After two and a half wonderful Christmas gatherings with a few tribes today, it's finally the eve of the much anticipated event of the year.
The last couple of months slogging away will come to fruition (at least for a few people) tomorrow as we head off to Chinderah, NSW as the advance set-up party for our summer family mission.
Thinking back one one of my posts back in August/September which described the despair and frustration of not finding anyone to come on team, is a primary example of how our faith is tested. With the benefit of hindsight though I can say that deep down there was a small part of me that was telling me that God will provide the things required at the right time and place.
17 wonderful volunteers will spend the next 8 days running Kids Klub, Teens and Family Evening programs at a caravan park in NSW.
We have also been blessed to have a person from our church who will provide his services as a truck driver to transport all our heavy equipment down and back up again afterwards, in his 5 tonne truck. He even told us he had two 8 tonne trucks available also, but the 5 is more than enough for our needs. Gotta reflect on the goodwill of others that God uses to fulfil His plans.
Apart from the joy of spending quality time with the kids and families who attend our programs, there is one thing I have missed in the last two years since I last went..........Siesta zzzzzzzzzzzzz
Monday, December 25, 2006
Monday, December 18, 2006
I want a Boonie
Still waiting for someone to buy themselves a few cartons of VBs, and giving me the tokens for the Boonie.
Any takers?
Any takers?
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Two weeks worth
We've witnessed a fantastic Ashes series so far.
Been to a family wedding
Caught up with my high school friends.
Been to a family wedding
And an engagement party
Next lot of parties is our respective work Christmas shindigs this Saturday. Trust them to put them both on the same day and time but not location. However W has scored himself a 'date', whilst I'll have to go without :D
I wonder which party would be more fun, a beer bottle manufacturing plant party or an accountant's party.......
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Bust a Toad
Toad busting becomes tax deductible
The Minister for the Environment and Heritage has announced that that two toad-busting Western Australian environment groups, the Kimberley Toad Busters Inc and the Stop the Toad Foundation Inc, have been granted deductible gift recipient status.
*POP*
The Minister for the Environment and Heritage has announced that that two toad-busting Western Australian environment groups, the Kimberley Toad Busters Inc and the Stop the Toad Foundation Inc, have been granted deductible gift recipient status.
*POP*
Thursday, November 23, 2006
It all begins today
Tis the season to be a fanatic.
Unfortunately we have no tickets to the 'game' that started today, but will be going to the ODI in January 2007.
Whilst all other wives moan and grumble, this one is happy that the best summer game season has started.
But I'm sure it won't be long until we're sick of watching the following TV commercials:
-VB
-Solo (the image of that guy racing after the garbage truck on a wheelie bin to retrieve his can of Solo)
-WeetBix
-Milo
-3 Mobile
Let's drink to the David Boon and Ian Botham figurines, thanks to VB's latest marketing ploy, and the humble but nostalgic 'baggy green'.
*btw, does anyone actually have one?
Unfortunately we have no tickets to the 'game' that started today, but will be going to the ODI in January 2007.
Whilst all other wives moan and grumble, this one is happy that the best summer game season has started.
But I'm sure it won't be long until we're sick of watching the following TV commercials:
-VB
-Solo (the image of that guy racing after the garbage truck on a wheelie bin to retrieve his can of Solo)
-WeetBix
-Milo
-3 Mobile
Let's drink to the David Boon and Ian Botham figurines, thanks to VB's latest marketing ploy, and the humble but nostalgic 'baggy green'.
*btw, does anyone actually have one?
Friday, November 17, 2006
Bubs, Bubs, Bubs
It appears to be the week of bubs this week:
K & M had their baby girl on Tuesday
R & K had their baby boy on Monday
To cap it all off, both couples had their babies in the same hospital.
Although it didn't happen this week, A & S had their baby boy last month!
Is there anyone else that is having a bub that I should know about?
K & M had their baby girl on Tuesday
R & K had their baby boy on Monday
To cap it all off, both couples had their babies in the same hospital.
Although it didn't happen this week, A & S had their baby boy last month!
Is there anyone else that is having a bub that I should know about?
Sunday, November 12, 2006
All expenses paid!
Last Friday night we went to a dinner at Michaels Riverside Restaurant that was thrown for two blokes who were retiring from duties at W's glass factory.
It's been a while since I've been to such work dinners where all expenses (including the taxi fare to the city) were paid for by the company......that also meant everyone was drinking to their hearts content. This also meant that almost every empty beer and wine bottle was scrutinised for the quality of the manufacture and defects. *rolls eyes*
It was also a fact that both W and myself were the youngest people there, amongst a bunch of 40-60 year-old people who have been working at the same company for at least 35 years! They even have 25 year and 40 year anniversaries for employees!
People nowadays don't last that long anymore. I mean, I can't see myself like that, must be generation-shift.
I surprisingly hit it off well with W's boss's wife, who's family has only been in Brisbane for 10 months. Bulk of the conversation was.....ahem.......fishing.....and them offering to take us out on their big boat into Moreton Bay for a weekend sometime. *rubs hands together with glee*
It's been a while since I've been to such work dinners where all expenses (including the taxi fare to the city) were paid for by the company......that also meant everyone was drinking to their hearts content. This also meant that almost every empty beer and wine bottle was scrutinised for the quality of the manufacture and defects. *rolls eyes*
It was also a fact that both W and myself were the youngest people there, amongst a bunch of 40-60 year-old people who have been working at the same company for at least 35 years! They even have 25 year and 40 year anniversaries for employees!
People nowadays don't last that long anymore. I mean, I can't see myself like that, must be generation-shift.
I surprisingly hit it off well with W's boss's wife, who's family has only been in Brisbane for 10 months. Bulk of the conversation was.....ahem.......fishing.....and them offering to take us out on their big boat into Moreton Bay for a weekend sometime. *rubs hands together with glee*
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Family Movies
Current dilemma- finding a suitable family movie (preferably G-rated) for our mission's movie night.
My all time favourite children's movie is Toy Story 2, but we mainly showcase a new movie that has been released either this year or in the last 2 years.
Shortlist includes:
The Incredibles
Ice Age- The Meltdown
Over the Hedge
Shrek 2
I haven't seen the Meltdown or Over the Hedge yet.....methinks I need to pay a friendly visit to the local video store. $1 Tuesdays here I come!
My all time favourite children's movie is Toy Story 2, but we mainly showcase a new movie that has been released either this year or in the last 2 years.
Shortlist includes:
The Incredibles
Ice Age- The Meltdown
Over the Hedge
Shrek 2
I haven't seen the Meltdown or Over the Hedge yet.....methinks I need to pay a friendly visit to the local video store. $1 Tuesdays here I come!
Monday, October 16, 2006
The countdown begins
The jacarandas are blooming
Everyone at work is stressed and grumbling
D-Day is just over two weeks away
Time for hibernation, I say
See your smiling faces in November
Everyone at work is stressed and grumbling
D-Day is just over two weeks away
Time for hibernation, I say
See your smiling faces in November
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Too Busy
Been too busy to have done anything really exciting in the last couple of weeks, although a few things to come to mind:
Made gingerbread men (and a woman and someone in a loincloth) and gingerbread houses with the girls last Saturday afternoon which was great fun. After most of the girls left, we sat around the house eating dinner and watching 'Nanny McPhee'. I know it is a kids movie, but truly.....how could anyone NOT WANT to watch a movie with Colin Firth and Emma Thompson in it??
Had dinner with a couple of high school friends on Thursday night, as one of them was down our way for work this week. The restaurant we went to had a comedy night that evening, but nothing exciting happened to my memory. Except the last person we heard as we were paying the bill, didn't get any laughs.....poor guy.
The most unfortunate news is that after 25 long years, I am officially short-sighted, to the degree of around.....100? (I don't think this is that bad...unless some other spectacle-wearing people think otherwise)
Today was spent looking for frames to suit my unusually-shaped face. As long as I do not look like a fly or gaudy Lee-Lin Chin I'll be happy.
Made gingerbread men (and a woman and someone in a loincloth) and gingerbread houses with the girls last Saturday afternoon which was great fun. After most of the girls left, we sat around the house eating dinner and watching 'Nanny McPhee'. I know it is a kids movie, but truly.....how could anyone NOT WANT to watch a movie with Colin Firth and Emma Thompson in it??
Had dinner with a couple of high school friends on Thursday night, as one of them was down our way for work this week. The restaurant we went to had a comedy night that evening, but nothing exciting happened to my memory. Except the last person we heard as we were paying the bill, didn't get any laughs.....poor guy.
The most unfortunate news is that after 25 long years, I am officially short-sighted, to the degree of around.....100? (I don't think this is that bad...unless some other spectacle-wearing people think otherwise)
Today was spent looking for frames to suit my unusually-shaped face. As long as I do not look like a fly or gaudy Lee-Lin Chin I'll be happy.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Results
Rather than buying bait, why not test out your skills and try catching it instead, like this person below:
From there, the fish being caught got bigger..
and bigger...
until finally we got a legal sized fish we could take home with us.
Unfortunately, no matter how much chicken bones and calamari flesh we actually jammed into the crab pots, the mud crabs were off on their own holiday. They missed out on a feast BIG TIME!
From there, the fish being caught got bigger..
and bigger...
until finally we got a legal sized fish we could take home with us.
Unfortunately, no matter how much chicken bones and calamari flesh we actually jammed into the crab pots, the mud crabs were off on their own holiday. They missed out on a feast BIG TIME!
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Throwing in the towel
Why is it that after a reasonable break from study, things start piling up again when you start it all over again, hopefully for the last, last time. (study, that is)
I honestly thought, earlier this week, that it was the most stupidest idea to put our hands up for beach mission directorship this year. Initial response has been a lot slower than I had expected, past members not being available and a fundraiser or two has yet to be organised.
Despite the delay in response, and the fact that people are unable to commit at apparently too early a time, inspiration has come from some most unlikely of people. People I don't even know actually, or have only met once, previously.
One person who's contacts were provided to us through SU, sounded really enthusiastic, to the point that they enquired directly to SU about our particular mission. To think that out of 30 odd summer missions they decided to choose ours, one of the more smaller teams, to be involved.
Hopefully the responses will be positive in the next few weeks before the first, planned team meeting later this month.
Apart from this, study hasn't been as well as I'd like it to be. Maybe it's just because I'm soooooo close to finishing this once and for all, I'm getting slacker and slacker. People that know me well may think otherwise.
Whilst I am tempted, I don't think I'll give it all up just yet.
I am definitely looking forward to catching some good-sized and edible fish next weekend on our houseboat trip. Speaking of which.......we have invested in brand new gear- namely one spin combo and a baitcaster. Will see who has the more success.
I honestly thought, earlier this week, that it was the most stupidest idea to put our hands up for beach mission directorship this year. Initial response has been a lot slower than I had expected, past members not being available and a fundraiser or two has yet to be organised.
Despite the delay in response, and the fact that people are unable to commit at apparently too early a time, inspiration has come from some most unlikely of people. People I don't even know actually, or have only met once, previously.
One person who's contacts were provided to us through SU, sounded really enthusiastic, to the point that they enquired directly to SU about our particular mission. To think that out of 30 odd summer missions they decided to choose ours, one of the more smaller teams, to be involved.
Hopefully the responses will be positive in the next few weeks before the first, planned team meeting later this month.
Apart from this, study hasn't been as well as I'd like it to be. Maybe it's just because I'm soooooo close to finishing this once and for all, I'm getting slacker and slacker. People that know me well may think otherwise.
Whilst I am tempted, I don't think I'll give it all up just yet.
I am definitely looking forward to catching some good-sized and edible fish next weekend on our houseboat trip. Speaking of which.......we have invested in brand new gear- namely one spin combo and a baitcaster. Will see who has the more success.
Monday, August 28, 2006
I smell
Rain! The wholesome fragrance of sky juice.
Makes me feel sleepy.
Makes me want to curl up in bed and read a book.
Makes me remember what an awesome and gracious God we have, by answering our earnest prayers for rain.
Makes me feel sleepy.
Makes me want to curl up in bed and read a book.
Makes me remember what an awesome and gracious God we have, by answering our earnest prayers for rain.
Monday, August 21, 2006
How do you become famous?
Due to the overdose of media reports on a certain unsolved murder case from 10 years ago, and a rather heated debate on Weekend Sunrise between a pro-pageant American mum and anti-pageant Australian woman, I couldn't help but do some research into the alarming trend that is........children's beauty pageants.
One argument is that the parents are using their own children to express their own passions and dreams which they could not achieve when they were a child. This is not only quite sad, but also rather unloving of them as parents, to take away the innocence and joy of being a child. The years spent as a child are already few and far between, and to encourage them to grow up when they clearly are not ready may lead to the child becoming vain, selfish, spoilt, and even confused about who they really are.
It appears to really only be popular in the USA and steeped into the culture there, however with so many of our popular TV shows being exported from the USA to our shores, one can begin to imagine the possibility of these diffusing into our society.
Come to think of it, things such as the Dolly Model contests already pulls the pageant strings.
Some interesting facts I came across:
Kirsten Dunst- Kirsten started out in showbiz at the age of three, where she began filming television commercials, and was a Ford model as a child.
ELijah Wood- At an early age, Elijah showed a knack for entertaining and wowing audiences, and his mother decided to take him to Los Angeles for an Annual International Modeling and Talent Association Convention.
Kaite Holmes-As a teenager, she began attending modeling school.
Lindsay Lohan- She began her career at age three as a Ford model, and also made appearances in over sixty television commercials.
So it seems that 1) you need to be in one of those K-Mart catalogues wearing cheap clothes, or 2) Be prepared to endorse "Wok Star" stir-fry sauces on the idiot box to get your career break.
No thanks
One argument is that the parents are using their own children to express their own passions and dreams which they could not achieve when they were a child. This is not only quite sad, but also rather unloving of them as parents, to take away the innocence and joy of being a child. The years spent as a child are already few and far between, and to encourage them to grow up when they clearly are not ready may lead to the child becoming vain, selfish, spoilt, and even confused about who they really are.
It appears to really only be popular in the USA and steeped into the culture there, however with so many of our popular TV shows being exported from the USA to our shores, one can begin to imagine the possibility of these diffusing into our society.
Come to think of it, things such as the Dolly Model contests already pulls the pageant strings.
Some interesting facts I came across:
Kirsten Dunst- Kirsten started out in showbiz at the age of three, where she began filming television commercials, and was a Ford model as a child.
ELijah Wood- At an early age, Elijah showed a knack for entertaining and wowing audiences, and his mother decided to take him to Los Angeles for an Annual International Modeling and Talent Association Convention.
Kaite Holmes-As a teenager, she began attending modeling school.
Lindsay Lohan- She began her career at age three as a Ford model, and also made appearances in over sixty television commercials.
So it seems that 1) you need to be in one of those K-Mart catalogues wearing cheap clothes, or 2) Be prepared to endorse "Wok Star" stir-fry sauces on the idiot box to get your career break.
No thanks
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Fill in the blanks
Here is a list of items beginning with B:
Bees
Bison
Baked Potato
Beefed-up Men
Bus Ticket
Bus Driver
Books
Bertie Beetle Showbags
Yesterday I went to the Ekka.
We wandered into the showbag pavilion, and whilst others were busy buying....... there, I forgoed this purchase and headed off to buy cheap .......instead.
After downing one of those iconic strawberry ice-cream cones (mmmmm), the next venue was a place where we watched ....... hacking at a hunk of wood.
No trip would be complete without visiting the honey pavilion to see the ....... and my in-laws.
I then downed a ....... before heading up to the main arena for the night program. One of the highlights I wanted to see were the .......
Although the absolute highlight of the day came earlier that afternoon, when I asked for a ....... from the .......
All I asked for was an off-peak ticket for 2 zones. I gave him $3.90 as expected, but he said it was only $2. On sitting down in our seats, we examined our....... together. He had to pay $3.90 for the same ticket and I only paid $2. The ....... actually issued me with a concession off-peak, without asking for any ID!!! HoHoHo!
Beefed-up Man
Bees
Bison
Baked Potato
Beefed-up Men
Bus Ticket
Bus Driver
Books
Bertie Beetle Showbags
Yesterday I went to the Ekka.
We wandered into the showbag pavilion, and whilst others were busy buying....... there, I forgoed this purchase and headed off to buy cheap .......instead.
After downing one of those iconic strawberry ice-cream cones (mmmmm), the next venue was a place where we watched ....... hacking at a hunk of wood.
No trip would be complete without visiting the honey pavilion to see the ....... and my in-laws.
I then downed a ....... before heading up to the main arena for the night program. One of the highlights I wanted to see were the .......
Although the absolute highlight of the day came earlier that afternoon, when I asked for a ....... from the .......
All I asked for was an off-peak ticket for 2 zones. I gave him $3.90 as expected, but he said it was only $2. On sitting down in our seats, we examined our....... together. He had to pay $3.90 for the same ticket and I only paid $2. The ....... actually issued me with a concession off-peak, without asking for any ID!!! HoHoHo!
Beefed-up Man
Sunday, August 06, 2006
The westerley winds are here
Which also means that the Royal Brisbane Show is just around the corner.
Backtracking though, last weekend I purposely woke up earlier on the Sunday morning, grabbed a couple of green 'enviro' bags, jumped in the car and drove to the Mt Gravatt Showgrounds.
On getting there, I plus another 10 or so cars (and growing by the second) were met with two high school-aged girls standing on the corner waving big cardboard signs that said "No Markets or Golf". Puzzled, I got out of the car and enquired. I was told that it was because the Mt Gravatt Show was on that weekend.
Apparently, it was common knowledge even to people living down at Logan, a completely different city, that the Mt Gravatt Show is ALWAYS, ALWAYS two weekends before the Brisbane one starts. Not to me obviously.
Anyhoo, work has given us flexibility to choose when to have our show public holiday, apart from the actual Wednesday which is good as it gives us the option of taking either a Friday or Monday off, and have a long weekend amongst a time where public holidays are severely limited.
So, it's probably also time to provide some evidence that the show is definitely in town.
Here is a partial view of the Agricultural pavilion setting up on yesterday, namely the honey pavilion in the foreground and father-in-law in shot.
Backtracking though, last weekend I purposely woke up earlier on the Sunday morning, grabbed a couple of green 'enviro' bags, jumped in the car and drove to the Mt Gravatt Showgrounds.
On getting there, I plus another 10 or so cars (and growing by the second) were met with two high school-aged girls standing on the corner waving big cardboard signs that said "No Markets or Golf". Puzzled, I got out of the car and enquired. I was told that it was because the Mt Gravatt Show was on that weekend.
Apparently, it was common knowledge even to people living down at Logan, a completely different city, that the Mt Gravatt Show is ALWAYS, ALWAYS two weekends before the Brisbane one starts. Not to me obviously.
Anyhoo, work has given us flexibility to choose when to have our show public holiday, apart from the actual Wednesday which is good as it gives us the option of taking either a Friday or Monday off, and have a long weekend amongst a time where public holidays are severely limited.
So, it's probably also time to provide some evidence that the show is definitely in town.
Here is a partial view of the Agricultural pavilion setting up on yesterday, namely the honey pavilion in the foreground and father-in-law in shot.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Weekend musings
I recall sharing previously about what activities can be done at a staff retreat. AS it turned out, there was no water-skiiing but certainly some drunken dancing.
Due to the music entertainment over dinner being so loud, I actually almost lost my voice from trying to talk over it. Best option was to sit down and not talk for about an hour, which wasn't hard to do considering I could still be amused by the partners downing many a glasses of beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages.
One thing though that I did which I haven't done for a long while, was play Speed. A good workmate of mine brought along a deck of cards to the retreat, so before dinner and after dinner around 11:30pm, we set-up shop in the foyer of the hotel/resort and played a few rounds. We then proceeded to teach the IT guy the game, but he said it was too hard, so instead we chose to play SNAP. Alas.... even he stuffed that up but by then it was too late so we tottered off to bed, whilst the partners stayed up until quarter to 3 in the morning.
Another thing we did last weekend was take the 2 hour winding road down to Lamington National Park, namely O'Reillys Guesthouse. The weather threatened to dampen our trip, but luckily the rain stayed away and we were able to enjoy a nice picnic lunch overlooking people feeding a mob of colourful parrots, and one little butcher bird called "Butch".
Unfortunately we didn't get a picture of "Butch"....but, this was one of the parrots.
As expected, a supposedly 30 minute walk turned out to be an hour walk.
Due to the music entertainment over dinner being so loud, I actually almost lost my voice from trying to talk over it. Best option was to sit down and not talk for about an hour, which wasn't hard to do considering I could still be amused by the partners downing many a glasses of beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages.
One thing though that I did which I haven't done for a long while, was play Speed. A good workmate of mine brought along a deck of cards to the retreat, so before dinner and after dinner around 11:30pm, we set-up shop in the foyer of the hotel/resort and played a few rounds. We then proceeded to teach the IT guy the game, but he said it was too hard, so instead we chose to play SNAP. Alas.... even he stuffed that up but by then it was too late so we tottered off to bed, whilst the partners stayed up until quarter to 3 in the morning.
Another thing we did last weekend was take the 2 hour winding road down to Lamington National Park, namely O'Reillys Guesthouse. The weather threatened to dampen our trip, but luckily the rain stayed away and we were able to enjoy a nice picnic lunch overlooking people feeding a mob of colourful parrots, and one little butcher bird called "Butch".
Unfortunately we didn't get a picture of "Butch"....but, this was one of the parrots.
As expected, a supposedly 30 minute walk turned out to be an hour walk.
Saturday, July 08, 2006
The obligatory post about
FIGS Camp 2006.
It was already a week ago, but as someone else mentioned in their blog, there are so many memories and fun times from it.
We pray that this will become an annual feast of fellowship with the youth at church. I was especially encouraged by the little discussion group I had. Being the topic of relationships, it made sense to have girls/boys only discussion groups.
My little group had some very interesting discussions, and what really caught my attention, was the fact that some people were not afraid to share their feelings and thoughts to the rest of us, about singleness, dating and marriage.
Bearing in mind some of us had only barely introduced each other the previous night.
Panel discussion was interesting. After being sort of dobbed in to be the female married person on the panel, really challenged me to share the experience after only 9 months. I realised that although the questions being asked wanted a black or white response, it was actually not possible to give such an answer.
Truthfully though, I went into marriage with realistic expectations, in that the honeymoon period is limited, and the key is to work on the marriage, rather than having this false vision that all is going to be rosy, especially in the first year.
A book that we read together was "The most important year in a womans/man's life", which basically describes the first 12 months of marriage as being the hardest to work through.
Although some of the younger high school kids pretty much tuned out once marriage was mentioned in the talks, I do hope that the camp in its entirety has opened their hearts and minds to a greater understanding of God's marriage and love to the church.
Thanks again to Dan for presenting such insightful and challenging talks on the weekend.
It was already a week ago, but as someone else mentioned in their blog, there are so many memories and fun times from it.
We pray that this will become an annual feast of fellowship with the youth at church. I was especially encouraged by the little discussion group I had. Being the topic of relationships, it made sense to have girls/boys only discussion groups.
My little group had some very interesting discussions, and what really caught my attention, was the fact that some people were not afraid to share their feelings and thoughts to the rest of us, about singleness, dating and marriage.
Bearing in mind some of us had only barely introduced each other the previous night.
Panel discussion was interesting. After being sort of dobbed in to be the female married person on the panel, really challenged me to share the experience after only 9 months. I realised that although the questions being asked wanted a black or white response, it was actually not possible to give such an answer.
Truthfully though, I went into marriage with realistic expectations, in that the honeymoon period is limited, and the key is to work on the marriage, rather than having this false vision that all is going to be rosy, especially in the first year.
A book that we read together was "The most important year in a womans/man's life", which basically describes the first 12 months of marriage as being the hardest to work through.
Although some of the younger high school kids pretty much tuned out once marriage was mentioned in the talks, I do hope that the camp in its entirety has opened their hearts and minds to a greater understanding of God's marriage and love to the church.
Thanks again to Dan for presenting such insightful and challenging talks on the weekend.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
And.......we're out :(
It hurts. It really hurts.
Not that I am a soccer fanatic, but Johann is commisserating with me over his mug of German beer and string of sausages.
Alas it is time to unstring the snags, put Johann to sleep and tear up the cloths making up the German flag and maybe dig them out later on this year at craft during Klub at mission.
argh, did I mention that 'M' word? Yes, it is official that the two of us will be co-directors of Tweed River Family Mission yet again this year.
So, will be likely to commence the team member search in the not-too-distant future. On the other hand, if I feel you are capable of being a team member, watch out.....I'll be after YOU!!!
Not that I am a soccer fanatic, but Johann is commisserating with me over his mug of German beer and string of sausages.
Alas it is time to unstring the snags, put Johann to sleep and tear up the cloths making up the German flag and maybe dig them out later on this year at craft during Klub at mission.
argh, did I mention that 'M' word? Yes, it is official that the two of us will be co-directors of Tweed River Family Mission yet again this year.
So, will be likely to commence the team member search in the not-too-distant future. On the other hand, if I feel you are capable of being a team member, watch out.....I'll be after YOU!!!
Monday, July 03, 2006
We're still in!
Well, it's come down to the last four, and Germany is still in with a chance.
Johann is still sitting high above our work area, looking out towards our semi-final opponent.....Italy.
The teams in our office tipping comp are Germany, Italy, Argentina, England, Brazil and Australia. Only the first two teams are still standing.
Italy's soccer ball mysteriously disappeared from their office area after their win over Australia....and still has yet to be found.
Now, our Germany ball has disappeared from our area, after our win over Argentina....hmmmm.
We are keeping our eyes on Johann on Wednesday and Thursday, in case he is taken also from our area after we beat Italy! HeeHee
Johann is still sitting high above our work area, looking out towards our semi-final opponent.....Italy.
The teams in our office tipping comp are Germany, Italy, Argentina, England, Brazil and Australia. Only the first two teams are still standing.
Italy's soccer ball mysteriously disappeared from their office area after their win over Australia....and still has yet to be found.
Now, our Germany ball has disappeared from our area, after our win over Argentina....hmmmm.
We are keeping our eyes on Johann on Wednesday and Thursday, in case he is taken also from our area after we beat Italy! HeeHee
Monday, June 26, 2006
Bursting with excitement!
I am literally about to explode as a result of the last 3 hours or so.
It started out with a follow-up phone call to a person who made an enquiry through the church office about the upcoming FIGS Camp. Thinking we may be getting one extra person who doesn't usually come to FIGS was great.
As it turned out, we'll be getting 5 (yes, FIVE!) extra people coming, who don't usually come to church!! Such awesome answer to prayer!! Praise our mighty and everlasting God for his faithfulness and goodness.
These opportunities do not come everyday and it feels like the Holy Spirit within me has reignited its flame again.
How lethargic and lukewarm we can become with doing our things every day, and not have any real thirst and hunger for opportunities in ministry. Then again we should be asking for such opportunities everyday, and being prepared for when they do occur.
This is probably the best evidence yet to prove that ministry beckons right on our doorstep, and we need to make the effort and take the time to build these bridges and not let them fall away.
" The LORD is gravious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich to love. The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. All you have made will praise you, O LORD; your saints will extol you.
They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all men may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendour of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations.
The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made."
Psalm 145:8-13
It started out with a follow-up phone call to a person who made an enquiry through the church office about the upcoming FIGS Camp. Thinking we may be getting one extra person who doesn't usually come to FIGS was great.
As it turned out, we'll be getting 5 (yes, FIVE!) extra people coming, who don't usually come to church!! Such awesome answer to prayer!! Praise our mighty and everlasting God for his faithfulness and goodness.
These opportunities do not come everyday and it feels like the Holy Spirit within me has reignited its flame again.
How lethargic and lukewarm we can become with doing our things every day, and not have any real thirst and hunger for opportunities in ministry. Then again we should be asking for such opportunities everyday, and being prepared for when they do occur.
This is probably the best evidence yet to prove that ministry beckons right on our doorstep, and we need to make the effort and take the time to build these bridges and not let them fall away.
" The LORD is gravious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich to love. The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. All you have made will praise you, O LORD; your saints will extol you.
They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all men may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendour of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations.
The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made."
Psalm 145:8-13
Sunday, June 25, 2006
I feel productive
It's been a busy but rather productive weekend.
Everything started with a dinner at a friend's place to catch up with them, and most importantly see for ourselves the beginning of a bulging tummy!! yay for Mel and Kevin!
The next day, Harbourtown was the place to go for a girly outing with our Aunt who is visiting from HK. Was rather disappointing though with the stock on sale, (summer stock already) however the scoop buy of yet another pair of shoes was made nonetheless at the end of the trip.
That evening was my staff function dinner at the Greek Club. It was considerably less packed than it was at a previous visit but still just as lively. The lone Greek accountant looked in his element, being coaxed up to dance with the belly-dancer, sharing with us his disappointment at the live music man for not playing any actual Greek music (when did Hotel California and What a Wonderful World become Greek?) drinking ouzo and burning up the dance floor with the rest of us doing the Zorba and Sousta.
Sunday after church was then spent back at the parent's place doing waitressing duties for a group of senior citizens over lunch. Brought back a few memories of a previous job in my younger years.
On top of that, FIGS camp is coming up very soon with a few late registrations being received and a recalculation of the funds but heck.......the more people the better!
Oh, and the word of the day is Mezethes. (hint: it is not pronounced the way it is spelt....GOOD LUCK!)
Everything started with a dinner at a friend's place to catch up with them, and most importantly see for ourselves the beginning of a bulging tummy!! yay for Mel and Kevin!
The next day, Harbourtown was the place to go for a girly outing with our Aunt who is visiting from HK. Was rather disappointing though with the stock on sale, (summer stock already) however the scoop buy of yet another pair of shoes was made nonetheless at the end of the trip.
That evening was my staff function dinner at the Greek Club. It was considerably less packed than it was at a previous visit but still just as lively. The lone Greek accountant looked in his element, being coaxed up to dance with the belly-dancer, sharing with us his disappointment at the live music man for not playing any actual Greek music (when did Hotel California and What a Wonderful World become Greek?) drinking ouzo and burning up the dance floor with the rest of us doing the Zorba and Sousta.
Sunday after church was then spent back at the parent's place doing waitressing duties for a group of senior citizens over lunch. Brought back a few memories of a previous job in my younger years.
On top of that, FIGS camp is coming up very soon with a few late registrations being received and a recalculation of the funds but heck.......the more people the better!
Oh, and the word of the day is Mezethes. (hint: it is not pronounced the way it is spelt....GOOD LUCK!)
Monday, June 19, 2006
Blurgh!
Had to wake up at 5:30am this morning to take parents to the airport. *groan*
On the upside, sister gets back this week from Sydney with some goodies :) which however, may mainly be for Grandma.
I've blogged previously about the 8-step food smuggling process of getting food for Grandma:
Food Smugglers
All I need to do now is try and keep my eyes open and not get keyboard imprints on my forehead.
On the upside, sister gets back this week from Sydney with some goodies :) which however, may mainly be for Grandma.
I've blogged previously about the 8-step food smuggling process of getting food for Grandma:
Food Smugglers
All I need to do now is try and keep my eyes open and not get keyboard imprints on my forehead.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Office Decorations
I spent most of last night putting together some suitable decorations and props for the country our work team has chosen for the World Cup Tipping Comp.
Fortunately we had chosen Germany who should do well in the Cup.
After a bit of a brainstorm, we decided on a couple of things that emit the German spirit: beer, sausage, saurkraut and Adolf Hitler.
We however, decided against the last option as it was considered too offensive, and decided also to pass on the saurkraut in case it soured our country's chances of winning :)
After a quick trip to get some remnants and toy filling, it was time to start wrapping up the accused....a bear in mint condition, purchased for 50c at the recent Lifeline BookFest, and stuffing a pair of old stockings and manipulating them into strings of sausages.
A large beer mug kindly donated from a related male completed the piece.
On coming to work and placing the items strategically in the office, a considerable amount of murmurs wafed through as people pondered the items displayed. The 50c bear was then christened with the appropriate name of 'Johann'.
On coming back from lunch however, we found that another team has outdone us in the stakes by decorating their entire work area.
Although I reckon the sausages are still the best.
EDIT: Someone would like to see photos of this so here it is:
Fortunately we had chosen Germany who should do well in the Cup.
After a bit of a brainstorm, we decided on a couple of things that emit the German spirit: beer, sausage, saurkraut and Adolf Hitler.
We however, decided against the last option as it was considered too offensive, and decided also to pass on the saurkraut in case it soured our country's chances of winning :)
After a quick trip to get some remnants and toy filling, it was time to start wrapping up the accused....a bear in mint condition, purchased for 50c at the recent Lifeline BookFest, and stuffing a pair of old stockings and manipulating them into strings of sausages.
A large beer mug kindly donated from a related male completed the piece.
On coming to work and placing the items strategically in the office, a considerable amount of murmurs wafed through as people pondered the items displayed. The 50c bear was then christened with the appropriate name of 'Johann'.
On coming back from lunch however, we found that another team has outdone us in the stakes by decorating their entire work area.
Although I reckon the sausages are still the best.
EDIT: Someone would like to see photos of this so here it is:
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
I was at a seminar yesterday in the city and got a bit of a surprise.
At morning tea, whilst I was chatting with some former workmates from HJB, another guy comes to the group and grabs my attention.
This guy happened to be a high school friend of mine from Townsville days, who I have not seen for about 8 years since I left the city. He recognised me first (then again, not that many Asians in Townsville) and smiled that really big smile of his, which made me remember his nickname........Smiley!
(Now I know there is another "Smiley" who is also in Townsville, but I'm quite certain I did not go to school with him)
Anyway, the compulsory "What have you been up to" etc questions are shared between us. There doesn't seem to be that much that has happened, apart from the odd spate of travelling. (Sweden for him, Asia for me) He believes that there is practically no-one left in Townsville from school, and that he'll be stuck there for rest of his life doing accounting, which was a subject we also shared.
He also somehow heard that I got married last year...although after some thought I'm quite certain who that person is :D
He then proceeds to tell me he is engaged also, to a Swedish girl he met at uni, with the wedding likely to be in Sweden. Good 'ol exchange/overseas student relationship.
Unfortunately, I can't help but think of that one-hit wonder woman from Sweden (Milky?) singing that song "doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo-doo-doo, and something about just you way you are"?
At morning tea, whilst I was chatting with some former workmates from HJB, another guy comes to the group and grabs my attention.
This guy happened to be a high school friend of mine from Townsville days, who I have not seen for about 8 years since I left the city. He recognised me first (then again, not that many Asians in Townsville) and smiled that really big smile of his, which made me remember his nickname........Smiley!
(Now I know there is another "Smiley" who is also in Townsville, but I'm quite certain I did not go to school with him)
Anyway, the compulsory "What have you been up to" etc questions are shared between us. There doesn't seem to be that much that has happened, apart from the odd spate of travelling. (Sweden for him, Asia for me) He believes that there is practically no-one left in Townsville from school, and that he'll be stuck there for rest of his life doing accounting, which was a subject we also shared.
He also somehow heard that I got married last year...although after some thought I'm quite certain who that person is :D
He then proceeds to tell me he is engaged also, to a Swedish girl he met at uni, with the wedding likely to be in Sweden. Good 'ol exchange/overseas student relationship.
Unfortunately, I can't help but think of that one-hit wonder woman from Sweden (Milky?) singing that song "doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo-doo-doo, and something about just you way you are"?
Monday, May 29, 2006
When things are quiet
It's almost that time again... staff bonding session time.
Retreats, conferences, weekend getaway, jailtime, whatever you call this annual trek to somewhere supposedly nice and spend some supposedly good, relaxing time with your co-workers is meant to be just that. Although a Peppers retreat at Grandchester was pretty cool, with optional 1 hour massage session :D
In the past it's been a fairly mixed bag- skills training, motivational speaker (complete with 10-15 min hypnosis session......two years in a row...*good grief*), boules on the grass, Thai-cooking classes, yoga sessions and playing pool in a farm shed.
The dreaded things that always seem to crop up though which are never fully resolved, include time management skills, team-building exercises and handling stress in the workplace. Although people winge and whine about such topics, they aren't actually really interested in making the effort to overcome these issues.
The team behind this year's retreat have sent around an email asking us for ideas. That is, ideas on speakers, games, activities etc. Apparently the feedback from last year's retreat was so bad, the partners decided to get the staff themselves to form a committee to handle it :D
Somehow, when the topic of games is mentioned, I don't think some staff would appreciate being tied up hand and foot, dumped into a small plastic wash tub filled with soapy water and then have green porridge poured over their head.
Boating and waterskiing may be good.
Or maybe some dancing lessons.
NOTE: PEOPLE IN THESE PICTURES CAN REMAIN ANONYMOUS..UNLESS YOU CAN SOMEHOW DECIPHER WHO THEY ARE.
Retreats, conferences, weekend getaway, jailtime, whatever you call this annual trek to somewhere supposedly nice and spend some supposedly good, relaxing time with your co-workers is meant to be just that. Although a Peppers retreat at Grandchester was pretty cool, with optional 1 hour massage session :D
In the past it's been a fairly mixed bag- skills training, motivational speaker (complete with 10-15 min hypnosis session......two years in a row...*good grief*), boules on the grass, Thai-cooking classes, yoga sessions and playing pool in a farm shed.
The dreaded things that always seem to crop up though which are never fully resolved, include time management skills, team-building exercises and handling stress in the workplace. Although people winge and whine about such topics, they aren't actually really interested in making the effort to overcome these issues.
The team behind this year's retreat have sent around an email asking us for ideas. That is, ideas on speakers, games, activities etc. Apparently the feedback from last year's retreat was so bad, the partners decided to get the staff themselves to form a committee to handle it :D
Somehow, when the topic of games is mentioned, I don't think some staff would appreciate being tied up hand and foot, dumped into a small plastic wash tub filled with soapy water and then have green porridge poured over their head.
Boating and waterskiing may be good.
Or maybe some dancing lessons.
NOTE: PEOPLE IN THESE PICTURES CAN REMAIN ANONYMOUS..UNLESS YOU CAN SOMEHOW DECIPHER WHO THEY ARE.
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Yassou!
For the last 5 years, I have been meaning to attend Paniyiri, the local Greek Festival held every year in May.
Why Greek? Apart from sharing my cubicle wall with a Greek and the fantastic time had at a hens night a little while ago (hehe), I have been told of the various delicacies that has to be tried on such an occasion....."honey puffs".
Out of a small plate costing $3, I could really only handle 2 puffs, but since the price was paid, we had to force ourselves to scoff down the rest. They were quite oily and didn't have that much 'sweetness' from the honey. I was actually a bit disappointed by them.
Moving on to the lamb souvlaki, the service attendant managed to bypass the freshly made ones and give us the 2 driest skewers in the pavilion.
The food item that deserves special mention was the stuffed eggplant. (little shoes as the sign said) Basically you take one eggplant, slice it in half, scoop out the flesh, cook it with some mince, rice and other herbs, before stuffing it back into the shells, sprinkled with cheese and grilled. MMMMMMMMM
Another thing that I hadn't expected at the festival was a mini sideshow alley and amusement rides such as the Kamikaze, Alpine Express, Ferris Wheel, Giant Worms and something called Extreme Speed. Basically four people sit on either end of a long revolving pole (like the Kamikaze), and it swings you up, around, upside down in a circle as you experience some level of G-Force.
Whilst I would have liked to stick around to see Effie do her thing, alas FIGS ministry beckons.
OOOMPA!!!
Why Greek? Apart from sharing my cubicle wall with a Greek and the fantastic time had at a hens night a little while ago (hehe), I have been told of the various delicacies that has to be tried on such an occasion....."honey puffs".
Out of a small plate costing $3, I could really only handle 2 puffs, but since the price was paid, we had to force ourselves to scoff down the rest. They were quite oily and didn't have that much 'sweetness' from the honey. I was actually a bit disappointed by them.
Moving on to the lamb souvlaki, the service attendant managed to bypass the freshly made ones and give us the 2 driest skewers in the pavilion.
The food item that deserves special mention was the stuffed eggplant. (little shoes as the sign said) Basically you take one eggplant, slice it in half, scoop out the flesh, cook it with some mince, rice and other herbs, before stuffing it back into the shells, sprinkled with cheese and grilled. MMMMMMMMM
Another thing that I hadn't expected at the festival was a mini sideshow alley and amusement rides such as the Kamikaze, Alpine Express, Ferris Wheel, Giant Worms and something called Extreme Speed. Basically four people sit on either end of a long revolving pole (like the Kamikaze), and it swings you up, around, upside down in a circle as you experience some level of G-Force.
Whilst I would have liked to stick around to see Effie do her thing, alas FIGS ministry beckons.
OOOMPA!!!
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Perusal Time
I hate exams. All the efforts leading up to 3 hours and 15 mins of immense concentration.
I must admit though that the location of this latest exam sitting was in an unusual place- a function room in a motel up at Boondall. Surely the professional association has enough funds to find a more central location. I'm paying $XXXXX in membership fees and course fees to them for crying out loud!
Whatever happened to the Exhibition Centre? ( have recently been informed that there is gardening expo there this week.....even better!! Why not sit your exam in a comfortable outdoor chair and patio table (large enough for all your books, folders, notes etc to be spread out) with the smell of blood and bone wafting through the room?
hmmm...I guess not.
Anyway, I walked into the room with 70 other people and noticed that only 55 tables were labelled there. What happened to seat no 68? (Yes, I'm an W now, not an M, which made it interesting when I was finding my name on the seating chart..........4th last on the sheet!) I then had to ask where my seat was, just to make sure it wasn't accidentally placed in the lush garden path of the motel complex. I was kindly told that I was in the "other" room. Fine then, so I wandered across the courtyard to the "other" room and was met with 2 very cheerful exam supervisors. The leftovers (surnames from W to Y) were all here, about 12 people. Great.
One thing that lightened up the first 5 minutes before the exam, was the supervisor drolling on about what we cannot do during perusal time. I had this argument earlier in the week with someone who insisted that you can use your fingernails to mark/imprint the exam paper during perusal. I disagreed with him, but was unsure if that was ever the case back at uni.
Lesson learnt for the day- even fingernail markings are not allowed in perusal time, according to this professional association.
I must admit though that the location of this latest exam sitting was in an unusual place- a function room in a motel up at Boondall. Surely the professional association has enough funds to find a more central location. I'm paying $XXXXX in membership fees and course fees to them for crying out loud!
Whatever happened to the Exhibition Centre? ( have recently been informed that there is gardening expo there this week.....even better!! Why not sit your exam in a comfortable outdoor chair and patio table (large enough for all your books, folders, notes etc to be spread out) with the smell of blood and bone wafting through the room?
hmmm...I guess not.
Anyway, I walked into the room with 70 other people and noticed that only 55 tables were labelled there. What happened to seat no 68? (Yes, I'm an W now, not an M, which made it interesting when I was finding my name on the seating chart..........4th last on the sheet!) I then had to ask where my seat was, just to make sure it wasn't accidentally placed in the lush garden path of the motel complex. I was kindly told that I was in the "other" room. Fine then, so I wandered across the courtyard to the "other" room and was met with 2 very cheerful exam supervisors. The leftovers (surnames from W to Y) were all here, about 12 people. Great.
One thing that lightened up the first 5 minutes before the exam, was the supervisor drolling on about what we cannot do during perusal time. I had this argument earlier in the week with someone who insisted that you can use your fingernails to mark/imprint the exam paper during perusal. I disagreed with him, but was unsure if that was ever the case back at uni.
Lesson learnt for the day- even fingernail markings are not allowed in perusal time, according to this professional association.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Long Island Trip
Here are some piccies from our recent wandering in the Whitsundays.
This is overlooking Happy Bay, which is what the resort was known as back in 1934. Of course it's since been updated with a nightclub, restaurant, cafe, swim-up pool bar, beauty centre and other facilities typical of a beach resort.
We had to go to extremes to get some really good shots.
Such as this one. (I think this is Dent Island which is one of the many islands which is still uninhabited and undeveloped)
The resort pool by night.
Lazing in a hammock, listening to some very bad karaoke singing one night, by a bunch of drunken partygoers who were there for a beach wedding that afternoon.
Such is life.
This is overlooking Happy Bay, which is what the resort was known as back in 1934. Of course it's since been updated with a nightclub, restaurant, cafe, swim-up pool bar, beauty centre and other facilities typical of a beach resort.
We had to go to extremes to get some really good shots.
Such as this one. (I think this is Dent Island which is one of the many islands which is still uninhabited and undeveloped)
The resort pool by night.
Lazing in a hammock, listening to some very bad karaoke singing one night, by a bunch of drunken partygoers who were there for a beach wedding that afternoon.
Such is life.
Friday, April 21, 2006
Geez
I just saw the first half hour of Home Alone 2, and the last scene before going to a commercial break, was of Mr Culkin walking up the street towards the Twin Towers, and then an aerial shot of him standing on top of one them taking pictures on his camera.
My how times have changed since 1994.
My how times have changed since 1994.
Sunday, April 16, 2006
First catch
Just recently I have been drawn again to the idea of fishing. Some people find it surprising that I would be interested in such a blokey pastime. I guess that was because I was brought up in Nth Qld, which boasts some of the best reef and estuary fishing in this country. (as well as cyclones)
I like fishing. Even more so if I actually catch anything.
I don't remember the last fish I caught. It must have been a silver bream up at Sweers Island, a small island in the Gulf of Carpentaria which is only accessible by a twin-engine (in our case, a single-engine) plane from Karumba. The route was quite scenic, however the thought of the engine on the little plane carrying 7 people over the big wide open sea suddenly failing kept our minds otherwise preoccupied.
*brain-wave*
Forgetting the last paragraph, I do believe the last fish caught was an undersize sand whiting off Wellington Point a couple of years back. Undersize being the size of a bait fish species. Thinking that I had more chance of getting something with live bait, I threw it back in.....only to promptly lose the bait as it somehow managed to unhook itself and swim away.
Another thing that I was thinking about last night.....if there are any fishing enthusiasts who actually read this blog, are there benefits of using a bait-caster, rather than an Alvey or spin-combo? I've only ever used the last two.
I like fishing. Even more so if I actually catch anything.
I don't remember the last fish I caught. It must have been a silver bream up at Sweers Island, a small island in the Gulf of Carpentaria which is only accessible by a twin-engine (in our case, a single-engine) plane from Karumba. The route was quite scenic, however the thought of the engine on the little plane carrying 7 people over the big wide open sea suddenly failing kept our minds otherwise preoccupied.
*brain-wave*
Forgetting the last paragraph, I do believe the last fish caught was an undersize sand whiting off Wellington Point a couple of years back. Undersize being the size of a bait fish species. Thinking that I had more chance of getting something with live bait, I threw it back in.....only to promptly lose the bait as it somehow managed to unhook itself and swim away.
Another thing that I was thinking about last night.....if there are any fishing enthusiasts who actually read this blog, are there benefits of using a bait-caster, rather than an Alvey or spin-combo? I've only ever used the last two.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
I should do this more often
There's nothing like waking up bright and early in the morning of a working day at 6:30AM to update your blog.
Rather, I had a few things to do which I didn't get a chance to do last night, as with Easter coming up as well as a tropical holiday, my priorities have been to get as much CPA study done as I possibly can.
Anyway, I'll see if this works:
This is taken from the ODI cricket match between Australia and Sri Lanka at the Gabba, back in February on Valentines Day.
We went with sister Leonie and Joshi, a mad sports fanatic who also has a blog. See my links section :)
From the pictures it seems quite obvious that the ratio of male to females in the crowd that day was around 10:3, at best guess.
Must eat brekky now and get to work!!
Rather, I had a few things to do which I didn't get a chance to do last night, as with Easter coming up as well as a tropical holiday, my priorities have been to get as much CPA study done as I possibly can.
Anyway, I'll see if this works:
This is taken from the ODI cricket match between Australia and Sri Lanka at the Gabba, back in February on Valentines Day.
We went with sister Leonie and Joshi, a mad sports fanatic who also has a blog. See my links section :)
From the pictures it seems quite obvious that the ratio of male to females in the crowd that day was around 10:3, at best guess.
Must eat brekky now and get to work!!
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Stuff CPA, I'm gonna be a.....
Test car driver!!!!
Ok, maybe I should re-word that as the description sounds too blokey, too much like my hubby and other guys I know :)
Hmmmm......maybe it should be more of "a driver who simply has no choice but to drive the car that was been given to them, and have it changed on a weekly basis."
I guess I "could" handle that, especially if it's a nice car like a Mazda 6 or Mini Cooper.
Ever since my car was crashed into from behind, I've had the privilege of driving 3...actually 4 different cars in a three week period.
First car was a Nissan Pulsar. This was just your average rental vehicle, automatic, silver, no electric features, (e.g. no power windows, but it did have remote central locking) However, I finally got aquainted with "cruise control".
Not that I drive that much on the freeway anymore, but it certainly drew the attention and amusement of my hubby nonetheless.
Unfortunately after 10 days I had to give it back :(
I was then given my dad's old 1991 Nissan Patrol 4WD. Being the very first manual car I drove when I got my licence at 17 (*shucks*), I believed I was capable of driving this tank again.
However, it has become quite an antique, in that it only likes my dad driving it, and so when anyone else tries to drive it, it would just *chut* *chut* *chut*, refuse to start and also annoy the neighbours in the complex.
As a result, I was then given my mum's new Toyota RAV4, which was alot nicer and disciplined. Too bad I couldn't utilise the Handicap sign stuck to the front windscreen to my benefit, unless I had grandma in tow.
And finally, today is the 4th car, a Toyota Avalon sedan from a close family friend.
Does anyone else see a vehicle trend here?
Ok, maybe I should re-word that as the description sounds too blokey, too much like my hubby and other guys I know :)
Hmmmm......maybe it should be more of "a driver who simply has no choice but to drive the car that was been given to them, and have it changed on a weekly basis."
I guess I "could" handle that, especially if it's a nice car like a Mazda 6 or Mini Cooper.
Ever since my car was crashed into from behind, I've had the privilege of driving 3...actually 4 different cars in a three week period.
First car was a Nissan Pulsar. This was just your average rental vehicle, automatic, silver, no electric features, (e.g. no power windows, but it did have remote central locking) However, I finally got aquainted with "cruise control".
Not that I drive that much on the freeway anymore, but it certainly drew the attention and amusement of my hubby nonetheless.
Unfortunately after 10 days I had to give it back :(
I was then given my dad's old 1991 Nissan Patrol 4WD. Being the very first manual car I drove when I got my licence at 17 (*shucks*), I believed I was capable of driving this tank again.
However, it has become quite an antique, in that it only likes my dad driving it, and so when anyone else tries to drive it, it would just *chut* *chut* *chut*, refuse to start and also annoy the neighbours in the complex.
As a result, I was then given my mum's new Toyota RAV4, which was alot nicer and disciplined. Too bad I couldn't utilise the Handicap sign stuck to the front windscreen to my benefit, unless I had grandma in tow.
And finally, today is the 4th car, a Toyota Avalon sedan from a close family friend.
Does anyone else see a vehicle trend here?
Friday, March 24, 2006
Understanding but hard to accept
Have recently attempted to write an explanation of the oh-so-controversial topic of predestination to a group of young, adolescent Christians. Whilst the ending result was 3x A4 pages, the real challenge is trying to compress that into a suitable 2 minute explanation without leaving out the important stuff.
I guess I cheated a bit, by asking the recently-appointed Associate Pastor (Moore College trained, thank you very much) what his thoughts were.
This was probably the first time I remember hearing this topic explained so matter-oh-factly, without any hesitation and such confidence.
I've probably been trying to avoid the idea of explaining or addressing such a topic, but the truth of the matter is.....this question is what these young, adolescent Christians want answered. Some may understand it, but find it hard to accept. Others may not understand it at all so need the understanding, and others simply like to throw such challenges to the leaders and sit back and watch them either float, swim or drown.
It all comes back to the acceptance of God being God. That is, letting God be God. He is perfect in all ways, always just, always faithful to those who love Him. We are but mere, ordinary, selfish "mushrooms" that God has extended the invitation of eternal life with Him in heaven to. The choice is ours, and the choice we make, God will act accordingly.
As for trying to accept the ways and things that God does, which we may find to be unjust......who are the "mushrooms" to question God and what He does?
I guess I cheated a bit, by asking the recently-appointed Associate Pastor (Moore College trained, thank you very much) what his thoughts were.
This was probably the first time I remember hearing this topic explained so matter-oh-factly, without any hesitation and such confidence.
I've probably been trying to avoid the idea of explaining or addressing such a topic, but the truth of the matter is.....this question is what these young, adolescent Christians want answered. Some may understand it, but find it hard to accept. Others may not understand it at all so need the understanding, and others simply like to throw such challenges to the leaders and sit back and watch them either float, swim or drown.
It all comes back to the acceptance of God being God. That is, letting God be God. He is perfect in all ways, always just, always faithful to those who love Him. We are but mere, ordinary, selfish "mushrooms" that God has extended the invitation of eternal life with Him in heaven to. The choice is ours, and the choice we make, God will act accordingly.
As for trying to accept the ways and things that God does, which we may find to be unjust......who are the "mushrooms" to question God and what He does?
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Simplicity
I like the simple things in life.
Unfortunately life is never simple. There is still work to be done, study to do, house to clean, clothes to wash, meals to be made, clients to call, hens night to plan, and of course, updating your blog :D
My favourite animal has always been a sea otter. I'm fascinated by how carefree and playful they are by themselves and each other. They move so gracefully and swiftly through the water hunting down their oysters, and floating on the water's surface, with a certain degree of contentment.
However, one should always be prepared to keep a lookout for what's behind them, otherwise they will be caught out! Just like this!
Unfortunately life is never simple. There is still work to be done, study to do, house to clean, clothes to wash, meals to be made, clients to call, hens night to plan, and of course, updating your blog :D
My favourite animal has always been a sea otter. I'm fascinated by how carefree and playful they are by themselves and each other. They move so gracefully and swiftly through the water hunting down their oysters, and floating on the water's surface, with a certain degree of contentment.
However, one should always be prepared to keep a lookout for what's behind them, otherwise they will be caught out! Just like this!
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Raggle-tailed Guttersnipe!
Reminiscing on quotes from the movie classic "My Fair Lady": (a movie about a chauvanistic English professor who accepts a dare that he can pass off a Cockney flowergirl as a duchess at the grand Embassy Ball)
Professor Higgins: She's an owl, sickened by a few days of *my* sunshine.
Colonel Pickering: Have you NO morals, man?
Alfred P. Doolittle: Nah. Can't afford none. Neither could you, if you were as poor as me.
Professor Higgins: Women are irrational, that's all there is to that! Their heads are full of cotton, hay and rags. They're nothing but exasperating, irritating, vacillating, calculating, agitating, maddening and infuriating hags!
Eliza Doolittle: You ought a be stuffed with nails, you ought!
Professor Higgins: I've learned a great deal from your idiotic notions, I admit it humbly and gratefully.
Professor Higgins: The French don't care what they do actually, as long as they pronounce it properly.
Professor Higgins: There are even places where English completely disappears. In America they haven't used it for years.
Professor Higgins: She's an owl, sickened by a few days of *my* sunshine.
Colonel Pickering: Have you NO morals, man?
Alfred P. Doolittle: Nah. Can't afford none. Neither could you, if you were as poor as me.
Professor Higgins: Women are irrational, that's all there is to that! Their heads are full of cotton, hay and rags. They're nothing but exasperating, irritating, vacillating, calculating, agitating, maddening and infuriating hags!
Eliza Doolittle: You ought a be stuffed with nails, you ought!
Professor Higgins: I've learned a great deal from your idiotic notions, I admit it humbly and gratefully.
Professor Higgins: The French don't care what they do actually, as long as they pronounce it properly.
Professor Higgins: There are even places where English completely disappears. In America they haven't used it for years.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Are bosses good managers?
That's the question being posed at work recently. All staff have been divided into project teams to help out the partners on this major management restructure project.
Scary topics such as firm vision, culture, values, internal processes are being pulled apart to reveal the inefficiencies that are in existence. Do they really exist? What are our inefficiencies? Why are people dissatisfied and leaving on mass?
I did some reflection late last year, and counted that it's been one person per month since I've been here, that has left the firm. (Who knows, maybe in yet another 3 years I'll be the longest serving staff member...AGAIN) So that makes it 12 people.
But namely those that have left are younger graduates or undergrads still at uni.
Apparently this is the norm, especially in our country with a shortage of bean counters, therefore we're in hot demand!!
But honestly, the poor grads and undergrads get given the brainless tasks of letters, simple tax returns, and if jobs are running extremely low, even filing and photocopying. That is considering we already have admin staff with a shortage of work, plus a full-time filing clerk.
I have noticed though, that within the accounting profession, especially public practice, that there are ten million ways in doing the same task to reach the same outcome. Why can't there be uniformity here???? However, the following joke does touch on a smidgen on uniformity:
Why did the accountants cross the road?
Because they looked in the file and that was what they did last year.
Scary topics such as firm vision, culture, values, internal processes are being pulled apart to reveal the inefficiencies that are in existence. Do they really exist? What are our inefficiencies? Why are people dissatisfied and leaving on mass?
I did some reflection late last year, and counted that it's been one person per month since I've been here, that has left the firm. (Who knows, maybe in yet another 3 years I'll be the longest serving staff member...AGAIN) So that makes it 12 people.
But namely those that have left are younger graduates or undergrads still at uni.
Apparently this is the norm, especially in our country with a shortage of bean counters, therefore we're in hot demand!!
But honestly, the poor grads and undergrads get given the brainless tasks of letters, simple tax returns, and if jobs are running extremely low, even filing and photocopying. That is considering we already have admin staff with a shortage of work, plus a full-time filing clerk.
I have noticed though, that within the accounting profession, especially public practice, that there are ten million ways in doing the same task to reach the same outcome. Why can't there be uniformity here???? However, the following joke does touch on a smidgen on uniformity:
Why did the accountants cross the road?
Because they looked in the file and that was what they did last year.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Until next time
Okay, feeling a bit bleary-eyed this morning but with good measure- We won the 2006 ODI series!
I was thinking my observations of this game would be similar to my January experience. Despite there being 10,000 less people there last night compared to January's game, did not mean a thing.
The smaller the crowd, the more rowdy they are. (unless it's really that the hard-core fans are the rowdy ones with no full-time jobs, or chucking a sickie from work. EDIT: I was good and went AFTER work)
Anyway, to the game....
1) It was made known that the the mexican wave is not permitted at the ground, and anyone caught instigating it would be immediately evicted. To say the least, some evictions took place and the rest of the crowd decided to keep it going and going, so it wouldn't stop. Hence no need to instigate it!
2) Being Valentines Day, a few banners were strategically placed around the ground by:
Males ditching their female counterparts for the game:
Sorry hon, we'll do dinner next year.
Ribbing the Sri Lankan team's defeat in the last game:
Roses are Red, Violets are Blue
Look out Murali, Roy's after you.
Hey Murali, reckon u can make a ton. How about it? 0 for 100.
And those with no relevance to the game whatsoever:
Hi Tokyo, Wombat Cricket Club.
3) A partially-clad man then raced onto the field and was crash-tackled by a security guard in spectacular fashion, and then cheered as he was taken away to a nice prison cell.
4) The game was halted for a few moments due to the mexican wave starting again, and rubbish being pelted onto the playing field. Whilst ground staff dealt with this, the Sri Lankan physio decided to play impromptu sprinter/cricket clown by racing out onto the field, giving a player a rub-down and then racing back and doing a well-executed leap over the fence into the player's area.
5) Murali being chanted at by the crowd to come back to the out-field to be abused for no-balls and general lack of bowling skill. (come back Murali, come back!)
And special mention must be made to our Andy 'Roy' Symonds for winning Player of the Series.
I was thinking my observations of this game would be similar to my January experience. Despite there being 10,000 less people there last night compared to January's game, did not mean a thing.
The smaller the crowd, the more rowdy they are. (unless it's really that the hard-core fans are the rowdy ones with no full-time jobs, or chucking a sickie from work. EDIT: I was good and went AFTER work)
Anyway, to the game....
1) It was made known that the the mexican wave is not permitted at the ground, and anyone caught instigating it would be immediately evicted. To say the least, some evictions took place and the rest of the crowd decided to keep it going and going, so it wouldn't stop. Hence no need to instigate it!
2) Being Valentines Day, a few banners were strategically placed around the ground by:
Males ditching their female counterparts for the game:
Sorry hon, we'll do dinner next year.
Ribbing the Sri Lankan team's defeat in the last game:
Roses are Red, Violets are Blue
Look out Murali, Roy's after you.
Hey Murali, reckon u can make a ton. How about it? 0 for 100.
And those with no relevance to the game whatsoever:
Hi Tokyo, Wombat Cricket Club.
3) A partially-clad man then raced onto the field and was crash-tackled by a security guard in spectacular fashion, and then cheered as he was taken away to a nice prison cell.
4) The game was halted for a few moments due to the mexican wave starting again, and rubbish being pelted onto the playing field. Whilst ground staff dealt with this, the Sri Lankan physio decided to play impromptu sprinter/cricket clown by racing out onto the field, giving a player a rub-down and then racing back and doing a well-executed leap over the fence into the player's area.
5) Murali being chanted at by the crowd to come back to the out-field to be abused for no-balls and general lack of bowling skill. (come back Murali, come back!)
And special mention must be made to our Andy 'Roy' Symonds for winning Player of the Series.
Monday, February 13, 2006
Yay! Yay! Yay!
Have just purchased tickets for the 3rd and deciding ODI final for this summer between Australia and Sri Lanka!!!!!!
Will post my observations of this game a little later.
Go Roy!
Will post my observations of this game a little later.
Go Roy!
Monday, January 30, 2006
The Beach
It's been at least 4 years since I've swam at a beach. (Trying to paddle a canoe at Tangalooma or the occasional toe-dipping does not count)
What better way to celebrate Australia Day than going down to the beach of choice: Southport.
The waves were quite rough and strong for someone like me, although I was coaxed out into the deeper section of the waves so as to avoid the impact of the breaking waves on the shoreline. That did make a lot of sense.
However, that only lasted about 5 minutes, as I've forgotten how salty sea-water was, and whilst also feeling "bobbing water fatigue" starting to set in, I then allowed myself to be thrusted back to the seashore in a tumbling heap, to watch little kids on their boogie-boards riding the mini-waves.
Now you simply cannot go the beach without having a serving of freshly-made fish & chips.
We were bitterly disappointed however, to find out that Southport had nothing of the sort, apart from the Surf Club (which welcomed visitors, but not those in thongs or shorts), so therefore we had to be content with chicken & chips and sandwiches instead at a highly-inflated upmarket-ish convenience store.
What better way to celebrate Australia Day than going down to the beach of choice: Southport.
The waves were quite rough and strong for someone like me, although I was coaxed out into the deeper section of the waves so as to avoid the impact of the breaking waves on the shoreline. That did make a lot of sense.
However, that only lasted about 5 minutes, as I've forgotten how salty sea-water was, and whilst also feeling "bobbing water fatigue" starting to set in, I then allowed myself to be thrusted back to the seashore in a tumbling heap, to watch little kids on their boogie-boards riding the mini-waves.
Now you simply cannot go the beach without having a serving of freshly-made fish & chips.
We were bitterly disappointed however, to find out that Southport had nothing of the sort, apart from the Surf Club (which welcomed visitors, but not those in thongs or shorts), so therefore we had to be content with chicken & chips and sandwiches instead at a highly-inflated upmarket-ish convenience store.
Monday, January 16, 2006
Essence of Summer
Have just witnessed a rather profound event.
ODI Cricket Fever!
To truly embrace this, one has to understand that:
You must have patience (not only for the game, but also for those ppl constantly wanting to get past you, causing you to get up out of your seat, going for alcohol and overpriced meals every 15 minutes.)
Don't be alarmed when various chants arise, mostly in the form of obscene language abuse at the security guards on field and opposition team players.
Seeing people with various colourful headwear. (Most notably a bunch of guys wearing cut-out watermelons on their heads)
To pass time when the game is slow, to identify the many areas where beach balls, kangaroos, blow-up dolls, dolphins and Boonies are being thrown in the air, and subsequently going over the railing into the field and being confiscated by the security guards. (hence the abuse)
Being amused by a lone South African supporter in the stands being pelted with rubbish after a boundary is scored by the team.
Being even more amused when one spectator jumps the railing and sneaks into the area where the confiscated balls are placed, and throwing them back into the crowd, before sneaking back in and being booted out by the police.
Picking out the boys in blue who suss out one patron for throwing tennis balls all over the crowd, and seeing these donging onto people's heads.
Seeing those people in the licenced areas, trying to make a huge leaning tower made out of empty plastic beer cups.
And last of all...
Doing the mexican wave over and over again, with chips, and full cups of beer falling gracefully out of the sky and raining down on all unfortunate patrons below.
Luckily we were right up the top in the very back row in an UNLICENCED AREA, so we came out unscathed.
ODI Cricket Fever!
To truly embrace this, one has to understand that:
You must have patience (not only for the game, but also for those ppl constantly wanting to get past you, causing you to get up out of your seat, going for alcohol and overpriced meals every 15 minutes.)
Don't be alarmed when various chants arise, mostly in the form of obscene language abuse at the security guards on field and opposition team players.
Seeing people with various colourful headwear. (Most notably a bunch of guys wearing cut-out watermelons on their heads)
To pass time when the game is slow, to identify the many areas where beach balls, kangaroos, blow-up dolls, dolphins and Boonies are being thrown in the air, and subsequently going over the railing into the field and being confiscated by the security guards. (hence the abuse)
Being amused by a lone South African supporter in the stands being pelted with rubbish after a boundary is scored by the team.
Being even more amused when one spectator jumps the railing and sneaks into the area where the confiscated balls are placed, and throwing them back into the crowd, before sneaking back in and being booted out by the police.
Picking out the boys in blue who suss out one patron for throwing tennis balls all over the crowd, and seeing these donging onto people's heads.
Seeing those people in the licenced areas, trying to make a huge leaning tower made out of empty plastic beer cups.
And last of all...
Doing the mexican wave over and over again, with chips, and full cups of beer falling gracefully out of the sky and raining down on all unfortunate patrons below.
Luckily we were right up the top in the very back row in an UNLICENCED AREA, so we came out unscathed.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Happy 20,006 AD
I'm not sure if it was a typo, or there is some underlying meaning that I'm not aware of, but the first Unichurch bulletin on January 1 of said new year was dated:
1 January 20,006 AD.
Any valid explanation would be appreciated :D If it is simple, then yes, I would be a mushroom.
All these late nights I think are taking its toll, and rightly so when I go back to work today. Hmmph!
January every year has always had the reputation of being as busy as December. Namely due to camps. Whilst we only did a day visit to Tweed River Mission in late December, its either beach mission, CMS Summer School (yay!), QYC, KYLC, KYC. (yes, I know the last two mentioned are actually being held over the border with the Mexicans...*wink! but to prove my point.....they are camps!)
And January is also the time of..... ODI CRICKET!!!! January 15th should be fantastic, and hopefully we'll get a decent ODI match this time around at the Gabba.
1 January 20,006 AD.
Any valid explanation would be appreciated :D If it is simple, then yes, I would be a mushroom.
All these late nights I think are taking its toll, and rightly so when I go back to work today. Hmmph!
January every year has always had the reputation of being as busy as December. Namely due to camps. Whilst we only did a day visit to Tweed River Mission in late December, its either beach mission, CMS Summer School (yay!), QYC, KYLC, KYC. (yes, I know the last two mentioned are actually being held over the border with the Mexicans...*wink! but to prove my point.....they are camps!)
And January is also the time of..... ODI CRICKET!!!! January 15th should be fantastic, and hopefully we'll get a decent ODI match this time around at the Gabba.
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