Life, Musings and Jill

Juggling Act

2011-08-31T10:05:00.000-07:00

Since returning to the work place, and workers comp stopping, life seems to have become a juggling act. Gone is the standard 5 day week, the reliable pay packet, the regularity of the week.

With the return to work has come an increase of time spent at work, and then the workload at work (naturally), the irregular pay packet, the reduction in pay packet and decisions about what my week should look like.
This year I've become an independent Nutrimetics Consultant - the start of a small business that my hope will become a big business. I've also had different placements each term at different schools. Actually my current placement will last all semester! Whoot! But this current placement is only one day a week, which unfortunately isn't enough to live on or keep me occupied.
So... what to do?
Answer - study! Bring on Grad. Dip. Business - Event Management. Full time...
So now my week looks like - study, work, nutrimetics business admin and parties and facials, assignments, readings, training, relief when it happens, centrelink and I can't think what else at the moment, but my first assignment is due tomorrow arvo, and what am I writing instead?? My blog.
Makes perfect sense as usual!!

Favourite Dog Quotes

2011-07-22T13:11:00.000-07:00

"Dogs feel very strongly that they should always go with you in the car, in case the need should arise for them to bark violently at nothing right in your ear." ~Dave Barry

"Did you ever notice when you blow in a dog's face he gets mad at you? But when you take him in a car he sticks his head out the window." ~Steve Bluestone

"A door is what a dog is perpetually on the wrong side of." ~Ogden Nash

"Properly trained, a man can be dog's best friend." ~Corey Ford

"If your dog thinks you're the greatest person in the world, don't seek a second opinion." ~Jim Fiebig

"One reason a dog can be such a comfort when you're feeling blue is that he doesn't try to find out why." ~Author Unknown

"No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as the dog does." ~Christopher Morley

"The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself too." ~Samuel Butler, Notebooks, 1912

"The most affectionate creature in the world is a wet dog." ~Ambrose Bierce

"Anybody who doesn't know what soap tastes like never washed a dog." ~Franklin P. Jones

"When you point out something to a dog, he looks at your finger." - J Bryan, III

"My dog is worried about the economy because Banquet is up to $2.80 a can. That's almost $20.00 in dog money" ~Joe Weinstein

"A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down" ~ Robert Benchley

"If you think dogs can't count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then giving Fido only two of them." ~Phil Pastoret

"From the dog's point of view, his master is an elongated and abnormally cunning dog." ~Mabel Louise Robinson

"There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face." ~Ben Williams

"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself." ~Josh Billings

"They never talk about themselves but listen to you while you talk about yourself, and keep up an appearance of being interested in the conversation." ~Jerome K. Jerome

Blemish Prone Skin

2011-07-21T11:51:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but since I hit 30, I had been noticing the continual build up of dead skin and blocked pores on my face. With the build up of the dead skin and blocked pours came an increase in black and white heads and lumpy bumpy skin. Makeup would get caught in amongst the lumps and bumps and wouldn't come off no matter what I was doing.
I was cleansing, exfoliating, toning and moisturising every day, and still the problem was getting worse, not better until...
I was introduced to Facial Peel Creme by Nutrimetics!
You use this creme every night for a month, then give it a break for 2 months. This month is my third using it, and I think I may finish the jar by the end of the month.
It works by dissolving the glue that holds the dead skin to your face, but it is also a moisturiser; so not only does it help release the dead skin from your face (by washing your face in the morning) it softens all the blockages up too, so they almost jump out of your pores! Squeezing out blackheads has never been so easy and painless, plus I'm not bruising or breaking my skin trying to get them out!
Then, following up the cleansing with toning and moisturising, meant the pores are cleaned out and then minimised.
In the last 7 months I've noticed that I have a lessening number of blackheads on my nose particularly, plus others that I've watched disappear under the build up of dead skin, come back to the surface and then come out - HOORAY!! Also, by the end of the month, my face feels a lot smoother.
I look forward to the next Facial Peel treatment month each time because I notice the dead skin start to build back up again in the off months - even though I may be doing a different exfoliation treatment.
The other reason why I love Facial Peel Creme, is because other people have noticed. Obviously when I look at my face, I'm looking really close up; but to have other people comment (within the first 2 weeks of my first month using it - without them knowing I was using it) that my face looked clearer and better, is really good proof as well as reinforcement to keep using it.

He’s Always Been Faithful to Me

2011-02-08T21:09:00.001-08:00

With the new year starting, returning to work has always been the goal for this year.

The close of last year brought to an end a few things: resigning from CCC, end of Stress Leave, end of the old me. But what would the new year bring?

I had planned to drive over to Queensland and back over the Christmas holidays, and in preparation, bought the Chronicles of Narnia on audio CD to listen to on the way. I didn’t end up driving, but still listened to the CDs; by the end of the Chronicles, I had noticed that Aslan at the beginning of each story, gave the children a list of instructions but then told them to take the adventure that came to them.

I realized that God does the same thing (or rather, Aslan does the same thing that God does). He gives us a list of instructions – on how to live, but then also tells us to take the adventure that comes to us. We are told to trust and obey. Talk about stepping out in faith! And just like God, Aslan is with the children on their adventures; they can always call on him in times of trouble and when they need assistance; their needs are always provided for, and despite their successes or failings along the way, they always accomplish what Aslan told them to do.

I realized that I need to do the same thing. To step out in faith, to trust and obey and to take the adventure that came to me. I know that God has always provided for all my needs in the past, and providing beyond my expectations; so I need to trust that He will continue to provide for me in the future. This part is the hardest!

Not knowing what the future, even tomorrow holds can be daunting. Not knowing if I will get a job this year, if I’m making wise decisions and so on, even if I will get paid next week…

Some friends have been very encouraging, and have helped me remember God’s promises to Himself, and to me with this song by Sara Groves.

He’s Always Been Faithful

Morning by morning I wake up to find the power and comfort of God’s hand in mine. Season by season I watch Him, amazed, in awe of the mystery of His perfect ways.

All I have need of His hand will provide. He’s always been faithful to me.

I can’t remember a trial or a pain He did not recycle to bring me gain. I can’t remember one single regret in serving God only and trusting His hand.

All I have need of His hand will provide. He’s always been faithful to me.

This is my anthem, this is my song, the theme of the stories I’ve heard for so long. God has been faithful, He will be again. His loving compassion, it knows no end.

All I have need of His hand will provide. He’s always been faithful to me.

Fine breakfasting in Perth?

2011-01-09T08:37:00.001-08:00

Is such a thing even possible?
I have to say, I often find going out for breakfast hard to stomach. I’ve eaten Weetbix for breakfast nearly all my life, so starting the day with something else, particularly on a week day, seems to throw off the whole ‘feel’ of the day entirely.
That being said however, I enjoy eating out and trying new things – provided my day started right!
So then my dilemma arises. There’s always lots of different and yummy options for breakfast, but what to choose so that the rest of the day ‘sits right’? Then what if the choice was a dud? Is it worth hazarding feeling slightly off for the rest of the day just to try something new?
My brother and I went to The Imp for breakfast Saturday morning and I have to say I wasn’t that impressed.
Usually known for it’s fine food and coffee, my breakfast wasn’t all that tasty; the coffee was just above standard thankfully, but nothing to write home about.
Both my brother and I ordered their ‘Big Breakfast’, usually a good choice and quite a standard dish at most restaurants. The tomato was over cooked, the bacon under cooked and also on the plate was a small serving of baked beans… which neither of us were impressed to see. (My brother was in Perth for a wedding that day, so baked beans wouldn’t have been a wise choice for him at all!)
The coffee (I had a latte), at least wasn’t a let-down. It did have a nice thick foamy top and it wasn’t bitter. For a large latte, the size of it was ok as well. It always baffles me however, when a large latte is served in a large glass, without a napkin or collar around it at all. How are you supposed to pick the glass up and drink your coffee without burning your fingers in the process? And what’s the point of ordering coffee if its going to be lukewarm by the time you get to drink it? Then if you use the napkin that comes with your cutlery, what do you do when your food arrives?
The whole dining experience can be ruined because of the lack of a napkin when you need it.

Ode to the Cream Bun

2010-12-20T22:29:00.001-08:00

Oh lightly browned crust
That just doesn't crumble
All over my shirt
From just one small bumble

Soft white fluffy bun
How thy insides do please
Thy texture is light
Could be caught on a breeze

A diagonal cut 'cross the top
Doth thy rift
Yet were it left empty
T'would cause more than a fit

Thy filling is quite
A delight to mine eyes
Not too much or too little
The right, exact size

White, fluffy and creamy
Only moderately sweet
Causing both sides of the bun
Together to meet

A dollop of jam
On top doth create
The right harmonization
For the discerning palate

I gently prize thee apart
And spread all of thy filling
Evenly betwixt both thy sides
Preventing the possibility of pilling

The first bite, what delight!
A smile spreads over my face
Yet fades all too quick
How often the case

Too quickly consumeth
The cream bun doest I
But savoring the moment
Till another I doest buy

Style

2010-11-09T08:38:00.001-08:00

Is there such a thing as a wrong style?

Everything seems to have it's own style nowadays, not just fashion.
If something or someone does things differently, they're said to have their own style and in this post-modern culture of tolerance, everything and anything is acceptable. The 'right' and 'wrong' boundaries have disappeared and everyone is left to figure it out for themselves.

Teachers are not supposed to say something is definitely wrong – which makes giving anything a grade rather difficult; but then giving a person a grade is no longer acceptable. Telling someone they failed is wrong; or saying that something can’t be done, shouldn’t be mentioned!

The ‘pop’ psychologists of the 1960’s have a lot to answer for. The introduction of this false notion of ‘self-esteem’ in child psychology meant that parents were no longer allowed to discipline their children, because of the negative impact it may have on the child’s self esteem. Yet, for a child to have a good self WORTH, (which is more important than self esteem) understanding your own weaknesses as well as strengths is important! Understanding that there is a right and a wrong way of behaving and treating others is important just as understanding your place in your family structure and being held accountable in the structure is important. This removal of ‘finites’ and the acceptance of ‘tolerance’ has done a lot of damage in how we view ourselves, others, the world and God.

Girl & Dog

2010-11-03T08:21:00.001-07:00

That day finally happened. The day when parental consent was finally given.
The silly thing is that parental consent was even needed. It's amazing how parents continue to affect and impact the choices you make, long after you leave home. I guess actually moving out of home doesn't stop them from being your parents.
Well, as a result of the aforementioned consent, I now have a dog!

P.S. – The only reason consent was given, is because their disapproval and fears were ignored on another level.

Pet Peeve

2010-09-07T10:29:00.001-07:00

Do you have a pet peeve? I sure do. In fact, I think I have several… But when it comes down to it, I think the one that is at the top of the list is Perth drivers.

Nothing gets me more frustrated, worked up, annoyed and angry than dealing with Perth traffic.

The way no one can STICK to the speed limit. Everyone seems to do 5-10 km over or a standard 20km under, especially on the Freeway.

Did you know that people on the freeways travel at different speeds, no matter what the traffic is like at different times of the day? For instance, traffic is slower between 3 – 4 pm, no matter what day of the week it is, than it is between 4 – 5 pm.

Have you realized that Perth drives prefer travelling in straight lines and on a level surface. Any slight curve or rise in the road causes everyone to slow down.

Now I know that safe driving means being careful on corners and hills, but Perth doesn’t have any hills! Especially not ones we drive up! A slight rise for a railway bridge means drop 10km/hour; a slight bend in the road, even on the freeway when you can see what’s ahead, means drop 10km/hour; if someone is pulled over on the side of the road, drop 10 – 20km/hour so you can have a good stickybeak on the way past; and then there’s the merging (which we really can not do at all) – Taking Turns??? no way! I need to be first! The other day driving back up to Perth from Mandurah, people were slowing down, in both lanes, every time we passed an exit and entry, even though there didn’t appear to be any major problems.

Oh and then the dreaded speed cameras! I can be travelling along at a safe distance from the car in front of me, cruise control on at the correct speed limit; and then for no apparent reason, everyone slows down to almost a crawl! I’m wondering what the problem could possibly be while braking heavily… no, there is no bend in the road, there is no incline, there’s no one broken down on the side of the road, no road works, no merging required and then.. oh its a speed camera! “Quick slow down now because if I was speeding before, if I drive very slowly by, they wont have noticed!”

Have you ever come across a Phantom Breaker? You know, those people who like to brake for no reason what-so-ever… Do they get bored with going slow and have to go slower for a bit to make them feel like they’re going fast when they return, eventually, to their previous pace? Do they have twitchy feet that need to press things just for the sake of it? (I have a brother who just loves to push buttons. Every new car he jumps in, he automatically starts pushing the buttons, rather randomly, not to find out what they do, but just for the sake of it)

Phantom Traffic Jams Break Reaction

There’s more things that Perth drivers do, but I think I’ll save that for another time.

What’s your pet peeve?

What’s At Stake in the Creation Evolution debate?

2010-02-21T19:51:00.001-08:00

This was the first of the 10 talks you’ve never heard in 10 years at CCC – part of the lead up to our 10th birthday as a Church.

Even amongst Christians this is still a hot topic.

Some things Cam St Clair said on Sunday:

Genesis 1 is not a scientific account as to HOW God created the universe, rather it describes WHO and WHY (for what purpose) God created the universe.
Genesis 1 is different in structure and style from the rest of Genesis. Genesis 1-11 is one part, which tells the early history of the entire world, Genesis 12-50 tells how God singled out a nation for His own. Genesis 1 is poetic, and tells of God’s perfection throughout the whole. It is full of 7’s and it’s multiples… 7, 14, 21, 35 etc… It is complete and perfect in and of itself.
God is a planned, logical God who methodically created the world and all things in it, for the chief purpose of creating man.
On the first day God created light, but He didn’t create the sun, moon and stars until the fourth day, so I don’t see how you can have light without the sun.
Seven Years of Starlight and Time

There are a lot of things I wanted to comment on, but I was waiting for the talk to be podcasted, or at least Cam’s notes to be published, but neither happened.

The thing that bugged me the most however, wasn’t in the talk, but was listening to people afterwards. Many of our congregation have moved across from Sydney, and are mainly Sydney Evangelical Anglicans. Apparently in Sydney, it has become accepted belief that God did not create the world in 6 days, but rather used the evolutionary process, and they view us Westerners as backwards and in the dark because we haven’t widely accepted this as they have and because we didn’t want daylight saving.

Not everything that comes from the east is a good thing, and not everything you value and believe fits for us Westerners.

How about looking at the implications of not having a 6 day creation and then tell me what you think.

Bright Star

2010-01-19T07:34:00.001-08:00

I went and saw Bright Star on Saturday night with some friends. It is a Jane Campion film, she also did The Piano.
I haven’t seen all of The Piano yet, but now I intend to. However, I would recommend seeing this film if you want to see something different than Avatar; like period films; have an inkling as to who John Keats was (I only had a brief inkling thanks to Bridget Jones - ‘Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness”’); enjoy good acting or like art-house films.
I didn’t know anything about the history of Keats or his poetry, but having seen the film, it has inspired me to read his works.
The film was really well done in that it faced life straight on, not through rose-coloured glasses. It was raw emotionally and yet intelligently done.

Bright Star
Bright star, would I were steadfast as thou art -
Not in lone splendour hung aloft the night
And watching, with eternal lids apart,
Like nature’s patient, sleepless Eremite,
The moving waters at their priest-like task
Of pure ablution round earth’s human shores,
Or grazing on the new soft-fallen mask
Of snow upon the mountains and the moors -
No-yet still steadfast, still unchangeable,
Pillowed upon my fair love’s ripening breast,
To feel forever its soft fall and swell,
Awake forever in a sweet unrest,
Still, still to hear her tender-taken breath,
And so live forever-or else swoon to death.
John Keats, 1819-1820

They Said It

2009-12-02T22:21:00.001-08:00

From the latest newsletter – A Year in Review

“The redemptive potential of the local church really is the only hope for our broken world.” – Bill Hybels

“Hunger and starvation is the worst enemy of development in any state. It deprives people of their human dignity and in worst cases, leads to extreme malnutrition or even death. Availability of food is a critical determinant of people’s participation in development activities.” – Steve Njoroge

“If you want to bring about change in the world, you can’t just be an advocate of somebody else doing it. You can’t just preach lofty goals and wait for somebody else to act. You have to step up. You have to serve.” – Barack Obama

“I believe every generation has the opportunity to leave a great mark on this planet, whether it’s to see the end of apartheid, the end of the slave trade, or in our case the end of extreme poverty – every generation has the opportunity to do something great.” – Hugh Evans

“If there’s one thing that I have learned over these decades of prayer, action and intense labour, it’s to never give up hope. When hope is put to work, crisis becomes opportunity.” – Jim Wallis

“It is so refreshing seeing shining faces at the project with an enduring sense of hopefulness. Although they come from very poor families, many of which are grappling with alcoholism, separation, single parenthood, domestic violence, hunger and other ills bedevilling the society, at the centre they know they are special.” – Rev Mbega Samson Mwanzanje

“A wealthy country like Australia should be able to do better than make the international aid target of 0.7 per cent of gross national income only aspirational. We should make it a reality.” – West Australian MP Judi Moylan, addressing Parliament, September.

Compassion Australia

We can do better.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-30T02:00:00.001-08:00

Ok, so Thanksgiving was actually Thursday just gone. I wanted to do this on the day but didn’t get around to it and then had a really busy weekend.

The American holiday was introduced to my family back in 1999 by an American Pastor and his wife who were helping out in the Church I was in at the time. They introduced to us the delicious food as well as the Thanksgiving tradition of sharing what we were thankful for.

As I didn’t share the day with anyone, I’ll share here what things I am thankful for this year:

God’s provision for me. This year I have found out at various times how much God has provided for me, even when I didn’t know that He was. For example, the provision of a wage, even though I’m not working; the provision of health providers who aren’t part of the system that made me take stress leave in the first place. The psychiatrists and psychologists that have provided treatment and care to me this year are truly the best, and in so doing, they continually enable me to have time away from work to fully recover. They work for my best interests, not the interests of the Education Department or the Insurance Company. It’s amazing how great God is, and how He continues to bless us, even when we don’t notice.
Great parents. My parents have been there for me through the ups and downs of this year. They have supported me both emotionally and monetarily, especially when I’m not coping and can’t make big decisions. I am thankful for God’s blessing of my parents.
Good friends. Good friends really make a difference in life. Good friends support and listen to you through the ups and the downs. They don’t judge you when you’re ranting, when you’re up or when you’re down. Sometimes all a good friend has to do is listen to what you’re saying and sometimes agree or sometimes help you to see what you’re not seeing. I am glad God created us to be in relationships with others, and what a blessing friendships can be.
Good neighbours. My neighbours are the best. They’re Christian, they’re generous, they’re friendly, they’re sharing and kind. My neighbours and I share similar interests even! We enjoy talking about: food, growing food and eating food; parenting; books; card making; craft; preserving food; life in general and Christian life. They lend me their lawn mower when I need to mow my lawn and I lend them my car when they need a car with a tow ball. Their lemon tree hangs over my fence and provides me with fresh lemons all year around. They take care of my chooks while I’m away and I give them fresh eggs. Neighbours can either make day to day life poor (especially when you constantly hear them swearing at each other and at their children, smell them smoking, have to listen to their loud music at 2 am, put up with their ‘parties’ any time of the day or night, any day of the week and then have to clean up all the glass and rubbish that has made it over the fence from those parties) or they can make it enjoyable. My neighbours are definitely enjoyable! Thank you God for good neighbours!

Well, those are the biggest things that I am thankful for this year. I am also thankful that I live in a country that allows me to go to Church and learn more about God, for through the ups and downs of this year, I have really learnt a lot about Him, which I’m not sure I would have done otherwise.

2 Corinthians 9:11
You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

What are you thankful for?

Onwards and Upwards

2009-11-20T07:01:00.000-08:00

Yes I've been very quiet on the blogosphere recently. But I've been busy!
I've been doing many many things and here's a brief run down on what I've been doing..
Gardening!

Raising chicks!

Camping!

4WD'ing in the country

Tow starting Richard's trail bike...

4WD'ing on the beach

Deep Sea Fishing

Babysitting

As you can see, there's been a lot happening - and that's just a general overview! Hope you've enjoyed the snapshot!

Friday Funny

2009-09-17T23:19:00.000-07:00

Found this in my random wanderings around the www...

Therapy

2009-08-07T07:49:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, I'm on stress leave. I've been off work for over a year now, and still with no plans of returning.
However, being off work doesn't mean I get to sit back and relax... No, there's lots of therapy that needs to be done in the mean time.
Last year I had access (thanks to Ed Dept funding) to 8 Clinical Psychologist Sessions, in which I had to learn about and work though CBT - Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. This was fortnightly, and after each session, I would come away quite sensitive.
A friend asked me, why do it if it hurts so much? (Thus showing the depth of their understanding about recovery at all - even though they're a nurse!!)
I replied, it's like treating cancer, especially with chemotherapy. The chemotherapy makes you sick... physically sick, your hair falls out and it does crazy things to your body... but it helps get rid of the cancer. That's what treatment is like for me. It does crazy things to my body, it makes me more sensitive to things people do and say around me, and sometimes it even makes me physically sick.
My psychiatrist describes it as a large wound that is taking a long time to heal. Every now and then, we need to open up the wound to let some of the dirt, puss and gunk out; but in so doing, it aggravates the wound further, so after working on the wound for a bit, we need to close it up again to let it heal some more, even though all of the dirt in the wound hasn't been removed.
Recently I've been doing a bit more therapy with my psychiatrist. I've had to read through a book called The Pocket Psycho, which is a pocket sized version of a book called Working with Monsters, both by Dr John Clarke. It describes how the Workplace Psycho (aka the workplace bully) operates, the effect it has on the victims, and a few tools to help victims.
I have really, really struggled reading this book. I have avoided, hidden and forced myself to read the book. It has been my homework for the past 3 months, and it has been HELL. I've decided to share some of my journal entries from the last three months, to help others going through the same thing, and the people around them show understanding and support. I should just note, that at my last appointment with my psychiatrist last week, we decided that it's time to let the wound heal for a bit, so the dark cloud has lifted.

21/5/09
I've finally dared/worked up the courage to pick up this book. I think I subconsciously stashed it away in an obscure spot so I wouldn't have to deal with it, but I knew exactly where to find it anyway.

The workplace psychopath tries to isolate and then destroy a target. (Gary and Ted were very good at isolating me)

Characteristics and behaviours include: a lack of remorse or guilt; parasitic behaviour; seeking increased power & control; manipulating & intimidating the people around them; prolific lying and deception; a constant need for excitement; superficial charm; lack of responsibility; impersonal sex life. (not really relevant here)

"When faced with a workplace psychopath's destructive behaviour, victims characteristically report feeling as though they have lost control over their lives. Panic attacks, depression, disturbed sleep & nightmares, relationship problems, confusion, disbelief, guilt, lack of trust, anger, powerlessness, flashbacks, shame, embarrassment and sexual dysfunction are just a few examples of how these victims suffer.

Some longer-term effects also include being unable to look for another job, as they do not trust people or themselves anymore, and a loss of confidence in their ability to perform adequately in their chosen profession or career.

Employees who choose to stay in the workplace despite the trauma, frequently report feeling resentment toward the company they have given so much to; they believe it has let them down by not believing or protecting them."

The above quotes are in/from the first chapter of the book - the introduction, and it has 'hit-the-nail-on-the-head'. It has described me rather well:

lost control of their lives

depression

disturbed sleep & nightmares

relationship problems

confusion, disbelief & guilt

lack of trust

anger

powerlessness

flashbacks

shame

embarrassment

unable to look for another job - do not trust themselves anymore & loss of confidence in their ability to perform adequately in their chosen career/profession

feeling resentment towards the company - that I have given so much to, that it has let me down by not believing in me or protecting me...

Does that mean however, that the company hasn't let me down, that the Ed Dept hasn't let me down and has protected me? Yet despite feeling it (and being told it's only a feeling, not a fact); I know they have let me down and haven't believed in me in the past. The Ed Dept lets nearly all new grads down; lets their teachers in general down AND attempts have been made in the past to discredit me, to make me look incompetent, make me out that I'm a bad teacher. In 2004, when parents were complaining to the Ed Dept about the horrible things that were going on in my school, and in my classroom, they put me up ( with me unaware) as a scapegoat!! I was sent into a meeting I knew nothing about with a random person from the Ed Department who was questioning me about why I was asking another teacher for help in using First Steps in the classroom. I was tandem teaching with another new grad, and they didn't ask her why she was asking for help from other teachers. When I was accused in 2008 of hitting a child with a book (by a parent who had never stepped foot inside my classroom so far that year); they believed them, not me!! The questioned the child - who couldn't be sure about any of the details, the asked other kids in the class, who likewise denied it happened, and yet I still got raked over the coals from the deputy and principal because of it.

I maintain - it wasn't just a feeling I had that the system and company was letting me down and wasn't protecting me. It was a FACT!! THEY BROKE ME!!!

THEY BROKE ME!!!

Book Review

2009-05-01T02:47:00.001-07:00

Today I went to Koorong with my house-mate Alison this morning, without any idea what I was going to buy, without any particular purpose only to use the gift card for $30 I had received.
Koorong had a 20% off everything sale! Great time to go shopping!! I ended up spending another $100 of my own money on top the gift card! (After the 20% off!)

However, I found the most brilliant book called, now that you are back, by Richard Beeston, about living with someone with depression.
Two years ago, Richard Beeston and his band - All Mankind, featured at Cornerstone Camp and I thought they were a really good band, but I didn't remember much about the lyrics...
Little quotes from his music feature through the book, as the songs are inspired from his experience of supporting and living with his wife as she battled with anxiety, depression and PTSD - all of which I am battling with now...

I started reading it in the shop, but Ali walked by and found me crying and very tactfully said, perhaps I shouldn't be reading that just now... So I saved the rest till I got home.
I found the book really nailed what anxiety, PTSD and depression really is like; the effect it has on your day to day life, the medical disorders were explained clearly and how it affected relationships with the people around them. It also explained clearly how to help and support someone who is going through major depression.

If you suffer from anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress/Shock Disorder or depression, or know someone who does, then this book is worth getting out of the house to buy. Either that, or see if you can order it online. It's worth the read. Actually it's worth getting your friends to read, it's worth having the people you live with read it, so they have a glimpse of what you're going through and have a better idea how to love, support, care and pray for you while you're down.

It's also good to read while you're going though it (like I am at the moment), because its really encouraging. It's encouraging to know you're not the only one going through what you're going through, it's encouraging to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel and a way out, that there are good doctors out there, and there is life on the other side of depression.

Check out this website for more info about depression and links to resources.

http://nowthatyouareback.com/

Predestination

2009-04-28T22:01:00.000-07:00

Last week I visited friends and joined in with their Bible Study. We were looking at Psalm 139.
After reading verse 16 -
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all
were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.

I commented that this shows God's predestination. The Bible Study leader later said that this verse isn't relevant at all to the doctrine of Predestination, but I disagree!!
After thinking about it for a while though, I realised there is more than one way of 'interpreting' the word predestination.
Berkhof's Systematic Theology helps explain...
The word 'predestination' is not always used in the same sense. Sometimes it is employed simply as a synonym of the generic word 'decree'. In other cases it serves to designate the purpose of God respecting all His moral creatures. Most frequently, however, it denotes "the counsel of God concerning fallen men, including the sovereign election of some and the righteous reprobation of the rest."
Given that very brief definition, I still think that this verse still points to a sense of predestination in a small way.
David sings God's praise, saying that He knows every part of him, all his inmost parts, all parts yet unformed, all days set out for him, even when he had not lived them yet.
All this points to God's omniscience - He knows all things - comprehensively. Berkhof writes - God knows Himself and in Himself all things that come from Him. He knows all
things as they actually come to pass, past, present and future, and knows them
in their real relations. He knows the hidden essence of things, to which the
knowledge of man cannot penetrate. He sees not as man sees, who observes only
the outward manifestations of life, but penetrates to the depths of the human
heart... God has decreed all things, and has decreed them with their causes and
conditions in the exact order in which they come to pass; and His foreknowledge
of future things and also of contingent events rests of His decree.

Given that God is omniscient and omnipotent, that He is in control of all things and has decreed all things - how can you say that it doesn't point to the predestination of man?

What my taste in Music says about me....

2009-03-12T21:58:00.000-07:00

One of my friends Blogs had this on it, and I just had to see what my taste in music says about me!
What Does Your Taste in Music Say About You?

Your Taste in Music Says You're Wild
Your musical tastes are intense and rebellious.You are intelligent... but in a very unconventional way.You are curious about the world. You love doing something new.In fact, you enjoy taking risks and doing things most people would shy away from.You are very physical. It's likely that you're athletic, but not into team sports.You have the soul of an artist. Beauty and harmony are important to you.

Yeah Baby!

Friends

2009-03-08T17:10:00.000-07:00

Friends are interesting people.
Recently - in the past month anyway I've had a few interesting conversations with friends, and more recently in birthday cards, had lovely messages from friends. I've been comparing the two and wondering which are the truer friend.

Some 'friends' are all like - stop being a victim and go back to work, teaching isn't that bad, you're such a negative person - that's why I stopped hanging out with you.. And these can be 'friends' that you live with, have lived with in the past and saw first hand how stressful school was for the last 5 years etc..

Other friends, who by general standards, wouldn't be classed as good friends cause you only see them once a week at Church and even then the conversation isn't that good, cause they've got kids running around, interrupting etc are like - wow, I can't believe what a generous, kind, joyful, compassionate, caring, fun person you are and that you've been through 5 years of hell and are still loving and serving other people in your Church, you are the most pro-active, busy person on stress-leave I've ever heard of. What are you doing, you're supposed to be on stress-leave! etc etc etc...

So recently I've been re-evaluating what friendship is, what a friend looks like/sounds like/feels like (teacher coming out)... etc, and also thanking and praising God for the good friends that He has so mercifully provided.

Queen of Colds

2009-03-02T19:02:00.000-08:00

Well we've only just hit Autum, and already I've got a cold.
For me, it's not so much about what time of year it is, but how busy/stressed I am that causes me to catch a cold.
One year (when I was working) I had about 8 colds or more! I don't remember being well that year. However, it has given me the ultimate advantage for knowing how to look after myself when I'm not well. My house-mates call me the 'Queen of Colds' because whenever they're sick, they only get advice from me, not sympathy.
At the first sign of a cold start taking 'Ease-a-cold' Flu strength, day and night tablets, start drinking lots of fluids and go to bed!
'Ease-a-cold' is great because it eases the severity and duration of a cold/flu. It's also great because it's all natural stuff - no hard chemicals/drugs. This is a good thing for me, cause when you're on heavy anti-depressants, cold and flu tablets (eg, Codrol, Sudafed etc) don't mix well!
Sleep also reduces the severity and duration of a cold. Don't be afraid of calling in sick! Even if you get abused when you do.
Vicks Vapour Drops are also good, 'cause they soothe the throat and clear the nose. They now come in different strengths and flavours too.
Panadol - necessary for the fever, headaches and general achy symptoms that come with a cold.
Steamers or Sinus Rinsers - very important! Do regulary, and often. It helps clear out all the gunk from your sinuses, keeps it moist - so stops blockages and cysts forming. Also, if you keep your sinuses clear during the first part of the cold, there wont be as much coughing down the track and you will prevent chest infections from happening.
Vicks Vapour Rub - helps keep the head clear in-between steamers/sinus rinses.
Doctor - they can't prescribe anything for the common cold, as it's just a virus, but they can fill in doctors certificates and get you more time off work.
All important, above all - rest! Even if it's just sitting on the couch, watching DVD's or lying in bed watching DVD's. Don't push yourself to do anything.

Re-Inventing the Backyard & Patio

2008-11-13T02:07:00.000-08:00

Now I'm not working, I've been able to invest more time into my hobbies. My hobbies include gardening, scrapbooking, cardmaking, cross-stitch, crocheting and baking.
A friend of mine's 4 year old daughter comes over once a week during school term and we have lots of fun together as we like doing the same things.
Gemma and I have planted a lot of flowers, a couple of citrus trees, sweet peas and normal peas together, but this week she didn't come so I made a small pond for just under $40.
A large plastic tub for under $5 from Bunnings and a couple of water plants for $10 and you've got an instant water feature in your backyard.
I've also been researching the benefits of duckweed this week, and the stuff is amazing!
Check out http://www.duckweed.com.au/ . So off I went to City Farm and made a donation for some duckweed and about 10 tadpoles! I think they're motorbike frogs - well I hope they're motorbike frogs.

Here's a pic of a motorbike frog I found in amongst my sweet peas the other night.

Best ever short film

2008-11-13T02:03:00.000-08:00

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1l4z8_cane-toad-what-happened-to-baz_shortfilms

Perth Women's Convention

2008-08-13T19:55:00.000-07:00

Well the time is upon us again.
Perth Womens Convention, run annually, is on this Saturday. Once again, I am on the music team, playing Bass guitar. It's always great to play in a band of more than 10 people. The combined effort is beautiful! Aparently there are almost 500 women coming this Saturday, so to be able to play with that many people singing along gives me such a buzz. Then add to the fact that we're all singing praise to God, is absolutely awesome!! It's like a small small taste of what singing and praising God in Heaven will be like.
Also, this year, we're looking forward to hearing Maxine Cook teach us about the Kingdom of God.
Bring on the Day!

http://ccowa.org

The Fiji Experience - Part 2

2008-08-11T20:39:00.000-07:00

I miss Fiji!!!

Just had to put that out there... Ok, on with the story... =)

Stepping out of the plane meant being hit with the heat (relatively) straight away. Stepping out of a air-conditioned, pressurised plane always means being hit with reality as soon as you get off.

Anyway, no problems getting through customs and getting to our hotel. As soon as we got to our room, off came the long pants and jeans and jumpers, and on with the shorts and t-shirts. We decided to go for a walk down to the beach and so off we went.

- the Beachside Resort where we stayed when we were in Nadi.

The vegetation of the country was beautiful. Everything was lush and green, and this is during the dry season! There were also a lot of clouds moving in over the west of Fiji, and so the sunsets every night were absolutely breath taking. The vast array of colours was a sight to behold, but actually, Fiji in general is a sight to behold.

- the view walking from the Beachside Resort down to the beach.

- amazing displays of light

- and beautiful sunsets

When walking along the beach, we saw lots of beautiful shells and animals - the crabs were amazing because they were the same colour as the sand, and you had to look closely at what appeared to be a fleck of dirt moving across the sand to see that it was actually a crab.
However we also saw a lot of rubbish. This was a shame to see really. Twistie packets, McDonald's packaging, cigarette butts... and it wasn't even a tourist beach. From all appearences, it was simply a local beach that the public knew about, which was even more disappointing. To see that Fiji has such beautiful landscapes and environments and they don't treasure them enough to pick up after themselves, yet they're concerned enough about global warming, because if the sea levels do rise, most of their islands would disappear under water...

Anyway, that night we met the rest of our group we would be travelling around Fiji with, and our group leader - Kim.
We're an interesting group! Darryl and Jill are from Bondi Beach, although they're not 'native Aussies', like Jane and I. Darryl is from NZ and Jill is from England, though they've both spent most of their lives in Australia. Giles is from Bristol in England, and is about 5 years older than me. He's on a 6 month sabbatical from work and is travelling all over the world. Fiji is just another location on his trip.
Kim is our group leader, who is from NZ and has quite a thick accent, which at first is sometimes hard to follow, but she is a great leader, a wealth of knowledge, and fills us in with what to expect and what will be happening so there's no surprises. She's also a lot of fun and great to talk to, as she's been nearly everywhere too!!

Rent Inspections

2008-08-05T06:05:00.000-07:00

Rent Inspections. A necessary part of renting a house, but completely fustrating and time consuming.
I spent all day today getting the yard and plants in general, in order. Mowing the lawn, hedge trimming and whipper snippering I can handle. But digging old, dead plants out of the pavement is just ridiculus! Especially when the Property Manager complains about them, cobwebs and other very trivial things and wont fix the leaking roof, the problematic airconditioner, the hole in the pavement, and the broken tilt-a-door.
Well, I think and hope that everything is in good order. Rent inspection is tomorrow.

Home Again. The Fiji Experience Part 1

2008-07-18T22:08:00.000-07:00

"I don't want to go home!!" Is what Jane heard the most on the last two days of our holiday.

Fiji is a great place to visit and we had a great holiday.

The plane flight over was another story. Everyone told us that the midnight horror flying Virgin Blue was indeedly horrible! People said it was freezing cold and most uncomfortable. We found it too warm, and were peeling off the jumper and any other possible layers. We had blow up pillows, so the comfort factor wasn't too bad, but we also had a guy, a couple of seats behind us, intent on keeping everyone awake! Jane got up and told him off, saying it was 2:30am and people were trying to sleep, could he keep his voice down, THANKYOU!

As most people know, Virgin doesn't serve you food unless you pay the extravagent prices for it, so we brought our own snacks with us.

This is a picture of Jane preparing our bread and cheese (very tasty bread and cheese I might add) snack food at the Domestic - International Train station at Brisbane. Local time - 6 am. WA time - 4 am or thereabouts.

Many hours later and we were off to Fiji. This plane flight was a lot better, I got a lot more sleep, and the view of the islands and reefs as we were descending into Nadi (pronounced Nandi) was spectacular!

2 - 1

2008-07-03T20:36:00.001-07:00

"2 down, 1 to go" is the current phrase in use in my family.

Out of all us three kids, I'm the only one left in the state and by Sunday, my brother will be the only one left in the country.

Peter - my youngest brother flew out to the UK last night!

Mum, Dad and I went to see him off at the airport. Parting is always hard. Now I think Mum is counting down the days till he comes home...

Peter's the one who will be gone the longest. He's got a working holiday visa for 2 years! I guess that means that we're going to have to go and visit!

Andrew is over in SA working on a mine somewhere there (he did tell me, but I've forgotton) so he can travel around the world...

I'm only going to Fiji for 12 days. A very short amount of time in comparison, but enough time to get away and relax.

One more sleep to go...

Can't Hardly Wait

2008-07-02T21:05:00.001-07:00

Yay!! Only 2 more days till Jane and I fly out to Fiji!!
Can't hardly wait, been looking forward to a holiday (a real holiday that about relaxing, seeing the sights and being with friends) for a long time.
We're flying with Pacific Blue to Fiji, I'm usually a QANTAS girl, but cheaper prices have seduced me away from tradition.
We're travelling around Fiji with Intrepid, a great organisation that allows you to see the country and experience the culture. This will be for 8 days, then we've allowed ourselves 4 days to relax and do whatever it is that we want to do...
Personally, I'm looking forward to spending most of the day on the beach, either in the water snorkelling or swimming or in a hammock with a good book in one hand and a pina colada in a coconut shell in the other.