Rachel Kate

Makings

2010-10-29T15:38:00.014+13:00

Makings

"Man" Bag

Doubles as a nappy bag for when I need time off :)

Burp Cloths - also man friendly

Cloth Baby Wipes

Burlap Rose Purse/Nappy Bag with matching wipes holder

Matching Travel Change Pad/Clutch

Inside View

Gifts for a friend...
Cloth Baby wipes

Travel Wipes Case

Travel Change Pad that doubles as a clutch

Inside View

1st anniversary

2010-10-12T11:53:00.010+13:00

That smirk on his face says everything...

I didn't have a clue where we were off to and he wouldn't tell me a thing. We ended up at the same place we stayed in for our first night of honeymoon. A picturesque bed and breakfast between Kaiwaka and Te Hana. The host is an amazing cook and provides both breakfast and dinner. Very good value for money and even the biggest eater would be well satisfied with the amount of food and the variety.

Off to the Matakana markets for a leisurely morning. A great place to stop in on a Saturday morning if you're ever in the area.

Not the most exciting minifolf course in Mangawhai, but for $4 a person, you certainly can't complain! J won again. Maybe by our 40th wedding anniversary I will have managed to beat him...

Next stop: Tawharanui Regional Park. It's protected from stoats and dogs and there are plenty of walks to do around the area.

Beautiful Anchor Bay

Surprisingly enough, I didn't feel as though I was up for one of the walks around the park so we opted to sit on the beach and enjoy the sunshine.

Then it was back home to good old Whangarei. Had dinner at a new Cafe/Restaurant called Chandoz. Not the most of romantic places, but very reasonably priced, the food was great and it was more than enough for the two of us.

We topped it off with a cheap night in and rented Madagascar, one of our favourite movies.

Ahh, bliss. Making the most of quiet nights with just the two of us while we can.

Man's Tote Bag

2010-09-30T11:29:00.021+13:00

Yay I did it! Here is the last and final tutorial for the month of September. A bit of a mission but possibly the motivation that I needed to get some projects finished.

Well, I finished the project but my camera memory card is dead so I can't take any more photos of it - cry!

I am linking to La Maison Reid's blog again as I used the basis of her tutorial to get me started, changing a few things on the way to make it a bit more manly and practical.

I started off with two rectangles of fabric for the outer layer (45x40cm) and three for the inner layer (2 at 45x40cm, and the other one for the pocket will be 50cm wide at the top, 45cm wide at the bottom and then 35cm high-isosceles triangle shape). Omit the third layer of the inner fabric if you are not wanting a pocket put in or if you are wanting a real simple project to start off with.

To cut out the inner layer fabric, I used a ruler, protractor and fabric marker but feel free to use another method to cut out your fabric! The outer layer was easy as it had lines in the pattern.

To make the tote have a flat bottom, rather than going straight down we are going to square the corners.

Cut a square 5cm by 5cm out of the bottom right and left corners of all layers.

Next step was to make the pocket.
Take the shorter piece of the fabric for the inner layer, fold down and hem just a bit bigger than what your elastic is to make a casing for it.

Thread one end of the elastic through the casing hole using a safety pin. Pin one end and sew it in place. Now with the end still attached to the roll of elastic, stretch it out so that your pocket is now the same width as the other piece of inner fabric and stitch in place.

Fold both sides of your pocket under and sew to your other layer of fabric.

Now sew a line through all of the single layers of fabric before you sew them together and finish off squaring your corners (with the exception of the layer of the pocket, which you will have already sewn together. For the pocket layer, sew the line through both layers.

Also, if you are wanting two pockets on the inside instead of just one massive one, sew a line down the middle of your pocket (through both layers).

Pin all three inner layers together so that the pocket is facing the inside.

Sew sides and bottom.

Do the same for the outer layers.

I didn't have photos for the part where you square the corners because my camera had died so I have borrowed ones from La Maison Reid's blog.

Take the corners and open them up.

Match the side and bottom seams together and then stitch across.

This will form the bottom of your tote. I popped a bit of cardboard in between the lining and the outer fabric for a bit more sturdiness in the bottom. Turn right sides out.

Now onto the straps. My finished straps were about 145cm long and 5cm wide to fit a man (going over the head and shoulder rather than just hanging off one shoulder). In most other cases you wouldn't need to make them this long. So it's completely up to you.

I simply take two pieces of material the same size - at least 4 or 5cm wider than the finished width. I stitch one side together and press it open. then I press the other sides under with right sides facing out and simply top stitch down either side. Probably not the proper way but works for me. Or you can always just stitch them together with the right sides together and turn inside out. Then topstitch for durability.

Pin your straps (here is a tutorial for proper ones) between the lining and the outer fabric. My straps attached to both ends of the tote. Pin the hem of the lining and outer fabric. If you can, (it's quite tricky) stitch through the lining and the outside fabric from top to bottom in each corner then sew the top hem.

You're done!

Hopefully I can put up the rest of the pictures once my camera is up and running again.

Burp Cloth Tutorial

2010-09-30T10:45:00.003+13:00

The pattern I made up looks a little bit like this. It is similar to Homemade by Jill's pattern but the curve goes in quite a bit more to follow the curve of the neckline and is closer to the top to give more length at the bottom.

First off choose your material. I used three layers for this tutorial. It really doesn't matter too much what you use as long as there is an absorbent layer in the middle (such as hemp or microfibre) and you may want to use flannel for the bottom as it tends to stick to your clothes which will help it not to fall off your shoulder during use! You could even just find an old trifold/prefold cloth nappy, which as you can see in the picture below has 3 parts and the middle part is extra absorbent.

I used an old stretchy skirt for the top layer, but you may want to use a nice soft material so baby is more comfortable.

I also used some ribbon to decorate my burp cloth but obviously this is optional. If you are in a hurry, just leave it off.

If you are putting the ribbon on, do it first as it will make it easier to sew.

I just sewed the top of the ribbon very close to the edge so that it almost had a ruffled effect on the bottom part.

Next put your three layers in this order and pin together:
top layer-fabric with ribbon (right side up)
bottom layer (right side down)
middle layer-absorbent fabric

Sew all three layers together remembering to leave a gap to turn right side out.
Trim the middle absorbent layer back so it's as close to the stitching as you can get it. This will eliminate some of the bulk.
Turn right side out.

Top stitch all around the edges. I used a fancy stitch in a contrasting colour, but a standard straight stitch will do the job just as well.

If you wanted to skip some steps, and you have an overlocker/serger, you can always just put the fabric together as it should be and sew the edges. This would save a lot of time.

And it's finished! Easy as that.

Baby Change Pad 'Clutch' Tutorial

2010-09-29T14:09:00.022+13:00

Ok so to make the "clutch" Changing pad for baby, you will need:

* Fabric for outer layer *
(eg, silks, satins, cotton, polyester, etc)

* Fabric for inner layer *
(eg, waterproof pul, cotton, winceyette, flannelette, bamboo fleece, sherpa, velour, etc)

* wadding/padding *

* Embellishments *
(optional-eg, ribbon, mini belt buckles, buttons)

* Snaps, magnetic closure or velcro strip *

First I printed out my pattern, then cut out my material accordingly. You will need 1 piece cut out of wadding/padding from the pattern below. If you are wanting a copy, just email me and I can get it to you.

Then if you print the pattern again along with the 2nd part, cut it out and tape it all together you can cut out the rest of your material (the pocket part is optional).

You will need one piece of the outer layer and 1 piece of the inner (then an extra bit of just the pocket part cut from the inner layer).

The inner layer can be either a soft plush fabric (such as bamboo fleece, sherpa, velour, winceyette, flannelette, etc) or else a bit more practical and waterproof. There is also the option (if you can find it) of getting a pretty cotton fabric for the inside and then a see-through waterproof fabric for the outside. Spotlight in NZ and Australia sells it I think. It would be a little bit more work obviously but worth the extra effort I'm sure.

The outer layer can be whatever fabric you think would be suitable for a clutch/purse. Ie. Silk, satins, polyester, cotton, bearing in mind that the more heavy, thin or stretchy fabrics will be a lot more difficult to sew.

If you are wanting any ribbon or embellishments on the the part that will fold down and become the outside/front of your clutch, then sew this on now. I sewed a fancy piece of ricrac on and added a shell. A simple piece of ribbon or velvet would look just as nice.

If you are wanting a strap on your clutch/change pad, then I would do this part next as it makes the finished product just that whole lot neater. My finished strap measured about 30cm long and 2cm wide but you can change the dimensions depending on how big your hand is, personal preference, etc.

You will want to put your hemmed strap with the right side against the wrong side of the outer layer and sew it on. Once everything else has been sewn together and it is turned right side out it will hopefully look like this:

I didn't have any better pictures than this sorry but hopefully you will be able to visualise it.

The next step is to sew the wadding to only the outer layer using a plain straight stitch.

Now you want to sew everything together. If you want to, then now would be the time to put the pocket in. The first time I did this, I sewed a casing for the elastic and this is what it looked like:

It made it really hard to sew and became quite scrunched, so next time I would probably just hem the top of it (folding over twice or three times for a bit of thickness) making it look similar to the picture below. You could add a snap or velcro to keep it shut if you wanted.

Pin everything together in this order:
outer layer on bottom (right side up)
inner layer next (right side down)
wadding

Start stitching from a third of the way near the top of one of the pockets remembering to leave a space of about 8 cm so you can turn everything right way out when done.

Turn right way out.

Now you can either just handstitch the opening closed, or what I did is to use a decorative stitch and go around the outsides again for durability (and prettiness).

Fold up and either add a strip of velcro to hold the flap closed or else I simply use snaps. If you want to get fancy, you could put in a magnetic closure.

If you do use snaps and don't really like the look of them, you could always disguise them with lace like this:

And you're done! Hopefully that was explained ok.

Here's another one I did...

Front:

Inside:

Things I'm loving...

2010-09-23T13:21:00.008+12:00

I love that...
It's our one year Anniversary coming up really soon.
I can't believe it's been a year already. So much has happened and I'm looking forward to all of the years ahead of us.

AND we might get to stay here:

or here:

I love that...

I finally found some new shoes after months of searching that fit my long skinny feet and now I can work all day and not come home all sore! Pure leather so a wee bit pricey but at this stage of my pregnancy, definitely worth it :)

I love that...
I can still see my new shoes and my belly hasn't quite exploded that far

I love...
Getting projects finished in record time

The tutorial for this one is coming soon. A changing pad for on the go, but made so it looks like a clutch.

Pretty

AND practical

What can you do?

2010-09-21T10:31:00.004+12:00

For those who have been wanting to help out those impacted in the Christchurch Quake, but are unsure of how to go about it, here is a great way to do so and get some great bargains/goodies at the same time!

Check out the feltaid store and see if there is anything you would like to purchase.
Or
you can donate items to sell here.

I will be putting up my girl's clutch/purse to sell sometime soon

Home made Baby Wipes

2010-09-21T09:50:00.007+12:00

How to make your own baby wipes...

You will need:

*scraps of fabric
(I used some pieces of fleece and organic cotton that I had leftover from another project)
Some other fabrics that are great to use for wipes are combos of:
cotton flannel and bamboo fleece
velour and hemp
hemp and bamboo or cotton fleece
or you could upcycle old receiving blankets/wraps or t-shirts

*wipes case
(I couldn't find a proper one, so bought a $2 oversized glasses case and used that)

*Sewing machine or serger/overlocker
*Measuring tape
*Cardboard/greaseproof paper (or something to make your pattern with)

Instructions
Measure the size of your wipes case and trace a pattern with the long side as the fold line. Mine looked a little something like the pattern below with the top side cut on the fold.

Cut out one piece of each material on fold line.
Put pieces wrong sides together and either overlock/serge the edges or else sew a straight stitch as close as you can get to the outside of the edge, then do your widest zigzag stitch to seal the edges.

Decorate the outside of your wipes case if you like by gluing material/ribbons/etc. on or else leave plain like I did.

Make up a solution of baby wipes cleaner to spray on to your wipes before using, pop into a small spray bottle and you're done. So easy!

How to sew a cute girls purse

2010-09-16T11:02:00.016+12:00

Seeing it's September and sewing month, I've decided to try and enter the Sew5 challenge. It might motivate me to actually finish some projects I've had on the go for awhile...

I am crediting La Maison Reid's blog: but I did change a couple of things when I was making the purse. The size is a lot smaller as I wanted to make a little one as a tester. Also, the material used wasn't burlap or hessian as suggested in the pattern, just some scrap fabric that I had lying around. When I get around to making a full size one, I will use a gorgeous purple hessian cloth that I found at Fabric Barn with a nice matching pretty fabric for the lining too.

For the bottom of the purse:
Cut two of: outside fabric 25cmx13cm
lining fabric 25cmx13cm
I think in hindsight, I would have made this 30cm x 9 or 10cm for a nicer cut

Make 4 pleats along the top (front of fabric facing towards you) then pin and baste. Measure the top of the curve and make sure all pieces of material are the same width across! Do this for the lining and outside fabrics, front and back pieces.

I originally made 6 pleats in total but it ended up making the top opening part too small for my liking so the next one I make will only be two pleats on each side of the middle.

Using the measurements you made earlier (top of curve), cut two more pieces of each of the outside and lining fabrics. Mine measured 14cm wide and then you want the height to be 6cm. Pin your top piece to the bottom piece (right sides facing in towards each other) and sew following the curve at the top and easing it into place. Do this for the front and the back pieces then pin the front to the back (right sides together) and sew the edge seams. You should now have an outside piece and a lining to go inside.

This is the finished lining. Turn it inside out and place inside the outside piece.

Pin both top hems so they are the same height and make the straps ready to go inside.

I made my straps by cutting 2x pieces each of the outer and inner fabrics at 4cm x 24cm. Or you could make them all of the outer fabric. I put the right sides together, sewed down one edge, pressed then pressed the other edge to match and top stitched down both sides to make it even. but you can sew both sides (with right sides together) and simply turn right way out if you prefer doing it that way.

Put the straps between the lining and the outside and then sew all three layers together along the top of the purse.

Add a rosette (Click here or here to see how to make these) - I just inserted a layer of the lining material inside it before making and then glued it on with a glue gun.

And you're done!

Don't forget to check out La Maison Reid's blog for more info if you get stuck following the tutorial.

Passionfruit muffins

2010-08-24T09:06:00.003+12:00

I am linking to the beautiful Paisley Jade's blog today for some passionfruit muffins I made :)

I did make a couple of small changes though... I added some chocolate chips to the mixture (because everything just tastes better with chocolate chips) and also about quarter of a tin of peaches cut up really small. Then I made some more plain icing with blue food colouring in it and put into a piping bag to do the 'S' on top. Yum! Here is the link for the recipe

Easy Apron Tutorial

2010-07-30T13:39:00.021+12:00

You will need:

Old pair of jeans
Fabric for the top half of the apron
(I only used about 1/4 metre)
Embellishments (buttons, ribbon, bows, lace, etc)
Bias binding

First I cut out the old pair of jeans...

* Cut along the side seams
* Cut the length of the jeans to how long you want the bottom of your apron to be
* For the tie around the waist you can either cut around the belt loop and use that or what I did was to just cut if off and then insert a pretty belt using up some fabric scraps

Next step, add your embellishments...

*I added some lace to the bottom instead of hemming it

*I cut out a flower out of my lace fabric & sewed a button in the middle to hold it on

*I sewed some more lace around the pockets

For the belt...

* I cut some fabric scraps into the same height, but random lengths, rearranged them into an order I was happy with, sewed the pieces together first, pressed the seams open

*Fold the strip in half along the length with right sides together, sew together and then turn right side out and press again.

(Not my photo, but you get the idea hopefully)

*For the ends, I sewed them into a semi-triangle, but you can just stitch straight.

For the top half...

*I used an old t-shirt to trace a pattern I liked. Remember to make it a wee bit shorter than you think you need.
*I sewed some bias binding around the whole edge of my apron
(if you're unsure of how to do this, follow these instructions here)
*Made another 'belt' for my straps except this time instead of using random pieces, I used all one colour.
*Sew straps at preferred angle to top
*I added bows to hide the stitches because I did in a rush :) You probably won't need to though if you do it slowly and properly!

The finished product - tada!

If you find you can't follow my tutorial or there isn't enough pictures, you can always google it - there are heaps of tutorials out there for projects like these or these.

Things I'm loving...

2010-07-13T12:21:00.011+12:00

Things I'm Loving...
What's on your top list at the moment?

Homemade pumpkin soup

New Cars!! Thanks God for your amazing provision
2000 Mitsi Lancer 1.6 wahooo :)

Unisex softies made with love by Kristy
Check out her shop & more photos here

Cute baby bibs (the photo doesn't quite do it justice)

My Darwin Excursion...

2010-07-06T16:14:00.007+12:00

We had a wonderful time away in Darwin. Went on a few day tours and had a relaxing time...

Termite mounds as far as the eye can see...

Aboriginal Paintings

Edith Falls, Katherine

Men CAN cook!

2010-06-16T12:05:00.004+12:00

My loving husband...

The final product (with no help at all from the wife!)

Things I'm loving, not loving...

2010-06-10T13:10:00.007+12:00

Things I'm loving...
Most of mum's side of the family in one photo!!
(half or more are overseas in various places)

The 'Outlaws'
(yes, they voluntarily did that hand signal)

Things I'm loving not so much...
That I probably only see them once every 5 years or so

Things I'm loving...
Beautiful winter mornings from our deck!!

Things I'm loving...
Scrummy home cooked meals!!
(marinated rabbit chops with corn & homemade chips-yum)

Things I'm loving...

Cabinets made with love!!
(thanks to my fave brother in law - Brendan)

Things I'm loving not so much...
SECRETS!!
(argh I hate keeping them and them being kept from me)

How to make your own yoghurt...

2010-06-02T16:11:00.004+12:00

Crockpot yoghurt

You will need:

Crockpot
71/2 cups milk (or just use 2litres if you can't be bothered measuring)
1/2 cup starter yoghurt (with live cultures)

Heat on low for 2 hours and 45 mins

Turn off crockpot without taking the lid off.

After 3 hours (to let the milk cool down to the right temperature), take out about 2 cups of the warm milk and put into a mixing bowl. You may need to get rid of the skin first!

Add 1/2 cup of starter yoghurt and mix the starter yoghurt and milk together with a whisk.

I used Cyclops Plain Organic originally, then every other time just put aside 1/2 cup of the yoghurt I made.

You can probably use any type of yoghurt you like, but just make sure it has live active cultures in it and is not vanilla flavoured.

Then put your mixed yoghurt back into the crockpot and mix well until it is totally combined with the rest of the milk.

Put lid back on and wrap in a thick bath towel. I put mine in the hot water cupboard, but it really doesn't matter too much.

Leave for 8-12hours.

Refrigerate for 3hours and then eat.

You can add so many different things to this recipe!

- Honey or sugar to sweeten -
- Passionfruit pulp -
- Fruit-dried or canned or fresh -
- vanilla essence (just remember to take out 1/2 cup first to start your next batch) -

i heart hamsters...

2010-05-27T10:16:00.008+12:00

I heart...

*fresh herbs and hummus*
*hamsters and hammocks*
*helpful and happy people*
*husbands and hang-gliding*
*good habits and good hair days*
*heath ledger movies and horses*
*holocaust movies and hypothesis*
*harmoniphones and helminthology*
*words like hippopotamus and hiccup*
*hutches with chickens and houses with love*
*healthy food (that tastes good) and home-made hamburgers*

What's your letter of the day???

Egg fried rice with shrimp

2010-05-25T12:24:00.006+12:00

Egg fried rice (with shrimp)

I've been wanting to make this dish for ages and finally shrimps were on special this week so I bought a bag. Here's my rough DIY tutorial hehe on how I made it.

I normally cook this dish the next day after I've made rice because I make too much and have leftovers. This is a great way to use them all up.

Ingredient list:
Pre-cooked rice (any type-I used brown)
Note. The amount depends on how many you are feeding-I used about 2cups cooked rice for 2 people and had some for lunch the next day.

Shrimps
I used the ones that are precooked already
Note. Chicken will probably work just as well, as long as you precook it

Omelet Mixture
2-3eggs
celery
carrots
onion
herbs and celery salt to taste
Note. You can use as many or as little veggies in this part as you like: mushrooms, bacon, capsicum, etc.

Extra Veggies (Optional)
Brocolli (you can also use cauli or skip this part)
sugar snap peas
corn
peas
any other veggies you can think of!

Nuts (optional)
I use a small amount of almonds and cashews

Method:

-Mix together all ingredients of the omelet and then pan fry. Set aside for adding later. You can fry as a whole omelet and flip, then cut into pieces do it the lazy way like I did and fried it like scrambled egg. Doesn't look as nice but takes less time.

-Pan fry nuts in a little butter or oil until just brown (watch them closely, otherwise they will burn)

-Pan fry veggies for about 2-5mins then add rice and shrimps (or pre-cooked meat). If you want to stop the rice from sticking to your pan, add a little milk or coconut cream.

-Add the omelet mixture to pan and then cook on low, stirring constantly till there is no liquid in the pan.

-Stir in nuts and take off heat immediately. Serve it up straight away otherwise the nuts could go soggy on you.

-Enjoy :) you could even it with chopsticks just to be creative and have a themed night where everyone dresses up.

Things I'm thankful for...

2010-05-19T11:24:00.007+12:00

Flowers for no reason...

Free Meat
ok so the picture looks a little bit gross but it tastes good!

Funky Deals from Trademe

Being able to afford a holiday to Auzzy

Happy Customers!

What are you thankful for?

Bringing the indoors outside

2010-03-11T09:57:00.006+13:00

We have this funny tradition my husband and I. We like to do something a little bit different each month on our anniversary (we started it so we wouldn't forget the date!). So this time Jason decided that we needed to sleep on the deck. He's been threatening to do it ever since summer arrived so he finally got his wish.

Hehe I didn't take photos so thought I'd put up this one instead :)

It was a beautiful night with stars in abundance and apart from a couple of mozzies I slept pretty soundly.

So there you go. Sleeping on the deck is fun. What other random things have you done?

Fabulous Friday

2010-02-19T08:32:00.002+13:00

A couple of weeks ago Jason and I celebrated our 4month anniversary. I know, I know, it's hardly a milestone and I can just hear what you're saying: just wait till you've been married for 7 years and then see what you say! But I just wanted to blog about some of the things I'm thankful for...

I have a really nice home and even if we struggle a little sometimes to keep on top of things, I'm still a whole lot better off than a whole lot of people.

I can make a pizza from scratch and most of the toppings I can get from Jason's veggie garden!
- the first one looked way better but we ate it before I remembered to photograph it -

My health may not be the greatest, but I'm not dead!

I married my best friend who loves me just the way I am, flaws and all.

+he does the dishes without me asking+
+he grows his own veggies+
+he does his own washing+
+he loves my cooking, no matter how it turns out+
+he cheers me up when I'm grumpy+
+he brings me breakfast in bed when I'm weary+
+he tells me I'm beautiful even when that's the last thing I feel I am+
+he encourages me in my dreams+
+he tells me to hope when I feel useless+
+he loves me when I feel unlovable+

and yet...

I have a really big God who loves me and thinks about me much more than Jason ever can or will.
When all is lost - He is there to find us
When all is gone - He remains to be with us
When all is turned to custard - He is there to turn things around for good
When we have gone astray - He is there to turn us back to Him
When the world is dying - He is the life that renews
When sin and darkness threaten to overcome and overwhelm us - He forgives & has already won the victory for us at the cross!!

Thanks God

For all the thoughts I have and cannot put into words - You already know them...

Bringing out the green....

2010-01-27T13:28:00.004+13:00

So my '2010' resolution (which I don't normally make because I'm hopeless at keeping them) is an attempt to be kinder to the environment and I'm slowly getting "greener" everyday (I hope!) as well as hopefully improving my health which has had some interesting moments during the last few years.

It's proving to be a whole lot harder than I originally thought though and sometimes the original outlay of costs can be a wee bit pricey. I'm trying to decide whether it's better and more cost effective to go 'Enjo' for cleaning or stick to baking soda and vinegar like our grandmothers before us did.

Also, we're getting some chickens soon which I'm really looking forward too. Our super large compost bin will get a bit smaller and the chicken poo makes great fertilizer for the veggie garden!

Interesting things I've learnt so far...

~ The odour your body gives off is caused by what you eat, not by perspiring or even bacteria contrary to popular beliefs ~

Your body always has bacteria which it needs to survive. When you eat healthy, this helps your body make good bacteria which when mixed with your sweat doesn't stink. In other words, eat healthier, get less B.O.!
You can make your own deodorant too or buy aluminum free ones which don't say antiperspirant on them.

~ There is a tree that makes soap you can use to wash your clothes ~
Check out NZ websites here and here.

~ You don't have to use chemicals to clean your house and on your skin ~

~ There ARE alternatives to using shampoo with chemicals ~

Natural shampoo bars for one are good or if you're really brave, you can just not wash your hair at all! And not wind up looking and smelling like a wayward vagabond with greasy, dry, or dirty hair. Check out this Instructable for more info...

Obviously there are thousands of ways to help clean up the environment, and hopefully save money while you're at it, and at times it can seem overwhelming. But every little bit helps and it's definitely worth the effort.

God gave us this planet to rule over and that means doing our bit to look after it.

Wedding Invitation Ideas #1

2009-12-22T09:25:00.005+13:00

I just finished this mammoth wedding invitation for a customer. Very satisfying, but heaps of work and I'm glad I won't be doing anymore of those until next year. It was a beach themed invitation, with paua shells on the front, tied with gold cord and attached to a shiny black eyelet. Inside, it opened up to white translucent vellum fastened by chrome brads in various shapes. I didn't have a camera to take any photos of them all before giving them to my customer so this photoshop sample will have to do. Doesn't quite do it justice though. Hope to be posting more invitation ideas up next year!!

On the day...

2009-11-02T10:36:00.011+13:00

I just love our wedding pics! Didn't actually think both Jay & I could look nice in more than a couple of photos hehe Stephen and Jessie did such an amazing job!

Thanks to everyone who came to our wedding and gave of their precious time, money, services, gifts, etc. We love you all xox

My last week as a single woman...

2009-10-06T16:31:00.001+13:00

So it's my last week as a single woman...

I've had good times and bad time but am looking forward with great excitement to the journey ahead of me!

Goodbye old, hello to the new chapter in my life.

LOVE, battlefield or other?

2009-10-05T15:15:00.006+13:00

I found this little article online and thought it was an interesting take on things.
Let me know what you think...

Is love a battlefield?

How hard to you have to fight for love?

If you listen to pop radio, you have to fight really, really hard for it. Right now, there’s a hit single describing love as a battlefield (not to be confused with Pat Benetar’s “Love is a Battlefield,” which was a huge hit way back when in the Eighties).

I’m always hearing songs sung by well-lit young women describing their pain in love, and these songs usually become giant hits. And it’s no wonder. They can be pretty catchy.The problem is, a lot of other women listen to them and come to the conclusion that love equals pain. If we’re not feeling sad, if we’re not feeling the drama, then we can’t be in love. Furthermore, a lot of us who are in bad relationships tell ourselves, “Hey, this is the way it’s supposed to be. Love is work.” This causes some women to put up with a lot of substandard behavior from the men they spend time with.

Love is not a battlefield. It’s supposed to be joyful, exciting, uplifting, full of mutual attraction, affection, consideration, and fun. (Does this mean you’ll never have a doubt or a disagreement? No, of course not, but if you’re crying more than you’re laughing, something is seriously wrong.)

Love is supposed to be you making a special someone’s happiness your priority. That person should be making your happiness his priority (that’s where the work comes in; sometimes somebody has to make a sacrifice, and and it shouldn’t always be the same somebody).

Accept nothing less than a man who doesn’t expect you to settle for crumbs.

I really liked this article. I thought yeah for sure in marriage there's going to be tough times, and times when you don't like the other person at all & find it impossible to "love" them. But with the right attitude, good support from great friends and a whole lot of prayer, I think it really is possible to love someone for a lifetime. Remembering you're on the same side as your spouse and not at war with them; rather warring together against the god of this age. I can't wait to begin our journey...

Spent, Sore and Swindled

2009-09-24T12:46:00.005+12:00

I'm tired.

As in, completely and utterly exhausted.

I don't even have kids to use as an excuse either.

A combination of long days at work doing thankless jobs for grumpy customers, wedding planning (which I'm so over: 'let's just elope' has been my key phrase these past couple of months), too many late nights due to not being enough hours in the day to get everything I want done. And this is all the while knowing I've cut back my commitments so I hardly have any "church" stuff to do anymore.

But, on the up-side after I've enjoyed a good moan, I'm going on holiday in 2weeks.

I can't wait!

To start a new chapter in my life complete with fresh vision and dreams, to rest, to draw closer to God and my new husband, and to capture anew the meaning of why we're here on this earth.

Wonderful Wednesday...

2009-09-16T11:54:00.004+12:00

My dress is finished!! WAHOO! That means I don't have to get married in overalls.
Or jeans. Or chuck taylors heh

Thanks to mum and Debra Sampson for all their hard effort these past couple of months

Sorry no pics of it - it's a surprise. You'll just have to be there on the day.
(which is only 3 and a half weeks away YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY)

Did I happen to mention that I'm a
teeny bit excited?

God cares about the little things...

2009-09-09T14:09:00.003+12:00

I went on a road trip with my bridesmaids on Monday, the first time we've been all together since I got engaged.

It was a hugely successful trip! We had the first fitting for the bridesmaid dresses and they just look so beautiful! We also got some really cheap, but pretty jewelery.

But the really amazing thing that happened was, while we were heading to the dress place, we missed the turnoff and ended up in Onehunga. As we were going down the street, we passed the shoe shop where I bought my wedding shoes. So we stopped to have a look.

Lo and behold, we found the exact same shoe but in gold instead of silver which is the exact colour that we wanted to get and they match my shoes perfectly! And they only cost $20!

It probably doesn't seem like a huge thing, but it really spoke to me, and made me realise that God is in control. Not only is He in control, but He cares about the tiniest details in our lives. Even when it comes down to getting the right colour and style of shoe.

If He can be that interested in our lives, surely He's worth getting to know, and know well.

Things I'm loving at the mo...

2009-07-09T10:26:00.011+12:00

* My Francesca Battistelli cd

* Good books

* Sleeping in my own bed after House sitting for 2 and a half weeks

* Eating all the white Jellybeans before anyone else gets a look-in

* Iced coffees at Shiraz Cafe - Bright Cafe makes a pretty good one too!

* Watching super cheesy movies and laughing really really loudly

* Cheap Haircuts...
I'm sure there's cheaper out there, but it's the cheapest I've found lately.
Only $25 from Excel on Cameron. Wahoo!

* Wedding invitations - 90% done!

* Crazy, funny & downright ugly wedding pics

Running shoes anyone?

Crazy invites

Um?

Click here & here for more wedding posts/good times!

* Offers of help to tidy my room
I still have boxes I haven't unpacked from my last move (about 8months or so ago woopsy) so some very kind people, namely Jon Dylan & my spesh have offered to help!
Yikes could get dangerous...

marvelous mushrooms & the mundane

2009-07-01T13:04:00.010+12:00

I have decided South Africans are very generous people. Not that I thought they weren't before, but I haven't seen any Kiwis come running back to bring me gifts and apologies for not keeping their word.I also got shouted brekky this morning too by an amazingly gifted gal! Mmmmm beautifully done mushrooms on really nice grain toast with bacon and eggs, topped off with a perfect cappuccino. YUM!
Jealous? Yes, you should be.

A few months ago, I designed some flyers for a customer. I spent quite a bit of time on them and realy went out of my way to make them look good and to give them a competitive price too. They just had one last thing to check over before they got them printed, but they never came back. Boy was I ticked. Sometimes we get a deposit before we do drafts and things, but most times people expect to pay at the end, so we rely on a customer's goodwill and honesty. Anyway, I had forgotten all about it when yesterday, this customer came back into the shop. He was armed with a goodie bag filled with chocolate truffles, a really nice card & a pretty good explanation of why he wasn't able to come back! Turns out his visa had run out and he now has to go back to South Africa for 6 months in order to get new work permits. Crazy times. So I was pretty blessed by this and it really made my day. Goes to show, you can't always judge people for not keeping their word...

Fascinating Friday

2009-06-19T13:03:00.013+12:00

My Wedding Planner - Things to do:

Choose a cake...

Invest in some quality his n hers furniture...

Find the perfect decorations...

Hire a band to play at the reception...

Roll out the red carpet for the quality guests...

the spoils of love and war

2009-06-16T09:43:00.004+12:00

So for my last birthday as a 'single' woman & to mark a quarter century, I got extra spoilt this year. Flowers, chocolates, fudge, clothes, soap personally carved in the shape of a fish, funky mugs, yummy smelling shower gels and moisturisers, jewelery & handmade jewelery holders, books (sorry Flannelgraph - all non-fiction), Chris Tomlin's latest cd (yay), 2 free dinners & Dad even cooked me a self-saucing chocolate pudding! Not to mention an extra spesh 'Jon Dylan' gift yet to come...

So thanks to all my precious friends and family... I am truly loved and blessed!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-06-10T09:44:00.002+12:00

A picture paints a thousand words...

What is it with me and cars?

I arrived at my car parked in its usual spot in Hatea Drive Car Park to find an empty glove box with stuff strewn all over the floor of my car. Must have been a male thief as all the girly things I had in my car (shoes, tissues, tampons, panadol, perfume, etc) were still there. Although, they didn't take my guitar amp which was in my boot! They were probably dumb and set the alarm off haha. So all's well and waiting on insurance to get back to me so I don't have to pay for window to get fixed. Oh the endless Joys of life...

Tips for ruining your big day...

2009-06-04T08:57:00.013+12:00

As you may know, I'm getting married soon YAY! I've been researching some wedding dress ideas & decided to share my top ten ideas with fellow bloggers...

Number 10: Gone with the wind

Number 9: Look Mum, puffed sleeves

Number 8: Catwalk bride

Number 7: Snow Queen

Number 6: Did someone forget to call the babysitter?

Number 5: The mummy returns

Number 4: Taking tree-hugging to new levels

Number 3: Need some extra decorations? Don't worry, just borrow some of mine!

Number 2: Where'd she go?

Number 1: Ultimate Queen Bridezilla

Things I'm loving...

2009-05-26T12:31:00.008+12:00

Relaxing weekends

Had a great trip to Auckland where we pretty much did nothing the whole weekend except watch music DVD's, play mini-golf & eat at the infamous Kyou sushi place beneath Brendan's new flat. You never realise just how tired you are until you begin to wind down and relax.

Presents
Handmade for me by my spesh :)

Belated engagement present from a very lovely older lady in the church. Presented with a massive hug to go with it.

Bargains
Scored some metallic paper which is usually around 50cents per sheet at the very cheapest for 20cents each! STOKING. Can't wait to make some more invites with them.

'Nifty fingered' friends

A very awesome friend of mine sewed a 50's dress for me. I had cut out the material, but didn't have time to sew it so she very lovingly did it for me (and probably did a way better job too). Add that to my $10 warehouse shoes and you have a complete outfit for under $30!

2009-05-13T16:14:00.006+12:00

Since I haven't blogged in about a month (or reviewed a book on Flannelgraph for that matter-sorry Symz), I decided something had to be done. So there's this cool competition that fiancé & I have entered to win $4,000 worth of Jewelery. It would be the hugest blessing if we won, but I'm not going to count my ducklings. We had to put together the story of how I got proposed to along with some photos. So we employed the'better writer' out of all of us to make it sound way cool and here's what he came up with. Enjoy...

composed by Stephen Garton

Drizzling rain signed the entrance of the weekend, and I stepped outside to face the fourth of April with the underwhelming magnitude of toast and a glass of orange juice on my mind. Don’t get me wrong, today was special; it signified six months marked off the calendar with my best friend and oh-so-much-more-than-that partner, Jason, by my side.

Bayly’s Beach lies somewhere on the cliff-ridden shores of the west coast and certainly is a familiar place for Jason and me, considering we stood sentry to the New Year of two thousand and nine on those very cliffs. Despite the gloomy weather, it was with a light heart that we set out for the short drive north to greet those same cliffs and beach as an effervescent expedition for our anniversary. My brother was with us, and we were to meet Jason’s brother and girlfriend for dinner that night. Oh how naive I was to the intricate plans of what was really going on behind those laughing, innocent eyes of his.

Sparks of familiarity greeted me like old friends when we had lunch at the quaint and only café of the romantic town of Bayly’s Beach. But I wasn’t familiar with the quad ride Jason surprised us with after lunch. And what a ride we had! It blew me away that he was thoughtful enough to consider my childhood memories of quad bike riding on my Uncle’s farm to milk the cows in his circuitous plans. Our laughter was impromptu and contagious as it carried on the same wind that was riffling through our hair; we even spied a seal of all things, washed up on the beach.

I was still just as in the dark, however, when we came back from the ride; still in the dark as we dined at a local restaurant for dinner with his brother and brother’s girlfriend; still in the dark when these two announced to us they had a surprise awaiting us at sunset. Jason’s surprise at this announcement was feigned; mine was as real as the corned beef and mashed potatoes on my plate.

From here things became somewhat of a blur: the blindfolding, the wild-goose-chase drive to mask the fact that we only needed to go thirty seconds up the road; and finally, the long walk up the road, still blindfolded, to the top of the cliffs. What happened after that, however, is still as clear as day.

As the blindfold came off, the first thing I immediately registered was the fiery twilight lighting up mile upon mile of ocean; the water bathing in the soft-coloured light of the recently set sun. I felt Jason’s gentle touch as he reached out and took my own hand in his while he still somehow managed to maintain as much surprise as me. We slowly tread, our footsteps leading us down a path flanked with bamboo lanterns burning to the sweet aroma of citronella; the soft flicker of torches casting a wildly romantic glow, illuminating our rocky path—the moment seemed as beautiful as eternity and my heart leaped with anticipation.

There, at the end of the curving path of flickering torchlight, was something that took my breath away. Suspended from the jutting out cliff face was a wire-frame twisting in two gentle curves leading to a sharp point at the bottom, making it take the unmistakable shape of a heart. The apparatus was ablaze with fire. But, even among all this wonderment, nothing could have possibly prepared me for what was to come next.

The very moment Jason dropped to one knee, I lost all control on my emotions and I was crying in an instant. I was so caught up in the wonder of the moment that I almost forgot to give an approval!

The words tumbled out in a rush before my mind could even process the thought. “You bet I will!” I burst out in my exuberant joy. And the rest, as they like to say, is simply history.

Girls Night Out

2009-04-03T14:31:00.007+13:00

Nina organised a night out for the girls last night! Generally speaking, I find bowling a particularly boring game & usually do really bad at it (I think I've managed to get over 100 just once). Needless to say, I came second (second to last, in case you were starting to cheer), but had an amazing time which was very much needed after having a couple of stressful weeks prior.

The South Africans took out the game with Neen in the lead and Stacey & Mariana following closely behind. The rest of us I suppose didn't do too badly but a good time was had by all and lots of laughs all round! We followed it up by a really yummy hot chocolate with a chocolate fish on the side at Split Cafe.

Starstruck by Sachin

2009-04-02T12:00:00.010+13:00

So I had this customer phone me right, and the conversation went a little something like this...

"Hay, I've got this really great photo and I want to get it enlarged. I took it on my cellphone coz that's all I had at the time, but it's a really good quality photo coz my phone's really good aye. I can't believe it! It's just a one-in-a-million picture. I just happened to be in the same hotel as him and I came out of the elevator and there he was and I was like, I have to get a picture. It's a one-in-a-million I'm telling you. So can you edit this pic and make me look less star-struck? I just can't believe it aye..."

and so on and so forth for about 5 minutes

Here's the original pic that he sent me

I was trying really hard not to crack up while I was on the phone, but I managed not too. But when he emailed me through the picture, well, I just about fell off my chair. For starters, I had absolutely no clue who Sachin Tendulkar was, but also the photo was such bad quality you wouldn't be able to print it any more than a couple of inches high max! And for those of you who don't work with photo restoration, you probably won't care two hoots about this post, but it sure made my day thinking about some of the hilarious people we get coming through our doors.

And here's the finished product (haha)

And just who is Sachin Tendulkar? Well I "wikipediaed" it and found out that he's actually a really famous cricketer who plays for India (for those into cricket). He was in New Zealand when they played us on March 18th. He is ambidextrous and he is the most prolific run scorer in one-day internationals with 16,684 runs. Sachin was also elected Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1997 and is ranked by the objective scoring method of the Wisden 100 as the second best test batsman and best ODI batsman of all time.
His father is A Marathi novelist (मराठी Marāṭhī is an Indo-Aryan language spoken in western India and is the official language of the state of Maharashtra. There are 90 million fluent speakers worldwide. Marathi is the 4th most spoken language in India and the 15th most spoken language in the world). Tendulkar sponsors 200 underprivileged children every year and has recently joined a 'save the tiger' campaign. Riveting.

Re-inventing the date night...

2009-03-26T13:10:00.009+13:00

So last Sunday afternoon we made dinner together for Mum and Dad. I know, who has rhubarb flan for dinner right? But anyway, I was surprised at how well it turned out! Not because we can't cook or anything, just because it was a new recipe and the rhubarb wasn't quite up to its usual standard.

Most studies of love & marriage show that the decline of romantic love over time is inevitable. The butterflies of early romance quickly flutter away and are replaced by familiar, predictable feelings of long-term attachment. But several experiments show that regular injections of novelty and excitement - simply doing new things together as a couple - may help bring the butterflies back, recreating the chemical surges of early courtship (which, by the way, are also the brain chemicals involved in drug addiction and obsessive-compulsive disorder). So on that riveting note, I thought about re-inventing the date night to come up with some different ideas. Here are some of our ideas so far...

Eeling, floundering, goat shooting, fishing, golf, random road trip, attending a rugby or soccer match, picnic dinner at the beach, progressive dinner with other couples, reading a landscaping book together (have actually done this one surprise, surprise haha), a trip to the observatory, games of tennis & badminton and my personal favourite (I found this one online) - find it & fix it. Buying a cheap piece of used furniture from a garage sale and fixing it up together: painting/sanding/decorating/etc.

All this got me thinking about God and our first love. When we first 'met' God, all the crazy emotions we felt and things we did for Him simply because we were 'in love' with Him. And maybe now, the feelings have worn off somewhat and we don't spend as much time with Him as we should. Or maybe the relationship has become stale and familiar. (Just cracked myself up when the line 'and may you' came into my head. I think I've seen too many Rob Bell dvds haha)

So what things can we do to inject some novelty back into our romance to make it come alive again? And how do we press in even when the feelings aren't there anymore?

Because that's what God longs for. To romance us and for us to do things for Him & spend time with Him simply because we love Him - no other reason.

Speak God, you're servant is listening

2009-03-17T17:27:00.002+13:00

Jessie Garrick and I went for a swim at Whale Bay yesterday. Yup that's right, in the rain. Was beautiful. No people, no noise, just us and the rain and a couple of brave seagulls. It was so peaceful. And on Sunday afternoon I finally got to spend some quality time with Jase. It hadn't happened in about 3 weeks due to a number of things and seeing one of my love languages is time, I tend to get a bit tetchy and disillusioned if I don't spend proper time with people close to me on a regular basis.

So then it got me thinking, when was the last time I took some time out to be with God... With no people around, no noise, no 'to do' list to think about, no problems to talk about; just being with my best friend. One on one with no distractions.

Even though I'm super busy at the moment, I took time out of my day to be with Jess because I wanted to. Not because I felt obligated to or thought that I should, but because I knew how much we'd both enjoy it.

And that's how it should be with us and God. Not a 'quiet time' because we should, because we think our 'church rep' will suffer if don't or maybe our pastors might ask us how we're doing. No, quality time spent with our Lord because we want to. I challenge you (just like I'm challenging me right about now) to go somewhere just you and Jesus and see what He has to say to you. You just might be pleasantly surprised!

The scent of a hamburger

2009-03-13T16:50:00.001+13:00

So the hospital tells me I have to go and see a dietitian. How exciting. Never mind that my diets been the same for about the last however many years and I've never had any issues before. I think it's just their way of saying, we have no idea what's wrong with you so we'll try this. But anyway, all that aside, lately I've been doing a lot of research on food and here’s a few things I came across that I didn’t know too much about

Did you know....

The scent of a Hamburger can be manufactured?

Open your refrigerator, your freezer, your kitchen cupboards, and look at the labels on your food. You'll find "natural flavor" or "artificial flavor" in just about every list of ingredients. The similarities between these two broad categories of flavor are far more significant than their differences. Both are man-made additives that give most processed food most of its taste. The initial purchase of a food item may be driven by its packaging or appearance, but subsequent purchases are determined mainly by its taste. About 90 percent of the money that Americans spend on food is used to buy processed food. But the canning, freezing, and dehydrating techniques used to process food destroy most of its flavor. Since the end of World War II, a vast industry has arisen in the United States to make processed food palatable. Without this flavor industry, today's fast food industry could not exist. The names of the leading American fast food chains and their best-selling menu items have become famous worldwide, embedded in our popular culture. Few people, however, can name the companies that manufacture fast food's taste. All of these aromas are made through the same basic process: the manipulation of volatile chemicals to create a particular smell. The basic science behind the scent of your shaving cream is the same as that governing the flavor of your TV dinner.

One can make anything smell like charbroiled hamburgers because that smell has been created by the fast food industry to make you want to eat their food. They do not have to list the chemicals that make this smell on the ingredient list. All they have to write is "artificial flavor" (or color). There could be about a hundred toxic ingredients that make up this smell, but because you have no idea what they are anyway, all the food manufacturers have to let you know (by law) is that their product contains "artificial flavor." This lack of public disclosure enables the companies to maintain the secrecy of their formulas. It also hides the fact that flavor compounds sometimes contain more ingredients than the foods being given their taste. The ubiquitous phrase "artificial strawberry flavor" gives little hint of the chemical wizardry and manufacturing skill that can make a highly processed food taste like a strawberry.

A typical artificial strawberry flavor, like the kind found in a Burger King strawberry milk shake, contains the following ingredients: amyl acetate, amyl butyrate, amyl valerate, anethol, anisyl formate, benzyl acetate, benzyl isobutyrate, butyric acid, cinnamyl isobutyrate, cinnamyl valerate, cognac essential oil, diacetyl, dipropyl ketone, ethyl acetate, ethyl amylketone, ethyl butyrate, ethyl cinnamate, ethyl heptanoate, ethyl heptylate, ethyl lactate, ethyl methylphenylglycidate, ethyl nitrate, ethyl propionate, ethyl valerate, heliotropin, hydroxyphenyl-2-butanone (10 percent solution in alcohol), aionone, isobutyl anthranilate, isobutyl butyrate, lemon essential oil, maltol, 4-methylacetophenone, methyl anthranilate, methyl benzoate, methyl cinnamate, methyl heptine carbonate, methyl naphthyl ketone, methyl salicylate, mint essential oil, neroli essential oil, nerolin, neryl isobutyrate, orris butter, phenethyl alcohol, rose, rum ether, undecalactone, vanillin, and solvent. Without affecting the appearance or nutritional value, processed foods could even be made with aroma chemicals such as hexanal (the smell of freshly cut grass) or 3-methyl butanoic acid (the smell of body odor). The flavor industry is highly secretive. Its leading companies will not divulge the precise formulas of flavor compounds or the identities of clients. The secrecy is deemed essential for protecting the reputation of beloved brands. The fast food chains, understandably, would like the public to believe that the flavors of their food somehow originate in their restaurant kitchens, not in distant factories run by other firms

Click here for more crazy info about the food we eat.

Things I'm loving...

2009-03-11T14:52:00.008+13:00

Having a new project
- For a 50's themed 21st birthday -
So I get an excuse to go op-shopping, or to make something for this funky theme. The funny part is, a lot of the dresses I 'googled' look pretty modern to me! Amazing how fashion comes and goes.

Coffee with friends

People who come in to work to see me and we go out to coffee together, well it just makes my day. Thanks to Heather and Arna :) love you girls!

Free Dinners
Tomorrow night I get to go to a free dinner. So it's a 'sleep' seminar and they'll probably try and talk you into buying stuff, but hay, a free dinner is a free dinner! Pretty stoked about that. Here's to a great night with friends...

Simple Weddings
I went to Becky & Jeremy's wedding last Saturday and was blown away by how such a simple wedding could be so peaceful, relaxing and yet totally effective and charming. I had such a great time and loved everything about it!

The Theatre

Starting next Friday is 'Faulty Towers' being held put on at the Otamatea Theatre. I just love this show and own all the episodes so can't wait to go see it in real life!

Faith

2009-03-03T17:18:00.002+13:00

I had an MRI scan last week. Having been having health problems since last June and the doctors still can't figure out what's wrong with me after countless tests, they decided to take photos of my brain instead. Sort of exciting (almost like caving except you can't move at all), but sort of scary in a way because I didn't know what to expect. I had some fun with the nurse who proceeded to put one of those IV thingys in my arm but popped the vein instead. She then moved onto the second vein which was equally as painful, attached the IV thing to a long tube and put two syringes at the end of it. Then they counted down and squirted the contrast dye at high speed into my vein causing copious amounts of blood to leak out of the IV. Gross! Lucky for me, I couldn't see any of this; could only feel my blood dripping everywhere (I hope there's no squeamish people in Renewal Youth reading this). My arm still hurts!
Which brings me to a word that I still haven't quite grasped the full meaning of.

FAITH

Did you ever wonder if you weren't healed from something or it took a long time, that meant you didn't have enough faith? Or if it was because you didn't pray enough? Or had sin in your life that hadn't been dealt with? If God has the power to heal then why doesn't He? I have been wrestling with these thoughts for awhile now and wondering how on earth people who are diagnosed with cancer and don't ever get healed, cope. How do they stay happy? How do they explain to non-believers why their loving Heavenly Father hasn't made them whole? I was talking with a good friend about this subject recently. She's been through a lot herself so I knew I'd find some wisdom in what she had to say. Sometimes I believe God cares more about our character then about our comfort and well-being. So I've come to think of it a little something like this:

Faith is implicit trust in a sovereign God who knows exactly what He is doing and is in total control. Faith doesn't just fall from the sky conveniently whenever you need it. It involves the heart, as well as the choices you make. Here's a question that really challenged me... Will you still serve God while you're sick? Will you still pursue what He has called you to do? Or will you believe the lie that there must be something wrong with you for this to have happened and therefore God must be punishing you.

A guy who definitely knows what it's like to trust God has this blogsite that I quite often visit. You can check it out here.

On Valentine's Day...

2009-02-03T09:33:00.023+13:00

Seeing it's coming up to Valentine's Day real soon and I haven't put up a post in awhile, I thought now was a great chance...

I was talking yesterday to a certain someone about all the reasons why I'm not a fan of it and why apart from giving one of my female friends a card every year, I have never celebrated it. Call me a cynic or whatever you like, but for me personally, the thought of having to give somebody a gift on a specific day just because everybody else is doing it, doesn't really appeal. I like spontaneity and gifts that are given just because. I was once given flowers a few years back, to apologise for something. It just put me off. I think I was more upset at them for giving me flowers to make up for it then I was over whatever they had done! Maybe I'm just weird, but hay, everybody's entitled to their opinion.

Business's love Valentine's Day because not only is it a huge marketing success, it gives them a chance to have a sale and promote their goods. In this aspect I like it, because working for a business myself, I will be exploiting it for all its worth! But for the people who fall for the advertising ploys every year, I have no sympathy at all. Prices go up (especially for things such as red roses), it's hard to get dinner reservations, and then you get some people (not all I might add) who see it as an excuse to be slack all year. This isn't a sexist comment, it's just something that I've noticed throughout my working years by colleagues.

It got me thinking though, what if we were to treat God the same way some people treat their partners on Valentine's Day? How would it make Him feel? It wouldn't be much of a relationship would it? Just paying Him attention and showering Him with gifts on one day of the year. But the more I thought about it, the more I wondered, maybe it IS how some of us view God and church. We come in on a Sunday once or maybe twice a week, give Him our half hour or so of lip service, think we've somehow paid our dues and then carry on the rest of the week hardly thinking about Him. Not all of us are like this obviously, but how many times do we fall into that trap?

The ultimate advertising guru, the devil spins us this lie that as long as we keep up appearances and just give God a little bit of our time when everyone else is doing it, that we're ok. Never mind, that without constant work, a relationship will fall to pieces. Without spontaneity and showing appreciation for each other on a regular basis, the partnership will soon become dry & boring. Without consistent communication that is extensive and thorough, hurts & grudges can accumulate, leaving it wide open for satan to come in and mess things up. Maybe I'm looking too far into things, but I was in a deep-thinking mood and this is what came out of it :)

So this year I won't be celebrating Valentine's Day, but I will be trying to make more time to spend with my Saviour and all the other important people in my life. Not for the sake of a day, but because they mean a lot to me and I don't want the relationships in my life to go stale and dry

My holiday moments...

2009-01-16T13:26:00.002+13:00

As promised Symz, here's a new post. Wow I finally did it haha.

Beautiful Baylys

Jon is a poser from way back

Jon Dylan

Will & Wal

I've finally got around to getting the photos from our holiday at Bayly's Beach. What an awesome time. Just chillin with family and friends for 6days doing nothing but sitting at the beach, fishing, playing cards, doing crosswords, playing soccer, going for walks & having good God time. Nice and relaxing. Yay for holidays! Now can't wait till Parachute 09. Wahoo!

Francesca's Hen's Party

2008-12-23T11:23:00.014+13:00

Francesca before...

Francesca after...

I went to a hen's party last night. Good times! Abby did a fantastic job of dressing Fran up I thought. Hideous yes, but then embarrassing the poor girl before the wedding is what a hen's party is all about right?

Check out the great pics below for a bit of a laugh...

World's fastest eating mammal - Star nosed mole

2008-12-17T14:23:00.009+13:00

Check out here for a clip of how fast this thing can eat!

For more weird and wonderful looking animals click here.

Blindfold Motorcycle Speed Record

2008-12-17T13:32:00.001+13:00

WHO:

Billy Baxter

WHAT:

265.33 km/h (164.87 mph)

WHERE:

RAF Boscombe Down, Wiltshire, UK

WHEN:

August 2, 2003

Billy Baxter (UK) reached a speed of 265.33 km/h (164.87 mph) while riding a 1,200cc Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle blindfolded at RAF Boscombe Down, Wiltshire, UK, on August 2, 2003.

Incredible!

I haven't been that fast in a motorbike with my eyes open, let alone blindfolded. Now that's impressive

Mysterious sea creature found

2008-12-17T10:45:00.004+13:00

Ever thought the Loch Ness Monster was just a hoax? Check out this pic of a rotting "sea serpent" carcass captured by the Japanese fishing boat, the Zuiyo-Maru just off the coast of New Zealand.

Loving it!

The mysteries of the creations of God never cease to amaze me.

Oh by the way Symon, here's an interesting thing you should research... Chupacabra. Puts bigfoot to shame I reckon

What's with cats?

2008-12-15T09:53:00.016+13:00

I'm not much of a cat person, although they seem to love me!

I must admit they're great when you're curled up on the couch watching a movie, but apart from that I really don't have much time for them.

Here's some reasons why...

Cats are incredibly selfish
They bring you unwanted gifts (Ie, decapitated rabbits, mice, rats, cute little birds, endangered moreporks; the list goes on...)
I'm sure it's impossible to train them
They jump onto tables and steal food
They won't go for walks with you
They demand attention and retaliate if they don't get it immediately

Dogs on the other hand are the complete opposite.

They are loyal
You can play rugby & soccer with them (if they're real dogs that is - not chihuahuas, poodles, etc)
They're good for exercise and taking on walks
You can train them to do tricks and stuff
They can find and save people in dangerous situations
They help police find drugs and catch criminals

In fact, they're so cool they have even have a dog art museum in St. Louis, Missouri (USA) where they keep all the famous paintings that have been made by various artists throughout the years. And just in case you want to have your pooch's portrait painted, they maintain a registry of dog artists.

Reminds me of our Christian walk. There are days when it's easy to be loyal & obedient to God. When we want to walk closely beside Him. When we can't wait to help people, tell them about Jesus and so effectively save them from dangerous situations. But then human nature kicks in and our selfishness shows through. We get tired, demanding and claw at people. We don't want to obey but go off and do our own thing. We bring what we think is a great offering before the Lord, but in His eyes it looks like a decapitated rabbit! Maybe this Christmas, we'll remember the real reason for season and show a little of his love and compassion to others. Thanks for the reminder God!

Only in America....

2008-12-12T09:57:00.006+13:00

These are actual names of towns in the US. I am dead serious! Check out the site for more details on the reasoning behind their names. My personal favourite is this one:

Why, Arizona, USA

Why would they name this town Why? Why is the ocean blue? Why is the Earth round?

So many questions…

… so little time.

This town was named for a Y-shaped intersection of state Highways 85 and 86.

The spelling was changed from “Y” to “Why” after the residents had petitioned for a post office. The state required that the name be spelled differently.

Here are some of the other ones...

Bigfoot, Texas

Gun Barrel City, Texas

Humansville, Missouri

Hygiene, Colorado

Jot 'em Down, Texas

Knockemstiff, Ohio

Last Chance, Colorado

Looneyville, Texas

Mary's Igloo, Alaska

Monkey's Eyebrow, Arizona

Nameless, Texas

Needmore, Texas

Ninety-Six, South Carolina

Truth Or Consequences, New Mexico

Two Egg, Florida

Valentine, Texas

Waterproof, Louisiana

Time for a chop

2008-12-11T11:52:00.006+13:00

Symon asked me why I hadn't blogged in awhile, and I mentioned it was because A, I'm super busy at the moment, and B, I don't have anything exciting to talk about. So I decided it was time to do go on google and find something! Here goes...

When I was tidying up my Onerahi house a few weeks ago so I could get some tenants in, I discovered some bamboo in the front garden that I thought I'd got rid of 6 months ago. Now I know bamboo is a pain in the neck and it takes a lot to get rid of but here's some really cool boring facts I found out:

There are some 2,000 species of bamboo which can be virtually indistinguishable from each other, but which do grow in a wide range of climates. Depending on your location, there are species that will grow in temperatures that drop as low as -20F. If you start out with the right type of bamboo for your temperatures, soil composition and moisture, you can soon be enjoying a lush, "exotic" greenery that will grow and spread faster than you could ever have imagined. Bamboo plants grow on rhizomes, a network of roots that run along under the ground, and put up new shoots to start other clumps of culms, or stalks. The clump will grow to its maximum height, usually within the first season, and then will sprout additional branches. That first season can be quite a surprise though, when you see an eight inch diameter stalk reaching 60 ft. In scientifically controlled conditions, stalks have been known to grow as much as 47 inches in one day. However in the average garden or the wild, 12 inches a day would be closer to the norm.

12 inches a day! Crikey! No wonder it's a menace in the garden. While on my google travels I also found this site here that is actually dedicated to promoting and growing bamboo. Why anyone in their right mind would actually want to promote it I don't know but each to their own I guess.

So to conclude this riveting post, here are some top tips from the Yates website to keeping your bamboo under control or getting rid of it altogether. Wish I'd read this before I did my garden! Enjoy.

- To stop bamboo spreading uncontrollably, plant bamboo pieces for your screen or hedge in a trench lined on either side with sheet metal or hardboard. The barrier need not go deeper than about 45cm as bamboos are shallow rooted but may spread naturally by underground stems or rhizomes.
- To eradicate bamboo that has got out of hand, cut the canes down to ground level, and spray them with a strong solution of glyphosate herbicide, such as Roundup or Zero. Any suckers which emerge later should be similarly treated, but be careful not to let the spray drift onto other plants.

The one with the old school music...

2008-11-13T13:38:00.003+13:00

I came across these two old clips on You Tube the other day and thought I'd share some of my favourite childhood music with Renewal Youth. Good times! Enjoy...

Buddy Green

Helen Baylor

Suzy gets a makeover

2008-11-11T15:18:00.003+13:00

I decided that Renewal Youth was looking decidedly boring lately so I'm hoping this will spark things up again! They did say you could become a mo-gal too so here's my attempt at the competition.

Sorry forgot to shave on October 31st though....

The one with the crash...

2008-10-14T15:46:00.006+13:00

So I park my car as usual in the Hatea Drive carpark at about 8:30am, come back at about quarter to 5 to pick it up and lo and behold what do I find? Eddie the electrician has been up to his tricks again. Just kidding......
Some random guy (I haven't quite found out yet who) had managed to drive off the road and into my parked car and take it out. It's completely written off so am now on the search for a new car! Thankfully my reaction was better than expected. I managed to laugh my way through it and wonder how on earth a parked car can get into a crash as good as this one :)

So now I say goodbye to my baby which has served me very nicely for the last 3 years and hello Mr. Noob....

The one with the tanks and explosions....

2008-10-14T10:38:00.003+13:00

On tanks and explosions...

I was thinking the other day how it would seem that I've turned soft. Girly movies, sleepovers, the colour pink, CRIKEY CROWBARS, I'm losing my staunch reputation big time! But not to worry, this post will redeem myself I think.

I love movies and books that are about war and action. I don't like horrors at all but good solid thrillers that get the adrenaline pumping. My favourite books as a teenager had to be anything by Alistair Maclean (Guns of Navarone/Where Eagles Dare/When Eight Bells Toll/HMS Ulysses/The Golden Rendezvous) and Tom Clancy (Rainbow Six/Patriot Games/Hunt for Red October/Sum of all Fears/Without Remorse/Clear & Present Danger), although I don't read Tom's stuff anymore due to the amount of swearing in it! And as a kid I enjoyed all the Hardy boys books plus of course the legendary Secret Seven & Famous Five books! My favourite movie series of all time would have to be the Bourne series. Heaps of action, car chases, fight scenes, etc. All the good stuff that makes up a classic action/thriller movie.
I was a bit of a geek in high school. I studied Electronics and Physics and actually got chosen out of about 5 males to do a Small Goods appliance apprenticeship. I turned it down to go into a retail job as I figured I would better off there. So yeah I was really into pulling things apart and putting them back together again. I get it from my dad I guess.

An explosion is a sudden increase in volume and release of energy in an extreme manner, usually with the generation of high temperatures and the release of gases. An explosion creates a shock wave.

So below are a few pics I found that are all about explosions and I just think that God is absolutely amazing for giving humans the creativity to be able to pull these off and also the ones in space just show off His greatness and majesty...

Lake Explosion

Explosion in space

Atomic Bomb

Really cool explosion

Gas Explosion

And my personal favourites...

Explosion in Art

Wow God!

You make everything glorious

2008-10-10T09:02:00.013+13:00

I love things that are beautiful. Flowers, trees, nature, artwork, animals, interesting people, etc. I see evidence of God everywhere I look. Anyway, I spent the afternoon a while back helping a bunch of people paint mum and dad's new house. As my dad would say, it's such a good feeling taking a plain boring wall and making it into a masterpiece. Or at least making it look better than what it was!

I drove all the way out to Mum & Dad's only to discover I couldn't find my painting overalls anywhere and hadn't brought old clothes with me so had to put up with wearing these... Yikes!

Fashion awards here I come...

You take this...

And turn it into this!

OSH safe scaffolding...

Texting on the job...

The one with Patrick's favourite colour...

2008-10-06T12:42:00.014+13:00

As you probably already know, most people will say that I'm not a very "normal" person (whatever that means). I grew up with two brothers, was a bit of a tom-boy, lived in Maunu/Maungatapere (which was considered the whop whops back then), our family didn't have very much money & the Gartons and the Randersons (Mum's family) were (and still are) a little bit, or probably even a whole heap crazy (according to some). I don't think my dad will ever grow up no matter how old he gets!

We got almost all of our clothes from the Sallys (this explains my love of op-shopping), my cousins or even the dump on some occasions. Those were the days: when you didn't have to pay for the dump and you could take whatever you wanted! We found tyres, old bikes, and all sorts of goodies there.

Most of my childhood was lived outdoors or playing computer games. I was climbing almost before I could walk and when I was in trouble or things were just too much, my haven became my favourite trees. I love adventure and the adrenaline of doing things that are just a little bit crazy. You can hear about our antics HERE.

Now I am not your typical girly girl (yes Jacksta, I know what you're thinking tehehe). For example, until about 4 years ago, I probably only owned about 10 (if that) soft toys all up. Now my collection is rather large due to a friend of mine who was really good at those claw machines. My only times playing with dolls was when my mates came over (which was hardly ever as we lived so far out of town back then) or when I could convince Stephen (who was not very old at the time, so go on easy on the bloke) to rearrange the doll's house (that I built myself) with me. Pretty much most of the time I just did whatever my brothers were into at the time & hated sleepovers because they meant a bunch of screaming hyperactive girls gossiping about who liked who! You can read about the best sleepover I've ever had HERE.

After about the age of 10 I began to despise the colour pink, hated wearing dresses & would grab any opportunity for a fight (just ask Kevin for more info on this; I'm sure he'd be dying to tell you). This continued right up till the age of about 16 or 17 probably, when I started to be asked to perform at weddings (which meant I had to wear a dress). Then, the unthinkable happened, I went to buy a pair of jandals and the only colour they had in my size was PINK! So I took the plunge, and to this day, everytime I wear something pink I get comments on it. So maybe it will grow on me, maybe not, I don't know. But I do know this: wearing pink IS NOT the ultimate crime, it doesn't mean I have to suddenly turn into one of those "ooh let's paint our toenails and talk about boys" type of girls... And that's my spiel for the day :)

Patrick and the great Sleepover

2008-10-01T20:33:00.016+13:00

Arna & I had a sleepover for our POD on Monday night. Well, I've had sleepovers before, but not really being the girly type, had never really enjoyed them that much. But I've decided that since all I ever seem to think about now is paying the bills, cleaning my house, mortgage stuff, trying to get better at being a manager at work (all boring adult stuff), etc, that I would let myself go and act like a hyperactive teenage girl for once. Man was it fun!

Our mascot - 'Patrick'

We started off playing some games (which I made up on the spot while we were waiting for people to turn up). I wish now that I had a video camera as photos just don't do them justice! Balloons, shaving cream, razors, newspaper, toilet paper, toilet rolls; well I'm sure you get the message.

Then we had dessert which consisted of chocolate chips, chocolate wafers, chocolate sauce, peppermint chocolate, marshmallows and some bananas chucked in so I could attempt to call it healthy (Yeah right).

So the girls now being hyped up on copious amounts of sugar, we sat down to watch a great movie.

I'm not sure what they were thinking, but 3 of the girls decided to sneak off and give each other "makeovers". The end result sure wasn't too pretty! Maybe they thought they were going to a rugby game or something. I'm not quite sure, but it took ages for them to wipe it off anyway.

By this stage it's about 11:30 and as girls do, we managed to talk for 4 hours straight before we all finally fell asleep exhausted at 3:30am then got up at 8:30 for a bacon and egg breakfast. Mmmm so good!

Back in time for dinner

2008-09-29T14:44:00.007+13:00

I noticed Kristy's latest post and couldn't resist.... This goes out to Fifi who has secretly harboured a desire to be black.

Now you too can bring out the Israel in you:

And just for kicks...

The best year ever! (1984)
(2000)

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens...

2008-09-23T15:00:00.005+12:00

Some people quote the Sound of Music as being their ultimate movie, others are into Pollyanna, and still others frequent the channels of Discovery & read Geographic Magazines as their favourite past-times... So I thought, that it was time I let the geek in me come out and share my love of Jane Austen films with the world of Renewal Youth. A few of us girls have started this movie club of sorts where we pick out a different movie each week to watch while the men go off and do their thing; although secretly we know they are dying to watch it with us.

So far on our list we've seen:
- Pride and Prejudice (Old school BBC version)
- P & P (Modern version with Keira Knightly)
- Bride and Prejudice (Bollywood version)
- Emma (Modern version with Gwyneth Paltrow)

Still to come we've got planned:
- Emma (old version)
- Clueless (based on modern day Emma)
- Sense and Sensibility (BBC version)
- S & S (Modern version with Hugh Grant)

Jane lived a really bizarre life...

She was born in Steventon, Hampshire, where her father was a reverend at the local parish and was the second daughter and seventh child in a family of eight. The Austens did not lose a single one of their children, which was very unusual in those days. Cassandra Leigh, Jane's mother, sent them all to a wet nurse in a nearby village a few months after birth to be looked after for another year or longer.

Her mother was a hypochondriac (or had a 'health phobia'): basically a person who tends to exaggerate their symptoms no matter how insignificant or excessively worries that they have a serious illness . Many people suffering from this disorder focus on a particular symptom as the catalyst of their worrying, such as gastro-intestinal problems, palpitations, or muscle fatigue, rapid heart beat, sweating, muscle tension, stomach discomfort, and numbness or tingling in certain parts of the body (hands, forehead, etc.). This explains why in Pride and Prejudice, Mrs. Bennett is always complaining about her 'poor nerves' and her 'palpitations & flutterings'. Jane obviously based this particular character on her own mother.

She published her works anonymously and only really became famous after she was dead.

She first started to write for family amusement as a child and was very shy about her writing; she wrote on small pieces of paper that she slipped under the desk plotter if anyone came into the room.

The theme that prevails in most of her works is that the young heroines must marry in order to secure social standing and economic security; yet Austen herself never married and was considered by society to be an old maid at the young age of 25!

"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." (from Pride and Prejudice, 1813)

As she grew into adulthood, she still lived with her parents (I told you she live a bizarre life) carrying out those activities normal for women of her age and social standing: she practiced the pianoforte, assisted her sister and mother with supervising servants, and attended female relatives during childbirth and older relatives on their deathbeds. Austen was particularly proud of her accomplishments as a seamstress. She also attended church regularly, socialized frequently with friends and neighbours, and read novels - often of her own composition - aloud with her family in the evenings. Socializing with the neighbours often meant dancing, either impromptu in someone's home after supper or at the balls held regularly at the assembly rooms in the town hall. Her brother Henry later said that "Jane was fond of dancing, and excelled in it".

Virginia Woolf called Austen "the most perfect artist among women."and still others considered her to be right up there with Shakespeare, among "the fine painters of life".

Now although I am not too keen on the idea that you have to get married in order to be accepted properly into society and to have a stable income, (that's just how it was back then I guess) I just love how most of her stories have such good morals. If just one person in the whole family was to go out and sleep with someone outside of marriage, then it would bring shame to the whole entire family! They would be disgraced unless a marriage was quickly arranged. They led such simple lives and everything was uncomplicated. Yes, we have definitely moved on from then, I mean, what female wants to wear a dress every single day of their lives? But morally oh how far this world has fallen! Makes you think...

Family IB Revenge

2008-09-18T08:44:00.009+12:00

Haha that is a freaky weird title!

So we got this indoor bowling set for Christmas 07 (don't ask why, just accept it ok) and hadn't really used it. Mum had told us she wanted to do something super exciting for her birthday and thought it would be great to go out bowling. That didn't happen however, so we ended up setting up the indoor bowling set in Jeni's lounge and having a game with the five of us.

Now having not played the game that much & not really paying that much attention either, I'm not too familiar with the scoring, but decided to just make it up as I went along. Well, after 10 frames, I ended up with a grand score of 105! For those who know me, would know I don't generally get that type of score when bowling :) usually no more than 80 haha. So yup I think the scoring was a bit out. But we had fun anyway and I'm keen to do it again sometime! Check out the shibby pics below for inspiration on having a good time...

A different Spirit...

2008-09-16T11:21:00.005+12:00

You know, this past year for our family has been one of the hardest years in the whole of all of our Christian walks. We've been through so many changes and hard times, it's just been nuts! But anyway, at family night last night, we were talking about the whole depression thing and how it's sweeping, not just over our family, but over the whole church. Pretty much everyone I know has been battling with the spirit of oppression, heaviness or something similar. And that's just what it is. A spirit. We have so much, yet we still get down. And not just a little bit like happens to most people, but it becomes really dark and heavy. It's a sure sign that we're living in the last days. God is teaching his church to be strong now so that we can have the strength to fight in the hard times that are to come. He is calling us to be warriors; to fight the good fight of faith and learn how to war against the principalities and powers that rule the earth. We must put on the garment of praise for heaviness. The oil of joy for mourning. Learn how to rebuke the evil one off our lives and the people we love. So we had this upbeat song playing in the background while we were all sitting there feeling a bit gloomy. Anyway, I made dad get up and dance for me (now you can understand why I'm a little bit mad - it's in my genes). The following is a little taste of the Garton dance routine...

Hope it makes your day! Sure made mine...

Where there's a will, there's Jon Dylan...

2008-09-12T10:00:00.005+12:00

6 o'clock. He was late. I had waited for Stephen for about 45 minutes, to finish packing for his snowboarding trip which should have happened the night before, so we could leave to set up mum's surprise birthday dinner. Needless to say, I left without him and Jeni & I proceeded to set stuff up by ourselves. We arranged the barn perfectly with everything that was needed for a bbq at the beach. It was a great night for it: Wet, dark & on a farm with no waves! But Jeni came up with an absolute brainwave - she simply painted a mural of some sand and water & hung it on the back of the barn! Added to this a few hay bales, bucket and spade, jandals, sunblock and you're all set.

By this time it's now about half six and so I ring Dad who says yup they're leaving in 5 and to start the barbeque...

Ever tried cooking homekill sausages (which don't cook very well) on a barbeque outside, in the dark, in the rain with tools that don't work, after vowing that you will never ever cook on a bbq coz it's a man's job? No, neither had I until now.

I am not normally sexist by the way, there are just some things I reckon that women shouldn't be allowed to do due to the general health and safety of all living creatures great and small! Speak in church, absolutely; Operate a bbq, no way. Don't get me wrong now, I love to cook and have been doing so since I was 11 years old, but I believe I can say without any hesitation, that I was right about my theory all along and this is one job I will definitely be leaving to the men.

So anyway, I figured, well how hard can it be, and proceeded to cook the meat. It went a little something like this:

1. Light the bbq. Ok, this part's pretty easy.

2. Throw the meat on the bbq. Yup still doing ok.

3. Watch out for oil and water off pre-cooked sausages throwing flames into the air and almost taking out eyeballs. (Note to self, buy shop pre-cooked sausages next time instead of doing it yourself)

4. Attempt to turn chops and sausages with a useless pair of tongs that don't grip.

5. Flag utensils and use fingers (Gary Adams, I hope you're not watching).

6. Burn fingers.

7. Try to turn meat again with useless tongs.

8. Can't see whether meat needs turning or not coz it's pitch black and can't find torch so have to figure out how to get old-school kerosene lantern working which hadn't been used for 10 years.

9. Wipe 10 years of dust off and fill with kerosene.

10. Throw away 6 matches which won't light coz they're budget.

11. Hold top of lantern up with one hand, hold matchbox between legs and strike match with free hand.

12. Hastily remove lantern away from eyes as wick was too far out and kerosene creates a lot of smoke.

13. Remember to turn meat.

14. Step away from bbq as flames jump 2 feet high from reacting to the water again (I took physics in high school, not chemistry - what else can I say).

15. Repeat process three or four times while muttering annoyances at Stephen under breath.

16. Hastily repent before the flames actually reach their target and do some damage.

17. Remove hopefully cooked meat from barbeque and put in oven while waiting....

So when the others finally arrive and we get to eat (it's now about 7:30) I find surprisingly, it actually tasted ok. It wasn't burnt, under-cooked or too well-done! So thanks Stephen, for allowing me to have this experience of a lifetime, just please don't do it again anytime soon!

Gift wrapped and all

2008-09-05T15:47:00.006+12:00

A couple of weeks ago, I did this job for a customer. It involved scanning some old Christmas cards, cropping, resizing, printing and laminating them. A simple enough job, but one that takes quite a lot of time. I had a deadline of 4 pm that day, but as there was a huge volume of customers, I didn't get it finished on time. This was on a Thursday afternoon and she wanted it for the weekend but decided to come back the following week. So I eventually finish the job and Tuesday rolls around. In she comes and lo and behold, she comes bearing a gift! Beautifully wrapped and everything. Now I work in an industry where people can be very demanding, ungrateful and impatient when things don't go to plan. They expect you to pay for the fact that they are unorganised! But anyway, this lady comes in with a present. I was so shocked I didn't know what to say. She was so grateful that I had done her job. Didn't care that it wasn't done on time or that it wasn't perfect, she was just so happy that she could now stick her photos onto felt for whatever weird and wonderful creation she was making. I was so blessed. I didn't care that the only use I have for her present is to put it in the bathroom and use it as an air freshner/toilet spray - I don't think I would ever have the guts to wear it as a perfume as it was a bit of an odd smell! But the simple fact that she took the time out to think about me was enough to make my day. See blessing others doesn't have to be expensive, it doesn't even have to involve something they would actually have a use for (although it helps), it's more about the thought. So I dare you, take some time out of your busy day to think about someone and bless them. And sometimes, a smile and some cheap perfume is all it takes.............

The Jon Dylan Guide to Life & Living

2008-08-28T12:21:00.002+12:00

I wrote this post two days ago and I thought it was pretty cool. Until I went to publish it and the internet (which had been playing up all day) decided it would go offline and it was only then that I realised the auto-save function hadn't been working. So I lost most of it and had to pretty much start from scratch and write it again. Then I got home and found it had saved most of it, just hadn't showed up yet! All that, after I'd already re-written it. I've always said God is into irony (no, not ironing) and now I know it for sure! The post was all about trying to find humour in a bad situation. So if anyone can see the funny side of that then I'd love to hear it! Anyway so this is my attempt at re-writing the post. Here goes...

I found this meaning of the word humour: An alternative (or surprising) shift in perception or answer is given that still shows relevance and can explain a situation; When a sudden relief occurs from a tense situation.
They say that humour is a great way to live longer, be healthier, and helps to get you through life's struggles and trials. They, whoever they are, would be right I believe. I have found throughout the years that whenever I'm going through a rough time, if I try and see the humour in a situation rather than point out all the negatives, the valley becomes less intense. It is still hard, but somehow easier to bear.

The trick is, as well as seeing the funny side of things, is remembering to look back. To look at the past that God has brought you out of; to look at the dry times that God has brought you through; to look at the good times that God has provided for you. If you look back and see where you've trekked already, it becomes easier to look forward because you don't have to worry about the future. You know God's going to come through because He's already proved it. It becomes so much easier to trust Him that He will work the situation out for good. The hard part is letting go of what YOU think is best. When things don't go quite the way you planned them to, it's so easy just to curl up in a ball and think woe is me. But God wants you to stand firm. Stand on His word that never lies, and on His truths that never fail.

The world could fall to pieces and still there God is, unchanging.

Wow.

Powerful stuff if only we could remember it in the midst of our struggles!

So back to the part with the humour in it...
Sometimes it helps to laugh at yourself. About a week ago, I had a really bad day: Woke up at least 3 times in the night, had heaps of stressful customers at work, machines jamming all day long, jobs not coming out right the first time, people asking me stuff I didn't know how to answer, and I was still pretty sick so not feeling the greatest. I got home, lay on the couch and wanted to cry and scream at God in anger and frustration. But knowing full well that wouldn't get me anywhere, I turned on my stereo, cranked up my favourite song & began to jump up and down. After a little while (seeing there was no one around) I started to sing at the top of my lungs. And seeing there was no one around - the one good thing about not having any flatmates - the jumping turned into spinning and crazy dancing (Kate, you know what I mean) and I started to smile. Just a small one, but it was enough to be infectious and then the laughing started. Suddenly, things didn't look so bad. In fact, they were starting to look pretty darn good. It reminded me of the times when I was a kid and my dad used to tell me a dumb joke whenever I got grumpy. I would roll my eyes at him, but eventually a smile would appear and all would be right in the world again. Trust dads to know the right things to do.

Yup that's all I've got.
Till next time...

Club JJ

2008-08-25T13:25:00.011+12:00

Ok so there's this club. It's unofficially called JJ's Club.

So far, it has a few members, namely:

Jon Dylan (Host)

Jase (Co-founder)

Owen (Co-operative participator)

Jed (Co-operative entertainer)

Kate (white and nerdy commentator)

Les (top badge maker)

Mawson (jam maker)

Jamie (super keen, online, washing hanger, insane line dancer, hanging by a moment mate)

If you want to join, you need to sign here....................................

and here...........................

oh, and here too................................................

All proceeds will go into the contents of Perplexual's pockets.

Everyone's a winner.

For more info check out the link below:

http://www.yougrowgirl.com/thedirt/2007/10/05/the-great-canadian-garlic-nerd-fest/

Girl's avo out...

2008-08-23T18:18:00.010+12:00

Today Mine and Arna's pods went laser tagging! Well, some of our pod anyway. It's almost impossible to get all the girls together at one time, which is why we haven't done anything with them up until now. So, despite the lack of numbers, we had an amazing time, I did way better than the last time I played WAHOO, and now the girls are keen to try paintballing... And a hunting trip is in the planning for when the weather's a bit finer. So stuff is happening yay!

Till next time...

The one with the random sense of humour...

2008-08-18T15:41:00.007+12:00

STEPHEN TURNS 20!

Time passes, life rushes by, but special people remain in the heart always...

Being a poor family growing up, and living out in the whops as it were, my brothers and I made our own fun, choosing to spend most of our time outdoors. I have so many good memories of making huts in the bush, building tree houses, bike-riding up and across slippery hillsides made of clay to see who could get the furtherest without falling off, skids in the gravel, bunny-hops over potholes, soccer matches with the dog, reading Asterix and Tintin comics, seeing who could build the best things out of lego, playing marbles, racing cars down sheets of iron laid out on a hill, rough and tumbles, jumping off the roof or out of trees onto the trampoline, playing computer games such as One Must Fall, Street Fighter, Bomber Man, Worms, Micro Machines, Relentless, etc. Ya know, just your typical, standard, run of the mill stuff.

Good times!

So, my "little" brother, who at 6 feet has become the tallest one in the family, is about to leave the teenage years behind him forever! From the moment he was born, it's been my mission in life to stand up for him, attempt to protect him from bullies, look after him and try not to get annoyed when he always got me into trouble when we were younger. Blood is definitely thicker than water as the saying goes! But I realised today, that instead of me looking after him, it's mostly the other way round now. He seems to be able to coax stuff out of me that nobody else knows, frequently checks up on me, saves me from bullies (tehe we won't say who) and stands up for me when people insult me.

Brothers.

I thank God for them. They have taught me to appreciate life in all sorts of different, exciting and often dangerous ways. No wonder I love adventure so much! They have showed me how a real man ought to treat females. Sure they're annoying, get under your skin and no matter how hard you try, you cannot understand the way they think, but if it wasn't for my brothers, I'm sure my childhood would have been a whole lot different!

So welcome to the 20up world Stevo. And thanks for being you. I wouldn't change one thing. Well maybe just one or two... Just kidding! Happy Birthday

Linus & Lionel

2008-08-15T14:53:00.004+12:00

MY NEW FLATMATES!

As a surprise for a belated birthday present, I got given these two fish. Not being one to name things like this (I hardly ever named my soft toys or things like that as a kid) my suggestions of Fish 1 and Fish 2 were violently opposed. So, after much deep thought and deliberation (all of about 2 seconds), they are now called Linus and Lionel. And if they turn out to be females (but who can be bothered checking) then I will promptly rename them Linda & Lionette just to be PC (not mac). My goal is to try and keep them alive for longer than 2 months. I'll keep you posted. Maybe. They look quite good in their little tank except you can't play with them! What's the point of a pet you can't play with? I would rather be catching them off a boat then looking at them swimming around. But however, I may grow to love them in time and miss them when I go away. Who knows, for another world could be possible after all...

Another perspective...

2008-08-13T17:35:00.006+12:00

After reading Arna's amazing post on recent events, I got to thinking about some things (which doesn't happen often - as it has been scientifically proven that not only can guys think about nothing, so too can girls - check it out at http://www.you/)...

Attitude: A position of the body or manner of carrying; The way in which one is placed or arranged; A state of mind, opinion, a feeling or disposition or a person’s mental set, A frame of mind affecting one's thoughts or behavior; A general cast of mind with regard to something

I'm alive. Yup. That's right, alive.

- I might not feel completely whole.

- I might have next to no energy, in fact, so shattered that I wonder if I will ever get enough sleep to recover even after two and a half days off work pretty much in bed the whole time.

- I might still struggle with my throat giving me hassles.

- My head might feel like it's going to explode somewhere if this constant headache keeps up.

- My bladder might not be working properly (things you really didn't wanna know).

- I might be incredibly nauseous all the time that I feel I could pass out at any moment.

But you know what? I'm alive. And a lot better off then some!

WOW!

I woke up this morning.
I don't have terminal cancer.
My heavenly Father loves me no matter what.
And my salvation is in Him. Such good news.

Yet, we (or is it just me who does this) seem to only dwell on the negatives, on the here and now, on our feelings that will quickly pass or change, on the things wrong with us rather then the things right. Maybe if we stopped looking at ourselves and started to look at the bigger picture; changed our perspective even for a moment then we would start to be so much more thankful for our lives and the things God has done for us.

So thanks Arna, for reminding me of the bigger picture; of the way things really are and not just the way I see them through my fallen sin eyes.

Another perspective...

Before I wake...

2008-08-11T13:27:00.005+12:00

Due to the series of unfortunate events over the last few days, beautiful overtones wasn't able to be there at Flame on Friday (sorry Laura). Pretty much everyone in the whole family has now been sick from this crazy bug that's going around! So after countless amounts of honey & lemon drinks, I decided I'd write a book review on the one I managed to finish over the weekend.

Welcome to Justice, but good luck leaving it...

The author is one of my personal favourites: Dee Henderson. She writes along the lines of thrillers/action/romance novels. Just enough romance to add to the plotline, and not too much to be sickening like some of Francine River's books. Anyways, this particular book is called "Before I wake". It's set in a small town called Justice where nothing much exciting ever happens, but in the space of a couple of weeks, there just so happens to be three deaths put down as natural causes. A mere coincidence, or something more sinister perhaps? This novel tells the story of a sheriff, a retired undercover cop and her new business partner all trying to solve the mystery and find the killer while trying to stay alive. I found this to be a great read although the ending was a tad anti-climatic, as Stephen would say. It very much set itself up for a sequel except I'm pretty sure there isn't another coming out! On the whole though, I would give it 7 out of 10. A good way to spend what would have otherwise been a very boring Sunday afternoon sick on the couch!

to a special someone...

2008-08-10T16:04:00.005+12:00

Just because I can :)

Been thinking of you lately and just wanted to encourage you not to give up on your dreams, no matter how extreme or impossible you think they are. God has given you a great imagination for a purpose and it is up to you not to let that die. At the given time, God will give you the strength needed to fulfill those amazing plans He has for you. I thought that Merilyn Priestley's little prophecy she gave to you after that last Essence was just awesome! Maybe you will never know just how much power your gifts and talents have when used in the right way for the right reasons. But know that you are giving so much pleasure to your Creator. Hope this post doesn't embarrass you; but you mean so much to me! Lots of love from your old flatty :)

GOOD TIMES...

This week at Flame

2008-08-04T14:36:00.003+12:00

The Beautiful Overtones are performing live this Friday @ Flame

"Batman must die"

2008-07-25T16:07:00.001+12:00

I was thinking how much Heath Ledger didn't get to enjoy the popularity of his new movie. He has had so many comments on how good his acting was in The Dark Knight, but he's no longer around to enjoy the fame as it were. Life is so fleeting. It withers and dies in an instant. Yet how much we take for granted and don't live to our full potential in God. Wow. Worth thinking about.

Anyway...

I watched The Dark Knight last night. Stephen convinced me that I needed to go. I wasn't really looking forward to it, but actually quite enjoyed it to be honest. I got a lot of pearls of wisdom as Dr. Lizzle would say, out of it. I suppose because it's the whole "good verses evil" story and the villians and the heroes always have valid points to get across. Like in life, we can learn things from Jesus and his good character and example, but we can also learn things from paying attention to how satan works and his schemes.

These were some of my favourite quotes from the movie:

- "Sometimes, truth isn’t good enough. Sometimes people deserve more. Sometimes people deserve to have their faith rewarded."
- "The night is darkest just before the dawn. And I promise you, the dawn is coming!"
- "Chance is the only reality in this cruel world. Unprejudiced. Unbiased. Fair. The only morality in an amoral world is chance."

In the movie, the Joker is not like other renditions; he is downright evil, corrupt, insane, psychotic, terrifying. More scary than funny, he shows the audience that he is Batman's perfect nemesis, challenging him all the way. There's this one scene I thought was so true where he confronts Harvey Dent (two face) in hospital and says something along the lines of... "If you stick to the plan, no matter how horrifying, people will be ok. Tell the public you're going to blow up a busfull of soldiers and they're fine; tell them you're going to shoot one little old man and they panic... Introduce a little anarchy... Upset the established order... Well then everyone loses their minds!" People can sometimes be more content with ordered and structured chaos (if ever there was an oxy-moron) than with the war for peace if you catch my drift.

Just like the temptation in the desert with satan trying to get Jesus to give in, to feel inferior, to accept his authority, the Joker trys to get batman to believe he is just a freak like him, an outcast who people hate and therefore forget trying to help the people because they will only turn on him. But Jesus endured the temptation. And eventually, Bruce Wayne did too. (Batman: "People are dying. What would you have me do?" Alfred: "Endure. You can be the outcast. You can make the choice that no one else will face - the right choice. Gotham needs you.")

It also reminded me of how we are in a war while on this earth. Not against flesh and blood, but principalities and powers. And just like the Joker who Alfred says of people like him, "They can't be bought, bullied, reasoned or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn." we cannot bargin with the devil. We must learn the rules of how to fight and not only that but learn how to put on the right armour. Armour that can withstand all attacks, be versatile, flexible and not leave us vulnerable.

Oh God make us battle-hard and battle-savvy for You!

The one with the guitars...

2008-07-24T10:07:00.004+12:00

The mid-winter praise celebration is drawing near and as we were practising last night, I happened to notice that there were four guitars on stage (5 if you include the bass) and I thought to myself that must be some sort of record. And as much as I love guitars and was in my "happy place" listening to them all, I thought about Perplexual's latest post (check it out at http://perplexual.blogspot.com/2008/07/complexity-kills.html) and wondered what the church would do if for the next Praise Celebration we had an acoustic set with one guitar, one singer, congos and nothing else. I think everyone would be shocked at first, but would soon appreciate the change. And it would give the musos a break! As much as I love to listen to great bands play and love every Friday where it's loud and pumping, I think sometimes we can put too much emphasis on the sound rather then the soul.

Oh for the simplicity

To get back to the heart of worship. To realise that worship is not about the best band playing the phattest licks with amazing harmonies, but it's about touching the very heart of God. I think that some of my favourite worship times have come during Essence (7am Thursday mornings-be there!) where the worship isn't flash, but wow it is annointed! God turns up because of his faithful ones reaching out to Him, and for no other reason. Let's get ready for God to turn up during our "quiet" times, for Him to pour out His presence on us as we reach out to Him and for God to change us from the inside out!

The one with the bad hair day...

2008-07-22T15:03:00.003+12:00

Ever woken up and broken a comb in your hair? Had a fight with your follicles and lost? Tried to tame the affro and failed miserably? I must say, I've been pretty blessed with the hair genes that I've been given and surprisingly a lot of girls envy my "almost never needs a straightener" hair. But occasionally I wake up and am almost scared to look in the mirror! Well I managed to capture this pic of one such occasion and thought I'd share it with the world just to say, you are not alone...

Just kidding, I will take one someday though, just for kicks

The one with the surprise...

2008-07-21T13:14:00.001+12:00

Since I have this obsession with photocopiers, I found some more videos that just rock! Here we go...

And another one...

Ahhh, I just love it

The one with the guffaw...

2008-07-18T10:35:00.004+12:00

Q: Why did the Babybel Cheese factory become more religiously important than any other shrine in the world?
A: Because it was reported that Baby Cheeses was spotted there.

*OH DEAR*

Attention all bloggers: What do greasy, acne ridden computer geeks get? A: Blog Spots. Aha ha, ha okso that wasn't very funny. Anyway, I was inspired (or uninspired - take your pick) by Dave Wiggins lame "drum" jokes the other night and found this blog on homemade jokes... I've posted a few of my favourites just for a laugh. Go ahead, I dare you!

Q: What was the problem with the perfect house?
A: It was floorless.

Q: How did the motorist feel about the penalty they were given for driving too fast?
A: Fine.

Q: What do nuclear physicists put in their flower beds?
A: Depleted geraniums

Q: What type of mobile phones do puppets use?
A: Pinnokias

Q: What is Tiger Wood's favourite snack?
A: Chip puttie and a cup of Tee.

Q: Why is Tiger Woods so good at editing on an Apple Mac?
A: Because he's a Final Putt Pro.

- I just loved this one. Yup I'm weird, I know and the next one's not bad either. You'll either laugh or cry

Q: Why does my computer's hard disk think its a sucessful musician?
A: Becuase its got lots of gigs.

Q: What do you call a serviette that sings Jazz?
A: Napkin Cole.

Woman: I went to the Channel Islands at the weekend. It was so cold I had to put on an extra layer of clothing.
Man: Jersey?
Woman: No, I think it was a tank top.

Q: Which designer label likes to climb steep slopes?
A: Calv Incline

Q: Why are squirrels so jealous of teachers?
A: Because they are not invited to the NUT conference.

Q: Why don't the Police like emails?
A: Because they like to stick to the fax.

Q: What type of potato chips do Muslim leaders eat?
A: Sultan Vinegar

Q: What type of potato chips do the mafia eat?
A: Mobster Munch

Q: What type of potato chips do depressed people eat?
A: Sour Cream & Cryves

Q: What type of potato chips do bookworms eat?
A: Read-y Salted

Q: What type of potato chips do non-vegetarians eat?
A: Chicken

Q: What did the Tomato say to the chip as he passed him in a running race?
A: Ketch-up

Q: What do you call an elephant that doesn't matter?
A: Irrelephant.

I met a little man with a beard and pointed hat the other day. He was holding a little fishing rod.
"Hello little man," I said, "What sort of creature are you?"
"Can't talk, tick tock tick tock," he said, "I've got to catch a train on the Paris underground, tick tock tick tock tick tock."
He was a metro-gnome.

Q: Which feline is inconsequential?
A: A Meerkat.

Q: Why did so many people want to meet the laziest man in the world?
A: Because he was into resting.

"You know Yazoo?" she asked me.
"What?!" I replied. "I have a zoo?"

Q: What do spacemen play when bored.?
A: Astro-naughts and Crosses.

Yup another pointless post. Glad you said it. Until next time, keep laughing...

The one with the bang...

2008-07-17T08:33:00.000+12:00

In one of my previous posts, things that make you go arrrrrrrrrgggggggghhhhh, photocopiers were mentioned just a few times on that list. I know vengeance is the Lords but there is just something so satisfying about watching something that so often causes extreme frustration and headaches get smashed into pieces...

The one with the stress...

2008-07-16T14:40:00.008+12:00

Sometimes, after a really bad day at work, violence can cure a lot of things. Probably not the best advice coming from a "wise" youth leader who people are supposed to look up to (haha), but hay, nobody's perfect! So, after 2 weeks of not being able to sleep properly, 3 days of the photocopier not feeding paper properly and jamming constantly (due to humid Northland weather probably), the guillotine falling apart on me, too much stress and a really bad headache, I decided I needed to write a post on the cure for stress. It really works. Honest (roll eyes now). You should try it. It's really fun. Over and out.

The one with the superglue...

2008-07-14T16:04:00.003+12:00

I cut my finger in the guillotine last Wednesday. Who cares that it wasn't on my right hand so I could still write. The fact that it was the forefinger on my left hand meant that I couldn't play guitar properly. This caused me great pain and I almost cried. Almost. Except being a girl, I don't cry. Because real girls don't cry. Fullstop. End of story. So I was at a loose end as to what to do seeing I was to play at Flame that Friday and then again on Sunday at church. This wise man had a great idea. He said, have you tried superglue? So I did. I pasted a bit of superglue over the cut, waited for it to dry (in the meantime wishing I was one of those girls who carried around her hairdrier with her), and watched my finger miraculously harden. And why did I do it you may ask? Because I'll try anything once. Because I'm nuts. No arguments there. And it actually worked! I was so excited about it afterwards that I now carry aroung a tube of superglue in my "downsized" bag (that doesn't have room for pliers anymore, sigh) for whenever the moment calls. Never mind that my finger took twice as long to heal, probably as a result of all the toxins in the glue seeping into my finger, running through my bloodstream like a raging river carrying poisonous waste and contaminating everything it touches. Never mind all that. I got to play guitar and that's all that matters. So there you have it. Superglue works. More pointless posts coming your way...

Time is of the essence

2008-07-10T14:13:00.002+12:00

I was thinking the other day about the saying, Time is money or money is time and I started wondering whether or not I or the business would be any richer if I didn't do any of these "time-wasters". I conducted a "statistical poll" (don't ask me if that makes logical sense or not because I'm sure nobody, including me, can understand my logic) based on my normal working week and multiplied by a workspan of 50 years (or 104000 hours)...

- Time spent driving to work (why drive when you could fly?)
2600 hours = app $33,070
- Time spent waiting at traffic lights (they should invent underground pedestrian tunnels)
2167 hours = app $27,560
- Time spent reheating coffee cup after being interupted (one day I plan to design a "never go cold" coffee mug)
1300 hours = app $16,530
- Time spent answering phonecalls (i hate talking on the phone; give me email anyday)
10833 hours = app $137,790
- Time spent redoing a job cause I stuffed it up (oh for Heaven when I can be perfect - except then I won't have to work for a living so it defeats the purpose)
26000 hours = app $330,720
- Time spent eating (such a boring past-time)
10800 hours = app $137,370
- Time spent on the toilet (yup nuf said)
2100 hours = app $26,710
- Time spent checking Internet Banking (I've decided I'll marry a millionaire and never have to worry about money again - then again, who wants to get married lol)
1080 hours = app $13,730
- Time spent on Renewal Youth Website (nope can't give this one up)
4330 hours = app $55,080

So if I cut out all the time-wasters from my day then I would have about 61,210 spare hours over the course of 50 years to spend on work and therefore technically save the company app. $778,560 over 50 years. That works out at $299.45 per week. WOW! I could pay off my mortgage quicker! More pointless posts coming your way soon...

For such a time as this...

2008-07-09T11:08:00.003+12:00

Recently I was at my Aunty Jeni's 60th birthday. We had heaps of laughs dressing up as random countries - some of us had never heard of them! We also hired a guy to come in and teach us some barn-dancing/line-dancing (embarrasing times), watched a crazy drama from my cousins (we are so not related) & listened to the best reindition of Cat Steven's song "Father & Son" that I have ever heard. Stephen surprised everyone (including me) by actually singing in front of a live audience! This has nothing to do really with what this post is about except my character was from Israel. I was watching 'One night with the King' beforehand and it reminded me of the courage it takes to live for God. Flag thinking Christians are wimps who use Christianity as a crutch! It takes guts, passion, courage, stamina, endurance, persistance and a whole lot more to really live for God. And maybe God will call us to be Esthers of our generation. To go against the grain of safety and comfort and to stand up for what we believe in. To do whatever it takes to save this country from hell. Even if that means facing death. God grant us the courage to be that generation!

My God is into irony...

2008-07-03T16:04:00.002+12:00

I discovered the other day that not only does God have a sense of humour, but he's also into irony. I work in an industry where I get to meet all sorts of people from a variety of backgrounds, religions, upbringings, etc. There's a couple of regular customers who I must confess, everytime I see them walk in the door, I want to run the other way! This is a little story of how we need to be so careful as Christians in our attitudes towards other people.

So, this one particular customer of mine walks in the door. My first reaction is, mutter, mutter, under my breath. Every time they come in, it's for a fiddly job that takes about 15-20minutes and generally never pays more than a couple of dollars at a time. So, I do the job; with a frown on my face the whole time; thinking to myself, I wish I was somewhere else; and talking as abrubtly as possible, as if to say, I hope you get the message - I don't like you! After I finish and they have paid their meazly $3 for a 15minute job, they say this to me:

"Can I just ask you something? Are you a Christian?"

"Yes", I reply, thinking to myself, oh man I'm in trouble now!

Then the reply: "Yeah, well I sure can tell. This place has such a nice atmosphere about it and I always enjoy coming here!"

Well, I tell you, did I get the shock of my life! I was fully expecting a blasting about Christians and what's wrong with them, but was fully blown away by the reply. I felt so convicted for the next two days, that every time a customer who I didn't like dealing with came in, I purposely tried to be nice to them. Isn't it so ironic how we can completely think that we have stuffed a situation up and then God comes around and turns it into good. But He does it in such a way that we don't feel condemned, just convicted to try harder at being more like Him.

We are called to LOVE one another. That doesn't just apply to our best mates who we get along well with. That applies to our family members, the people who irritate us, the customers who drive us up the wall, the workmates who don't see things "my" way, and even, dare I say it, the people who we secretely would love to see put on a ship to the other side of the world so we never have to associate with them again!

So that's my bit of honesty for the week. Remember, we're Jesus' hands and his feet on this earth during our short lifetime so make the most of it! Love you all :)

Serious - Part 2

2008-07-01T15:42:00.005+12:00

I just love reading about random facts so thought I'd keep up with the posting...

- Astronaut Buzz Aldrin's mother's maiden name was "Moon." Buzz was the second man to step onto the Moon in 1969.

- A famous bullfighter, Lagarijo, killed 4,867 bulls in the 19th century.

- Adolf Hitler wanted to be an architect, but he failed the entrance exam at the architectural school in Vienna.

- After the death of the genius, Albert Einstein, his brain was removed by a pathologist and put in a jar for future study. He was also offered the presidency of Israel in 1952, but he declined.

- Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, never telephoned his wife or mother because they were both deaf.

- At just four years old Mozart was able to learn a piece of music in half an hour.

- During his lifetime, artist Vincent Van Gogh only sold one of his paintings (The Red Vineyard).

- French astronomer Adrien Auzout had once considered building a telescope that was 1,000 feet long in the 1600s. He thought the magnification would be so great, he would see animals on the moon.

- In 1876, Maria Spelterina was the first woman to ever cross Niagara Falls on a high wire.

- In October 1973, Swedish sweet maker Roland Ohisson of Falkenberg was buried in a coffin made of nothing but chocolate.

- The natural diet of Lady Beetles consists of soft bodied insects such as aphids, spider mites, and young caterpillars. Adults can consume up to 100 aphids a day.

- The Giant cricket of Africa enjoys eating human hair.

- A nest in which insects or spiders deposit their eggs is called a "nidus".

- Honeybees have hair on their eyes.

- The only insect that can turn its head 360 degrees is the praying mantis.

- There is an average of 50,000 spiders per acre in green areas.

- Crickets don't chirp by rubbing their legs together, they make the noise by rubbing their wings together.

- The social life in ants and termites has been accompanied by an extraordinary royal perk: a 100-fold increase among queen ants in average maximum lifespan, with some queens surviving for almost 30 years. This longevity can be attributed in part to the sheltered and pampered life of the royal egg layer.

- You're more likely to get stung by a bee on a windy day that in any other weather.

- Until very recently, no centipede was found that did not have an ODD number of leg pairs. Usually the number varies from 15 to 191 pairs, all odd. No one knows why. However, Chris Kettle, a doctoral student in ecology, recently found a centipede with 48 pairs of legs, an even number. The remarkable discovery was presented to the International Congress of Myriapodology in Poland and featured in the science journal Trends in Genetics. Mr. Kettle suspects a genetic mutation is responsible for the even number of leg pairs.

- 62 degrees Fahrenheit is the minimum temperature required for a grasshopper to be able to hop.

- Mosquitoes prefer children to adults, and blondes to brunettes.

- Spiders have transparent blood.

- There are more insects in one square mile of rural land than there are humans on the entire earth.

- Some crickets burrow megaphone-like tunnels that help transport the sound of their chirps as far as 2,000 feet away.

- A mature, well-established termite colony with as many as 60,000 members will eat only about one-fifth of an ounce of wood a day.

- The silkworm's silk comes out of its mouth as a thread of gooey liquid, so that nice silk blouse you spent a fortune on is really just worm spit.

Lunch anyone???

Time to be serious...

2008-07-01T14:08:00.003+12:00

I thought it was about time that I got serious. So I'm putting on my serious face. Here's a list of useless facts abouts music that you probably didn't want to know:

- Most toilets flush in E flat.

- The rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd took their name from a high school teacher named Leonard Skinner who had suspended several students for having long hair.

- The song "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" was written by George Graff, who was German, and was never in Ireland in his life.

- The horse's name in the song Jingle Bells is Bobtail.

- No one knows where Mozart is buried.

- Tommy James was in a New York hotel looking at the Mutual of New York building’s neon sign flashing repeatedly: M-O-N-Y. He suddenly got the inspiration to write his #1 hit, 'Mony Mony'

- Tickets for Frank Sinatra's first solo performance at the Paramount Theatre in New York City in 1942, sold for 35 cents each.

- Warner Communications paid $28 million for the copyright to the song "Happy Birthday".

- The Beatles played the Las Vegas Convention Center in 1964. Some 8,500 fans paid just $4 each for tickets.

- Bill Haley and the Comets, one of rock and roll's pioneer groups actually began their career's as Bill Haley's Saddle Pals - a country music act.

- In 1939 Irving Berlin composed a Christmas song but thought so little of it that he never showed it to anybody. He just tossed it into a trunk and didn't see fit to retrieve it until he needed it for a Bing Crosby-Fred Astaire movie, HOLIDAY INN 10 years later.Bing Crosby was a staunch Catholic and at first refused to sing the song because he felt it tended to commercialize Christmas. He finally agreed, took eighteen minutes to make the recording, and then the "throw-away" song become an all-time hit.Crosby's version has sold over 40 million copies. All together, this song has appeared in 750 versions, selling 6 million copies of sheet music and 90,000,000 recordings ,just in the United States and Canada.You might not recognize the song from the movie HOLIDAY INN...or from the composer's name of Irving Berlin. But you're bound to know it because it's on everyone's list of Christmas favorites: WHITE CHRISTMAS.

Just what you always wanted...

2008-06-30T15:13:00.008+12:00

This is probably one of the most bizarre remote controlled gadgets you are ever likely to come across! Why anyone in their right mind would want to own an RC housefly is quite beyond me. That said, I don’t doubt that the scope for comedy moments (landing it on Aunt Agnus’s slice of fruit cake just as she’s about to tuck in, for example) will appeal to many.

The RC Housefly uses the same co-axle rotor system as the Picoo Z to ensure that the craft is not only relatively stable in flight but that, thanks to the lack of torque, its also far easier to control than single rotor helicopters. This device comes without a tail rotor (I mean, when was the last time you saw a housefly with a rotor blades and a tail rotor?).

The Remote Controlled Housefly has been designed primarily for indoor use and will, if it’s anything like the Picoo Z, take more than its fair share of knocks as it bounces off walls and Aunt Agnus’s fruit cake (which is no small feat as her fruit is known to be second only to titanium in terms of its density).

Available in two equally unconvincing colour schemes, this RC bug will fly for up to six minutes on a single full, thirty minute charge courtesy of it’s remote handset which also serves as a recharging station and is sure to be a hit with children should you ever allow them a look in.

If your life feels incomplete without you having tried at least once to land a housefly on your partner’s head then you’ll be glad to know that the Remote Controlled Housefly retails for a mere ¥3312 – which is approximately $28 at the time of writing.

Comments so far:

kristy said...
Is it flyspray proof... if we had one Mandrake would be sure to give it a real good dousing of the stuff!

June 30, 2008 12:01 PM

Rachel Kate said...
Flyspray yes. Probably wouldn't react to well to drowning tho...
June 30, 2008 12:27 PM

Jon Dylan said...
hahaha Aunt Agnus. I wonder how big these things actually are... I mean, flys aren't exactly all that large.
June 30, 2008 12:46 PM

Rachel Kate said...
depends on the size of the viewer...
June 30, 2008 1:36 PM

Did you know... The average airspeed of the common housefly is 4 1/2 mph. A housefly beats its wings about 20,000 times per minute.

I'm unnoficially an Aunty!

2008-06-30T15:02:00.003+12:00

Diary of a living legend

2008-06-30T14:53:00.015+12:00

- "STAY INDOORS LADY, THERE ARE HELMET EATING EGYPTIANS ALOOF"

- "Hi there, we're from Meridian Energy... whereabouts is your fusebox?

- Narrator: "The man in charge at Jehovah's Witness Incorporated decided that it was finally time to lighten up on the strictness of dress code."

- Narrator: "Some of Gary Larson's earlier Far Side illustrations that never saw the light of day."

- Spot the difference, there are 10 differences to look out for.

- "Whether the cause be world peace or fighting against abortion, we run with Forrest Gump wherever it may lead"

- *crash* *stomp stomp* IS THIS LAKELAND FLORIDA? WHERE'S TODD??

- How many lightbulbs does it take to change an astronaut? Just one that has made Jesus the Lord the King and the Boss of its life.

- [Narrator: There are mechanics] "Boss, the woman's here for her car." "Uhh tell her it's $950 and if she doesn't flinch... say it's plus parts." [Narrator: Then, there's Hamilton Automative"] "Your car is ready, let me show you what we did." "Ohh, thanks!"

- "After flashing sirens and a loud megaphone command from the lady officer, Jeffrey and Jack stepped out of their lowered vehicle and proceeded to attempt walking in a straight line to prove that they were in fact, not intoxicated"

- End time prophecies.

- [The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe out-takes] Edmund: "Lucy you knuckle head, you walked through the wrong wardrobe again."

- It's JAMIE GARRICK! I tell you, have proof*pulls cake tin out of pocket* wait whoops...mmmmm I'll have to get back to you.

- Actually scratch that, I think it's Johnny Depp passing off as a regular James Cringle.

- Cat Stevens has a pet hamster

- What if a big metal bomb fell out of the sky?

- I hold your constructive criticism in the highest regard.

- Snail mail? Gotta be pretty slim to fit in those envelopes though :(

- This is what life on mars really looks like: SICK!

- Today in Photoshop class, Harrietta learns to use the clone brush

- Arriving at the fiery chasms of Mt. Doom, Frodo and Sam frantically looked around for a place to discard their Orc suits

- There's a movie on tonight.

- Jase you are the sickest of the sickliest sick sicks in like, the universe.

- I can do a multi poly ring tone. like polyphonic (ABCs and stuff)

- If I was a dog what type of paintings would I hang in my house?? hahahahaha- and you guys beat me at posting. Like as in your posts came before mine. Because you posted first. Because you beat me.

- OK. Who's the cheeky monkey impersonating me!? THIS PLACE IS RIDDLED WITH IMPERSONATORS.

- "Don't worry, we weren't raptured either"

- What's the difference between saving, spending, and cows?

- I know who Jason is

- I know a joke

- your mom?

- Hey Weston... could you pray for my feet? They're flat.

- Post a shawl and win a knight in shining armor.

- Paul and Barnabas have another Damascus experience.

- Jack be nimble jack be quick, jack jumped off the roof.

- We have a few questions for you Mrs. Hasslehoff. Let's start with the most important... Where were you on september 11 2001?

- 8th photo down: I wanna be like Asher Bastion when I grow up

- The 9th photo on this page has a clue as to who suzy is in it. Hint, bottom left.

- I wonder if another world is possible where the word shawl was never invented

- I wonder if another world is possible where word verifications were never invented

- "Hi there madam, don't let global warming get you down... Join our life changing club today!"

- Captain Cook and his last remaining crew member breathe a sigh of relief as they discover land.

- It's Susan Pevensie!!

- I have a gun

- What Jane got in her Kinder surprise overwhelmed even her greatest expectations

- This movie is what dreams are made of - New York Times

- For everybodys interest. I am suzy.

- Ok... everyone stop copying me already! kthxbai

- Ok Suzy, I have a deal...you pay me money and I'll spend it.

- Jason you sick sick man.

- I think suzy is Brian Platt

- Hi, we are conducting an orchestra and are short of a basoon player and were just wondering...

- Hi, we are conducting a census and were wondering if you have a New Zealand citizenship?

- Hi, we were just in the neighbourhood and wondered if your satellite dish was picking up GOD TV

- "Hey sasha, I was just wondering... could you fill in for me on keys on sunday?"

- Excuse me madam, did you know that there's a light at the end of this tunnel?

- I think it's paisley jade. Posting that quick and being the first poster on most of these threads which mandrake starts. I win!

- Excuse me, we're looking for the next best thing.

- Ok now that you're both here, which of you can help me with my geometry?

- Studies show that 10 out of 10 people who walk on roof tops make leaky roofs.

- http://www.suzy.com/

- How do I get to flame? Does anyone know where this is held? Is there a cafe? Who does all the speaking? Why is it 7:00pm and not 7:08pm? Why are there so many people? Can I come if I'm muslim? Has anyone seen home alone 2?

- Remain calm people, Mr. Harris the firwarden will be here shortly. Until then everyone please line up in your classes.

- What the heck am I gonna wear tomorrow? (Nat)- Your corset? Or is Jamie still holding on to that one...

- Thank YOU for the shout symon. Yeah I think I'm keen to see it for the third time =D

- [One astronaut to another] ...'"That's rich coming from you dwarf! You and your people fought alongside this here white witch in the great battle"

- [Email] Fwd this picture to 5 friends and you will find true love within 3 days. This is not a hoax.

- Prince capsicum! Yaya it was the rocky road rocksorest movie. thanks sym

- Fiddler on the roof - modern remake.

- There was an englishman, an irishman and a maoriman...

- I can't wait to tell Jason how sick he is.

- Shrek and donkey off on another whirlwind adventure!

- Pre production begins on Narnia 3 - 'The Computer the Glitch and a Wastebasket"

- [One News Update] Osama Bin Laden takes a fresh approach on terrorism. For that story and more, join the Nightline Team at 11:30

- La lala lala, 30 minutes a day you got-ta push play.

- "We were just wondering... have you filed your Income Tax Return yet

- Legolas

- Annabel starts to get just a little nervous as Clyde Williams and Joe Calsis come to ask her a few questions about the death of her father, Richard Woods..

- Levin; Don't you put it in bread??

- You guys have gone crackers!

- A cone is formed with an arc length AB equal to 20 cm. As the cone is formed from a sector of a circle with angle 72 degrees, what is X?

- Is it Brad Avery??

No silly it's obviously Brad Pitt.

I love brad pitt! But I think it's Brad Carter... and the frenchies.

- I think it's cutting corners saying things like that, taking shortcuts, letting the team down. "Shortcut to what???" "MUSHROOMS!"

- If you were stuck in traffic with nothing but repeating radio songs and an old typewriter, what time would your 2 hour slow watch say?

- If you won a raffel using nothing but skill and brute force, would you listen to coldplay or kutless?

- I think Dr. Liz has lost her plot.. of land.. for the landfill.. in Ruatangata. Which is.. in transition.. in transformers.. in disguise. INDIGO.

- Mosquitoes prefer blondes to brunettes, blood type B to A, doctorates to diplomas, newspapers to magazines and toffee to chocolate. Fussy little guys aren't they!

- If you were stuck in a hole, would you
a) Climb out
b) Climb the corporate ladder
c) Live life loud

- Caleb and Joshua's good report of a land that flows with milk and honey falls onto deaf ears.

- Hi Margery, can you sponsor us for the 40 hour famine?

- Enjoying Everyday Life, with Joyce Meyer

- I can't wait to tell Jason how sick he is.

- I am in stitches, just like a leach

- Post a comment, win an anticlimax.

- Does anyone know CPR?

- [Shouts] "Remember our agreement guys, you're running a bit too darn fast for touch rugby at the moment!"