My many thanks to the wonderful people who have managed to make me feel somewhat better after my previous post.
I suppose I should realise that my articles may offend people. After all, I am writing materials that will be read by people, which means I will get reactions, and not all of them will be nice.
I guess I just never seen myself as...I don't know, opinionated?
Maybe it has something to do with an occupational hazard. Working in public relations make me want to please everybody, make everybody feel good and most certainly not offend anybody. I'm meant to be a bridge-builder aren't I? So to be told that I come off as a bit too strong by somebody in my work environment really took me aback.
It made me feel that I'm just not doing my work well enough.
But I'm also just a girl with a voice. And with thoughts. And as much as I think myself rational and fair, I suppose my thoughts don't always come off as such to others.
The main affront I've had with being told that I come off as a bit too strong is the fact that I feel like I'm being seen as some radical. Like as if I need to run down the corridor and shout "jihad!!!!!!" or something like that.
I don't know, maybe I still will. If it's on a topic I'm passionate enough about, something that I believe in, I may. Well, not shout jihad, but certainly shout something relevant.
But the incident this morning has certainly got me thinking. And perhaps I may just be that much more careful with what I write in future.
Monday, 30 July 2007
I feel like I'm being confronted about my life as a writer lately.
To cut a long story short, I overheard a conversation about my writings between two people.
Person A was advised against getting me to ghost write something because it seems like I "come out a bit too strong" in my articles.
I feel like a left wing radical extremist now.
The comment would not have been a personal attack if being a writer isn't who I am.
And I feel the need to sit down and rethink the way I write, or even if I should continue writing.
To cut a long story short, I overheard a conversation about my writings between two people.
Person A was advised against getting me to ghost write something because it seems like I "come out a bit too strong" in my articles.
I feel like a left wing radical extremist now.
The comment would not have been a personal attack if being a writer isn't who I am.
And I feel the need to sit down and rethink the way I write, or even if I should continue writing.
Thursday, 26 July 2007
This is absolutely hilarious, and a great excuse for me to write a post but not actually write a post.Anyone remembers those ads from classmates.com (left) on the internet about this couple?
Read about one man's obsession and his determination to find the truth.
Friday, 20 July 2007
Public relations is a profession that is notoriously hard to measure.
Sales and marketing can be measured by revenue.
Production can be measured by the number of things produced.
But how do you actually measure public perception, opinions and general feel towards an organisation?
It's something that I've struggled with.
I suppose my results can be measured by doing a pre and post survey with a random group in the population, but even that's a little hit and miss. Not to mention really costly.
Traditionally, public relations is measured by the number of media clips that a practitioner manages to get published in the newspapers. But just because it's in the papers doesn't mean it does anything to the reader.
Just because you read something doesn't necessarily change your perception of an organisation.
Perhaps a good way to measure results is by the reaction you get from readers who have read an article. But how can you ever be there to properly measure reaction?
I have no idea.
But just this week, I received a really heartwarming result that enabled me to sort of measure the results of what I have done.
The Adventist Church in Toowoomba has been involved in packing "bags of love" for children who have been taken into foster care because their parents were manufacturing drugs illegally.
They rely on donations to make up bags that contain items like homemade quilts, toiletries and toys.
After a few phonecalls, I actually managed to get their story published in their local paper.
But it wasn't the published article that warmed my heart, it was an email that I received from the folks at the church:
"We have had more interest (after the article was published) with people offering to make quilts and giving donations."
People read the article! It stirred them into action! Yay!
Sales and marketing can be measured by revenue.
Production can be measured by the number of things produced.
But how do you actually measure public perception, opinions and general feel towards an organisation?
It's something that I've struggled with.
I suppose my results can be measured by doing a pre and post survey with a random group in the population, but even that's a little hit and miss. Not to mention really costly.
Traditionally, public relations is measured by the number of media clips that a practitioner manages to get published in the newspapers. But just because it's in the papers doesn't mean it does anything to the reader.
Just because you read something doesn't necessarily change your perception of an organisation.
Perhaps a good way to measure results is by the reaction you get from readers who have read an article. But how can you ever be there to properly measure reaction?
I have no idea.
But just this week, I received a really heartwarming result that enabled me to sort of measure the results of what I have done.
The Adventist Church in Toowoomba has been involved in packing "bags of love" for children who have been taken into foster care because their parents were manufacturing drugs illegally.
They rely on donations to make up bags that contain items like homemade quilts, toiletries and toys.
After a few phonecalls, I actually managed to get their story published in their local paper.
But it wasn't the published article that warmed my heart, it was an email that I received from the folks at the church:
"We have had more interest (after the article was published) with people offering to make quilts and giving donations."
People read the article! It stirred them into action! Yay!
Thursday, 19 July 2007
New article published!
Ok, it was published about two months ago now, but I had to figure out a free file storage system that wasn't temperamental and actually allowed people to download the articles.
And I finally found it!
At least I hope I did. Let me know if the links are broken. Again.
Ok, it was published about two months ago now, but I had to figure out a free file storage system that wasn't temperamental and actually allowed people to download the articles.
And I finally found it!
At least I hope I did. Let me know if the links are broken. Again.
Wednesday, 18 July 2007
Do you check the stats to your blog very often?
I do so occasionally and it's interesting to find out where my readers come from, how they found my site and where they go after.
However, I nearly passed out today when I received an email from a friend.
I do so occasionally and it's interesting to find out where my readers come from, how they found my site and where they go after.
However, I nearly passed out today when I received an email from a friend.
One of the joys of checking statistics on a blog is musing over the search terms people evidently use to find it. Lots of interesting stuff shows up. But today i saw one on mine that stood out. Someone has found my blog by searching for "melody tan" nude pictures. I can assure you that they were probably disappointed.All I can say is that I hope they were looking for a different Melody Tan...
Monday, 16 July 2007
To celebrate our first year anniversary as well as my birthday, Daniel and I did the most romantic thing ever.
We went to a flying trapeze workshop.
It was honestly one of the most fun things I've done in a long time. Ok, it was also terrifying, but certainly fun.
When we first signed up for it, the only thing I thought of was "this is fun!" Thoughts of that soon disappeared when we actually turned up at the venue. That was when I was reminded that firstly, I had no upper body strength whatsoever, and secondly that I was absolutely insane to have agreed to go flying through the air.
We had all of one practice run on the training bar before the guy went "alright, you can go up the ladder now." I just kept thinking, "I'm going to die, I'm going to die..."
Then came the point where I had to climb the ladder which I thought would never end.
At the platform at the top, the only two things that I could think of was that I was a very long way up and how embarrassing it would be to wet my pants as I jumped off the platform clinging on to the trapeze bar.
Thankfully, that did not happen. What did happen was that I thoroughly enjoyed myself, especially the part where I was swinging in the air.
That did not happen for too long however, because we had to do all these flips and hanging from our legs and stuff and it all happened in a matter of seconds.
We were also given the opportunity to be caught by another person, but by then I was so tired, I could no longer grip on to the trapeze bar with my legs long enough to be caught before falling off on to the nets.
Daniel did much better however, and when he was caught, his yells of delight could be heard miles away and he could not stop grinning when he was on ground.
The showoff.
All photos here.
We went to a flying trapeze workshop.
It was honestly one of the most fun things I've done in a long time. Ok, it was also terrifying, but certainly fun.
When we first signed up for it, the only thing I thought of was "this is fun!" Thoughts of that soon disappeared when we actually turned up at the venue. That was when I was reminded that firstly, I had no upper body strength whatsoever, and secondly that I was absolutely insane to have agreed to go flying through the air.
We had all of one practice run on the training bar before the guy went "alright, you can go up the ladder now." I just kept thinking, "I'm going to die, I'm going to die..."
Then came the point where I had to climb the ladder which I thought would never end.
At the platform at the top, the only two things that I could think of was that I was a very long way up and how embarrassing it would be to wet my pants as I jumped off the platform clinging on to the trapeze bar.
Thankfully, that did not happen. What did happen was that I thoroughly enjoyed myself, especially the part where I was swinging in the air.
That did not happen for too long however, because we had to do all these flips and hanging from our legs and stuff and it all happened in a matter of seconds.
We were also given the opportunity to be caught by another person, but by then I was so tired, I could no longer grip on to the trapeze bar with my legs long enough to be caught before falling off on to the nets.
Daniel did much better however, and when he was caught, his yells of delight could be heard miles away and he could not stop grinning when he was on ground.
The showoff.
All photos here.
Wednesday, 11 July 2007
I live in an apartment block of six units. Behind our block, there is a row of garages for all six units, and in front of them are some car ports, for visitors, or for the extra person who may be living in our flats.
About two months ago, a dark Mercedes turned up in our car ports. Because we had two new people move in the block not too long ago, I simply assumed it belonged to either of them.
I've seen the driver of the Mercedes before and had no idea who he was. Talking to two ladies who lived in the apartment, they've also mentioned that they've seen him cleaning his car in our car ports on Sundays, looking quite at home. They've both thought he was new in the block.
About a week ago, a white pick-up appeared as well. By now, our car ports are getting rather full. Backing into my garage is no longer a two move manoeuvre. It's now a twenty point one because the pick-up is oh so conveniently sprawled across two parking lots right in front of my garage.
I finally got around to asking all six residents if they knew who the two cars belonged too. All had no idea and had thought it belonged to the other.
So the fact of the matter is, we have two cars parked on our property, and we have no idea who they belong to, or where they came from.
Curious and I have to admit, somewhat annoying.
About two months ago, a dark Mercedes turned up in our car ports. Because we had two new people move in the block not too long ago, I simply assumed it belonged to either of them.
I've seen the driver of the Mercedes before and had no idea who he was. Talking to two ladies who lived in the apartment, they've also mentioned that they've seen him cleaning his car in our car ports on Sundays, looking quite at home. They've both thought he was new in the block.
About a week ago, a white pick-up appeared as well. By now, our car ports are getting rather full. Backing into my garage is no longer a two move manoeuvre. It's now a twenty point one because the pick-up is oh so conveniently sprawled across two parking lots right in front of my garage.
I finally got around to asking all six residents if they knew who the two cars belonged too. All had no idea and had thought it belonged to the other.
So the fact of the matter is, we have two cars parked on our property, and we have no idea who they belong to, or where they came from.
Curious and I have to admit, somewhat annoying.
Tuesday, 10 July 2007
I am pretty sure the journalist had a lot of fun writing the article about a certain Mr Hell whose son got, well, hell at school because of his somewhat unique last name.
The first few paragraphs were enough to set me laughing out loud.
The only question I have though is what would Mr Hell think about the article? Doesn't seem like the journalist was taking him too seriously.
Which then begets the bigger question that shouldn't journalism be objective and about the facts?
It's still a funny article though...
The first few paragraphs were enough to set me laughing out loud.
The only question I have though is what would Mr Hell think about the article? Doesn't seem like the journalist was taking him too seriously.
Which then begets the bigger question that shouldn't journalism be objective and about the facts?
It's still a funny article though...
Monday, 9 July 2007
Went to watch As it is in Heaven yesterday and that was when I realised why this movie is still showing in the cinemas even though it was released about three years ago.
A story about the loss and gain of trust. A story about the secrets we hide. A story about how we relate to religion and God. A simple heartwarming story about people and the things that bind us together.
I was frustrated that the abused wife could do nothing to escape her husband's beatings.
I was exasperated that the villagers turned a blind eye to it all.
I was sitting at the edge of my seat when I knew a relationship was going to develop between the lead guy and his "student", a relationship most certainly to be frowned upon.
I was shocked when the pastor transformed from being God's holy man to someone with hidden secrets like any one of us.
I was touched by the bond that developed between a group of choir members and their choir master.
I wanted to cheer when they gathered together to protect the abused wife from her husband.
And I was tearing up by the end of the movie, when the lead guy resolves his childhood trauma of being bullied and experiences life as it is in heaven.
I really do like foreign films.
I was also surprised to find out that one of the actresses was actually Helen Sjoholm, a Swedish singer whose CD I had purchased years ago when I was in the country visiting a friend.
A story about the loss and gain of trust. A story about the secrets we hide. A story about how we relate to religion and God. A simple heartwarming story about people and the things that bind us together.
I was frustrated that the abused wife could do nothing to escape her husband's beatings.
I was exasperated that the villagers turned a blind eye to it all.
I was sitting at the edge of my seat when I knew a relationship was going to develop between the lead guy and his "student", a relationship most certainly to be frowned upon.
I was shocked when the pastor transformed from being God's holy man to someone with hidden secrets like any one of us.
I was touched by the bond that developed between a group of choir members and their choir master.
I wanted to cheer when they gathered together to protect the abused wife from her husband.
And I was tearing up by the end of the movie, when the lead guy resolves his childhood trauma of being bullied and experiences life as it is in heaven.
I really do like foreign films.
I was also surprised to find out that one of the actresses was actually Helen Sjoholm, a Swedish singer whose CD I had purchased years ago when I was in the country visiting a friend.
Friday, 6 July 2007
Durex is looking for condom testers and apparently applicants will need to explain why they would make an expert condom tester.
Now I'd be interested in reading the application forms....then again, maybe not.
And in other news, as someone trained in journalism, one of the first things that I was taught and now teach to others when it comes to chasing news is that it needs to be unique and out of the ordinary.
The easiest example to use is that if a dog bites man, it's not news. However, if man bites dog, that's news.
I always thought it was a rather lame example, but one that works well. I mean, I've never seen an article really about someone biting a dog. Who would? It's kind of gross. (except my brother, but that's another story to tell.)
I now stand corrected.
Now I'd be interested in reading the application forms....then again, maybe not.
And in other news, as someone trained in journalism, one of the first things that I was taught and now teach to others when it comes to chasing news is that it needs to be unique and out of the ordinary.
The easiest example to use is that if a dog bites man, it's not news. However, if man bites dog, that's news.
I always thought it was a rather lame example, but one that works well. I mean, I've never seen an article really about someone biting a dog. Who would? It's kind of gross. (except my brother, but that's another story to tell.)
I now stand corrected.
Wednesday, 4 July 2007
Two robbers held a woman at knife point in Brazil and robbed her.
They did not steal her money or valuables however. Instead, they stole her hair. You read right, they cut off her long locks and took off with it.
This is really bizarre.
But I guess anything to make a quick buck? Wonder why they didn't take off with her wallet while they were at it.
Maybe I should think about cutting my hair now before someone else does it forcibly...
The news article here.
They did not steal her money or valuables however. Instead, they stole her hair. You read right, they cut off her long locks and took off with it.
This is really bizarre.
But I guess anything to make a quick buck? Wonder why they didn't take off with her wallet while they were at it.
Maybe I should think about cutting my hair now before someone else does it forcibly...
The news article here.
Wednesday, 27 June 2007
28 more days with longer sunshine. Woohoo!
It's always nicer to step out of the office when the sun is still shining.
It's always nicer to step out of the office when the sun is still shining.
How odd to be watching the Pirates of the Caribbean 3 and realising that there is a pirate lord in Singapore.Even funnier to see him being played by a Hong Kong actor famous for cool action movies when I was growing up.
Yes, I know that the movie is merely a figment of one's imagination, but it was still pretty surreal to see Hollywood's depiction of Singapore, albeit who knows how long ago.
A few things I learnt about Singapore from Pirates:
- Singapore looks like the Asian version of Venice.
- The pirate lord of Singapore speaks English in a distinctive Hong Kong accent.
- Singapore's actually such an important city it warrants its own pirate lord, as does Tokyo, Paris and what looks like Saudi Arabia or something like that.
- Singaporeans then wore corsets (ok, that was learnt from Pirates 1)
Tuesday, 26 June 2007
Can I just say that I love working for God.
John Howard's declaration of a national emergency in response to the aboriginal sexual abuse crisis has just sparked off a whole bunch of work for me.
That's largely because the Adventist Church actually has something to say about it, and is even organising the first ever national convention for indigenous women to address this very issue.
This also means writing releases from an angle that would make what the Church has to say relevant, timely and newsworthy. And then pitching it to the main journalists in the hope that they will pick up the story and think it worthy of a write-up.
I've done the writing part. I've also done the pitching part. The only thing left to do is wait and hope that someone, anyone, will actually pick up the story.
I've just spent the last half hour or so trying to think up of other people I can send the stories to, other things (save groveling) that I could possible do that will put my piece of news in the mainstream media.
To be honest, I started fretting.
And that was when it hit me. A voice clear as day in my head that said this, "This is up to me now. You've done all you can. You will know if I want your news to spread depending on whether I convict the journalists to pick up the story. If your story doesn't get picked up, maybe it just isn't the right time or the kind of exposure I want the church to have. Leave it to me."
I love it when I know that God's in charge.
John Howard's declaration of a national emergency in response to the aboriginal sexual abuse crisis has just sparked off a whole bunch of work for me.
That's largely because the Adventist Church actually has something to say about it, and is even organising the first ever national convention for indigenous women to address this very issue.
This also means writing releases from an angle that would make what the Church has to say relevant, timely and newsworthy. And then pitching it to the main journalists in the hope that they will pick up the story and think it worthy of a write-up.
I've done the writing part. I've also done the pitching part. The only thing left to do is wait and hope that someone, anyone, will actually pick up the story.
I've just spent the last half hour or so trying to think up of other people I can send the stories to, other things (save groveling) that I could possible do that will put my piece of news in the mainstream media.
To be honest, I started fretting.
And that was when it hit me. A voice clear as day in my head that said this, "This is up to me now. You've done all you can. You will know if I want your news to spread depending on whether I convict the journalists to pick up the story. If your story doesn't get picked up, maybe it just isn't the right time or the kind of exposure I want the church to have. Leave it to me."
I love it when I know that God's in charge.
This is a fascinating country.
Less than six months ago, reports in the papers were all about the fact that Australia is experiencing the worst drought in 100 years.
Water restrictions were high, with four minute showers and the prohibition of watering of plants and washing of cars enforced in some areas. The water supplies for farmers were going to be cut and predictions were all around that food prices were going to soar due to limited supplies.
It was so severe that the Adventist Church even declared a national day of prayer for rain.
Fast forward to June and we have reports of storms never ever experienced in the past 30 years. There's been some serious flooding and a gigantic cargo ship run aground. I don't even remember what it's like to sit and soak in the warm sunshine anymore.
It's been pouring more or less non-stop for the last three weeks. In the beginning, the amount of water gushing down from the skies was enough to make me wonder where all the water was coming from.
I've also given up trying to wash my car because there really isn't a point. It's raining heaps again today.
I'd be the first to admit that yes, the rain is inconvenient. But yet at the same time, it's heartening to know that the dam levels have risen, we may have a little bit more water, the rain is bringing relief to most people and I can't help but hope, it's also helping the drought-stricken farmers.
And I wonder, did the prayers work?
Less than six months ago, reports in the papers were all about the fact that Australia is experiencing the worst drought in 100 years.
Water restrictions were high, with four minute showers and the prohibition of watering of plants and washing of cars enforced in some areas. The water supplies for farmers were going to be cut and predictions were all around that food prices were going to soar due to limited supplies.
It was so severe that the Adventist Church even declared a national day of prayer for rain.
Fast forward to June and we have reports of storms never ever experienced in the past 30 years. There's been some serious flooding and a gigantic cargo ship run aground. I don't even remember what it's like to sit and soak in the warm sunshine anymore.
It's been pouring more or less non-stop for the last three weeks. In the beginning, the amount of water gushing down from the skies was enough to make me wonder where all the water was coming from.
I've also given up trying to wash my car because there really isn't a point. It's raining heaps again today.
I'd be the first to admit that yes, the rain is inconvenient. But yet at the same time, it's heartening to know that the dam levels have risen, we may have a little bit more water, the rain is bringing relief to most people and I can't help but hope, it's also helping the drought-stricken farmers.
And I wonder, did the prayers work?
Monday, 25 June 2007
I called this old lady up this afternoon wanting to interview her about this wonderful community project she was doing.
She's been collecting blankets, clothes and various items for homeless people as well as children in Africa and I thought it'd be a neat little story to feature in her local newspaper. So I made the call, wanting to find out a little more in order to write up a media release.
Within the first few minutes of the conversation, I found out that the local paper has actually already done a news article on her, which meant that the phone call pretty much should have ended then.
However, the dear old lady just kept talking and going on a whole variety of tangents. So much so that I've sure I've pretty much been introduced to all the Seventh-day Adventists in the greater Brisbane area, as well as gain more than enough insight into what she does, why she does it, how she does it, who helps her and everything else I did not really need to know.
But she was a lovely lady, and I didn't have the heart to be rude or hang up on her. Besides, there was no way I was going to get a word in anyway. She just kept talking and talking. It was amazing. I never knew a person could have that much to say to a total stranger on the phone.
She finally hung up 15 minutes later, but not without telling me, "God bless you my darling. I've been wanting to talk to someone today and you called. It's so nice to talk to you."
What can you say after that?
She's been collecting blankets, clothes and various items for homeless people as well as children in Africa and I thought it'd be a neat little story to feature in her local newspaper. So I made the call, wanting to find out a little more in order to write up a media release.
Within the first few minutes of the conversation, I found out that the local paper has actually already done a news article on her, which meant that the phone call pretty much should have ended then.
However, the dear old lady just kept talking and going on a whole variety of tangents. So much so that I've sure I've pretty much been introduced to all the Seventh-day Adventists in the greater Brisbane area, as well as gain more than enough insight into what she does, why she does it, how she does it, who helps her and everything else I did not really need to know.
But she was a lovely lady, and I didn't have the heart to be rude or hang up on her. Besides, there was no way I was going to get a word in anyway. She just kept talking and talking. It was amazing. I never knew a person could have that much to say to a total stranger on the phone.
She finally hung up 15 minutes later, but not without telling me, "God bless you my darling. I've been wanting to talk to someone today and you called. It's so nice to talk to you."
What can you say after that?
Wednesday, 20 June 2007
Incidents like the Melbourne shooting a couple of days ago make you wonder whether it's worth it to be a good Samaritan sometimes.
If the lawyer, Brendan, had gone about minding his own business when he saw a scuffle, he would probably be alive by now.
But the thing is, how do you walk on by? How can you pass a man obviously physically abusing a woman and pretend to ignore it?
Brendan did what any decent human being should have done, and tragically paid with his life.
And now they're hunting the shooter (who belongs to a bikie gang) and some politicians are calling for all bikie gangs to be outlawed.
I'll be the first to admit that I do feel a bit scared when I see a bunch of leather-clad, bearded man hanging around with their Harley-Davidsons, but honestly, how does it make sense for all bikie gangs to be outlawed simply because one of them happened to have killed someone in an incident that did not even have something to do with bikie gangs?
I mean, what if the shooter happened to be an accountant? Should we then call for all accountants to be outlawed?
What if the shooter was a, well, highly stressed policeman who was having a really bad day? Should we therefore remove the entire police force?
I'm not pro- or anti-bike gangs, but the logic of the recent argument baffles me.
It's tragic that Brendan died. I know that bikie gangs have a bad reputation.
But to push for one's personal agenda by jumping on a recent incident that is only slightly remotely related? That's just pushing it a bit too far.
If the lawyer, Brendan, had gone about minding his own business when he saw a scuffle, he would probably be alive by now.
But the thing is, how do you walk on by? How can you pass a man obviously physically abusing a woman and pretend to ignore it?
Brendan did what any decent human being should have done, and tragically paid with his life.
And now they're hunting the shooter (who belongs to a bikie gang) and some politicians are calling for all bikie gangs to be outlawed.
I'll be the first to admit that I do feel a bit scared when I see a bunch of leather-clad, bearded man hanging around with their Harley-Davidsons, but honestly, how does it make sense for all bikie gangs to be outlawed simply because one of them happened to have killed someone in an incident that did not even have something to do with bikie gangs?
I mean, what if the shooter happened to be an accountant? Should we then call for all accountants to be outlawed?
What if the shooter was a, well, highly stressed policeman who was having a really bad day? Should we therefore remove the entire police force?
I'm not pro- or anti-bike gangs, but the logic of the recent argument baffles me.
It's tragic that Brendan died. I know that bikie gangs have a bad reputation.
But to push for one's personal agenda by jumping on a recent incident that is only slightly remotely related? That's just pushing it a bit too far.
Tuesday, 19 June 2007
This is really starting to annoy me.
I'd been using Yahoo! Briefcase to store my pdf files so that it acts somewhat like my online portfolio of all the articles that I've written and got published. In theory, this provides a URL for each pdf file, making it easy for me to share my documents with others.
Unfortunately, it's extremely temperamental at the best of times.
As exhibited in the last post, files may or may not be downloaded by others, depending on Yahoo!'s mood. The URLs are highly volatile, choosing to work at times, and not at others.
Does anybody know of any other free storage sites that I can upload my pdf files on to since Yahoo! is obviously doing such a terrible job?
I'd been using Yahoo! Briefcase to store my pdf files so that it acts somewhat like my online portfolio of all the articles that I've written and got published. In theory, this provides a URL for each pdf file, making it easy for me to share my documents with others.
Unfortunately, it's extremely temperamental at the best of times.
As exhibited in the last post, files may or may not be downloaded by others, depending on Yahoo!'s mood. The URLs are highly volatile, choosing to work at times, and not at others.
Does anybody know of any other free storage sites that I can upload my pdf files on to since Yahoo! is obviously doing such a terrible job?
Does this mean I'm famous?
Considering the magazine does have a limited number of audience, I think not.
Although, I did receive a call from the youth department in the Greater Sydney region asking if I would not mind giving a presentation about "Communicating to the iPod generation" to youth workers some time next month.
I shudder to think what pearls of wisdom I would actually have...
Considering the magazine does have a limited number of audience, I think not.
Although, I did receive a call from the youth department in the Greater Sydney region asking if I would not mind giving a presentation about "Communicating to the iPod generation" to youth workers some time next month.
I shudder to think what pearls of wisdom I would actually have...
Monday, 18 June 2007
I've recently got to thinking about climate change and its impact on Christians.
I've personally had a burden for the environment since my teenage years, trying to support recycling, the reduction of energy consumption and the likes, as best as I could. I'm not talking tying one self to the tree kind of activities, but just simple things one can do to reduce one's impact on the world.
But is this a Christian response, or a personal response?
The reason why I wonder this is because there are many non-Christians out there who are doing wonderful things advocating for the environment.
And on the contrary, there are plenty of Christians whose lifestyles and habits reflect a lack of care and concern for the limited resources that are available to them.
Should not Christians be the better stewards for a world that was bestowed to them by God?
Or maybe it's because of a Christian belief that Jesus will return soon, the world will end and so we don't really need to worry about limited resources because by the time they run out we will all be in heaven?
I don't know. And it frustrates me.
It frustrates me because I don't know whether I'm a closet tree-hugger who happens to be Christian, or I'm just stuck in a climate of general apathy.
It frustrates me because not knowing means not knowing how best to communicate the need to care for our environment.
It frustrates me because I wonder if the little bit that I'm doing is actually going to make a difference when the rest of the world acts otherwise.
It frustrates me because I'm not sure if my actions are futile, meaningless or perhaps stupid.
And I guess it frustrates me because I don't feel that enough people care.
But should anyone?
I've personally had a burden for the environment since my teenage years, trying to support recycling, the reduction of energy consumption and the likes, as best as I could. I'm not talking tying one self to the tree kind of activities, but just simple things one can do to reduce one's impact on the world.
But is this a Christian response, or a personal response?
The reason why I wonder this is because there are many non-Christians out there who are doing wonderful things advocating for the environment.
And on the contrary, there are plenty of Christians whose lifestyles and habits reflect a lack of care and concern for the limited resources that are available to them.
Should not Christians be the better stewards for a world that was bestowed to them by God?
Or maybe it's because of a Christian belief that Jesus will return soon, the world will end and so we don't really need to worry about limited resources because by the time they run out we will all be in heaven?
I don't know. And it frustrates me.
It frustrates me because I don't know whether I'm a closet tree-hugger who happens to be Christian, or I'm just stuck in a climate of general apathy.
It frustrates me because not knowing means not knowing how best to communicate the need to care for our environment.
It frustrates me because I wonder if the little bit that I'm doing is actually going to make a difference when the rest of the world acts otherwise.
It frustrates me because I'm not sure if my actions are futile, meaningless or perhaps stupid.
And I guess it frustrates me because I don't feel that enough people care.
But should anyone?
Friday, 15 June 2007
Thursday, 14 June 2007
There was once a backyard in the city. An ordinary backyard, grass, clothesline, a tree stump, the likes.
Then the owner of the house that was attached to the backyard started having dreams. He was after all a country boy trapped in the city.
First he started a small vegetable garden, growing peas, tomatoes and cucumber. Then he got more ambitious.
He spent many a night sawing, cutting and hammering away. One day, this appeared.
Then the owner of the house that was attached to the backyard started having dreams. He was after all a country boy trapped in the city.
First he started a small vegetable garden, growing peas, tomatoes and cucumber. Then he got more ambitious.
He spent many a night sawing, cutting and hammering away. One day, this appeared.
A few weeks later, tenants moved in.
They brought country-boy-who-was-trapped-in-the-city plenty of joy. A few months later, they brought country-boy-who-was-trapped-in-the-city plenty of eggs.
Even his girlfriend who was raised in the city and had only ever lived in the city started getting won over. "They are rather cute," she thought.
In the same backyard however, was a less than cute little Pomeranian that belonged to a housemate. It was harmless, but loved barking.
It did leave the chickens alone and was in fact just a tad afraid of the chickens, who were after all slightly bigger than him.
So they lived peacefully in the same backyard, largely ignoring each other.
Until country-boy-who-was-trapped-in-the-city had to go away for a convention, leaving his girlfriend to look after the chickens.
She braved it all. From changing the water to scooping chicken poop out of the food container, she braved it all. She was after all becoming rather attached to the chickens herself.
What she was not prepared for however, was an image that would leave her traumatised for the rest of her life.
When she was changing the water one day, said barking dog started sniffing a chicken rather closely. In fact, he simply followed the chickens wherever they went.
"Strange," she thought, but continued changing the water.
And that was when it happened. Said dog got on its hind legs behind the chicken and started trying to mate with it.
She was horrified. Images of chick-pups flashed before her as she yelled at the dog to get away.
The dog scurried off, but not without looking forlornly at the chickens.
When she returned the next day to let the chickens out of the cage, he started committing the unmentionable again.
She left the animals alone for the morning, and could only hope that nothing untoward happened to the chickens.
Today, however, she came across this that would perhaps save the chickens forever...
Even his girlfriend who was raised in the city and had only ever lived in the city started getting won over. "They are rather cute," she thought.
In the same backyard however, was a less than cute little Pomeranian that belonged to a housemate. It was harmless, but loved barking.
It did leave the chickens alone and was in fact just a tad afraid of the chickens, who were after all slightly bigger than him.
So they lived peacefully in the same backyard, largely ignoring each other.
Until country-boy-who-was-trapped-in-the-city had to go away for a convention, leaving his girlfriend to look after the chickens.
She braved it all. From changing the water to scooping chicken poop out of the food container, she braved it all. She was after all becoming rather attached to the chickens herself.
What she was not prepared for however, was an image that would leave her traumatised for the rest of her life.
When she was changing the water one day, said barking dog started sniffing a chicken rather closely. In fact, he simply followed the chickens wherever they went.
"Strange," she thought, but continued changing the water.
And that was when it happened. Said dog got on its hind legs behind the chicken and started trying to mate with it.
She was horrified. Images of chick-pups flashed before her as she yelled at the dog to get away.
The dog scurried off, but not without looking forlornly at the chickens.
When she returned the next day to let the chickens out of the cage, he started committing the unmentionable again.
She left the animals alone for the morning, and could only hope that nothing untoward happened to the chickens.
Today, however, she came across this that would perhaps save the chickens forever...
Carrot turns one tomorrow.
One year with her has made me like her even more. She's just such a fabulous car to drive and I think I want to grow old with her.
In all seriousness though, after one year on the road, I've come to realise one thing.
There are a lot of bullies on the road.
I'll be honest and admit that I'm kind of a stickler for the rules. I'm not a very confident driver and as such prefer to stick to the speed limit just so that firstly, I do not get booked and secondly, I simply believe it's safer for me.
The trouble with that though is that nobody else in the entire city of Sydney seems to drive at the speed limit.
Under normal circumstances, I'm left alone in the left lane to putt-putt up the road while everybody else overtakes me. However, when there is only one lane on the road, things get just a tad hairy.
Almost every time I'm driving in a one lane road and have a car behind me, it will invariably be right up my boot, which basically means if I were to brake suddenly, I will undoubtedly get rammed in from behind.
Why do people tailgate?
Tailgating does not make me go faster. It makes me more nervous, which means I've got a higher chance of getting into an accident, which will involve them since they're basically right there behind me.
But every time I have a car behind me that cannot overtake me, I get tailgated.
Whatever happened to following at a safe distance?
Whatever happened to respecting others?
Whatever happened to being safe?
Are we all really in that much of a hurry that 10 minutes make such a big difference?
One year with her has made me like her even more. She's just such a fabulous car to drive and I think I want to grow old with her.
In all seriousness though, after one year on the road, I've come to realise one thing.
There are a lot of bullies on the road.
I'll be honest and admit that I'm kind of a stickler for the rules. I'm not a very confident driver and as such prefer to stick to the speed limit just so that firstly, I do not get booked and secondly, I simply believe it's safer for me.
The trouble with that though is that nobody else in the entire city of Sydney seems to drive at the speed limit.
Under normal circumstances, I'm left alone in the left lane to putt-putt up the road while everybody else overtakes me. However, when there is only one lane on the road, things get just a tad hairy.
Almost every time I'm driving in a one lane road and have a car behind me, it will invariably be right up my boot, which basically means if I were to brake suddenly, I will undoubtedly get rammed in from behind.
Why do people tailgate?
Tailgating does not make me go faster. It makes me more nervous, which means I've got a higher chance of getting into an accident, which will involve them since they're basically right there behind me.
But every time I have a car behind me that cannot overtake me, I get tailgated.
Whatever happened to following at a safe distance?
Whatever happened to respecting others?
Whatever happened to being safe?
Are we all really in that much of a hurry that 10 minutes make such a big difference?
Friday, 8 June 2007
It started with a baby boy (no, this is not a post about me being pregnant) who met a baby girl (this is also not a post about baby romance) while on holidays in the Sunshine Coast.
They played together, shared toys together and naturally, shared germs together.
Baby boy was sick the week before. Baby girl got sick that Sunday. So sick her birthday party that afternoon had to be canceled.
On Tuesday, baby girl's uncle got so sick, he was rushed to the emergency ward.
A week later, also on a Tuesday, baby girl's uncle's girlfriend also got sick. She was throwing up and suffering from major stomach cramps and at one point of time, her entire body got extremely tingly and numb.
She was also stripped of all energy, walking a few steps took her breath away. Naturally she was bedridden for one day and under "house arrest" the next.
That sickie was me.
They played together, shared toys together and naturally, shared germs together.
Baby boy was sick the week before. Baby girl got sick that Sunday. So sick her birthday party that afternoon had to be canceled.
On Tuesday, baby girl's uncle got so sick, he was rushed to the emergency ward.
A week later, also on a Tuesday, baby girl's uncle's girlfriend also got sick. She was throwing up and suffering from major stomach cramps and at one point of time, her entire body got extremely tingly and numb.
She was also stripped of all energy, walking a few steps took her breath away. Naturally she was bedridden for one day and under "house arrest" the next.
That sickie was me.
Thursday, 31 May 2007
If you were on a soap opera, you'd be a Hopeless Romantic
Flowers, love songs, poems, roses, heart-shaped chocolates? Sounds about right for a cute and caring sweetie like you. You're a passionate person who believes in following your heart, and you'd be right at home in the love-struck world of a soap.
An optimist, you tend to look at the world through rose-colored glasses. But just because you see the bright side of things doesn't mean you're a total pushover. It's just that you prefer to see the best in people, which is precisely why everyone loves you so much. Just watch your back. Not everyone on those soaps has such a good heart!
Is Your Life a Soap Opera?
Brought to you by Tickle
Looks like I'll have to watch out for Maya "Drama Queen"!
Wednesday, 30 May 2007
While waiting at the baggage carousel yesterday with David after a trip to Adelaide for the day for work, I started getting a little too engaged with NCIS showing on the TV right next to it.
I got somewhat distracted when I heard some muttering behind me. I turned around, in time to catch David retracting his hand from a handshake with someone. I looked at the man David was speaking to and as I did so, caught his eye.
Realising that I did not actually know him, I turned around and continued watching NCIS. The box we were waiting for came, and David and I walked away.
As I did so, David turns to me and asks, "Did you know whose hand I just shook?"
I shrugged, thinking it was some dude he met from before. After all, he did not look particularly interesting and was in fact, I thought, rather shaggy.
"That was Ricky Ponting."
I got somewhat distracted when I heard some muttering behind me. I turned around, in time to catch David retracting his hand from a handshake with someone. I looked at the man David was speaking to and as I did so, caught his eye.
Realising that I did not actually know him, I turned around and continued watching NCIS. The box we were waiting for came, and David and I walked away.
As I did so, David turns to me and asks, "Did you know whose hand I just shook?"
I shrugged, thinking it was some dude he met from before. After all, he did not look particularly interesting and was in fact, I thought, rather shaggy.
"That was Ricky Ponting."
Wednesday, 23 May 2007
I'm sure my boyfriend attempted to kill me while I was sleeping last night.
He came over in the evening to cook fifty litres of soup (ok, not quite, but it filled three big pots) for a work function he was going to have today.
So first he kept me up till close to midnight cooking the jolly soup, but when he went home, he left behind a time bomb.
I woke up this morning to the smell of something burnt in my apartment. Yes, the entire apartment had the fresh fragrance of burnt something.
"It can't be the soup," I thought. "I checked when Daniel was about to leave last night that all the switches were turned off."
But still the strange smell lingered. So I padded over to my kitchen and lo and behold, parts of the floor was covered in soup.
I looked at the murder weapon - he was cooking some soup in a slow cooker and set it on high, and it remained high until I turned it off in the morning, some eight hours later.
The soup had turned to mush (but miraculously not evaporated), there was soup all over my counter top, cupboard door and floor and the smell of burnt soup continued to waft through the air.
And I leave tonight with my murderer for the Gold Coast for five days. Oh dear.
He came over in the evening to cook fifty litres of soup (ok, not quite, but it filled three big pots) for a work function he was going to have today.
So first he kept me up till close to midnight cooking the jolly soup, but when he went home, he left behind a time bomb.
I woke up this morning to the smell of something burnt in my apartment. Yes, the entire apartment had the fresh fragrance of burnt something.
"It can't be the soup," I thought. "I checked when Daniel was about to leave last night that all the switches were turned off."
But still the strange smell lingered. So I padded over to my kitchen and lo and behold, parts of the floor was covered in soup.
I looked at the murder weapon - he was cooking some soup in a slow cooker and set it on high, and it remained high until I turned it off in the morning, some eight hours later.
The soup had turned to mush (but miraculously not evaporated), there was soup all over my counter top, cupboard door and floor and the smell of burnt soup continued to waft through the air.
And I leave tonight with my murderer for the Gold Coast for five days. Oh dear.
Wednesday, 16 May 2007
Tuesday, 15 May 2007
The Australian government's decision that the Aussie cricket team will not play Zimbabwe in their country because of Mugabe's dictatorship in the country is certainly commendable.
It's about time governments make decisions like this, to lean on countries to correct their human rights atrocities. Not simply to push their own agendas.
Fine, the Australian government probably has their own reasons for their decision, which is most likely to push their own agenda, but at least this time, it has the added effect of making a decision Amnesty International would be proud of.
Next up, Darfur.
It's about time governments make decisions like this, to lean on countries to correct their human rights atrocities. Not simply to push their own agendas.
Fine, the Australian government probably has their own reasons for their decision, which is most likely to push their own agenda, but at least this time, it has the added effect of making a decision Amnesty International would be proud of.
Next up, Darfur.
Monday, 14 May 2007
Friday, 11 May 2007
In light of Paris Hilton's sentencing to 45 days in jail, a free Paris Hilton petition has been set up.
Their reason?
What kind of beauty?
Excitement, well, depends on your definition of excitement I guess.
As Paul McDermott mentioned yesterday when I was at the ABC studios recording for The Sideshow, "to be fair, those who signed the petition thought they were signing up for a free DVD".
Their reason?
She provides hope for young people all over the U.S. and the world. She provides beauty and excitement to (most of) our otherwise mundane lives.What kind of hope?
What kind of beauty?
Excitement, well, depends on your definition of excitement I guess.
As Paul McDermott mentioned yesterday when I was at the ABC studios recording for The Sideshow, "to be fair, those who signed the petition thought they were signing up for a free DVD".
Thursday, 10 May 2007
I went for my first yoga class in my life yesterday and it was rather good!It felt like the entire hour consisted of stretching, balancing and breathing and I was wondering how in the world was this considered to be exercise. However, towards the end, my body was actually warm and I actually went home feeling like I had actually done some exercise.
The stretching exercises were really good though, particularly because the instructor kept telling us to relax our shoulders (mine are always tense from all this computer work I do). For some strange reason it actually felt like I just had a really good massage session.
Best of all, it seems to be a rather low impact kind of strengthening exercise for my spine, which hopefully will do wonders for this scoliosis problem of mine.
Couldn't help but be amazed by the number of different names they had for poses though - the star, the one, warrior one, warrior two, warrior three, the dolphin, the eagle, the pigeon, the duck...felt a bit like I was in the zoo...
Tuesday, 8 May 2007
I am so excited!
While 4wdriving and camping at Lithgow over the weekend (will post photos later), I was struck with an excellent (I think it is) idea for a book.
Not going to go into details, besides the fact that it's somewhat akin to a travel guide, but with a twist. And no, it's got nothing to do with 4wdriving besides the fact that the idea came up while I was sitting in the car waiting to be towed up this insane hill. And no again, I wasn't driving, Daniel was.
Now to actually find time to get my research done, write the book and pitch it to a publisher! All of which I've never done before, so fingers crossed everything goes smoothly!
While 4wdriving and camping at Lithgow over the weekend (will post photos later), I was struck with an excellent (I think it is) idea for a book.
Not going to go into details, besides the fact that it's somewhat akin to a travel guide, but with a twist. And no, it's got nothing to do with 4wdriving besides the fact that the idea came up while I was sitting in the car waiting to be towed up this insane hill. And no again, I wasn't driving, Daniel was.
Now to actually find time to get my research done, write the book and pitch it to a publisher! All of which I've never done before, so fingers crossed everything goes smoothly!
Friday, 4 May 2007
Thursday, 3 May 2007
I recently discovered the John Butler Trio and was really quite drawn to their unique blend of really quite funky music (I'm not a music critic, so I cannot tell you what kind of blend it is, besides the fact that it's a blend of dreadlocks, bongos, beards, and Rasta attitude).
It's rather fresh for me to have a listen to a mainstream music group that lacks the mainstream music style. In short, I liked it.
And in true hippie fashion, these guys are actually offering concert tickets that will offset the carbon emissions from travelling to go see them.
How cool is that?
I'm not sure if I'll go to the concert. I like them, but don't love them.
It's rather fresh for me to have a listen to a mainstream music group that lacks the mainstream music style. In short, I liked it.
And in true hippie fashion, these guys are actually offering concert tickets that will offset the carbon emissions from travelling to go see them.
How cool is that?
I'm not sure if I'll go to the concert. I like them, but don't love them.
Monday, 30 April 2007
Just reading through Joshua the other day and can't help but find a correlation between his behaviour and mine.
Joshua has just had an unbelievable triumphant victory over Jericho in what was possibly a few days ago. Following that, he decides to go to war against Ai. However, he is defeated.
It's not the fact the a rather humiliating defeat followed a great victory in such quick succession that stunned me. It was how melodramatic Joshua was regarding the defeat that made me stop and think.
He had just won a victory against Jericho. And then with just one, not two, not three, but just one defeat against Ai, he forgets everything that God had done for him, all the victories, all the blessings and simply wants to go back to what was familiar.
He had a calling. He had numerous blessings. But all it took was one defeat for everything to come crumbling down.
How true that for all of us. We pray fervantly. We ask for God's guidance. When all is said and done, we are convinced God has called us to go somewhere or do something.
And it starts smoothly. We praise God and thank him and pat ourselves on our back for heeding God's will.
Then it starts falling apart, and suddenly we have doubts. In fact, we so sincerely believe that God brought suffering to us and start wondering how we are ever going to survive, or why we even did what we did, or went where we went.
Oh how quickly the human mind forgets. Forgets the conviction. Forgets the past blessings. Simply forgets.
We really ought to take time to remember God more, particularly in time of crisis.
Joshua has just had an unbelievable triumphant victory over Jericho in what was possibly a few days ago. Following that, he decides to go to war against Ai. However, he is defeated.
It's not the fact the a rather humiliating defeat followed a great victory in such quick succession that stunned me. It was how melodramatic Joshua was regarding the defeat that made me stop and think.
He had just won a victory against Jericho. And then with just one, not two, not three, but just one defeat against Ai, he forgets everything that God had done for him, all the victories, all the blessings and simply wants to go back to what was familiar.
He had a calling. He had numerous blessings. But all it took was one defeat for everything to come crumbling down.
How true that for all of us. We pray fervantly. We ask for God's guidance. When all is said and done, we are convinced God has called us to go somewhere or do something.
And it starts smoothly. We praise God and thank him and pat ourselves on our back for heeding God's will.
Then it starts falling apart, and suddenly we have doubts. In fact, we so sincerely believe that God brought suffering to us and start wondering how we are ever going to survive, or why we even did what we did, or went where we went.
Oh how quickly the human mind forgets. Forgets the conviction. Forgets the past blessings. Simply forgets.
We really ought to take time to remember God more, particularly in time of crisis.
Friday, 27 April 2007
To all Snoop fans, I apologise in advance. However, I cannot help but find this hilarious.
It's good to know that occasionally, celebrities still do not get all sorts of privileges.
What still scares me though, is the fact that for someone who has that many criminal records he is refused entry into certain countries, he is still that popular.
This is role-modeling gone wrong at its highest.
It's good to know that occasionally, celebrities still do not get all sorts of privileges.
What still scares me though, is the fact that for someone who has that many criminal records he is refused entry into certain countries, he is still that popular.
This is role-modeling gone wrong at its highest.
Monday, 23 April 2007
I know a guy who's going to prison.
"So what?" you say.
Turns out he's not only going to prison for Cystic Fibrosis, he's going to broadcast his radio programme from inside the cell, and is planning a prison break with some help.
Wanna find out more?
"So what?" you say.
Turns out he's not only going to prison for Cystic Fibrosis, he's going to broadcast his radio programme from inside the cell, and is planning a prison break with some help.
Wanna find out more?
Friday, 20 April 2007
Want to get from New York to London quick?
Better start training those arm muscles!
1. go to google maps
2. click on "get directions"
3. type "New York" in the first box (the "from" box)
4. type "London" in the second box (the "to" box)
5. click "get directions"
6. scroll down to step #24
Better start training those arm muscles!
1. go to google maps
2. click on "get directions"
3. type "New York" in the first box (the "from" box)
4. type "London" in the second box (the "to" box)
5. click "get directions"
6. scroll down to step #24
Wednesday, 18 April 2007
While trying to while away time waiting to interview a lady for a news article, I entertained myself by uploading some photos of my New Zealand holiday.
At an average of 150 photos a day, I am very proud I managed to end up with only 29 photos!
This is exactly what I've been talking about. Unfortunately, at most times, to no avail.
It's something that Bob Briner's been talking about since the year 2000, in his excellent book Roaring Lambs (if you haven't read the book and want to be challenged and inspired about engaging culture, make sure you get it).
The one thing that constantly baffles me is why Christians are constantly seen as aliens. True, the bible says we should be in this world but not of the world. But surely that does not give us the license to be so completely nuts that people generally look at us askance when we say we're Christians?
How can a church not just successfully engage culture, but be able to create a culture that everybody (even non-Christians) wants to be a part of?
Mark Batterson of National Community Church (Washington, D.C.) recently analysed four ways the church can engage culture:
- Ignore it
The more we ignore culture the more irrelevant we’ll become. And if the church ignores the culture, the culture will ignore the church. - Imitate it
We can imitate culture, but imitation is a form of suicide. Originality is sacrificed on the altar of cultural conformity. If we don’t shape the culture, the culture will shape us. - Condemn it
We’ve got to stop pointing the finger and start offering better alternatives. If the church condemns the culture, the culture will condemn the church. - Create it
We can compete for culture by creating culture. In the immortal words of the Italian artist and poet, Michelangelo: criticize by creating. At the end of the day, the culture will treat the church the way the church treats the culture.
It's something that Bob Briner's been talking about since the year 2000, in his excellent book Roaring Lambs (if you haven't read the book and want to be challenged and inspired about engaging culture, make sure you get it).
The one thing that constantly baffles me is why Christians are constantly seen as aliens. True, the bible says we should be in this world but not of the world. But surely that does not give us the license to be so completely nuts that people generally look at us askance when we say we're Christians?
How can a church not just successfully engage culture, but be able to create a culture that everybody (even non-Christians) wants to be a part of?
Sunday, 15 April 2007
Friday, 13 April 2007
I just read a post that got me thinking about my reasons for blogging.
I started, gosh, almost exactly four years ago, largely because I was extremely bored at my old employment.
There were things to do, but not enough to occupy my time and so decided to start playing around with my web "skills". Which I promptly realised I had none.
My blog was then known as Mel's England Tales and that was what it was about. It was a tool for family and friends to keep up with what I was up to, without me having to spam their inboxes. It was also a fantastic opportunity for me to rave and rant and basically use it as a soapbox.
It still is a soapbox, but towards the end of 2003, I wanted my blog to take on a different turn. It's name changed to Mel's Mindcave, not because I have an empty chasm in my head, but firstly because I was leaving England and secondly, I wanted it to reflect more of who I am as a Christian.
I wanted it to be my ministry. In a very small way, an opportunity to show others what it is like to be a Christian living in the world. How values, opinions, lifestyle and everything else is shaped because of a love of God.
That goal hasn't changed yet, even though this site is now called Aussie Adventures. It was given this name at the end of 2004 when I realised I was moving to Australia to work indefinitely. The goal was still the same, but the name had changed.
But then I took on the job as public relations office for the Seventh-day Adventist Church and suddenly, this blog is not only about God, but about communicating for God, for the church and simply about the public relations practice.
Looking back at my posts, many of it has simply been about who I am and what I've been doing.
And sometimes I wonder, am I still serving the main purpose of this blog - to share God in an unobtrusive way.
I hope in a way I am.
I started, gosh, almost exactly four years ago, largely because I was extremely bored at my old employment.
There were things to do, but not enough to occupy my time and so decided to start playing around with my web "skills". Which I promptly realised I had none.
My blog was then known as Mel's England Tales and that was what it was about. It was a tool for family and friends to keep up with what I was up to, without me having to spam their inboxes. It was also a fantastic opportunity for me to rave and rant and basically use it as a soapbox.
It still is a soapbox, but towards the end of 2003, I wanted my blog to take on a different turn. It's name changed to Mel's Mindcave, not because I have an empty chasm in my head, but firstly because I was leaving England and secondly, I wanted it to reflect more of who I am as a Christian.
I wanted it to be my ministry. In a very small way, an opportunity to show others what it is like to be a Christian living in the world. How values, opinions, lifestyle and everything else is shaped because of a love of God.
That goal hasn't changed yet, even though this site is now called Aussie Adventures. It was given this name at the end of 2004 when I realised I was moving to Australia to work indefinitely. The goal was still the same, but the name had changed.
But then I took on the job as public relations office for the Seventh-day Adventist Church and suddenly, this blog is not only about God, but about communicating for God, for the church and simply about the public relations practice.
Looking back at my posts, many of it has simply been about who I am and what I've been doing.
And sometimes I wonder, am I still serving the main purpose of this blog - to share God in an unobtrusive way.
I hope in a way I am.
Wednesday, 11 April 2007
Tuesday, 3 April 2007
Embarrassed to say that I actually fell for this.
Initially I thought it was too good to be true. Then I wondered about the environmental impact.
Finally, I read the FAQ section and started getting convinced that it could be true.
That was when I started searching for the "Paper Archive" button but could not find it anywhere. (I even looked back the next day.)
Good one Gmail.
Initially I thought it was too good to be true. Then I wondered about the environmental impact.
Finally, I read the FAQ section and started getting convinced that it could be true.
That was when I started searching for the "Paper Archive" button but could not find it anywhere. (I even looked back the next day.)
Good one Gmail.
Monday, 2 April 2007
So, how relevant is Ellen White?
as published in The Edge, #61 February 2007
I haven’t always been a Christian, much less a Seventh-day Adventist.
Terms like “Pathfinders,”* “Camporees” and “Ellen White” all went over my head when I fi rst attended church.
They were phrases so ingrained into the Seventh-day Adventist mindset that nobody ever stopped to think that newcomers would perhaps be a little baffled as to what they actually meant.
For a really long time, I thought the Spirit of Prophecy was the Bible. I was also convinced that Ellen White was a biblical character and when that did not seem likely, believed she was a member of the church I was attending whom I somehow never got to meet.
There was confusion galore when “Spirit of Prophecy,” ‘Sister White” and “ Desire of Ages ” were all said in one sentence.
It took me months of regularly attending church to finally learn that Ellen White was one of the early pioneers of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and that she wrote a series of books collectively called the Spirit of Prophecy , one of which was The Desire of Ages .
Ellen G White.
The “woman of remarkable spiritual gifts who lived most of her life during the nineteenth century” and wrote more than 5000 periodical articles and 40 books.
Today, more than 100 titles are available in English, thanks to compilations from her 50,000 pages of manuscript. According to the Ellen G White Estate website, she is the most translated woman writer in the entire history of literature, and the most translated American author of either gender.
However, although extensively published and frequently referred to in Adventist circles, Ellen White most likely does not feature highly on any young Adventist’s “must-read” author list.
In fact, the very mention of her name may result in either a cringe effect or the rolling of eyeballs.
“She’s too old-fashioned,” may be a rather valid and common argument about someone who lived more than 100 years ago, but chances are, the main gripe does not stem from the innate need to criticise her writing style (J R R Tolkien had a similar writing style, albeit with a different focus, and is read more widely than Ellen White).
Instead, it is probably because they have been told too often what not to do because “Ellen White said so.” Although only a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church for about seven years, I have already become all too familiar with “the teachings of Ellen White,” not from reading her literature, but from all-too-helpful church members intent on letting me know that “Ellen White says” we should not go to the movies or even ride bicycles for that matter.
Thanks to a few overenthusiastic church members and reactionary attitudes, Ellen White has been relegated to the shelf with titles such as “legalistic,” “fundamental,” “judgmental” and “strict.” Nobody likes to be told what to do and what is right, after all. Of course, the fact that she lived in the 1800s does not particularly make her seem relevant to young people today, either.
The problem with Ellen White however, is not that she is irrelevant.
It lies in the fact that some have forgotten to use “the Word of God as the rule of [our] faith and practice,” preferring instead to use the specifics from Ellen White’s writings as a weapon to reproach others about their behaviour. We forget that she is simply a “lesser light to lead men and women to the greater light.” As a friend once mentioned, “She wrote for her time period, not for mine and I must respect that boundary. The relevance I can draw from her writings are not specific ‘do’ and ‘do not do’ things.
I can draw guidelines from her writings but they can never be as specific as ‘do not go to the theatre.’” Ellen White did write about things that are very much in the context of her time, but the principles are still relevant today. The reason she instructed people not to ride bicycles had nothing to do with the mode of transportation but the high price of owning one then. When put in context, her counsel not to put on cosmetics or wigs made sense because face powders in the 19th century contained white lead or mercuric sulphide and wigs were terrifying monstrosities that threatened to snap one’s neck.
Many of Ellen White’s teachings have also become Adventist traditions and lifestyle habits. Thanks to her promotion of a healthy diet and abstinence from alcohol and tobacco 100 years ago, National
Geographic magazine recently reported Seventh-day Adventists were longevity superstars. An achievement only made possible because her health principles are still followed today.
The aim of her teachings was simply to help us deepen our relationship with God and to become more Christlike. We understand the Bible better through her writings, we gain practical advice on how we should lead our lives and we remain pure and healthy, able to learn more about God.
If we took the time to read her counsels, we would come to realise that she has left behind a very beneficial legacy for Seventh-day Adventists. A legacy that gave the church its vision and direction, which led to the establishment of a worldwide education system and a network of hospitals and clinics. A legacy that consisted of Christ-centred healthful living and a faith- and love-based church.
Ellen White can only be relevant to us if we are looking to deepen our relationship with God. Ellen White is relevant because of her insights about one’s relationship with God.
Her themes on the love of God, Jesus Christ and His sacrifice and the centrality of God’s Word draw us closer to God, providing us with gems and further understanding that only reading the Bible would not.
Specifics change, but principles never do. The way the Seventh-day Adventist Church relates to the world today may be different from when Ellen White was writing her counsels, and it needs to do so in light of an ever-changing environment. Staying relevant requires a shift in traditions and the way things are done. But that does not mean Ellen White, the founding pioneer of the Seventh-day Adventist Church more than 100 years ago, is no longer relevant.
Ellen White remains relevant, but only if we read her books in accompaniment with the Bible and with the sincere desire to know God better. All we need to do is to take the time to read her writings, remember the context in which she was writing and apply the principles to our lives.
Speaking of which, where is my dusty copy of The Desire of Ages ?
*Pathfinders is the Adventist Church’s worldwide youth activity organisation that has groups in local churches. Groups from various localities or regions meet at Camporees about once a year to interact and for an opportunity to share skills and experiences.
as published in The Edge, #61 February 2007
I haven’t always been a Christian, much less a Seventh-day Adventist.
Terms like “Pathfinders,”* “Camporees” and “Ellen White” all went over my head when I fi rst attended church.
They were phrases so ingrained into the Seventh-day Adventist mindset that nobody ever stopped to think that newcomers would perhaps be a little baffled as to what they actually meant.
For a really long time, I thought the Spirit of Prophecy was the Bible. I was also convinced that Ellen White was a biblical character and when that did not seem likely, believed she was a member of the church I was attending whom I somehow never got to meet.
There was confusion galore when “Spirit of Prophecy,” ‘Sister White” and “ Desire of Ages ” were all said in one sentence.
It took me months of regularly attending church to finally learn that Ellen White was one of the early pioneers of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and that she wrote a series of books collectively called the Spirit of Prophecy , one of which was The Desire of Ages .
Ellen G White.
The “woman of remarkable spiritual gifts who lived most of her life during the nineteenth century” and wrote more than 5000 periodical articles and 40 books.
Today, more than 100 titles are available in English, thanks to compilations from her 50,000 pages of manuscript. According to the Ellen G White Estate website, she is the most translated woman writer in the entire history of literature, and the most translated American author of either gender.
However, although extensively published and frequently referred to in Adventist circles, Ellen White most likely does not feature highly on any young Adventist’s “must-read” author list.
In fact, the very mention of her name may result in either a cringe effect or the rolling of eyeballs.
“She’s too old-fashioned,” may be a rather valid and common argument about someone who lived more than 100 years ago, but chances are, the main gripe does not stem from the innate need to criticise her writing style (J R R Tolkien had a similar writing style, albeit with a different focus, and is read more widely than Ellen White).
Instead, it is probably because they have been told too often what not to do because “Ellen White said so.” Although only a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church for about seven years, I have already become all too familiar with “the teachings of Ellen White,” not from reading her literature, but from all-too-helpful church members intent on letting me know that “Ellen White says” we should not go to the movies or even ride bicycles for that matter.
Thanks to a few overenthusiastic church members and reactionary attitudes, Ellen White has been relegated to the shelf with titles such as “legalistic,” “fundamental,” “judgmental” and “strict.” Nobody likes to be told what to do and what is right, after all. Of course, the fact that she lived in the 1800s does not particularly make her seem relevant to young people today, either.
The problem with Ellen White however, is not that she is irrelevant.
It lies in the fact that some have forgotten to use “the Word of God as the rule of [our] faith and practice,” preferring instead to use the specifics from Ellen White’s writings as a weapon to reproach others about their behaviour. We forget that she is simply a “lesser light to lead men and women to the greater light.” As a friend once mentioned, “She wrote for her time period, not for mine and I must respect that boundary. The relevance I can draw from her writings are not specific ‘do’ and ‘do not do’ things.
I can draw guidelines from her writings but they can never be as specific as ‘do not go to the theatre.’” Ellen White did write about things that are very much in the context of her time, but the principles are still relevant today. The reason she instructed people not to ride bicycles had nothing to do with the mode of transportation but the high price of owning one then. When put in context, her counsel not to put on cosmetics or wigs made sense because face powders in the 19th century contained white lead or mercuric sulphide and wigs were terrifying monstrosities that threatened to snap one’s neck.
Many of Ellen White’s teachings have also become Adventist traditions and lifestyle habits. Thanks to her promotion of a healthy diet and abstinence from alcohol and tobacco 100 years ago, National
Geographic magazine recently reported Seventh-day Adventists were longevity superstars. An achievement only made possible because her health principles are still followed today.
The aim of her teachings was simply to help us deepen our relationship with God and to become more Christlike. We understand the Bible better through her writings, we gain practical advice on how we should lead our lives and we remain pure and healthy, able to learn more about God.
If we took the time to read her counsels, we would come to realise that she has left behind a very beneficial legacy for Seventh-day Adventists. A legacy that gave the church its vision and direction, which led to the establishment of a worldwide education system and a network of hospitals and clinics. A legacy that consisted of Christ-centred healthful living and a faith- and love-based church.
Ellen White can only be relevant to us if we are looking to deepen our relationship with God. Ellen White is relevant because of her insights about one’s relationship with God.
Her themes on the love of God, Jesus Christ and His sacrifice and the centrality of God’s Word draw us closer to God, providing us with gems and further understanding that only reading the Bible would not.
Specifics change, but principles never do. The way the Seventh-day Adventist Church relates to the world today may be different from when Ellen White was writing her counsels, and it needs to do so in light of an ever-changing environment. Staying relevant requires a shift in traditions and the way things are done. But that does not mean Ellen White, the founding pioneer of the Seventh-day Adventist Church more than 100 years ago, is no longer relevant.
Ellen White remains relevant, but only if we read her books in accompaniment with the Bible and with the sincere desire to know God better. All we need to do is to take the time to read her writings, remember the context in which she was writing and apply the principles to our lives.
Speaking of which, where is my dusty copy of The Desire of Ages ?
*Pathfinders is the Adventist Church’s worldwide youth activity organisation that has groups in local churches. Groups from various localities or regions meet at Camporees about once a year to interact and for an opportunity to share skills and experiences.
Sunday, 1 April 2007
It was a keenly anticipated holiday. One that would come after months of long hours, stress and worry. One that would mean two weeks of not having to think about work, of being able to reconnect with myself and of engaging in one of my favourite activities, traveling.
It also meant actually being able to focus completely on one of the most important things in the world, relationships.
Almost a week has passed since the fourteen days spent with my mum, brother and Daniel touring New Zealand and seeing some of the most amazing sights in the world.
The tour started at Auckland where we made our way down to the South Island, stopping at
But most of all, the holiday has refreshed and revitalised me.
I actually feel ready to face work again.
It also meant actually being able to focus completely on one of the most important things in the world, relationships.
Almost a week has passed since the fourteen days spent with my mum, brother and Daniel touring New Zealand and seeing some of the most amazing sights in the world.
The tour started at Auckland where we made our way down to the South Island, stopping at
- Waitomo to see some glowworms and sleeping in a plane motel,
- taking the ferry from Wellington to Picton,
- swimming with fur seals at Kaikoura, nearly freezing to death,
- soaking in hot pools at Hanmer Springs that looked suspiciously like glorified swimming pools,
- being snowed on while crossing the Lewis Pass and having to get out of the car to play in the snow,
- climbing a glacier at Franz Joseph,
- meeting up and having dinner with a friend and his family whom I haven't seen in about five years,
- inhaling the "aromatic" scents, seeing live kiwi birds, going on luge rides, and of course Zorbing down a hill in Rotorua,
- peering into geysers, bubbling mud pools and actually trying to soak in a mineral pool at the motel that was way too hot, and
- tramping around a live active marine volcano at Whakatane
But most of all, the holiday has refreshed and revitalised me.
I actually feel ready to face work again.
Monday, 5 March 2007
Four more sleeps to go and the Circle of Courage Cycle Tour will all be over and my holiday will begin!
I am really looking forward to the time off.
It's not that the tour has been horrid. On the contrary it has been really nice having a look up the entire length of New Zealand. It's a gorgeous country.
Working with the media has been rather interesting too, although rather disappointing at times.
But the last few months have taken its toll on me. I'm spent. I'm tired. I'm worn out. And I badly, desperately need a break in order to revive and revitalise my soul.
I miss being inspired.
I am really looking forward to the time off.
It's not that the tour has been horrid. On the contrary it has been really nice having a look up the entire length of New Zealand. It's a gorgeous country.
Working with the media has been rather interesting too, although rather disappointing at times.
But the last few months have taken its toll on me. I'm spent. I'm tired. I'm worn out. And I badly, desperately need a break in order to revive and revitalise my soul.
I miss being inspired.
Saturday, 3 March 2007
I had to make a presentation during church service at Glen Innes in Auckland today.
I don't usually have stage fright or a particular problem with speaking in public, but today proved to be slightly difficult.
I had to speak in Chinese. To a congregation mostly from China.
Imagine a 26 year old with a Chinese vocabulary of a 10 year old telling a congregation of fluent Chinese speakers how they can reduce at-risk behaviour among young people.
There were plenty of sheepish smiles, uncomfortable fidgets and awkward moments.
It really was highly embarrassing. Especially with the fact that I needed someone to sit in the front pew and prompt me whenever my brain failed and I was only able to say what I want in English.
I will be struggling along in Chinese and then start going, "....er, develop a significant relationship"
Thereupon which the lady in the front pew would whisper the Chinese interpretation.
That went on for several words and phrases.
Thank goodness the presentation only lasted about 10 minutes.
I don't usually have stage fright or a particular problem with speaking in public, but today proved to be slightly difficult.
I had to speak in Chinese. To a congregation mostly from China.
Imagine a 26 year old with a Chinese vocabulary of a 10 year old telling a congregation of fluent Chinese speakers how they can reduce at-risk behaviour among young people.
There were plenty of sheepish smiles, uncomfortable fidgets and awkward moments.
It really was highly embarrassing. Especially with the fact that I needed someone to sit in the front pew and prompt me whenever my brain failed and I was only able to say what I want in English.
I will be struggling along in Chinese and then start going, "....er, develop a significant relationship"
Thereupon which the lady in the front pew would whisper the Chinese interpretation.
That went on for several words and phrases.
Thank goodness the presentation only lasted about 10 minutes.
Thursday, 1 March 2007
Tuesday, 27 February 2007
Monday, 12 February 2007
The ego has landed.
Unfortunately, it has nothing to do with the Robbie Williams kind, but everything to do with the "look at me" kind.
I can't believe people can resort to coming up to me and telling me that I should take photos of them or make sure they are featured in the papers because they are such an essential part of the team.
I don't discredit their invaluable contribution, but my goodness whatever happened to humilty?
He actually resorted to telling me a "story" about the organ pumper. About how organs before needed an organist, but also someone pumping the organ in order for a sound to come out. They may not be in the limelight, but the person pumping the organ is a very important part as well.
If only I had the guts to retort, why don't you read Luke 18:11
Unfortunately, it has nothing to do with the Robbie Williams kind, but everything to do with the "look at me" kind.
I can't believe people can resort to coming up to me and telling me that I should take photos of them or make sure they are featured in the papers because they are such an essential part of the team.
I don't discredit their invaluable contribution, but my goodness whatever happened to humilty?
He actually resorted to telling me a "story" about the organ pumper. About how organs before needed an organist, but also someone pumping the organ in order for a sound to come out. They may not be in the limelight, but the person pumping the organ is a very important part as well.
If only I had the guts to retort, why don't you read Luke 18:11
9To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable:
10"Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
11The Pharisee stood up and prayed about[a] himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.
12I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'
13"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'
14"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
Saturday, 10 February 2007
Finally made to to Invercargill, home of the World's Fastest Indian, as close as you can get to the Antarctic, and where the sun sets at 9pm.It was a bit of a shock to the system to land in Invercargill. I had just come from Auckland where it was bright and sunny and at least 30 degrees.
Stepping out of the airport, I felt all the hair on my arms stand up as I suddenly entered a winter atmosphere and all of 14 degrees.
Thank goodness I've got a nice warm fluffy jacket with me.
It all starts tomorrow. About 28 days of living in the pockets of 12 other people. This is going to be interesting.
Day in and day outs of phoning the media, updating the website, arranging media interviews, writing news articles for the website, taking photos, being a pseudo-camera person...
Radio interviews have already happened, so has a few interviews with the local paper. Just hope the positive media coverage continues, and even grows.
And let's hope I don't lose my sanity before then.
Technorati tags: New Zealand
Thursday, 8 February 2007
Just completed a day of media training with the church leaders today.
Went rather well, if I may say so myself. It's nice to see administration so open to the needs and seriousness of communication.
It's good to know that they are getting trained so that in the event of a crisis, they know what to do.
Overall, a pretty good day.
Checking into a new hotel today that comes equipped with a free sauna. Should be good!
Technorati tags: New Zealand
Went rather well, if I may say so myself. It's nice to see administration so open to the needs and seriousness of communication.
It's good to know that they are getting trained so that in the event of a crisis, they know what to do.
Overall, a pretty good day.
Checking into a new hotel today that comes equipped with a free sauna. Should be good!
Technorati tags: New Zealand
Tuesday, 6 February 2007
Am now in New Zealand, sitting on my bed in my motel room, watching the Amazing Race (season who knows) and this close to falling asleep.
And it's only 8.20pm NZ time, but worse than that, it's only 6.20pm Oz time and I had really just arrived in NZ about four hours ago.
I'm this close to becoming concussed.
Must be the fact that I'm suddenly faced with no prospects of doing any work for this evening and so my body has just suddenly realised that after all that months of insanity, it's time to relax.
Work starts tomorrow.
In the meantime, it may be bedtime soon...
And it's only 8.20pm NZ time, but worse than that, it's only 6.20pm Oz time and I had really just arrived in NZ about four hours ago.
I'm this close to becoming concussed.
Must be the fact that I'm suddenly faced with no prospects of doing any work for this evening and so my body has just suddenly realised that after all that months of insanity, it's time to relax.
Work starts tomorrow.
In the meantime, it may be bedtime soon...
Monday, 5 February 2007
I leave tomorrow for New Zealand for amongst other things, the Circle of Courage New Zealand Cycle Tour.
One month of traveling up the length of New Zealand with eight other cyclists at 20km/h.
Oh, I'm not cycling, I'm involved in the media relations side of things.
May or may not be updating this site, so I'll leave you with this (just because it's so cute!).
Technorati tags: New Zealand, bicycle
One month of traveling up the length of New Zealand with eight other cyclists at 20km/h.
Oh, I'm not cycling, I'm involved in the media relations side of things.
May or may not be updating this site, so I'll leave you with this (just because it's so cute!).
Technorati tags: New Zealand, bicycle
Sunday, 4 February 2007
If Everyone Cared
Nickelback
If everyone cared and nobody cried
If everyone loved and nobody lied
If everyone shared and swallowed their pride
Then we'd see the day when nobody died
And I'm singing
Amen I, Amen I, I'm alive
Amen I, Amen I, Amen I, I'm alive
And in the air the fireflies
Our only light in paradise
We'll show the world they were wrong
And teach them all to sing along
Singing Amen I, I'm alive (I'm alive)
Singing Amen I, I'm alive
And as we lie beneath the stars
We realize how small we are
If they could love like you and me
Imagine what the world could be
If everyone cared and nobody cried
If everyone loved and nobody lied
If everyone shared and swallowed their pride
Then we'd see the day when nobody died
We'd see the day, we'd see the day
When nobody died
We'd see the day, we'd see the day
When nobody died
We'd see the day when nobody died
Technorati tags: nickelback
Nickelback
If everyone cared and nobody cried
If everyone loved and nobody lied
If everyone shared and swallowed their pride
Then we'd see the day when nobody died
And I'm singing
Amen I, Amen I, I'm alive
Amen I, Amen I, Amen I, I'm alive
And in the air the fireflies
Our only light in paradise
We'll show the world they were wrong
And teach them all to sing along
Singing Amen I, I'm alive (I'm alive)
Singing Amen I, I'm alive
And as we lie beneath the stars
We realize how small we are
If they could love like you and me
Imagine what the world could be
If everyone cared and nobody cried
If everyone loved and nobody lied
If everyone shared and swallowed their pride
Then we'd see the day when nobody died
We'd see the day, we'd see the day
When nobody died
We'd see the day, we'd see the day
When nobody died
We'd see the day when nobody died
Technorati tags: nickelback
Tuesday, 9 January 2007
Thursday, 4 January 2007
Wednesday, 3 January 2007
How can someone begin a new year feeling so unmotivated, so lethargic, so unenthused about life?
Maybe it's just the thought of everything that needs to get done. It's funny how the more you have to do, the less you want to do it.
Is it just me, or is time running shorter and shorter?
I seem to find myself with more to do and less time to get anything done.
Life seem to whizz by me without so much as saying hi. (Except when I was up at Bundaberg with nothing much to do.)
Why is it so hard to get back to the daily grind? Isn't one supposed to enjoy life every single day, even when one isn't on holidays?
Then why am I just looking forward to retirement already?
Technorati tags: motivation, reflection
Maybe it's just the thought of everything that needs to get done. It's funny how the more you have to do, the less you want to do it.
Is it just me, or is time running shorter and shorter?
I seem to find myself with more to do and less time to get anything done.
Life seem to whizz by me without so much as saying hi. (Except when I was up at Bundaberg with nothing much to do.)
Why is it so hard to get back to the daily grind? Isn't one supposed to enjoy life every single day, even when one isn't on holidays?
Then why am I just looking forward to retirement already?
Technorati tags: motivation, reflection
Tuesday, 2 January 2007
We ended staying up till about 1am that day to catch a glimpse of a turtle laying her eggs.
The wait was worth it though. It was a thoroughly fascinating and magical experience watching this gigantic turtle very carefully dig up a hole in the sand, laying her eggs and then packing all the sand back in again. We also managed to follow her all the way back into the sea.
Unexpectedly ushered in the New Year in Brisbane after arriving at the Brisbane airport on 31 December in time for the 7pm flight to Sydney, only to realise we were actually at the wrong airport.
Was a rather funny experience, first we went to the wrong airline wanting to be checked in. The counter lady did a thorough check to confirm that we had no bookings whatsoever with the airline.
Thereupon a very confused Daniel started wondering which airline he had actually booked the tickets on. We were left with Qantas and Jetstar and Daniel was certain he did not book with Qantas, which left Jetstar, but Jetstar had no flights to Sydney.
A quick check on the internet revealed it was Jetstar and that was went the cold hard truth started to sink in that we may have arrived at the wrong airport. Talking to the guy at the counter soon confirmed that.
There was also no way we were going to make that flight, which left us with two options. Pay more to fly from the current airport to Newcastle in about 10 minutes, or pay more to fly from the other airport to Sydney the next morning.
After some umming and ahhing, we finally decided to have New Year's in Brisbane, spend the night in a hotel in the city (thank goodness for fantastic last minute deals) and drive the rental car up to the proper airport the next day.
Technorati tags: New Year, Brisbane
The wait was worth it though. It was a thoroughly fascinating and magical experience watching this gigantic turtle very carefully dig up a hole in the sand, laying her eggs and then packing all the sand back in again. We also managed to follow her all the way back into the sea.
Unexpectedly ushered in the New Year in Brisbane after arriving at the Brisbane airport on 31 December in time for the 7pm flight to Sydney, only to realise we were actually at the wrong airport.
Was a rather funny experience, first we went to the wrong airline wanting to be checked in. The counter lady did a thorough check to confirm that we had no bookings whatsoever with the airline.
Thereupon a very confused Daniel started wondering which airline he had actually booked the tickets on. We were left with Qantas and Jetstar and Daniel was certain he did not book with Qantas, which left Jetstar, but Jetstar had no flights to Sydney.
A quick check on the internet revealed it was Jetstar and that was went the cold hard truth started to sink in that we may have arrived at the wrong airport. Talking to the guy at the counter soon confirmed that.
There was also no way we were going to make that flight, which left us with two options. Pay more to fly from the current airport to Newcastle in about 10 minutes, or pay more to fly from the other airport to Sydney the next morning.
After some umming and ahhing, we finally decided to have New Year's in Brisbane, spend the night in a hotel in the city (thank goodness for fantastic last minute deals) and drive the rental car up to the proper airport the next day.
Technorati tags: New Year, Brisbane
Friday, 29 December 2006
Trying to finish up the minimum of 15 minutes usage time at the Bundaberg internet cafe at the moment.
Have been spending the last five days or so at Nat's place about 20 minutes out of Bundaberg. 12 people squashed into a three bedroom house. There's plenty of land around, but not quite that many house space.
I've been relegated to sleeping on a queen size bed with Nat in their music room while Daniel's sleeping kind of opposite me in the hallway. It's been interesting sleeping in an area with no doors. Trying to change particularly so.
Haven't done much for a while. Spend most of the days at home sitting, eating, and not sleeping. Sleeping in rooms next to the kitchen with a family full of early birds make it very difficult to sleep past 8am every morning.
Did have a massive water fight around the house on the first day of arrival, played some beach cricket, swam in the nearby lake, as well as played some house cricket that involved a not so nice sprain on the ankle and a ball in the face.
In town now while the rest go to a waterslide place...and the 15 minutes should be up by now.
Going to see turtles this evening...
Have been spending the last five days or so at Nat's place about 20 minutes out of Bundaberg. 12 people squashed into a three bedroom house. There's plenty of land around, but not quite that many house space.
I've been relegated to sleeping on a queen size bed with Nat in their music room while Daniel's sleeping kind of opposite me in the hallway. It's been interesting sleeping in an area with no doors. Trying to change particularly so.
Haven't done much for a while. Spend most of the days at home sitting, eating, and not sleeping. Sleeping in rooms next to the kitchen with a family full of early birds make it very difficult to sleep past 8am every morning.
Did have a massive water fight around the house on the first day of arrival, played some beach cricket, swam in the nearby lake, as well as played some house cricket that involved a not so nice sprain on the ankle and a ball in the face.
In town now while the rest go to a waterslide place...and the 15 minutes should be up by now.
Going to see turtles this evening...
Friday, 22 December 2006
Update: Our order got stuffed up and after 20 minutes waiting, they're only just starting to make it. They offered *one* free drink as compensation. One. I'm still hungry....
Sitting at The Winsome Hotel in Lismore at the moment, waiting for dinner to arrive for the last 20 minutes.
Took off yesterday evening and stayed the night at Port Macquarie at a friend of a friend's.
Will be spending tonight at a friend's sister's place. She has an art exhibition at the top floor of the hotel, which is how I ended up here.
Hungry....
Sitting at The Winsome Hotel in Lismore at the moment, waiting for dinner to arrive for the last 20 minutes.
Took off yesterday evening and stayed the night at Port Macquarie at a friend of a friend's.
Will be spending tonight at a friend's sister's place. She has an art exhibition at the top floor of the hotel, which is how I ended up here.
Hungry....
Thursday, 21 December 2006
Yes, I've been absolutely and positively slack with my updates since my return from Singapore.
Unfortunately, things may not change for a while.
I leave tomorrow up to Bundaberg to spend Christmas with my darling friend and partner in crime while in London, Nat, as well as the rest of Daniel's family.
Returning after the new year, but will have to leave pretty soon for the Pathfinder camporee and will not be back till mid January.
So if I don't update till then, you know why.
Thanks folks for being such faithful readers and have a very merry Christmas!
Technorati tags: Christmas
Unfortunately, things may not change for a while.
I leave tomorrow up to Bundaberg to spend Christmas with my darling friend and partner in crime while in London, Nat, as well as the rest of Daniel's family.
Returning after the new year, but will have to leave pretty soon for the Pathfinder camporee and will not be back till mid January.
So if I don't update till then, you know why.
Thanks folks for being such faithful readers and have a very merry Christmas!
Technorati tags: Christmas
Monday, 11 December 2006
Robbie! Robbie! Robbie!
What a perfect end to a perfect weekend.
Robbie Williams is a definite true blue entertainer.
Saw the Robbie Williams concert last night and boy was it an amazing experience. We got free standing tickets and ended up only a few metres away from the stage and The Man.
There were lots of dancing (well, more of bobbing up and down from our part) and singing along and all I can say is that it was a magnificently entertaining experience, particularly his grand entrance, complete with pyrotechniques, fireworks and all.
He engaged the crowd, was his usual cheeky self, sang his numerous hits and wowed the crowd away. The atmosphere was simply amazing.
It took us about an hour to get out of the carpark after the concert and we didn't get home till past midnight. I'm just a little sleepy right now, but what a brilliant night. What a brilliant concert.
Technorati tags: Robbie Williams, concert
What a perfect end to a perfect weekend.
Robbie Williams is a definite true blue entertainer.
Saw the Robbie Williams concert last night and boy was it an amazing experience. We got free standing tickets and ended up only a few metres away from the stage and The Man.
There were lots of dancing (well, more of bobbing up and down from our part) and singing along and all I can say is that it was a magnificently entertaining experience, particularly his grand entrance, complete with pyrotechniques, fireworks and all.
He engaged the crowd, was his usual cheeky self, sang his numerous hits and wowed the crowd away. The atmosphere was simply amazing.
It took us about an hour to get out of the carpark after the concert and we didn't get home till past midnight. I'm just a little sleepy right now, but what a brilliant night. What a brilliant concert.
Technorati tags: Robbie Williams, concert
Thursday, 7 December 2006
I'm still alive.
My recent disappearance is a result of a surprise return to Singapore (surprise for the folks in Singapore, not for me) for a week thanks to frequent flyer points.
Returning with Daniel meant having to do the whole tourist thing which saw us spending all day out, returning home exhausted and ready for bed. Naturally with the lack of sleep and the wet monsoon season, Daniel fell sick before the end of the week.
Got back last Thursday, but am currently staying at Manly. What with having to commute, flying to Melbourne for a day for work, going on all-day conferences, trying to sort out more than 200 emails and simply attempting to get back into the groove of things, updates on this site may be few and coming for a while.
But I will be back!
My recent disappearance is a result of a surprise return to Singapore (surprise for the folks in Singapore, not for me) for a week thanks to frequent flyer points.
Returning with Daniel meant having to do the whole tourist thing which saw us spending all day out, returning home exhausted and ready for bed. Naturally with the lack of sleep and the wet monsoon season, Daniel fell sick before the end of the week.
Got back last Thursday, but am currently staying at Manly. What with having to commute, flying to Melbourne for a day for work, going on all-day conferences, trying to sort out more than 200 emails and simply attempting to get back into the groove of things, updates on this site may be few and coming for a while.
But I will be back!
Thursday, 16 November 2006
Note: This post will likely only be relevant to you if you are a Seventh-day Adventist.
I'm currently about to start work on an article about Ellen White. For those non-Adventists who have decided to read on anyway, a short answer is that Adventists believe that Ellen White had the spiritual gift of prophecy. She has written numerous literature on God, health and temperance. And for the record, we don't believe either her or her writings are as important as God and the Bible.
Anyway, the reason for this post is because I want to hear from you. Hear why you feel Ellen White is still relevant to the young people of today. Or maybe you don't feel that way?
I want to hear from you.
Technorati tags: Ellen White, EWG, Adventist
I'm currently about to start work on an article about Ellen White. For those non-Adventists who have decided to read on anyway, a short answer is that Adventists believe that Ellen White had the spiritual gift of prophecy. She has written numerous literature on God, health and temperance. And for the record, we don't believe either her or her writings are as important as God and the Bible.
Anyway, the reason for this post is because I want to hear from you. Hear why you feel Ellen White is still relevant to the young people of today. Or maybe you don't feel that way?
I want to hear from you.
Technorati tags: Ellen White, EWG, Adventist
Tuesday, 14 November 2006
This is a little late coming, but boy what a great weekend I've had!
Went to the literally long-awaited U2 concert on Saturday night and was absolutely and completely blown away by them. So much so that we had to go back to the stadium yesterday night, having a picnic dinner outside while listening to Bono singing his little lungs out all over again.
But back to Saturday night when I actually saw something.
We had seats directly in front of the stage, but well, several tens of metres back. It was still really good view that didn't require any neck craning, especially since we were in the front row of our section, which was on the second level.
Things got off to a slow start with Kanye West opening for U2. He sang probably about eight songs, of which I only recognised and enjoyed three. The others...let's just say R&B/Hip-hop was never really my cup of tea. Added to that the fact that the stadium was only about half-full.
There was a real carnival feel to the area though, with food stalls set up both outside and inside the stadium. And after hours of waiting, people started getting bored and started doing the Mexican wave around and around the stadium.
At about 9pm (Kanye started at 7pm), the lights finally dimmed and a haunting chanting came across the loudspeakers and there he was. Bono walked out with an Australian flag draped across his shoulders singing City of Blinding Lights.
Daniel, Sharona and I sprang to our feet, bursting with excitement for finally catching one of the greatest singers in the world (not just because of his talent, but because of his activism) live and rocking. Well, I was probably the most excitable of the three...actually, I was probably the most excitable of the entire section. After a few minutes of excited jumping, we looked around only to see the rest of the folks in our section sitting down, looking bored.
They actually looked bored and that look practically stayed permanently on their faces for the next two hours.
I have no idea what in the world inspired that kind of boredom because I was so caught up in the electrifying atmosphere I ended up dancing in the aisles, but I don't think a single person got up to their feet besides Sharona and I. We looked around and everybody else in all the other seating sections were standing and jumping and dancing, except ours. The world's most boring section.
It made me wish I was in the mosh pit.
But despite that lack of enthusiasm in my general vicinity, I still thoroughly enjoyed myself. I'll have to admit that Bono wasn't very large and I could not read the writing on his T-shirt, but I could see clearly enough and was aided beautifully by two large screens on the side and a gigantic one on the stage. It was fantastic.
It's been ages since I've been at a rock concert and to return to the concert scene with U2 has got to be one of the most amazing experiences ever. The music was tight, the singing was awesome, the showmanship was spectacular.
They came back for an encore twice and they opened the second encore with the latest single The Saints are Coming, which despite being performed without Green Day was still really good. And how much more privileged can a girl be to be one of the first few in the world to see that performed live at a U2 concert?
(For those reading this on your feedreader, there's a youtube video embedded.)
Technorati tags: U2, concert, Australia
Went to the literally long-awaited U2 concert on Saturday night and was absolutely and completely blown away by them. So much so that we had to go back to the stadium yesterday night, having a picnic dinner outside while listening to Bono singing his little lungs out all over again.
But back to Saturday night when I actually saw something.
We had seats directly in front of the stage, but well, several tens of metres back. It was still really good view that didn't require any neck craning, especially since we were in the front row of our section, which was on the second level.
Things got off to a slow start with Kanye West opening for U2. He sang probably about eight songs, of which I only recognised and enjoyed three. The others...let's just say R&B/Hip-hop was never really my cup of tea. Added to that the fact that the stadium was only about half-full.
There was a real carnival feel to the area though, with food stalls set up both outside and inside the stadium. And after hours of waiting, people started getting bored and started doing the Mexican wave around and around the stadium.
At about 9pm (Kanye started at 7pm), the lights finally dimmed and a haunting chanting came across the loudspeakers and there he was. Bono walked out with an Australian flag draped across his shoulders singing City of Blinding Lights.
Daniel, Sharona and I sprang to our feet, bursting with excitement for finally catching one of the greatest singers in the world (not just because of his talent, but because of his activism) live and rocking. Well, I was probably the most excitable of the three...actually, I was probably the most excitable of the entire section. After a few minutes of excited jumping, we looked around only to see the rest of the folks in our section sitting down, looking bored.
They actually looked bored and that look practically stayed permanently on their faces for the next two hours.
I have no idea what in the world inspired that kind of boredom because I was so caught up in the electrifying atmosphere I ended up dancing in the aisles, but I don't think a single person got up to their feet besides Sharona and I. We looked around and everybody else in all the other seating sections were standing and jumping and dancing, except ours. The world's most boring section.
It made me wish I was in the mosh pit.
But despite that lack of enthusiasm in my general vicinity, I still thoroughly enjoyed myself. I'll have to admit that Bono wasn't very large and I could not read the writing on his T-shirt, but I could see clearly enough and was aided beautifully by two large screens on the side and a gigantic one on the stage. It was fantastic.
It's been ages since I've been at a rock concert and to return to the concert scene with U2 has got to be one of the most amazing experiences ever. The music was tight, the singing was awesome, the showmanship was spectacular.
They came back for an encore twice and they opened the second encore with the latest single The Saints are Coming, which despite being performed without Green Day was still really good. And how much more privileged can a girl be to be one of the first few in the world to see that performed live at a U2 concert?
(For those reading this on your feedreader, there's a youtube video embedded.)
Technorati tags: U2, concert, Australia
Thursday, 9 November 2006
Too many projects.
Looming deadlines.
Too little time.
If only there were more than one of me.
Stressed.
Exhausted.
Nervous.
Overwhelmed.
Let me just lie here and close my eyes...
Technorati tags: exhaustion, life, work
Looming deadlines.
Too little time.
If only there were more than one of me.
Stressed.
Exhausted.
Nervous.
Overwhelmed.
Let me just lie here and close my eyes...
Technorati tags: exhaustion, life, work
Tuesday, 7 November 2006
There's some really great advertising of giant painted trucks over at Lee Hopkins.
Thought this one was particularly clever, depicting how Pepsi Light is so "light" it floats up to the ceiling of the truck.
All pretty neat stuff I say.
Technorati tags: advertising, marketing, pictures
Thought this one was particularly clever, depicting how Pepsi Light is so "light" it floats up to the ceiling of the truck.
All pretty neat stuff I say.
Technorati tags: advertising, marketing, pictures
Monday, 6 November 2006
The magazine was mailed to me last Friday!
Technorati tags: Australian Christian Woman, shopping, writing
Technorati tags: Australian Christian Woman, shopping, writing
Friday, 3 November 2006
Master of the House
What do you think of when you attend a school production?
I'm not saying you don't expect quality production, but you don't usually associate amazing props and costumes, fantastic lighting and sound, or superb performances from those involved. The performances may be good, but you'll never think you're at Broadway or something.
That got turned on its head when I went to watch Les Miserables staged by the students of Barker College yesterday.
Firstly, there were actually properly published programmes printed on glossy paper (with a full-colour cover) and with extremely well-taken photos of the cast. We even had assigned seatings, although it was a bit of a challenge trying to find seat number 3 when you're really all just sitting on a long bench.
There was actually a full orchestra located in front of the stage and even before the musical started, you could see the really impressively built backdrop and intuitively know that the props and costumes would be as stunning.
And the peformance! It was hard to believe that I was actually watching high school students singing and acting! Powerful voices, smooth acting, I really felt transported to a proper non-school production at times.
Needless to say, I left the hall extremely impressed by the production and the direction of the musical. The interpretation, the staging, the singing, the lighting, everything was just done perfectly.
And I absolutely fell in love with the Master of the House scene in which the actor so wonderful depicted the character. It was as if he was born for that role (whether that's a compliment or not I'm not sure.)
Even this supposedly professionally done version cannot compare to the one I saw last night.
Technorati tags: Les Miserables, musical, school production
What do you think of when you attend a school production?
I'm not saying you don't expect quality production, but you don't usually associate amazing props and costumes, fantastic lighting and sound, or superb performances from those involved. The performances may be good, but you'll never think you're at Broadway or something.
That got turned on its head when I went to watch Les Miserables staged by the students of Barker College yesterday.
Firstly, there were actually properly published programmes printed on glossy paper (with a full-colour cover) and with extremely well-taken photos of the cast. We even had assigned seatings, although it was a bit of a challenge trying to find seat number 3 when you're really all just sitting on a long bench.
There was actually a full orchestra located in front of the stage and even before the musical started, you could see the really impressively built backdrop and intuitively know that the props and costumes would be as stunning.
And the peformance! It was hard to believe that I was actually watching high school students singing and acting! Powerful voices, smooth acting, I really felt transported to a proper non-school production at times.
Needless to say, I left the hall extremely impressed by the production and the direction of the musical. The interpretation, the staging, the singing, the lighting, everything was just done perfectly.
And I absolutely fell in love with the Master of the House scene in which the actor so wonderful depicted the character. It was as if he was born for that role (whether that's a compliment or not I'm not sure.)
Even this supposedly professionally done version cannot compare to the one I saw last night.
Technorati tags: Les Miserables, musical, school production
Thursday, 2 November 2006
In extremely exciting news (well, to me at least), Company, a novel by one of my all-time favourite author, is finally going to be published in Australia!
A book being published may not be exciting news, even if it was by one's favourite author, but the fact that Company has been available overseas for at least a year kind of negates that. Particularly since Max Barry is Australian and based in Melbourne.
My first introduction to Max Barry was through his book Syrup in 2003, which was one of the most entertaining marketing satirical book I've ever read. We shall ignore the fact that I haven't really read many marketing satirical books before then.
It was intriguing, exciting, highly entertaining, laugh out loud funny and most of all, dealt with subject I could relate with. I have read all of his other books (a grand total of one) since and had been waiting impatiently for Company to be available in Australia.
And come March next year, it will be!
Technorati tags: Max Barry, Company, marketing
A book being published may not be exciting news, even if it was by one's favourite author, but the fact that Company has been available overseas for at least a year kind of negates that. Particularly since Max Barry is Australian and based in Melbourne.
My first introduction to Max Barry was through his book Syrup in 2003, which was one of the most entertaining marketing satirical book I've ever read. We shall ignore the fact that I haven't really read many marketing satirical books before then.
It was intriguing, exciting, highly entertaining, laugh out loud funny and most of all, dealt with subject I could relate with. I have read all of his other books (a grand total of one) since and had been waiting impatiently for Company to be available in Australia.
And come March next year, it will be!
Technorati tags: Max Barry, Company, marketing
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