Pop quiz

Where is this located?

(No tries for you, Della...)

Well, wherever that place is, I'll be there for three weeks! I doubt I'll be updating this blog much since well...I'm on holidays!

Friends on facebook may be able to follow my adventures (and maybe even photos).

Those without facebook, I'll post some highlight pics when I'm back.

Changing tastes

I think there's a difference between young and old people's tastebuds, and I think I'm developing that of an old person's.

I distinctively remember loathing vegetables when I was growing up, particularly slimey ones like eggplant and okra.

Traditional Chinese herbal soups were always a chore to drink, even though they're supposedly "good for me".

And I loved carbonated drinks...

Fast forward to 2009.

I feel funny when there are no vegetables in my meal, not simply because I'm vegetarian now.

I have not had okra in a while, but I have no qualms eating eggplant. Particularly when it's nicely roasted. Yuuuuum.

I actually willingly make herbal drinks for myself (and poor D) because of the belief that they're "good for me".

Carbonated drinks...well, I still drink them, but not to the extent that I used to.

Those are the few examples that I can think of now, but I'm sure there are plenty of other stuff that I used to hate that for some strange reason I loved eating now.

What about you?

Have you developed an old person's tongue?

Eflin hats

Not much more to say besides I want to make an adult version of this hat for myself!

And I found a use for scrap yarn as beanie tassles. Go recycling!

Pattern here.

Church marketing fad

A rather insightful remark from Kevin Hendricks, editor of Church Marketing Sucks today:

A mind-blowing post I saw on Twitter last week: "Why is it at church conferences we rarely are taught about real compassion for growth, yet 'Twitter for Church' classes are full?" Ouch.

Let's be clear: Church marketing is not about hopping on the latest cool fad. It's not about iPhone apps or Facebook pages, though those can be great tools to use.

Church marketing should be about communicating the core of who we are as Christians--the compassion, love and grace that [hopefully] set us apart. Those will be the same tomorrow, next year and 20 years down the road. Twitter? Not so much.

Use Twitter if it works for your church, but remember that it's just a tool. Save your excitement for what really matters.

Being in church communication, I have to admit that I do get carried away with the latest and the bestest.

But it is true, the tool is not the point. The message is.

Reverse garbage

Ever wonder where things like excess (brand new) plastic containers, craft supplies, fabric samples and even big street banners and giant industrial displays go to when they die?

Not the landfill, surprisingly.

Well, I suppose most do, but a large amount also goes to Reverse Garbage.

This is what they had to say for themselves:

Reverse Garbage is a not-for-profit co-operative that sells industrial discards, off-cuts and over-runs to the public for creative and practical uses, reducing the amount of waste going to landfill.

We are well known and respected in the education, community and arts sectors for our huge variety of materials, including; perspex, cloth, ceramic tiles, closed-cell foam and foam sheeting, stickers, cardboard, wood, hessian sacks, paper rolls, bubble wrap, toys, craft supplies and dozens of other useful items.

I visited Reverse Garbage about a month ago when I read about it in a magazine. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that its "offices" were located on the grounds of a old military barracks and a market springs up on the premises every Sunday!

Unfortunately, that last visit was interesting, but less than fruitful. There was nothing of interest at Reverse Garbage and the market stalls were closing (they close at 2pm). I did get a two-player board game for $2, but that was about it.

But I really loved the atmosphere of the place. It was very alternative - most of the food sold were organic, and had a very family and community feel to it. Not to mention the fact that there were real life hippies, as opposed to wannabes like me.

And because I loved it so much, I had to return. And the trip two days ago was probably the highlight of my Queen's birthday long weekend.

The lovely atmosphere was still there and this time, there were a bunch of young adults busking, with music that transported me to a medieval court.

The food stalls were all open this time, and I got the most delicious plate of char kway teow - a great reminder of home. And for those who don't know, this is a miracle in itself. Seven years in Australia and I had yet to find a good plate of char kway teow in this country. That plate of char kway teow was enough to make it a highlight.

But no, that stall also sold chai tow kway! It must be the only stall in the whole of Australia that did (in my knowledge anyway)!

Ironical that the chef was not Asian, but...

Tastebuds satisfied, I decided to poke into Reverse Garbage again and found some great stuff:


Metres of elastic band that will probably serve as hair tie for me for the rest of my life.

Some cute buttons and the little ring bits that I will soon transform into earrings (watch this space).

All for the low low price of $2.

If you're ever in the Sydney region, I highly recommend visiting Reverse Garbage. And do so on a Sunday, you'll never be the same again.

Transformers cufflinks

It was D's birthday on Wednesday and I had a dilemma.

I wanted to buy him a present, but I didn't want to participate in the wanton consumerism of birthday presents and whatnots as well.

I couldn't knit him something because well, I had left it too late to be able to knit something of worth in time for his birthday.

The solution?

Something handmade from the delightful "marketplace" called Etsy.

All items are handmade by individual artists, which means supporting people and creativity, as opposed to items made from mass producing multinationals.

And because I could even shop by location, I specifically chose Sydney so that transport and postage is kept to the minimum.

I also found the perfect little present:


Yes, they are Transformers cufflinks.

And yes, we are nerds.

Wondrous buttonhole

Currently knitting up the most delightful looking February Lady Sweater and have learned the most wonderful way to make a buttonhole!

Previously, the only way I knew how to make a buttonhole is to do a yarn over. Which essentially means that my buttonhole is limited to the size of two stitches, which therefore does not allow for bigger sized buttons if one wished.

Cue the wondrous buttonhole (with easy to follow instructions).

And in essence, it's a matter of binding off and casting off again. Neat, tidy, more or less reversible, makes no adverse impact on the garment and best of all, the buttonhole can go for as big as you want it too.

unGrace?

Can you sincerely share the Good News and the love of God with someone and yet disdainfully mention their sins/mistakes as if you're better than them?

I believe that when we truly love someone like Jesus does, and are trying to reflect who Jesus is to people, we should perhaps hold back on our judgements and see them for who they are.

So what if they're currently in prison serving a sentence for a crime they committed before they were introduced to Christ?

So what if they've sinned in some form or manner?

Do we say things like "they're scary, I wouldn't want them near me!"

How can you say you love them, when you really don't think they're worthy of your love? How can you care for them, and yet think yourself better than them?

How is that extending the grace of God to them?

We're all sinners in our own right. What we have to our advantage is the fact that we weren't caught or publicly punished. But we've still made mistakes.

If we expect God and others to treat us fair, shouldn't we at least do the same to others?

What do you think?

How will you treat someone who is currently serving a sentence in prison for a crime they committed before they knew Christ?

How will you treat them if they've served their sentence and are now wanting to meet you in person?

My new best friend

Yup. My new best friend is white vinegar.

That cheap, strong smelling liquid found in most households.

I haven't discovered a use for it yet for actually cooking, but oh, the wonders it does for cleaning.

There is a whole list of things you can use vinegar for in cleaning, but so far, I've only used it for two.

The first one, I've mentioned before - when combined with bi-carb, it removes stains extremely easily and gives surfaces a real nice shine.

The second one was something I was a little dubious about, considering how strong the smell of vinegar is, but it works.

I'm talking about pouring vinegar into your laundry in the final rinse.

The recommended amount is 1/2 to 1 cup, but I usually just pour a glug.

It acts as an extremely environmentally friendly fabric softener and it also brightens the colours of your clothes.

And when you pull the clothes out of the machine, no strange vinegar smell.

Perfect.

Environmentally friendly.

And cheap.

Vinegar photo from here.

Legwarmers and headband

I blogged about the wonders of Freecycle a while ago (so long ago I no longer know where the post is), but have you ever heard of Yarncycle (Ravelry link)?

It basically works on the same concept as Freecycle, except it only deals with yarn.

I got two skeins of super bulky red/black yarn from a lady in Canada a while ago, but did not really have an idea of what I was going to use it for.

After knitting up my sleeves, I decided that I needed a leg equivalent and that was when that free yarn (well, not quite, since I had to pay postage) came to good use.


It's so warm and snug! Now I can wear short skirts and not have to worry about cold calves!

Had some yarn leftover that did not really amount to much, except for a headband that I can use for when I go for yoga or pilates!


And the proudest moment for me is the fact that I made both more or less with a made-up pattern!

Free yarn well-used I say.

Communication lesson learned

...that no matter how clear you try to make yourself, someone somewhere somehow, will misunderstand what you mean.

Perspectives

My previous post may have caused some people worry, thinking that I'm ready to give up my faith in God.

Far from that. God has been too good to me for too long for me to even contemplate that.

I thank those who have expressed concern and given words of encouragement. It's always nice to know that people care and to have extra ammunition to lift you up when you're down is never unappreciated.

But for the record, I'm not walking away from my relationship with God. I'm not even contemplating it.

But as much as I hate to admit it, the behaviour of others does have an impact on me.

I know as humans, we have a tendency to fail and are certainly far from perfect. But when you have a storm raging around you, and when you look at the seemingly un-Christian conduct of others, you start to wonder if it's all worth it.

And then you just get tired, and dare I say it, lazy. You start to wonder if it's worth it. You contemplate simply rebelling.

But I guess what I want to say is, and like what others have mentioned, it is OK.

The beauty of God is that he understands. This is not the first time I've had a low and I'm sure it won't be the last. But God will continue to watch out for you, to be with you and to love you.

From my point of view, a break from God is perfectly alright.

You just need to remember to return.

And as for the impact of the behaviour of others? Who am I to judge what they're doing? It's up to them to answer to their own God/conscience.

I'm not going to force my views on others. I should not let their views and behaviour impact me.

Not always close

I'm not sure about you (if you are a Christian, that is), but have you always assumed that your walk with God will always be there?

By that I mean, you don't really expect that there'll be times when you just don't feel like talking with God.

You're uninspired and unmotivated to do anything perhaps even remotely God-related.

There is an underlying relationship you have with Him that will always be there. You love him, you know he exists, but you just...cannot be bothered.

God's there, but not as close as He used to be.

You know you ought to try harder, and yet at the same time, you're really not trying any harder.

That's where I am right now.

I like to think that God and I are on a break. I don't feel that we've forsaken each other, I'm probably just in need of some serious time out.

I'm not angry with him and I certainly still believe that he is my saviour.

I'm just...tired.

Sleeves

It's pretty much only been knitting on the Aussie Adventures front.

Not much reflecting, pondering, or thinking going on.

Winter is near, it's raining, daylight hours are shorter...what else is a girl to do but knit?

These sleeves are made especially for the cooler weather because I still want to wear my summery clothes and yet am not really looking forward to having cold arms.


Made from Malabrigo merino wool it is extremely soft and snug.



D thinks I'm insane to simply be knitting sleeves, but I know he will be extremely envious when I am able to prance around in short sleeve summer clothes and yet be warm.

Pattern here.

Update: The designer likes my version of her pattern!

Sweet poppy

Well, she asked me for a beanie with a difference and so I tried to deliver.

Sweet poppy is meant to be reflective of a 1920s style kind of hat and was actually meant for children. Had to make some minor adjustments for an adult sized head.


Knitted with bulky yarn, it was completed in about five days.

I'm not sure if she actually wants her face plastered all over a rather public blog, so you'll have to make do with the above pic.

Update: well, seems like she doesn't mind having her face plastered all over a blog...

Pattern here (Ravelry link).

Some things I am unable to understand

Not written by me, but voices questions I've always asked like:

1. I don’t understand why mean, destructive people get into positions where they manage others. And how they stay there, and even get promoted.

2. I don’t get why churches will tear themselves apart, destroying friendships and relationships, over minor matters of belief or practice.

3. I’ve often puzzled why people cling to the details of eschatology, and spend all of their interest and anxiety there, when there are far more immediate things in their lives to deal with.

4. I can’t understand why people won’t let you in when you have to change lanes.

He doesn't give any solutions or explanations, and the only one I can come up with is the fact that unfortunately, we live in a sin-filled world where humans are prone to being terrible to one another.

Somewhat cliche, and probably doesn't give any helpful solution, but perhaps it's a reflective of the life we have ahead of us.

It will always be like that.

Article link.

Buy Mars

Have a chocolate craving?

May I suggest getting a Mars bar?

Origami bolero

My first knitted jacket thingamebob. It's called a bolero, but I just call it a jacket.

It's not for me, which is why it's a little big, but I kind of like the drapiness of it.


This was an extremely surprising quick and easy knit. It looks complicated, but the thick ply of the yarn combined with the (only two) stitch pattern helped me finish this super fast.


It looks a little "holey" and was knit up with cotton yarn, but don't let that fool you. The jacket is still rather warm and snug.

It does feel a little delicate though. I wonder if all future jackets I knit will be as delicate. That would make washing a pain.

My seaming, unfortunately, leaves much to be desired I think. Don't look too closely at the pics.

Nevertheless, great fun knitting up this top, especially since it was completed in just under a month!

Enjoyment

A discussion with a friend about being happy in life and doing something that you like got me wondering about this:

If all you get to do all the time is something that you enjoy, will you enjoy it as much?

Or will it become part of the norm that it no longer becomes enjoyable?

Is it enjoyable only because you get to do it occasionally?

Licensed to drive

Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to present to you, a new fully licensed driver on the streets of NSW.


Three and a bit years later...

No more having to drive around with a target "P" next to my number plate.

I can now drive at the normal speed limit and not have to see everybody whizz past me.

I can now drive rental cars.

I now have up to 12 demerit points to gain, as opposed to only four!

I am fully licensed to drive.

Ah, another rite of passage...