anywhere. A collective emotional and spiritual surrender of epic proportions.' Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol was so knocked out by last night's show in Katowice that he sat down and wrote us this piece.

I had to write about this. I simply had to. I hope I'm not speaking out of turn here as this is U2's site and hallowed ground for all of you but this story needs to be told. The shows so far on this tour have all been amazing and each night the crowd's reaction to U2 has been loud and joyous and passionate. Last night in Poland though was something else. Hard to explain. Let me try.

I have never in my life seen a crowd reaction like that of Katowice last night. Right from opener Breathe there was a daft magic in the air. Insanity everywhere you looked. People's faces clothed in the kind of joy I've only seen in gospel churches and then only on the TV so to see this religious fervour up close was overwhelming. The city outside the stadium could have been under heavy fire from alien spacecraft and I don't think anyone would have heard, saw, or indeed cared that much.

Then The Edge takes to the piano for New Year's Day (playing it guitar pick still between his fingers!) and the place is bathed in red and white instantly. Red cards held aloft by the people on the floor and white cards in the seats to make a giant Polish flag you could probably see from space. It took the breath clean out of me. By the end even Bono was speechless, for a few seconds anyway. The things he said next are lost to me verbatim but what I won't forget is the tears that came to me then. In floods. And when I turned to check if anyone had snared me for blubbing I realised that every single person around me also had tears in their eyes. We were sharing something that simply never happens at rock shows anywhere. A collective emotional and spiritual surrender of epic proportions. This was majesty and tenderness married and that is a rare thing indeed.

Last night was something I've never seen before and I can't quite fathom it. Not sure I ever will or even want to. It will sit alongside the greatest nights of my life and I thank U2 and Poland for that. Also thank you to the Polish U2 fans for giving us the best reaction to our own set we've had on this tour so far. All in all then a night of triumphs.

I would tour with this band (we all, us Patrollers, would) 'til the last grain of sand tipped gently into the bottom half of the hourglass and yes that sounds (and perhaps is, why not) a massive hint hint to stay on this magic carpet ride a little/a lot longer but believe me when I say this: this is the greatest show on earth. Why on earth would you buy just anyone's cockatoo? Long may they reign!

Gary Lightbody, aged 33, Bangor, Northern Ireland, Overwhelmed.x

Can't wait to see them in December!!

Day 25

2010-09-17T00:04:00.000+08:00

What Would I Find In Your Bag?

First of all - yes, I am well aware that I have skipped a day HOWEVER I have a valid reason - day 24 is write-a-letter-to-your-parents day, and that's something I can't handle right at this very moment, so I am saving it for later.

Second of all - I'm sorry I've been so inconsistent with posts - life just happens, and I get caught up.

Now.

MP3 Player (most essential)
Phone (Sony Ericsson, if you please)
Purse (with way too much plastic and receipts, and way too little money)
Mints (curtesy of the Curtin Business School :D)
A Bible, more often then not
Lolly/chocolate bar wrappers (depending on what mood I'm in)
A red capsicum and a tomato (currently - pizza night)(oh, and if you think that green capsicum is better? You're dreaming. Or, perhaps, you don't like capsicum at all, like some lunatics I have encountered? Get out. Just get out.)
Throwing stars (for my part time job as a hire assassin.)

Day 23

2010-09-16T23:48:00.000+08:00

Something You Crave For A Lot

To be honest, I have been far from craving anything lately. Actually, it's completely opposite - like someone has thrown a wet blanket over my senses. Like I can't feel anything. It's a pretty sucky feeling.

I Don't Need A Soul

2010-09-14T23:10:00.000+08:00

I listen to the sirens as they sing me back to sleep
I pray that no one's seriously hurt
It feels like everything is dying at the pivot point of me
I listen to the sirens tell me things could still be worse

Cause if you close your eyes and listen close
You can hear the chapter close
And its all rebound in better clothes
And you like the way this story goes
Cause the sun still burns the shadows out
And there's nothing to complain about now

Cause if this was our destiny I'd treasure the fact
And I'd give you whats left of me if I'd held back

But I don't need a soul
No I don't need a soul to hold
Without you I'm still whole
You and life remain beautiful

Departing from the hospital
Ill news shows on your face too well
You're trying not to cough at all it hurts
All options are exhausted all your numbered days are numbered small
I miss you now
I loved you
And I know things could still be worse

Day 22

2010-09-14T23:02:00.001+08:00

What Makes You Different From Everyone Else?

Well... I feel, just like everyone else. I am... emotional, just like everyone else.... individual, just like everyone else... tempered, just like everyone else... seeking fulfilment, just like everyone else. But. What makes me different?

I am Saved By Grace.

:)

Day 21

2010-09-14T13:20:00.000+08:00

A Picture Of Something That Makes You Happy

Music makes me happy. Listening to it, playing it, performing it, learning it, just everything. It's my passion.

However Far Away,

2010-09-13T21:35:00.000+08:00

I will always love you

Day 20

2010-09-11T01:22:00.000+08:00

Someone You See Yourself Marrying/Being With In The Future

Seriously?!

How the heckle the jeckle would I know?! I have No. I. Deah. But if you do happen to see my future husband, do let me know.

Day 19

2010-09-11T01:19:00.000+08:00

Nicknames You Have; Why Do You Have Them?

Ruby - Technically a nickname, given that my full name is Ruby-Lee, and I tell people to call me that
Rubes - Had that one since I was a little kid, very typical name-Australianisation
Ruby Cherry Tree - Don't ask me, I have no idea...
Ruby Ranga - Got this one on recruits, namely because I have red hair and also happen to be named Ruby... original right
Ranga - Red hair.
Wu-tanger - Was once called this because I wore a Dada hoodie and khaki cargo pants to school.
Squid - Was meant to be a derogatory name for the smart kids in the class (aka those with half a brain)
Anything Else Derogatory That Rhymes With Ruby (there are a few) - Because how else can bullies get satisfaction?

Day 18

2010-09-11T01:09:00.000+08:00

Plans/Dreams/Goals You Have

I am not too bothered about ambition, so I guess any plans/dreams/goals that I have are included in my Bucket List. So here is what I can remember of it:

Go skydiving and bungee jumping
Travel around the world and learn at least 3 LOTEs (languages other than english)
Live and work in at least 3 other countries
Fall madly in love with and marry an awesome guy
Have a minimum of 3 kids
Own a large and awesome property
Record, or help in the recording of, at least one song
Perform at a gig with a band
Dance in someone's backyard, lit by fairy lights, after some awesome alfresco dining with red wine, on a summer night
Buy a really cool camera
Build up an extensive library of books, DVDs and CDs
Continue to conquer my fears
Establish myself as a nurse in a community where I am needed
Live for God all of my days

Day 17

2010-09-07T22:42:00.001+08:00

Who Would You Switch Lives With For One Day?

There are so many dynamics to this question that it is almost impossible to answer. For example - would I still have my own consciousness there while I was living their life? Or would I be switching personalities also? Because the main reason I would want to switch lives with someone would be to see the way that they think - not live the life that they live.

If I were to swap lives with someone to see the way that they think, I would swap with a major world leader (aka Barak Obama)... just to see if they really believe what they preach, and to observe their own vision for their life. Also to see the hows and whys of their mentality - where they are coming from, and what they weigh up when they make the decisions they make. What they value in life and in people. Who they have chosen to be their support network - wives, close friends and advisers.

But if I were to swap lives with someone to live the life that they live for a day, I would swap with a relatively unknown yet established missionary in a small community in a culture completely alien to my own. Probably because this is how I envision my future, and what I have always believed to be the calling placed upon my life. I think it would be awesome to get a taste of the kind of life that they live, and the kind of challenges they face, and to see how God has moved in their life and continues to move in their everyday life.

Just on a side note, I would also love to go into the mind of Bob Dylan. Because he has such an amazing mind, and such a unique outlook on life :P

Day 16

2010-09-06T23:18:00.000+08:00

A Picture of Yourself

This was me, a year ago. Not the best quality, but... I like it. It has something of truth in it.

My Greatest Fear?

2010-09-05T19:11:00.000+08:00

Being left behind and forgotten.

Day 15

2010-09-05T18:04:00.001+08:00

iPod (*coughWindowsMediaPlayercough*) Shuffle: First Ten Songs

"James Dean" by Hilary Duff
"Where The City Meets The Sea" by The Getaway Plan
"I Was Made To Love Her" by Stevie Wonder
"By Divine Design" by Dana Key
"Lovin'" by Matt Costa & Ane Brun
"Hairline Fracture" by Rise Against
"How I Love You" by Planetshakers
"Mutt" by Blink 182
"Time To Dance" by Panic! At The Disco
"Da Funk/Daftendirekt (Live)" by Daft Punk

Wow, what a representation. To be honest, the only bands that I listen to, or have listened to, consistently there would be Planetshakers, Blink 182, Dana Key and Hilary Duff. But I occasionally listen to the rest...

Day 14

2010-09-05T17:55:00.000+08:00

A Pic of You And Your Family

The only good one that I have is in hard copy, so here is a dodgy phone photo of a photo...

It's about 18 months old, and not that good quality, but I love it because it portrays my family and their characters so completely. And there's mum in the background, holding us all together. This is the only framed photo I own. My family is awesome.

Day 13

2010-09-04T19:50:00.000+08:00

A Letter To Someone Who Has Hurt You Recently

Dear Someone Who Has Hurt Me Recently,

First and foremost, I want to say that I love you and I am so happy for you in regards to the events that have transpired recently. Also, I know that I am not a big part of your life, and I know that you didn't mean to hurt me and in fact are probably completely unaware of it. But the thing is - you did. You are someone that I look up to, and I do consider you to be one of my friends. But you really hurt me when you treat me like a good friend, then treat me like your project, or something. I also hate the fact that you never spend any time with me. I get that you are very busy, and you have a lot of people to look after, but I am not one of them. I appreciate your concern, but I do not enjoy being interrogated, or treated like I am... less than. Talking to you is just not the same any more. I'm sorry.

Regards,
Ruby

PS - I really do think you're amazing. Never give up.

Day 12

2010-09-02T21:16:00.000+08:00

How You Found Out About Tumblr (*coughbloggercough*) and Why You Made One

I honestly can't remember how I found out about it. It was a few years ago, during high school, most likely when I was bored and surfing the internet... not sure why I made one either, would probably equate that one to boredom too. Now I just like it because I can post random thoughts and cool lyrics and photos and things, then I don't forget them, and it's sometimes fun to take a look back every now and then. I have kept track of pretty much the past few years of my life on here (some of which I do apologise for - sincerely) but yeah, now days it just helps me to remember things :P

Day 11

2010-09-02T21:09:00.000+08:00

(Another) Picture of You and Your Friends

Aaaaand, once again, I'm putting two up, cos I don't have a decent one of the three of us...

Miss Jessica, there on the left, and I

And miss Georgia, there on the right, and I

You guys are awesome, Jessica my gold-mining, business partner forward slash hut-mate, and Georgia my many-strawed, green-finger-nailed sunshine. Don't ever die... NINJAS FOREVER

Call Me ;) xox

Day 10

2010-08-31T11:50:00.000+08:00

Songs You Listen To When You're Sad, Mad, Happy, Bored, Hyped...

Sad:

'At This Moment' - Michael Buble
'Fix You' - Coldplay
'The Living Sculptures of Pemberly'
'Liz on Top of the World'
'The Secret Life of Daydreams'
'Darcy's Letter'
'Your Hands Are Cold'
'Credits' - Pride & Prejudice Soundtrack, Dario Marianelli
'Fascination' - Kiem
'Tonight I Wanna Cry' - Keith Urban

Mad:

The Best of Taste of Chaos, Volume 2 (Compilation)
Anything by Three Days Grace
Maybe a bit of Yellowcard...
Transformers Soundtrack

Happy:

Floorfillers: The Ultimate Party Album, disc 1, 2 & 3
My 'Ultimate Singalong' playlist... all the happiest and best songs from most of the albums I own :)

Bored:

I don't think I listen to music when I'm bored. Isn't the whole point of being bored that you don't feel like doing anything?

Hyped:

My 'Party' playlist, which is mostly good house music :) or anything that's just upbeat and good to sing along to aka Relient K, Yellowcard, Blink 182, etc

Day 9

2010-08-30T21:44:00.000+08:00

Something You're Proud of in the Last Few Days

I did not scream or get overly frightened once during the torch light tour of the 100 or so year old maximum security fremantle prison :)

Day 8

2010-08-30T00:50:00.001+08:00

Short Term Goals For This Month

Do well in both of my human biology tests
Continue to grow in my relationship with God, and therefore continue to grow as a person
Be nicer to people
Have a good, healthy, argument-free weekend at home
Fix my bike
Develop some core body strength
Be someone that other people look up to.

Day 7

2010-08-28T17:04:00.000+08:00

A Picture of Someone/thing That Has Had A Major Impact on You

I'm not sure whether this means the picture has had a major impact or the person? I'm going to go with person.

My dad.

I know this seems like an obvious answer, but I cannot stress how much my dad has impacted (and continues to impact) me. He is the person who has hurt me more than anyone in the world, but only because I look up to him so much, and disappointing him hurts bad. He is a living example of the kind of person I want to be when I grow up. He is the person who's opinion about life issues I value above anyone else's. He is the one who will tell me to snap out of it (however bluntly) if I'm about to make a terrible decision, or if I'm heading in the wrong direction. He is the one who prays for and with me through all things. He is the one who will protect me and stand by me, a pillar of strength, no matter what. As far as I'm concerned, although he has made plenty of mistakes, and will continue to, he is the best dad in the world.

Day 6

2010-08-27T10:49:00.000+08:00

Your Favourite Superhero And Why

Dash, from The Incredibles. Because he is awesome!! The way he punched that dude in the face - classic!

Day 5

2010-08-27T10:44:00.001+08:00

A Picture of Somewhere You've Been Today

T.L. ROBERTSON LIBRARY @ CURTIN UNIVERSITY

I was fully intending to do all sorts of study... yyyyeah. Didn't happen.

2010-08-26T16:08:00.001+08:00

I ♥ Debussy

Arabesque 1

Clair De Lune

I'm Wasted

2010-08-26T00:19:00.001+08:00

I'm so wasted on you

Day 4

2010-08-25T16:46:00.001+08:00

A Habit You Wish You Didn't Have

It seems strange to say that you have a habit that you wish you didn't have, because if you wish you didn't have it then why do you have it? But mine is picking at my face. Chances are it only makes the acne worse...

Day 3

2010-08-24T23:09:00.001+08:00

A Photo of You and Your Friends

This one is rather hard for me, because I have a couple of sets of close friends from different circles, so I am going to put up two.

(Top Row, from left) Me, Anja, Vicky

(Bottom Row) Gillz, Lola and Cherokee

This photo was taken a couple of months ago when my good friend Anja was visiting Australia again (she came over on exchange from Germany in 2007). It was really awesome to see her again, and to get the group together one last time before she left. All of us were very good friends through school and have stayed such since. They are all awesome people, and I miss them muchly :P

(From left) Me, Lizzy, Rach

These two I met during my gap year with the RAAF, and this photo was taken when Lizzy and I went to visit Rach over her birthday (which is, consequently, on Australia day) in Adelaide. We also went to the Big Day Out while we were there. Lizzy is from Melbourne and I am from Perth, and we were both visiting Adelaide for the first time. I love and miss them both, and look forward to seeing them again when they come to visit me for new years and Southbound - can't wait guys! :)

e. e. cummings

2010-08-24T00:06:00.001+08:00

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

Just... gorgeous.

Day 2

2010-08-23T13:58:00.001+08:00

The Meaning of Your Tumblr (*cough* Blogger) Name

Honestly... no particular meaning at all! It just sounds cool :)

Day 1

2010-08-22T19:24:00.003+08:00

A Recent Picture of Yourself and 15 Facts About Yourself

My face can be happy and sad at the same time.
My hair defines me.
I was born in Busselton, a coastal town in the South-West of Western Australia.
Agnes and Enzo (from Gelato Buonissimo) make and sell the best ice-cream I've ever tasted.
The above photo of myself was taken at a bush dance in a small town called Mount Barker, where I was staying with a few friends over the weekend. The view of the Stirling Ranges from their backyard was amazing.
From the time I began reading novels (about 9 years of age, I believe) until about two years ago, I would be reading around five books at any one given time.
I am currently making pikelets.

I have an undying faith in my Lord Jesus Christ.
Music is one of my passions. I am one of those people who will notice any background music and identify (or try to) it. I am also obsessed with good soundtracks (aka Pride & Prejudice, Sister Act 2, The Boat That Rocked, Transformers, etc etc)

I just burnt my pikelets because I forgot about them. I do that a lot when cooking.
I am the oldest of four children. My parents are happily married and have been for the past twenty or so years. The littlest is six. I miss them.

I spent one year with the RAAF (Royal Australian Air Force). I have never learned so much about myself.
I feel sad whenever I see those girls with the dyed, straigtened, platinum blonde hair and a face inch thick in orange make-up. I wish they were happier with themselves.
I can watch/read my favourite books/movies over and over and never get sick of them.
I love you. So does Jesus.

30 Day Tumblr Challenge

2010-08-21T22:38:00.001+08:00

So, I know this isn't a tumblr blog... but this is a pretty cool challenge :) anyway... Until Tomorrow :)

day 1 - a recent picture of yourself and 15 facts about yourself

day 2 - the meaning of your tumblr name

day 3 - a picture of you and your friends

day 4 - a habit you wish you didn’t have

day 5 - a picture of somewhere you’ve been to

day 6 - favourite superhero and why

day 7 - a picture of something/someone that has a major impact on you

day 8 - short term goals for this month

day 9 - something you’re proud of in the past few days

day 10 - songs you listen to when you’re sad, mad, happy, bored, hyped..

day 11 - a picture of you and your friends

day 12 - how you found out about tumblr and why you made one

day 13 - a letter to someone who has hurt you recently

day 14 - a pic of you and your family

day 15 - ipod shuffle: first ten songs

day 16 - picture of yourself

day 17 - who would you switch lives with for one day

day 19- nicknames you have; why do you have them?

day 20 - someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future

day 21 - a picture of something that makes you happy

day 22 - what makes you different from everyone else?

day 23 - something you crave for a lot

day 24 - a letter to your parents

day 25 - what I would find in your bag?

day 26 - what you think about your friends?

day 27 - why are you doing this 30 day challenge?

day 28 - a picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?

day 29 - in this past month, what have you learned?

day 30 - who are you?

Redemption

2010-07-16T21:39:00.002+08:00

Sometimes we forget Redemption. This is me remembering.

God is so amazing.

Noise

2010-06-13T19:40:00.000+08:00

When I eventually get a house, I want one of these:

SOUND PROOF ROOM

so I can scream, and cry, and shout, and sing, and play music, and clang cymbals as loudly as I want to with no-one the wiser.

2010-06-11T12:58:00.001+08:00

We were way before our time,

As bold as we were blind.

A Trailer For Every Academy Award Winning Movie Ever

2010-06-08T11:44:00.000+08:00

Ok, I have GOT to share this with you... sooo funny....

A Trailer for Every Academy Award Winning Movie Ever

So very quotable! It is now an inside joke between my friends and I...

2010-06-04T12:40:00.001+08:00

Best song!! I love this band :D

"Parachute"

I wanna take you with me
to life with no more yesterdays
we can start again awake and so excited
and change the way we always push
we always push

I'll open up and be your parachute
and I'll never let you down
so open up and be my human angel
and we'll only hit the ground
running

and when the world gets sharp and tries to cut you down to size
and makes you feel like giving in
oh, I will stay, I will rain, I will wash the words and pain away
and I will chase away the way we push
the way we pull
you're beautiful

I'll open up and be your parachute
and I'll never let you down
so open up and be my human angel
and we'll only hit the ground
running

and if it feels like we might drop
it will stop
so don't look down
it wouldn't be the same without you
this life is too good to give up on

I'll open up and be your parachute
and I'll never let you down
so open up and be my human angel
and we'll only hit the ground
and we're gonna hit the ground
running

2010-06-02T18:34:00.000+08:00

Sometimes I'm just like.... why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-05-31T14:39:00.000+08:00

I am sitting in the library deciding to blog instead of study. Let's hope I don't fail then come back to this post and hit myself over the head saying "What was I THINKING?!" I am actually starving hungry also, but I'm trying to preserve money.. Oh well, I'll make this short then go grab a nibble :P

SO life has been going by very fast recently! It's almost like I'm having an out-of-body experience, just watching as this person with red hair sleeps and eats and walks around and does stuff... It's all very strange!

Everyone is going into hibernation for exams, which are coming up in 2 weeks exactly (NOT looking forward to it, but on the plus side - holidays in 3!) I am simply hoping I will pass everything... study week is going to be a Drag.

I actually have a lot of very exciting things to look forward to! My friend ANJA is visiting from GERMANY and we are going to go camping and maybe hopefully climb mt tally in the stirling ranges! I also have a week long camp, a friend's goodbye party, a week long visit to New South Wales and a friend's engagement party :) THOSE are the things pushing me forward, especially the NSW trip, I can't wait to see Sydney and Newcastle and inhabitants again, though I do wish people wouldn't keep going away at the exact same time I come to visit! :/

I am getting a little bit sick of all my music, I need more!! I also miss singing so very much :( I am feeling the urge to start a band or something, just so I can sing again! I think I shall have to hunt down a choir or something...

I am so very glad that all this will be over in 3 weeks and that I am going camping... There's just something about going bush that can't be equalled. Also, all kinds of strange things seem to happen on camps - be it the awesome sky, the lack of civilisation or the campfires I don't know - it is a bonding experience like no other.

Anyways, I am reeeally hungry and I seriously need to do at least a little bit of study before the day is out... I shall ttyl :)

2010-05-22T10:32:00.006+08:00

A couple of songs that help me to feel encouraged at the worst of times...

"The One Thing" - Paul Colman

"Holding On To You" - Paul Colman

Sometimes, when I need to make what seems like a difficult decision, I forget that God has everything in control, and the decision seems harder and harder... then I remember that, hang on, God knows exactly what will make me happy, so I am worrying about things that don't need to be worried about... I love you God, and I trust that things will work out!

Thanks for the reminder dad :P

The Lonely Planet

2010-05-16T15:42:00.004+08:00

Just wanted to share some absolutely amazing photography with you... the portraits are some of my favourites (though all the others are beautiful also)... it must feel so good to be able to capture pieces of people's essences so fully :)

Click on the title to see more...

I'm A Soul Sister!

2010-05-15T15:01:00.008+08:00

I just wanted to express my absolute love for this song:

Every time I hear it my soul sings! I can imagine myself dancing to this on a summer's night in someone's backyard, lit by fairy lights, after some alfresco dining :)

Life is really good right now! I'm feeling happier then I have in a long time... the sadness is still there, but I'm not worrying about it because.. I know that will accomplish nothing... and things are going to be ok :) I love my God and all the amazing things he has done and continues to do in my life and the lives of people around me :) I love my family and friends and their unwavering support...

Anyway, I hope you read this and feel happy! Because life is short, but some things are worth waiting for.. because the hurting comes with the caring... because Life is SO BEAUTIFUL!!

Adam's Song

2010-04-22T10:26:00.006+08:00

I'm listening to "Adam's Song" by Blink-182 and I'm wondering who's Adam? And why write a song for him? Here are the lyrics:

I never thought I'd die alone
I laughed the loudest who'd have known
I traced the cord back to the wall
No wonder it was never plugged in at all
I took my time, I hurried up
The choice was mine, I didn't think enough
I'm too depressed, to go on
You'll be sorry when I'm gone

I never conquered, rarely came
16 just held such better days
Days when I still felt alive
We couldn't wait to get outside
The world was wide, too late to try
The tour was over we'd survived
I couldn't wait till I got home
To pass the time in my room alone

I never thought I'd die alone
Another six months I'll be unknown
Give all my things to all my friends
You'll never set foot in my room again
You'll close it off, board it up
Remember the time that I spilled the cup
Of apple juice in the hall
Please tell mom this is not her fault

Then it pretty much just repeats the second verse (or chorus?) a couple of times. It's a pretty depressing song. It makes me feel sad for Adam, whoever he is.

I am speaking of Blink-182 because I recently bought their Greatest Hits album. I also bought The Colour And The Shape by the Foo Fighters at the same time. And I'm thinking of buying some more classical music to help me study (yes, I like to listen to classical music when I study. It really does help... but as soon as I put music with words on, my brain just fuddles).

What are you listening to, and how does it affect you?

Cool Movie Trailers

2010-04-14T10:45:00.006+08:00

I absolutely LOVE going to the movies, so here is a couple I am looking forward to seeing... we shall see if they are as good as they look :P

Knight & Day: Yes, I know it's got Tom Cruise in it, but he has acting skills in his favour, so if you can just ignore everything else about him?

Next up: Kick Ass. This looks so cool. But it is MA15+ so I have my doubts... oh well, I'll watch it (probably on DVD though) then see.

And finally, Book of Eli. This looks soooo cool, I love Denzel Washington!!

Anyways, let me know what you think or if you've seen them and have some ratings for me :P

Cheers!

2010-04-08T19:09:00.004+08:00

I received a nice surprise in the mail today - a birthday card and some money from my grandparents (thank-you muchly, it is definitely appreciated). Yes, last Monday was my birthday.

Another year gone. I remember my last one like it was yesterday. It's Times Like These When I Feel Old. Which is strange, because my head is telling me I'm young, and I am, I haven't seen much of the world, I'm largely quite ignorant, but man my heart feels old. It's pumping, pumping away...

Sadness is so hard to get rid of.

I wonder if a burden like this one is meant to be carried?

The Ultimate Heartbreaker

2010-04-04T11:45:00.016+08:00

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it doest not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects..
always trusts...
always hopes...
always perseveres.

Love Never Fails.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

So just be careful the next time you go thinking you love someone. Because it's so much more then that.

Isn't God Amazing?

2010-03-25T22:42:00.007+08:00

Well some exciting things have been happening recently! I got a letter from Anja yesterday, which is always fantasmic, and she is coming to visit in July! My best friend is in Sydney, hopefully having a ball, and I am strongly considering exchange to Canada for a semester next year :) Oh, and some other good friends are coming to visit me here in Perth from around Australia as the year goes on! All very exciting :)

We had some craaazy weather on Monday! It was Freaking Amazing. Our God is so coool... Really showed his beauty and majesty... storms like that one really make you forget about yourself for a while. Here's a couple of pics...

This one is of the steps just outside the Tav at Curtin uni, during the storm as I was walking home...

This is of the library at UWA... that area copped it worst I believe...

The Subiaco train station!

It was the highlight of the week, that storm. Beautiful.

I'm really loving life at the moment. I feel like God is working through me to reach others, I have gained a lot of really good friends and uni life is just amazing :) I am keeping busy (though running out of money quickly!) and have been volunteering at the Esther Foundation on Wednesday afternoons, which I am really enjoying. I even spent some time with my dad the other day and actually really enjoyed it... My brother is coming up to stay with me next week which will be awesome, I can't wait to see him again :)

Anyways, enough I think, I'm glad that I get to talk about happy things this time eh?

Ah, Lord You Are Just Beautiful.

Thank-You.

2010-03-20T15:15:00.005+08:00

So I went out to Northbridge last night with some new friends at pretty much regretted it all night. The club was crap, the people were drunk and the music was lacking. The best part of the whole night was maccas at 5am. Slept in till 2.30 this arvo.

Am now faced with the dilemma of what to do today - study, as was previously planned, or sit around doing stuff all... think I might do a bit of both :P

Definitely No Going Out Tonight.

Stupid Memory... I think I'm Going Senile

2010-03-06T17:39:00.005+08:00

Ok, so here I am, all set for the bus ride home, getting my gear together, putting one bag on the floor so I can load up the car with my other bags, driving off, realizing I have LEFT MY OTHER BAG ON THE FLOOR OF THE GARAGE and I can't go back or I'll miss my bus.

Now, this would all be ok if it was just some crappy, meaningless bag with nothing in it... but it had my mp3, my chocolate and my jacket.

DAMMIT.

Happiness

2010-02-18T21:05:00.004+08:00

I read something very interesting today (thank-you Chris):

The grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love and something to hope for.

It's so true. Wow, it's true.

Can you imagine what you'd be like without them?

2010-02-06T13:30:00.004+08:00

Sonnet 116

Let me not to the marriage of true minds
Admit impediments. Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove:
Oh, no! it is an ever-fixéd mark,
That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wandering bark,
Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.
Love's not time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks
Within his bending sickle's compass come'
Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,
But bears it out even to the edge of doom.
If this be error and upon me proved,
I never writ, nor no man ever loved.

William Shakespeare

Consider it, for a moment. Digest it. Read it again. See the divine strength of it's roots.

Hold on to it.

2010-02-05T15:51:00.003+08:00

Do you know I'm moving to the city in a week? To study. I'm psyched, but I had a revelation today.

I have spent so much time this summer thinking about the year that has passed and everything that has happened that I have almost forgotten to think about the future, about this year and all it could hold in store.

It's a bit shocking. I'm too young to be dwelling on the past. 18!

So I've decided I need a wake-up call. And moving to the city is definitely a good start. I'll be meeting and living with people who don't have their heads in the clouds, hopefully.

Perhaps they can pull me down to earth?

2010-02-01T16:19:00.003+08:00

"I'm perfectly lonely, I'm perfectly lonely, I'm perfectly lonely, yeah, because I don't belong to anyone, and nobody belongs to me..."

A beautifully sad song. John Mayer is awesome. You should all go out and buy his new album because it totally reflects his awesomeness. As do all of his albums, actually.

Anyways, yesterday I got back from a week spent in Adelaide. I miss it already. Actually, scrap that, I miss CITY. Full stop. I love Busselton, but it is so completely lacking in nightlife and rooms full of people in which I don't know a single person. But it's ok, because I'm moving to Perth in a couple of weeks anyways :)

Anyway, as I lie here on my king size bed typing away on my overused laptop while trying to upload photos to facebook (stupid thing is taking FOREVER), it occurs to me that loneliness is such a physical thing, don't you think? You can be talking to someone, on the phone or whatever, and still feel... completely...

lonely.

It's a crap feeling.

I guess that's one reason why I like the city so much? It's easier to not feel so lonely when you're surrounded by a million potential friends, I think. Some feel otherwise, but... even though it is very easy to feel lonely even when you're surrounded by people, at least you're not alone in your loneliness... there's always more people, right, more friends to be made, more randoms to chat to.

If I was left alone with my thoughts all the time I would go crazy. I mean, more crazy.

Onto more positive subjects.

Today I bought a pack of blank CDs in preparation for getting a car. I've already started working on some playlists and I am getting very excited.

Actually, you should request songs for me to put on them! Yes! Travelling music :)

Anyways, I have things to do and people to talk to! Adios!

2010-01-27T12:51:00.002+08:00

If I could,
I'd only want to make you smile

If you want to stay with me awhile.

2009-12-18T10:43:00.007+08:00

Well I have just finished moving in to my new room and setting up all my things, and I am now sitting on my (king size!) bed typing away and looking at the results of my housework. My things just finished arriving by courier the other day, so I now have my beloved DVD/Book/CD collection back, and my keyboard :D This new room has two massive windows too, so so much better then my horrible old dark room back at the RAAF base. Oh, and - I have the house all to myself for the weekend! It's wonderful. It's really good to be back (although I miss everyone over east heaps D:). The weather is just AMAZING, I have my own room in a house that isn't my parent's house with a king size bed, the house has wireless, and I just bought an AWESOME bike that I love riding (no, not a motorbike... *sigh* I wish...). No, I haven't found a job yet, and yes, all my friends down here do tend to have jobs, so they're usually busy when I'm not, but my cousin now lives one street away and one of my closest friends lives just around the corner :P

Now there is only one problem - I THINK I may be... ADDICTED. To FACEBOOK. It's terrible! I'm such a sad existance at the moment. As soon as I have nothing to do (as is the case right now) I get bored and go on facebook. I have been embroidering a little bookmark thingy, but there's only so much one can embroider in a day. Plus ALL the house work is done, literally, the house is SPOTLESS, my room is clean, my washing is all done, EVERYTHING IS DONE!! I mean, what else am I meant to do now? I have no job, therefore, I go on facebook. Oh, I've been looking for a job, believe me, but there's only so many places you can hand your resume in to before you run out, and they all seem to have done all their summer hiring :S

I suppose I do have christmas shopping to do. But I'm pretty much done, and I can't be bothered going in to town AGAIN... I have been every day so far this week :S

Do you know what I think? I think people should talk to me. Right now. That would be fantastic, thank-you very much. I would initiate the talking, but most of my friends have jobs/lives, so that tends to hinder things... Still a whole HOUR till lunch. Dammit. At least I know that I have plans for tonight, whether they're with other people or not. I'm going to see AVATAR :D I have heard many good reviews, so hopefully it lives up to them... I'm trying to con my cousin in to going with me, but he hasn't replied yet, so we shall see...

ANYWAYS here's a photo I took aaages ago, of the jetty/bay around which my awesome town is based...

And this one is a photo I took just cos it looks so cool... It's actually a photo of the horizon, where the sea meets the sky... Can you see it?

ANYWAYS I suppose I should go now... I don't really want to... Hahaha I suppose it's mildly scary, isn't it, how much I enjoy talking to myself :P But leave a comment if the urge strikes you, and I shall TTYL... xox

BACK IN WA!!

2009-12-11T08:51:00.004+08:00

I am (in case you hadn't already picked it up) back in WA!! It is wonderful and horrible at the same time... isn't that strange?? I feel like such a girl right now haha... so many contradictory emotions all mixed into one! For example - I can't wait to see my family again, and reconnect with all my old friends, but I already miss my new friends like crazy (I'm so used to seeing them every day, even if it's just chatting with them at the mess... haha G... so sorry for getting you in trouble!!). It's going to suck, being a civvie again, not that I was much of a working military member to begin with! But still... *sigh* ... All you RAAFie friends better keep in touch!!

Anyway, I need to stop thinking about that, as it's making me all sad again, and I just got happy! HMMMmmm... Actually, I think I should probably tell you that I am thinking particularly of the someOne I have left behind, who I like in a completely different and better and worse way to anyone I've liked before. And now I have left him behind, and I must, once again, get over it... pretty sure I actually feel pain every time I think of him... man thank GOODNESS nobody reads this thing :P

I shall be travelling home by bus today. That's four hours worth of mild anticipation (get to see my family/friends)/sadness (even further away from everybody else... *sigh*) and listening to music while gazing out the window... very Deep & Meaningful haha :P

Do You Know, I am listening to the Goo Goo Dolls greatest hits album and loving it very much :) I don't understand why people don't listen to albums before... so many of my friends simply download random songs... I think that is so wrong! It's just... wrong! After so much effort has gone into making it by the artists... I absolutely love buying CDs, probably a little too much, eh? And DVDs too, I am quite addicted... actually, I filled up 3/4 of a large suitcase just with all my DVDs, CDs and books that I have bought while I've been away from home... lol :P

Ok, now I'm just rambling on for no good reason... probably because I'm so bored... lol. Argh going home is going to be soooo painful!! I'm going to miss the city!!!

I'm hungry.

I'm going to go get some food, then return.

I'LL BE BAAACK...

Late Night Shopping

2009-11-26T16:09:00.006+08:00

"If I'm going away, you're heart's coming too..."

It's playing over the loudspeaker at the moment, and she's one of my favourite composers.

The someOne is refusing to leave my mind alone.

"Will the owner of a white Mercedes-Benz please make their way back to their vehicle immediately."

As you may have guessed, I am sitting in a shopping centre. They have ALREADY started with the christmas carols (it's not even December yet!) and there are sparkly decorations everywhere. I like the sparkly decorations :D

I had sushi for dinner. The salmon and avocado one was the best (drenched in soy sauce, of course). SUSHI IS DELICIOUS.

It's a Thursday night, so the centre is alive with late night shoppers (like me). I love it because it's shopping, and it's night time! But I hate it because I have to take a bus back to base, and that takes AGES. Plust I'm missing the season finale of Glee (come on, at least it doesn't pretend that it ISN'T corny, like so so many other shows I could name...). I have added to my DVD/CD collection (LOVE JB-HI FI and it's ridiculously cheap prices) and intend to continue doing so (I still don't have The Importance Of Being Earnest, Becoming Jane, Stardust and Enchanted, all of which are on my list). I have also recently discovered a TV show called The IT Crowd, and it is HILARIOUS, I love it. If you watch it, you will laugh until you die.

And here I am, you say, wasting all this precious shopping time on the internet! Well yes, you're right of course. Toodle-Doo!

In SYD of NEY

2009-11-14T10:15:00.006+08:00

WOW cannot believe it's been so long since I last blogged... Well, to update you all (who am I kidding?) on where I am at the moment - Newcastle, NSW, but leaving in four weeks. I have very mixed feelings about leaving - it means leaving (and possibly never seeing again) a whole bunch of great people, leaving the eastern states and all their wonderfulness, leaving a certain someONE (who I have failed to mention in the past, and who I will continue to fail to mention in the future...), but it also means going back home, and home will always be home. I cannot wait to get back to all my old friends, my family, the beautiful weather, my hometown, also a whole new direction for my life. This year has been so amazing, a huge learning curve in every aspect, but I need to REgroup, REplace, REuse, REcycle (sorry got a bit carried away there...) and REinsert myself back into myself again...

At this very moment in time, I am typing away (on a ridiculously old/crappy keyboard) in a dodgily cheap asian internet cafe in Sydney ($3 an hour :D) after my first ever clubbing experience (last night). It was interesting, to see how people dress/behave when they go out, but not my thing at ALL (lots of drunk people dancing and hooking up/trying to hook up) - the music was TERRIBLE, completely soulless... I left the club after like an hour and walked back to the place we were staying and went to BED (which was a horrible bed but a bed none the less - but seriously, it was like I was sleeping on a slab of concrete...). I'm meant to go again tonight, and I feel like I should because this is my friend's 18th birthday extravaganza thingy, but I really don't want to, to tell the truth. I'm not sure what I should do about that though, as I don't have any close friends here who would skip out with me... Well, I'll just see how it goes eh?

Anyway, I have to go, as I am paying for this, and lunchtime has BEEN and GONE and now I am hungry :P

PEACE OUT XXOO

2009-09-01T13:06:00.005+08:00

"Life After Death And Taxes" by Relient K

Hey taxi, send me straight to the heart of it
The nucleus of politics where somebody
Somebody started it
Cause they taxed me with a scalpel piece by piece
they cut me deep and bled me dry until there was nothing left to bleed

[Chorus:]
And this is how I choose to live
As if I'm jumping off a cliff
knowing that you'll save me [2x]
and after all the stupid things I did
there's nothing left that you'd forgive
because you already forgave me
yeah you already forgave me

Keep driving
leave this deceit miles behind me
so far back I'd have to wrap my mind in
just remind me
I keep trying to pick myself up
and then move on
think about the life I'll have
when this fragile one is gone.

[Chorus]

Never forget
there's life after death and taxes
Forgiveness come
and all of the rest
is what passes away
Death and decay can't touch us now

Every breath that I inhale is followed by exhaling traps the one who never fails
I know you'll never fail me

[2x]
Never forget
there's life after death and taxes
Forgiveness come (forgiveness come)
and all of the rest
it just passes away
[Chorus mixes with verse]
Death and decay can't touch us now

The chorus is amazing. Talk about redemption.

Loneliness

2009-08-30T10:45:00.004+08:00

I have decided that I officially love the Officer's Mess and it's awesomely free internet :D. My own annoying internet doesn't work here in Newcastle (frustrating, but manageable). So here I am, typing away, listening to Tanya Blount and her AMAZING voice (she's in Sister Act two, the short haired chick?). Her own music isn't that good, but her and Lauren Hill singing His Eye Is On The Sparrow just puts me to tears every time (and I'm being literal here). It just reminds me of how much music resonates through my soul, whether I realise it or not. I just bought a keyboard the other day (yes! My very own :D) and I'm on it all the time. I'm never without my mp3 player or laptop, playing, singing or thinking some song, beat or other. I just find it interesting because I don't think about it that much. It's like when you have that sudden realisation that our language is really weird (have you ever had that? Where a word that you use every day suddenly becomes strange and unfamiliar? Maybe it's just me...). Just one of those everyday things that you take for granted, I guess.

So lets get on to how much I am liking Newcastle more and more. Last night I went in to the city, went for a long walk along the beach then visited Darby St. which is apparently the place to be if you're hungry. I had dinner at this little restaurant called Monkey Monkey Monkey, and it totally rocked (they have a little courtyard out the back with all these trees hanging over the top of you, and the trees have fairy lights in them :D I sat out there and drank soup and read a book - haha it's kindof sad, I guess, me sitting in a little restaurant eating dinner and reading a book on my own on a Saturday night :P I enjoyed it, though). The staff were very friendly, and the soup wasn't all bad (potato and leek), but the coffee was great (that's right folks - Ruby, the coffee drinker).

Pah, my life seems very meaningless today. I feel very lonely, I think. I don't have many (if any) close friends over here, and I don't really get invited to go out that often. Argh, I just wish I didn't feel so lonely. It sucks.

ANYWAY, onto something less dismal... argh can't think of anything at the moment. I hate it when there's something wrong, and it's all you can think about. I need to watch a movie.

Newness

2009-08-17T06:59:00.005+08:00

Here I am, in the Sydney airport, waiting to board a 19 seater plane to Newcastle. I'll be happy when we get going - hopefully all my luggage made it on (I had too much, and my uniform is kindof spread throughout my bags and I need to wear it when I get off...). I'm not really thinking about anything in particular - just looking forward to getting back into the swing of things, I guess, and seeing all my friends. This week has been rather lonely, I think - it's been good to be home, but I found myself acting rather cold and callous. My family didn't appreciate it and, looking back, neither do I. It's not very fair of me, given that I don't see them all that often. I remember my little sister clinging to me in the Perth airport saying "Don't go, Ruby," and my dad acting like everything was ok when you could totally tell that he was upset. He kept cracking all these lame jokes to cover it up - dad, I've lived with you all my life, I can tell when you're upset and trying not to show it (you crack lame jokes).

Enough of sounding miserable! I have a wonderful set of months before me and I am going to enjoy it. Today I get to see my new home for the first time and see friends that I haven't seen in months. Today is a good day!!! And my battery is running out, so I have to get off. I'll get back on later, let you all know what it's like here in Newcastle.

2009-08-11T10:14:00.003+08:00

What do you do, with holidays? I feel so strange. Not happy, not unhappy, just weird. Every now and then the thought crosses my mind that there's really no point to my blogging at all, because who reads it? But then I remember how fun it is, to just rant about anything and everything on something which is actually available for everyone to read that no-one really knows about. It's like a secret that isn't even a secret!

Haha, ok, I spend far too much time being entertained by technology. But fear not! I am going into town today! And I will see my best friend for the first time in months! (One of the benefits of being back at home - I remember that I have best friends that I can see face to face) I can't wait to go back into busselton and see how much it hasn't changed and visit all my friends in their various work places :)

Ok, I have to go, but I'll be back :)

HOME!!!

2009-08-06T14:24:00.004+08:00

I'm going HOME!!! I'm going home :) I can't wait, a new phase of my life is starting. And I'm not coming back, not to Queensland (for a while, anyways). I'm headed to New South Wales! Very exciting. Gonna miss everyone heaps though - NSW will be so quiet without them all!

*sigh*

I love it when life changes. It's a bit of an adrenaline rush, really. You don't know what to expect next, or who you're going to meet. Plus you know you'll still have all your old friends, too. I'm gonna miss everyone heaps :( But it'll be a good kind of missing, because I'll see them again, and I'll have other friends, and life will get in the way so I won't miss them that much (haha sorry guys - but you know what I mean)

Perhaps I'm just feeling nostalgic because it's the last day. Oh well.

ANYWAY, as I was saying, my life is about to change, and every great change in my life so far has been marked by some sort of trip home. Haha not that there have been that many great changes ;) But I can't wait to see my mum and my dad, and my brothers and sister :D I definitely miss them!! They're lives have adjusted, you know? To a life that's... not with me in it. They have to adjust their lives to let me back in, now. It's weird. But I look forward to seeing them, and I can't WAIT to leave :)

Sad

2009-08-04T14:47:00.005+08:00

These days, I just seem to be blogging when I feel terrible. Mostly because when I feel terrible, I feel like eating chocolate and sitting at my computer and drowning my sorrows in a book or a movie or lots of loud music or all three, somehow. I just have to remember the last time I felt like crap, and the last time in got better, after I felt like crap.

I wish my friends were here.

Sickness

2009-08-02T15:45:00.004+08:00

You know when you get that typical winter cold, sinuses throbbing, throat sore and perhaps a little hoarse, head spinning, stomache queasy, drowzy and altogether feeling like crap?

That's exactly how I feel now. Here's to hoping it doesn't get worse.

Ach, how bleak I am! See what this does to me! See!

Poems

2009-07-29T15:01:00.004+08:00

A couple of poems I wrote, ages ago.

Lady Light

She spins circles around me

Flashing and dashing

Colourless, one fallen sea

Wavering, clashing

Wisps of hair entwining

Rambling and twisting

Her reflection is shining

Fleeting, misleading

She plays with the colours

Foiling and thwarting

For thousands of summers

Making, distorting

She’s lighter than air, quicker

Shifting and lurching

In darkness she’s but a flicker

Simmering, searching

She is happy, yet sad too

Wanting and tasting

She’s all you see around you

Smiling, wasting

Lady Light is actually my favourite of the ones that I have written. People have said that the last verse doesn't fit in, but truthfully, after reading it many seperate times, I think it's perfect. Maybe peope don't understand it? Let me know what you think.

Redemption

Like an old fire, I am

Burning out

I am lost

But what is this?

Help?

My eyes are ripped open

It starts from my chest

Spreads through my arms

To my finger tips

It bursts out through my eyes

Running down my cheeks

Cleansing my soul

I lift my eyes toward heaven

Finally, I am free

Redemption

I like this one too, but perhaps it is too overpowering? You really need to immerse yourself in it, I think. Do you feel freed when you read it?

2009-07-28T06:24:00.004+08:00

I'm sitting in a classroom, watching a group of bored teenagers watching that guy who plays Kel in Kath and Kim in some random outback show (comedy style). Russell-somethingorrather. You all know what I'm talking about, right?

Of course you don't.

BUT I do have a very delicious Uncle Tobys yoghurt topped strawberry muesli bar sitting on the ground right next to me. Just something to look forward to.

I have run out of books to read. No, wait, that isn't true. I just NEED to discover a new amazing author, because I haven't discovered one for a while. Any suggestions?

Gap Year Photos

2009-07-09T09:15:00.006+08:00

So I guess it's about time I posted some VISUAL on my job... here's a few photos :)

A lovely photo of me on my way to the Avalon International Air Show... The plane we're riding in is called a Caribou, a lovely old thing... loud and slow, but can take off on the length of a cricket pitch, I believe. Was used a lot during the Vietnam War... This is it's last year :(

Once again, on the Caribou... the light at the end of the tunnel is the SUN, because the pilots let us ride with the cargo hold door down, which was pretty cool :)

THIS is the Caribou... Interesting aircraft, hey? After they flew us to the airshow, they left it on display, so we didn't get to fly back in it, but that's ok because I find any sort of flying rather sickening which is ironic given that I'm in the Air Force :)

One COOL helicopter, aye? I don't even know what it is, but it LOOKS pretty awesome. Certainly nothing like what the RAAF has, because we're a pretty small Air Force compared to many OTHERS out there...

Annd one HUGE transport aircraft from the US Air Force...

Haha, this is one from The Block (our accommodation)

Me in Service Dress on graduation day (from recruits) :)

My friend Lizzy

Me and Lizzy in front of Parliament House... we stopped there on our way to Queensland :)

Me, at Parliament House, with Canberra in the background

Anyway, so that's all for now... perhaps I'll post some photos of Melbourne and home next time :)

Yes, Ok, I Get It

2009-07-02T19:55:00.004+08:00

...I haven't been on for about... 5 months. I know, I know. Life just all of a sudden got very busy, and it didn't really stop. Well, ok, perhaps that's simply because I GOT a life, but you know :) So I guess it's about time I told you a little about my life. My new life, that is ;) I joined up with the RAAF (Royal Australian Air Force) in January, so life changed drastically and very, very quickly. As in, within hours my life had done a COMPLETE backflip, somersault, twist, snap even. If you've ever been through Recruits, you'd know what I mean. It seemed difficult at the time... looking back, it was just the pressure and the not-knowing-what-would-happen-next. It leaves you stressed out and on-edge. You can imagine the result when you throw 50 people together in this sort of environment, work them from before dawn to after dusk and shout at them while you're at it. Meh. It got better as we got better :)

So I'm still in training, only it's officer training now and very different... much more relaxed. I'm living in Queensland (which is an awesome place, for all you Queenslanders out there) where the weather is beautiful... and it's the middle of winter :) I mean, solid 20's every day, clear blue skies, hot sun... what more could a girl want? Other than a beach, that is. It can get rather hot. Just makes me wonder what summer's going to be like...

I figured its about time I update you on my books. I haven't talked about them much until now, which, if you knew me, is rather unusual. So here's a list of my favourite authors, and my favourite books FROM these authors :) NOTE: Just because these are my overall favourites does not mean that there are no others... I have many, many books that I love, I just wanted to narrow my authors down a bit (for the sakes of putting them in a list). These are only a few of my favourites :)

ISOBELLE CARMODY

Isobelle's books tend to leave me in a bit of a trance. Ok, that's weird. What I'm saying is, I can continue to think about her books long after I've finished them. And I usually thoroughly enjoy them while I'm reading them, too :) My favourites of hers so far are not, as some may think, the Obernewtyn Chronicles (though they are good), but the Legendsong books. Although they got boring at times, I loved reading them. I guess because I have the ability to endure a bit of a slog if I know there's good bits coming up. I like to think long and hard, so these books are just my style. However, the Obernewtyn Chronicles do move faster. There's more action in them.

Obernewtyn:

Legendsong #1: Darkfall:

Legendsong #2: Darksong:

ANTHONY EATON

Ok, so it's probably unfair to a lot of other, more published authors that this guy is in this list, but the two books of his that I have read (he doesn't have many more...) are amazing. The amount of thought that was put into them captivated me, and the idea of the books is just phenomenal. I love the storyline and the writing, and I am ANXIOUSLY awaiting the release of the third book, so... please HURRY UP!!! They are...

The Darklands Trilogy #1: Nightpeople:

The Darklands Trilogy #2: Skyfall:

MARKUS ZUSAK

Markus Zusak is the one and only author that has made me sob over a book. That's right, ladies and gents, this is coming from me, the one person who deliberately puts down a book if it looks sad or depressing EVEN if the author is well-known and amazing. The Book Thief (the one I cried in) is amazingly unique. It is told from the point of view of... Death. That's right, Death himself. And what's more, even though I sobbed in it, and it's told from the point of view of Death, it's delightfully entertaining and beautifully poetic. I laughed just as much as I cried. I can truly say that it is a masterpiece in the world of fiction. My second favourite book of his (no heirarchy though, just the second one I happen to mention) is I Am The Messenger. It's true that, once again, he doesn't really have much else, but this, also, holds as much entertainment and feeling as The Book Thief. It's a little lighter, in ways, but it's also darker in ways, so it's equalled out. It's also got not only the best beginning, but the best ending that I have ever read in a book. If you have not read these, you should set aside some time and read them because they will leave you feeling lightheaded and whirly and inspired.

The Book Thief:

I Am The Messenger:

MELINA MARCHETTA

Out of the list of authors here, Melina Marchetta is the one I have liked the longest, most likely because I read her books before I read the others, but also because I don't seem to get sick of her books. And that's saying something, seeing as she's only got three. Wait, four now (she recently released a new one (Finnikin Of The Rock)... not as good as the others (a little too predictable), but still entertaining). Her first was Looking For Alibrandi, a very good first effort. It doesn't show the depth of thinking as the other two (disregarding Finnikin), but it was funny and I could relate to it, and I guess that's what every YA novel seeks to achieve. Her second book is probably my favourite - Saving Francesca. I've read it probably somewhere between five and seven times and it still arouses such deep feeling in me. I bought a signed copy for $5.50 (I know people ;), which is now a highlight in my book collection. If I ever lost it I would probably cry. Her third (On The Jellicoe Road) shows even more depth of thought, and forces the reader to use their brain to figure things out. It also makes use of mystery to make the reader keep reading. I just bought it recently and I will never regret it ;)

Looking For Alibrandi:

Saving Francesca:

On The Jellicoe Road:

Well, that's all folks, seeing as I'm really tired and I can't think of any more at the moment, and what's more I can't be bothered opening my cupboard door and seeing... So, goodnight all, now I lay me down to sleep...

Helloooo 2009!

2009-01-01T17:09:00.003+09:00

My first blog for the year!! Yew!

Well, first of all, Happy New Year!! A new year means a fresh start. And it means it quite literally for me. School has been my whole life up to this point, and now i am not only leaving school but leaving HOME. Flying to the other side of Australia, actually. Very new, relatively scary, definitely exciting.

Anyways, I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year! Hope it is as good as the last one, or better :)

Have a good one

Smokers

2008-12-17T22:58:00.003+09:00

Ok, so my dad told me the most hilarious story the other night.

It was set way back when he was young and single, and he had only just become a christian and quit smoking. He and an older christian were doorknocking (don't ask) and at this one house they stopped at, a young aboriginal girl answered the door. Dad said she was really friendly and invited them in for a cuppa. Then, as soon as they sat down at the table, she offered them a smoke, and dad just took it and lit up! He reckons the other guy was staring at him with this expression of unbelief - here they were, trying to reach out to the sinners, or whatever, and dad had just crossed over to the dark side without a second thought! Hilarious.

After telling me the story (over 20 years after it actually happened), he said something about relating to the girl, and how the other guy with him probably wouldn't have reached her at all. At least, that was what I picked up. It's true that he was probably reacting from force of habit when he took the smoke, but the girl related all the same. I thought it was a good story, because my dad still has the strongest faith today, and has done for the past twenty years or so. And people do listen to him, at least the people who work with him. He sees nothing wrong with a beer or two after work, or whatever (though he doesn't drink too much or anything - there is still a line that shouldn't be crossed), and his workers still relate to him.

So there you go. An interesting story about how us christians are still normal people. Well, maybe not so much in my case, but I'm the exception :)

I'M IN!!

2008-12-02T16:30:00.003+09:00

Airforce, here i come!! I enlist on the 23rd of January. YEW!!

Photography

2008-11-13T16:16:00.006+09:00

Ok, so there I was, completely avoiding study by looking for some visual inspiration (i.e. photos) for the story that I am writing, and I come across some amazing photos/photographers. Below is the photo that stood out most to me. I don't know who took it, or what it is called, but I think it is brilliant. I love it! It is perfect for story writing because there is so much that could be written about it! It entranced me, and here it is:

Beautiful, isn't it?

Here are a couple of others that stood out to me; once again, the photographers are unknown - I take no credit!

And now, my biggest find, the FINALE:

Sandro Dzneladze

Oh yes, this guy is quite amazing :) I've linked the title to his website. Check it out! Here are a couple of his that stood out to me:

I love the guitar one, because you just don't get guitars as cool as that down here and, as you do or don't know, music is my passion :)

The country sky also, because it reminds me (would you believe it) of the huge, endless sky, and for me that sky is all those perfect moments, where everything is happiness and hope and, for a moment, there is no such thing as darkness.

Ball Photos

2008-11-08T10:25:00.006+09:00

Ok, so I know it's been MONTHS since the ball, but I thought I'd post some pictures for all of you out there who didn't get to see them :)

Here is my date (Jake) and I arriving in the awesome Valiant:

My brother, Sam and his date (Rachel):

My good friend, Lola, and her date (Phil):

Another good friend, Vicky, and her date (Sean):

Vicky, Lola & I:

Crazy girl Sophie & I:

Sarah, Kayley, Becky & I:

Grace & I:

Soph (Belle of the Ball):

Vicky:

Lola:

Everyone! (Small, I know):

Ok, hope you enjoyed those!

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!!

2008-10-27T16:14:00.004+09:00

Firstly, let's just set the scene - the last day, weather-wise, was not a nice day. It wasn't cold, just windy and rainy, all day. Secondly, my school is SMALL. I mean small-small. Our entire year consists of (well, consisted of) 14 people, 5 of which were boys, the rest being girls. Here's a class photo:

We did our best to get up to mischeif, but, to tell you the truth, our relationships with our teachers and the school in general were too good, and we didn't do much. We (ok, SOPHIE) put vegemite on lots of handles (car handles, door handles, etc.), put danger tape up all over the school, put detergent in all the toilets (and the boys trough lol) and a bit on the floor, put sexy underwear in the principal's office draw with a 'Thanks for last night' note, stuck pads and tampons all over our english teacher's office, reported the principal's numberplate for hoon-ing, took all the teacher's cups and placed them in the big 'For Sale' sign-box that we put in front of the school sign, wrote 'Year 12's Rock' all over the school in chalk and ordered about a dozen pizza's do be delivered to another teacher's house (NOTE to all teachers - never tell your students your full name, telephone number or address).

We also buried a time capsule that we will open at our 10/20 year reunion. Here is a photo that we (the girls) took of our feet in the process. I am wearing socks.

The teachers provided lunch for us, which was nice of them.

Here is a photo of me in costume (complete with face paint).

Jayden with boobies - LOL

Soph and Realz doing a dirty deed:

It was quite fun but, as mentioned in post below, a little lame. Sorry. I do know that I am going to miss these guys so much. LOVE YOU LOTS, IF YOU'RE READING!!!

Anyways, I have to GO, once and for ALL (of today). Feel free to comment.

Will ttyl :)

Australia vs. Ireland!

2008-10-27T15:51:00.009+09:00

So, Friday was the LAST DAY OF SCHOOL. And not, like, temporarily, either. The last day of year 12. We did have a muck-up day, but it was lame. Sorry, but it totally was. I must say, I am QUITE happy that school has finished :). There is a small tinge of sadness, of course, as it is the end of an era. School has pretty much been the focus of my life for the past twelve years, so it is kind-of strange to be leaving. In a mostly-good-but-sorta-sad way.

Actually, the best thing about the whole day (in my opinion) was... I got to leave school early and travel up to Perth to see the international rules - Australia vs Ireland (COME ON THE AUSSIES!!!) - at Subi!!! It was my first live football-type game EVER and it was totally AWESOME!!! Me, Becky and Emily had so much fun!! It rained (well, poured, really) during half time, and that was pretty awesome, because we were exactly beneath the bit where the rain comes off the sides of the stadium and through the big lights, and it looked amazing! Here is a pic:

I was still dressed up in my 'last-day-of-school' outfit (which was quite outrageous, really, and not in any of the team colours, so everyone was totally confused by me), so I got a lot of looks. Here is me and Hannah. You can guess who I am.

Almost all of us (Becky, Hannah and their parents) were going for Australia - the only exception was Emily, who is Australian but, since visiting Ireland recently, has fallen in love with the Irish and now calls herself an Irish-Australian (although technically she's probably more Irish than Australian, as her mum is Irish, i think, and i'm pretty sure her dad's half Irish. Or something.) Both Becky and Emily wore flags supporting their teams:

We also had lots of fun fooling around on the train home:

It was, all-round, an awesome experience (although shadowed by the fact that Australia lost by 1 point... 1 POINT!!!), and I have found myself wondering why I have never done it before. I will certainly do it more often from now on :)