Friday, October 28, 2005
new cd player!
If you're a long time reader, you've probably noticed comments (generally derogatory) that I make towards my car and the cd player contained within. If you're not a long time reader, here's a general overview for you: since purchasing my car approximately 18 months ago, it's been vandalised, stopped working & made strange noises (the mechanic couldn't find anything wrong with it), then the motor literally blew up around 6 months ago. As for the CD player, let's say it's the mix master of all cd players - it loves nothing more than to play 2 seconds of one song followed by 2 seconds of another, then back to the original song....or hey let's just play the entire song, but out of order!
Basically, it's been a constant source of stress since purchasing. (I really should learn to trust God more...)
Then, yesterday morning, I was woken up by a loud knock on the front door. I went to the door, surprised to find two police officers there. I thought that they may have been there for either of my flatmates (they're both police officers), but no, they were there for me. It turns out that some kind person had taken my car for a little drive on Wednesday night. We're not sure how far they took it, as it was left in the middle of the road just down from my house, but they'd smashed the lock, stripped the steering column and destroyed the ignition. And, they'd taken my CD player, complete with the new Switchfoot CD.
The Good news? It's all covered by insurance (except for the CD), AND I've got a fancy rental car for the next 2 weeks until it's fixed! - and that includes a new CD player!!!
Woo HOO!
Basically, it's been a constant source of stress since purchasing. (I really should learn to trust God more...)
Then, yesterday morning, I was woken up by a loud knock on the front door. I went to the door, surprised to find two police officers there. I thought that they may have been there for either of my flatmates (they're both police officers), but no, they were there for me. It turns out that some kind person had taken my car for a little drive on Wednesday night. We're not sure how far they took it, as it was left in the middle of the road just down from my house, but they'd smashed the lock, stripped the steering column and destroyed the ignition. And, they'd taken my CD player, complete with the new Switchfoot CD.
The Good news? It's all covered by insurance (except for the CD), AND I've got a fancy rental car for the next 2 weeks until it's fixed! - and that includes a new CD player!!!
Woo HOO!
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Here they are
As promised, the first installment of holiday photos!
Click on the picture for a larger version.
United Live Recording @ Hillsong
IN FIJI!!
The views from my Bure:
The 3 kids in holiday mode
Firewalking at Pacific Harbour
Traditional Dance @ Pacific Harbour
More to come soon.
Click on the picture for a larger version.
United Live Recording @ Hillsong
IN FIJI!!
The views from my Bure:
The 3 kids in holiday mode
Firewalking at Pacific Harbour
Traditional Dance @ Pacific Harbour
More to come soon.
Monday, October 24, 2005
procrastination...
I copied this from Luke's MySpace page...so I'm doing this instead of looking at my desk....2 weeks of paperwork is just too scary.
- - - - - -
1* First grade teacher's name: Ms Forrest
2* Last word you said: Aah! I did it again!
3* Last song you sang: The Setting Sun, Switchfoot
4* Last person you slapped: Benjamin Boardman onboard Pacific Blue
5* Last thing you laughed at: The staff @ Crusoe's, Fiji Islands
6* Last time you said I don't remember: I'm sure I said it A LOT while on holidays...
7* Last time you cried: nearly cried last night after my family flew out to adelaide
9* What color socks are you wearing: black...haven't worn socks (or shoes) for ages!
10* What's under your bed: suitcase and speakers
11* What time did you wake up today? 7am Fiji Time or 5am Sydney time!!! (not happy)
12* Current taste: Twinnings English Breakfast tea
13* Current hair: Finally styled after 10 years of scruffy & spiky, but still short.
14* Current shirt: brown long sleeved cotton shirt for work. exciting.
15* Current annoyance: being at work and not still in Fiji
16* Current longing: to be closer to God...to get around to writing songs, and to steal a leaf from Luke's 'book' - and to find my husband.....
17* Current desktop background: ocean & beach
18* Current worry: money...
19* Current hate: lonliness...
20* Current favorite article of clothing: crossover sleeveless black top
21* Favorite physical feature of the opposite sex: eyes and hair
22* Last CD that you listened to: Alex Lloyd, Alex Lloyd
23* Favorite place to be: Since last week...Lionfish Rock, Fiji.
24* Least favorite place: Customs & Immigration
25* Time you wake up in the morning? anywhere from 7 - 7:30am weekdays, 12noon saturdays, 6am sundays. (gotta love early call times!)
26* If you could play an instrument, what would it be: I already play piano...but I'd love to play better
27* Favorite color: Blue or red.
28* Do you believe in an afterlife: definitely....what's the point otherwise?
29* How tall are you: 5'2
30* Current favorite word/saying: Gosh!
31*Favorite book: The Bible...& the Unquenchable Worshipper (Matt Redman)
32* Favorite season: Autumn, Winter & Spring
33* One person from your past you wish you could go back and talk to: My Nan.
*FUTURE*
35* Where do you want to go for college? if I do any further study, it will probably be @ Southern Cross
36* What is your career going to be like: Anything to do with music, and I'll be happy
37* How many kids do you want: 2 or 3?
*HAVE YOU EVER...*
39* Said "I love you" and meant it: Yes
40* Gotten in a fight with your dog/cat/bird/fish: yep, even a fish - it kept attacking me!
41* Been to New York: no
42* Been to Florida: no
43* Been to California: no
44* Been to Hawaii: no
45* Been to Mexico: no
46* Been to China: no
48* Dreamed something really crazy and then it happened the next day: Yes
52* Do you have a crush on someone: sometimes...
53* What book are you reading now? Searching for the God You're Supposed to have found, Ben Windle.
54. Worst feeling in the world: Rejection/disappointing someone
55* What is the first thing you think when you wake in the morning? "what day is it?" or "what is my alarm going off for?"
56* How many rings before you answer: @ work, 2, at home, whenever I find where I left my phone.
57* Future daughter's name: not sure - maybe Tennyson? (and see #58)
58* Future son's name: not sure either - something prophetic though.
59* Do you sleep with a stuffed animal: Never have.
60* If you could have any job you wanted: Rockstar (seriously! just ask my friends)
61* Wish you were somewhere: Yes...back in Fiji
62* Musical artist you hate: no-one in general, although I don't like the death metal stuff...
63* Piercings: 2 in each ear.
64* Do you do drugs: no
65* Do you drink: Yes
67* What kind of Shampoo and Conditioner do you use? Avon Salon Selection.
68* What are you most scared of: Failure...or succeeding then blowing it.
69* What clothes do you sleep in: Peter Alexander PJ's.
70* Who is the last person that called you: I didn't have mobile range overseas, so I can't remember who called me before I went on hol's. (sad, yes)
71* Where do you want to get married: near the ocean @ home....
72* If you could change anything about yourself what would that be: Skinnier, and maybe a bit taller (I hate taking up pants!)
73* Who do you really hate: The Devil..........
74* Been In Love: Yes
75* Are you timely or always late: generally timely..unless I'm being slack, then I'm late!
76* Do you have a job: yep
77* Do you like being around people: Yes...unless they're annoying me
78* Best feeling in the world: Singing on stage
.
79* Are you for world peace: well it's not going to happen anyway....(well not in the way we want it to)
80* Are you a health freak: I try to be
81* Do you have a "Type" of person you always go after: God fearing, musical, smart, employed (!), and not too much taller! (my friends would like to add a few extras....but I don't think so!)
82* Do you want someone you can't have: sometimes
83* Are you lonely right now: yep...post holiday blues
84* Ever afraid you'll never get married: no, because I know I will :)
85* Do you want to get married: Heck yes!
86* Do you want kids? Yes
*IN THE LAST 48 HOURS, HAVE YOU...*
87* Cried: nearly
88* Bought Something: Food, new CD
89* Gotten Sick: No
90* Sang: Yes
91* Said I Love You: No
92* Wanted To Tell Someone You Liked/loved them: No
93* Met Someone: Yes
94* Moved On: nothing to move on from...
95* Talked To Someone: Yes
96* Had A Serious Talk: yes
97* Missed Someone: Yes
98* Hugged Someone: Yes
99* Yelled at Someone: No
100* Dreamed About Someone You Can't Be With: no
- - - - - -
1* First grade teacher's name: Ms Forrest
2* Last word you said: Aah! I did it again!
3* Last song you sang: The Setting Sun, Switchfoot
4* Last person you slapped: Benjamin Boardman onboard Pacific Blue
5* Last thing you laughed at: The staff @ Crusoe's, Fiji Islands
6* Last time you said I don't remember: I'm sure I said it A LOT while on holidays...
7* Last time you cried: nearly cried last night after my family flew out to adelaide
9* What color socks are you wearing: black...haven't worn socks (or shoes) for ages!
10* What's under your bed: suitcase and speakers
11* What time did you wake up today? 7am Fiji Time or 5am Sydney time!!! (not happy)
12* Current taste: Twinnings English Breakfast tea
13* Current hair: Finally styled after 10 years of scruffy & spiky, but still short.
14* Current shirt: brown long sleeved cotton shirt for work. exciting.
15* Current annoyance: being at work and not still in Fiji
16* Current longing: to be closer to God...to get around to writing songs, and to steal a leaf from Luke's 'book' - and to find my husband.....
17* Current desktop background: ocean & beach
18* Current worry: money...
19* Current hate: lonliness...
20* Current favorite article of clothing: crossover sleeveless black top
21* Favorite physical feature of the opposite sex: eyes and hair
22* Last CD that you listened to: Alex Lloyd, Alex Lloyd
23* Favorite place to be: Since last week...Lionfish Rock, Fiji.
24* Least favorite place: Customs & Immigration
25* Time you wake up in the morning? anywhere from 7 - 7:30am weekdays, 12noon saturdays, 6am sundays. (gotta love early call times!)
26* If you could play an instrument, what would it be: I already play piano...but I'd love to play better
27* Favorite color: Blue or red.
28* Do you believe in an afterlife: definitely....what's the point otherwise?
29* How tall are you: 5'2
30* Current favorite word/saying: Gosh!
31*Favorite book: The Bible...& the Unquenchable Worshipper (Matt Redman)
32* Favorite season: Autumn, Winter & Spring
33* One person from your past you wish you could go back and talk to: My Nan.
*FUTURE*
35* Where do you want to go for college? if I do any further study, it will probably be @ Southern Cross
36* What is your career going to be like: Anything to do with music, and I'll be happy
37* How many kids do you want: 2 or 3?
*HAVE YOU EVER...*
39* Said "I love you" and meant it: Yes
40* Gotten in a fight with your dog/cat/bird/fish: yep, even a fish - it kept attacking me!
41* Been to New York: no
42* Been to Florida: no
43* Been to California: no
44* Been to Hawaii: no
45* Been to Mexico: no
46* Been to China: no
48* Dreamed something really crazy and then it happened the next day: Yes
52* Do you have a crush on someone: sometimes...
53* What book are you reading now? Searching for the God You're Supposed to have found, Ben Windle.
54. Worst feeling in the world: Rejection/disappointing someone
55* What is the first thing you think when you wake in the morning? "what day is it?" or "what is my alarm going off for?"
56* How many rings before you answer: @ work, 2, at home, whenever I find where I left my phone.
57* Future daughter's name: not sure - maybe Tennyson? (and see #58)
58* Future son's name: not sure either - something prophetic though.
59* Do you sleep with a stuffed animal: Never have.
60* If you could have any job you wanted: Rockstar (seriously! just ask my friends)
61* Wish you were somewhere: Yes...back in Fiji
62* Musical artist you hate: no-one in general, although I don't like the death metal stuff...
63* Piercings: 2 in each ear.
64* Do you do drugs: no
65* Do you drink: Yes
67* What kind of Shampoo and Conditioner do you use? Avon Salon Selection.
68* What are you most scared of: Failure...or succeeding then blowing it.
69* What clothes do you sleep in: Peter Alexander PJ's.
70* Who is the last person that called you: I didn't have mobile range overseas, so I can't remember who called me before I went on hol's. (sad, yes)
71* Where do you want to get married: near the ocean @ home....
72* If you could change anything about yourself what would that be: Skinnier, and maybe a bit taller (I hate taking up pants!)
73* Who do you really hate: The Devil..........
74* Been In Love: Yes
75* Are you timely or always late: generally timely..unless I'm being slack, then I'm late!
76* Do you have a job: yep
77* Do you like being around people: Yes...unless they're annoying me
78* Best feeling in the world: Singing on stage
.
79* Are you for world peace: well it's not going to happen anyway....(well not in the way we want it to)
80* Are you a health freak: I try to be
81* Do you have a "Type" of person you always go after: God fearing, musical, smart, employed (!), and not too much taller! (my friends would like to add a few extras....but I don't think so!)
82* Do you want someone you can't have: sometimes
83* Are you lonely right now: yep...post holiday blues
84* Ever afraid you'll never get married: no, because I know I will :)
85* Do you want to get married: Heck yes!
86* Do you want kids? Yes
*IN THE LAST 48 HOURS, HAVE YOU...*
87* Cried: nearly
88* Bought Something: Food, new CD
89* Gotten Sick: No
90* Sang: Yes
91* Said I Love You: No
92* Wanted To Tell Someone You Liked/loved them: No
93* Met Someone: Yes
94* Moved On: nothing to move on from...
95* Talked To Someone: Yes
96* Had A Serious Talk: yes
97* Missed Someone: Yes
98* Hugged Someone: Yes
99* Yelled at Someone: No
100* Dreamed About Someone You Can't Be With: no
I'm Back
I'm still in two minds as to if that's a good thing or not...I'm wearing shoes (and socks!) for the first time in nearly two weeks, AND, I'm wearing long pants and a long-sleeved shirt! My body is going into shock....and my brain is still to kick in. It's 12:30, and I still haven't done any data entry...though I have done a stack of filing and organising. I'm skipping cell group tonight and going to bed....we were up for 21 hours yesterday...no wonder I feel tired! Photos on the way soon. (I mean it this time)
Thursday, October 20, 2005
last post?
Well today was probably my last "activity" day here in Fiji. We went Scuba diving at 7am (!) and saw turtles, reef sharks, gropers, numerous clown fish - even one that looked like Nemo. There was a coral covered in sea anemonies and clown fish, and we were able to touch the clown fish. That was an incredible experience. At one stage during the dive the sea went dark, which I thought was strange, until I looked up and realised that we were swimming under a large coral overhang. I think the deepest that I went was 16m, which isn't bad for my first Scuba dive!
After the dive, I went kayaking in the lagoon with my brother, then snorkelling in the lagoon. I was chasing a beautiful picasso fish for 10 minutes or so, when he decided that I must be a predator, and so tried to attack me, by swimming directly at my mask. We chased each other like that for what seemed like forever, until he got clever and hid under a lump of coral.
We rounded out the day with some fun in the pool, and a waterfight with some of the staff at Crusoe's. Let me just say that revenge is a dish best served cold. So Paul (even though you're not reading this), you'd better watch out!
The day ended with me being quite a few shades redder than normal, and radiating heat. Hopefully it will all settle down before we fly home on Sunday.
Off to the Lovo!
After the dive, I went kayaking in the lagoon with my brother, then snorkelling in the lagoon. I was chasing a beautiful picasso fish for 10 minutes or so, when he decided that I must be a predator, and so tried to attack me, by swimming directly at my mask. We chased each other like that for what seemed like forever, until he got clever and hid under a lump of coral.
We rounded out the day with some fun in the pool, and a waterfight with some of the staff at Crusoe's. Let me just say that revenge is a dish best served cold. So Paul (even though you're not reading this), you'd better watch out!
The day ended with me being quite a few shades redder than normal, and radiating heat. Hopefully it will all settle down before we fly home on Sunday.
Off to the Lovo!
Monday, October 17, 2005
Beqa
Today we spent the morning on jet-ski's heading over to Beqa Lagoon. It's 7 nautical miles from Pacific Harbour to Beqa. Once there, we circumnagivated the island, stopping to snorkel at the Beqa Barrier Reef, and then again at a little beach for lunch. I did the driving in the sheltered water, and let Benjamin take over on the more open stuff. I think sometimes he forgot I was on the Jet-Ski with him...his dirtbike riding style definitely stood out - we were "fish-tailing"it over some of the larger waves - and racing with the other jet-ski on our left (who happened to be a couple from adelaide on their honeymoon!)
So far we've seen cows & horses on the side of the road, a mongoose, lots of cane toads, geckos (they come into your Bure and bark at you at night), and nearly every fish from "Finding Nemo". Benjamin's even seen some sea turtles - hopefully we'll see them when we do our scuba dive later this week.
More later!
So far we've seen cows & horses on the side of the road, a mongoose, lots of cane toads, geckos (they come into your Bure and bark at you at night), and nearly every fish from "Finding Nemo". Benjamin's even seen some sea turtles - hopefully we'll see them when we do our scuba dive later this week.
More later!
Saturday, October 15, 2005
Bula!
Well we made it safely to Fiji. It's hard to believe that we've only been here for 4 days. It seems as though we've been here forever. The Crusoe's Retreat treat you like part of their family. Crusoe's is not a western-style resort; rather it is a fijian run retreat - bure's on the beach and on the hill, and you can hear the laughter wherever you are on the property.
We've had 3 days of beautiful weather so far - it started raining last night and continued to rain until we woke up this morning, so most of the outdoor activities were cancelled - except for the trip to the Sigatoka v Suva rugby game this afternoon. They're expecting around 30,000 at the game - but we're not going.
I'm off for lunch now, will update more when I get a chance - don't hold your breath!
Vinaka
We've had 3 days of beautiful weather so far - it started raining last night and continued to rain until we woke up this morning, so most of the outdoor activities were cancelled - except for the trip to the Sigatoka v Suva rugby game this afternoon. They're expecting around 30,000 at the game - but we're not going.
I'm off for lunch now, will update more when I get a chance - don't hold your breath!
Vinaka
Friday, October 07, 2005
on holidays
As of lunch time today, I'm on holidays for 2 weeks with my family in Fiji.
I may post while away, then again I may not :)
My family arrives this afternoon, then it's my brother's birthday tomorrow - which involves laser tag and going to the United Live recording tomorrow night...
Good fun for all!
See you when I get back.
I may post while away, then again I may not :)
My family arrives this afternoon, then it's my brother's birthday tomorrow - which involves laser tag and going to the United Live recording tomorrow night...
Good fun for all!
See you when I get back.
It's da Bible cre8td for a nu wrld
Whatever will they think of next?
It's da Bible cre8td for a nu wrld
It's da Bible cre8td for a nu wrld
It's the Bible, but not like anything the devout have ever read before.
The world's most famous book, which has been translated into more languages than any other publication, is now available in the world's most modern form of communication, SMS or text.
So instead of reading in Genesis how: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth...." it will now be a case of: "In da Bginnin God cre8d da heavens & da earth".
The idea, believed to be a world first, has come from the Bible Society in Australia which translated all 31,173 verses of the Bible into text.
[more]
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
another update
as of this second, it is 5 days, 21 hours 38 minutes and 10 seconds until my family and I leave for our Fiji holiday!!! Very exciting....and they all arrive here in 2 days.
more switchfoot
Update on my favourite songs!!!
Needless to say, "Nothing is Sound" hasn't left my CD player since I got it home!
Currently, I'm loving the last half of the album - Golden, Fatal Wound, We are One Tonight, and Daisy.
I'm yet to find a song that I don't like.
Needless to say, "Nothing is Sound" hasn't left my CD player since I got it home!
Currently, I'm loving the last half of the album - Golden, Fatal Wound, We are One Tonight, and Daisy.
I'm yet to find a song that I don't like.
quick update
sorry - I was so busy during intensifire and the following faith conference that I didn't get time to post! And now that I'm back at work, I'm also busy - I have 3 days to catch up on the work I didn't do last week due to intensifire (I was on leave!), and plan the work out for the two weeks that I'm away for starting friday! AAAGGGHHH!!!
So here's a quick recap of what happened @ intensifire. Just a note: there's been so much happening that I can't remember much of what happened without my notes...I'll fill in the gaps soon!
Wednesday 7:30pm Ps Luke McMartin spoke about being passionate for God - needing Him as much as we need Air.
Thursday 9:30am Ps Ric Burrell (I can't remember off the top of my head what Ric spoke on! Sorry!)
Thursday 11am Ps Ric Burrell
Thursday Elective: Money with Noah Roet
Thursday 7:30pm Ps Andy Kubala
Friday 9:30am Ps Luke Reid
Friday 11:00am Ps Andy Kubala
Friday Elective Christians & Politics with Paul Lamb from the Christian Democrats. Extremely interesting, and I'm being serious!
Friday 7:30pm Ps Russell Evans
Saturday 9:30am Ps Benny Perez
Saturday 11:00am Ps Benny Perez
Saturday Elective: Leadership with Ps Ben Brinkman (Ps Benny's Youth Pastor)
Saturday 7:30pm Ps Benny Perez
After Intensifire, we jumped straight into our Faith Conference, with Ps Benny. That ran all 4 services sunday, as well as monday and tuesday night.
So it's been a pretty busy week :)
I'll fill in the details of their sermons when I get a chance!
So here's a quick recap of what happened @ intensifire. Just a note: there's been so much happening that I can't remember much of what happened without my notes...I'll fill in the gaps soon!
Wednesday 7:30pm Ps Luke McMartin spoke about being passionate for God - needing Him as much as we need Air.
Thursday 9:30am Ps Ric Burrell (I can't remember off the top of my head what Ric spoke on! Sorry!)
Thursday 11am Ps Ric Burrell
Thursday Elective: Money with Noah Roet
Thursday 7:30pm Ps Andy Kubala
Friday 9:30am Ps Luke Reid
Friday 11:00am Ps Andy Kubala
Friday Elective Christians & Politics with Paul Lamb from the Christian Democrats. Extremely interesting, and I'm being serious!
Friday 7:30pm Ps Russell Evans
Saturday 9:30am Ps Benny Perez
Saturday 11:00am Ps Benny Perez
Saturday Elective: Leadership with Ps Ben Brinkman (Ps Benny's Youth Pastor)
Saturday 7:30pm Ps Benny Perez
After Intensifire, we jumped straight into our Faith Conference, with Ps Benny. That ran all 4 services sunday, as well as monday and tuesday night.
So it's been a pretty busy week :)
I'll fill in the details of their sermons when I get a chance!
