tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62982464906524864202024-03-13T06:26:26.414-07:00Welcome to the MisconceptionUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger246125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298246490652486420.post-63140687880415217452010-12-31T06:43:00.000-08:002010-12-31T06:43:00.501-08:00new year resolutionThis time last year I decided to give up something that was a daily part of life. It sounds lame, but I gave up bread because I knew that I would need to be more creative with meals if I wanted to stick to it. It didnt take long for me to realise that giving up bread limited me to pastries or deep fried foods when eating out, unless i went somewhere specific. So i decided i could eat wraps and pita bread. I lasted the year and it was worth doing. I'm going to continue this year but am also going to add something to my list of no no's. So far, over the years I have stuck to the following list:<br/><br/>No bread<br/>No maccas, kfc, hungry jacks, subway<br/>No softdrink (soda water excluded)<br/>Drink 2lt of water daily<br/><br/>Hmmm it seems all of my resolutions involve food..perhaps tapping into a complex I seem to have. So this new year I want to resolve to something more character building..<br/><br/>...and here it is...<br/><br/>I won't gossip about anyone - ever. <br/><br/>My definition of gossip - saying something about someone else that you would not honestly say directly to them also. <br/><br/>I've always tried not to gossip, because I know that it is not helpful in building relationships, and it is just as damaging to the gossipee as the gossiper. But, I have indeed involved myself in gossip sessions that are not needed. <br/><br/>I will write out all of my frustrations in my journal and that way it is a way of working through things instead of adding to the mess of life. <br/><br/>So there you have it :) my twentyten resolution. <br/><br/>Ps: people look at you a bit funny when you just take the cup for communion. <br/> <div class="iblogger-footer"><br clear="all"/><p style="text-align:right;font-size:10px;">[Posted with <a href="http://illuminex.com/iBlogger/index.html">iBlogger</a> from my iPhone]</p><br/></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298246490652486420.post-80821431850361043922010-12-20T05:35:00.000-08:002010-12-20T05:53:19.044-08:0012 hours in..Blanton is all about being honest in every way. He suggests we need to always say the radical truth, no matter how uncomfortable the situation may become. At this stage, I disagree. Here are some of the 'lies' I told today that I think are perfectly acceptable. <br/><br/>7:30am: mum asks, did you sleep well?I respond, 'yep'. <br/><br/>The FIRST word out of my mouth in the 72hr Radical Honesty Thingy was a lie. Great start. <br/><br/>I decided to try extra hard in the following conversations and managed to cruise through with no surprise lies...until<br/><br/>12:00 noon: brother asks, 'are you hungry? I'm keen for food.'<br/><br/>I respond, 'yeah I'm keen, we should get some of those yummy bread roll things with the seeds on top'<br/><br/>Brother brings home the rolls and says, 'are these the right rolls'<br/><br/>I respond, 'yep that's cool, cheers'<br/><br/>They weren't the rolls I was talking about. In this case...yes, I lied, but no, I didn't care too much for whatever rolls we got...soooooo hmm...<br/><br/>I lie like this throughout the day and am pretty ok with it. What are your thoughts? Should we be radically honest and ditch the social norms whilst we're at it?<br/> <br/>I'm liking the challenge because it has made me think and become a lot more conscious of the things I say. I might try to be a little more radical tomorrow. You have to ease into these things..hehe..and I'm not certain this form of honesty is going to help maintain my relationships. I will keep you posted. <div class="iblogger-footer"><br clear="all"/><p style="text-align:right;font-size:10px;">[Posted with <a href="http://illuminex.com/iBlogger/index.html">iBlogger</a> from my iPhone]</p><br/></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298246490652486420.post-53868019838614031832010-12-19T04:51:00.000-08:002010-12-19T05:11:22.432-08:00Radical or Reckless?My friend recently inspired me with a story he told where his integrity was questioned and he was put in a compromising situation that could have been quite damaging to his reputation and employment. My friend was accused of lying (which, in this circumstance was a big deal, not just a fluffy white lie)...as he was sharing this story with me I already knew he was telling the truth, because never in the years I've known him has he ever given me reason to question his honesty. Anyhow, the inspiration came when he told me he was trusted by his work mates who had also experienced his honesty and integrity for as long as they had known him. It got me thinking...would the people who know me have the same trust and faith in my honesty? I would hope so, but in saying that, I wish I could claim that I was honest 100% of the time. I feel like that would be quite a radical way to live..or would it be reckless? <br/><br/>My white lies usually pop out by default. "how are you, is everything going well?" ...."I'm great, yeah everything is good"...blah blah. Aaaaand I am guilty of lying by omission. I will quite regularly just not say what I'm thinking to avoid having to expand on the idea. But, in the long run, if I appear to passively agree to opinions raised in conversations...is my integrity compromised? Likely scenario. <br/><br/>I decided to investigate.<br/> <br/>Blanton is a dude who believes Radical Honesty is the key to intimate relationships and a healthier, stress free lifestyle. If you are interested in reading what he has to say, here is a basic low down:<br/><br/> http://m.wikihow.com/Practice-Radical-Honesty<br/><br/>I'm not keen on his 'say everything that comes to mind' theory, basically because I believe our tongues can cause chaos if we aren't careful! However...filtering your thoughts...good plan. I am going to attempt a 72 hour Blanton-athon. I wonder how regularly I will find myself lying incidently or by omission..or even those nasty white lies. I'll keep you posted. <div class="iblogger-footer"><br clear="all"/><p style="text-align:right;font-size:10px;">[Posted with <a href="http://illuminex.com/iBlogger/index.html">iBlogger</a> from my iPhone]</p><br/></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298246490652486420.post-69525514867827283462010-05-10T00:32:00.000-07:002010-05-10T01:24:50.956-07:00The Dry SeasonIt feels like so much needs to be said about what has been happening over the past few months. I have had 3 weeks of holidays. I visited friends all over the country, and then a week of professional development with colleagues and now I am settling back into term with the kids.<br /><br />I have also gained quite a few new followers of the blog... hello and cheers for your comments!<br /><br />The cooler weather has started to set in and I am finding myself turning off the air con and layering my clothing! It is still a steady 30 degrees, but that is quite cold in comparison to the high 40s we have just had. I got quite excited the other day when I used to hot tap in the shower for the first time. Normally the water from the cold tap is warmed from the sun, but now it is cold... such a nice feeling to have a heated shower! I have also whipped out my blanket instead of just using a sheet at night. It is somehow comforting.<br /><br />The frogs have decided to leave me alone for now - although I did find a dead one on my couch all shrivelled up. Apparently they leave my donga for the dry season and head closer to the water. The bugs have all gone into hiding too! No more huge bugs the size of my hand flying around every outdoor light anymore.<br /><br />I thought I might share a story about my weekend.. because it is probably one worth writing down for my own sake!<br /><br />On Friday evening, my good friend and I decided we would be sensible and drive to the pub a few hours away for a meal (just for a treat) and then come home that same night. We usually stay overnight if we head in, but we thought we better drive back because we had so much work to get done. So, we set off on the bumpy, dusty dirt track and were (as always) so relieved to get to the highway without the car falling apart or spinning out in the dust. The road is pretty nasty. When we got to the highway we got about 40 mins down the road until our little car decided to blow smoke...thick grey clouds of smelly smoke. We pulled over and the car was 'buggered up', as the kids called it. Luckily, a road train pulled over and the guy got out to have a look. It was getting close to dark now and we didn't have many options. We had a satellite phone but even it was out of range. So... the choice was pretty limited. We hitched a ride in the bunk of the road train. Those trucks are pretty well set up! I was comfortable and feeling alright about it all until we approached the Wolf Creek turn off... for those who have seen the movie, you will understand why I got a little nervous! The truckie said to us 'do you girls know if they ever caught the murderer from Wolf Creek? I heard he is still out on the loose... do you know if it is a true story?'.... I panicked! I tried to just play it cool and chat about it like I didn't know much about it.. but it was pretty creepy! Then he said 'I wouldn't mind checking it out actually'... needless to say I held my breath as we got closer to the turn off, hoping he wouldn't slow down and make the turn. It was pretty dark by then. Of course... nothing happened, we just cruised on past.. I'm just a drama queen in my own head!<br /><br />When we got to the town it was fully dark, but there was a concert on in the park, with local indigenous bands playing. The road train pulled up right near the park (those trains are massive) and we had to climb down out of it with everyone watching.. quite the embarrassment!<br /><br />Turns out we had a pretty sweet night - the local band from our community played (and rocked).. I love the style.. a unique brand of country/rock. Very cool.<br /><br />So - the car is dead... we had to get our boss to drive in a pick us up the next day. We stayed at the pub courtesy of a friend who manages the place. The kids in my class loved the story when I told them it today - they got so excited about the road train, and they wrote cards to my friend who owns the 'buggered up' car.<br /><br />Some of the things they wrote:<br /><br />To Miss C<br />Im sorry for you for car bunged up.<br />It will get fixed? You gotta use them legs for walking now.<br />From L<br /><br />To Miss C<br />You got that car all busted up. Hope you have a good time because you is the best.<br />From S.<br /><br />And a letter a boy wrote to my brother today said:<br /><br />To Scott<br />You got a girlfriend and you send a picture of him?<br />Do you go hunting Scott? Or just McDonalds?<br />From B<br /><br />The kids are adorable. I will scan some pictures they draw and post them soon.<br /><br />One boy in my class went off on his own the other day with a piece of paper and some coloured pencils. I said he could do a drawing if he sat nicely and didn't bother people who were reading. He was working away really hard for about 15 mins. I was excited to see what he had been drawing, because clearly he was enjoying it. He came back with the paper folded in half like a card and the name of his dad written on the front. Inside it said simply this: "when you can come back? from v"<br /><br />It broke my heart. He asked me in his broken English if I could send it to his dad. I asked where dad was and he said "He in Fitzroy.. you can send it?"... how upsetting that I couldn't do a thing about it.<br /><br />So - we see some sad things, some lovely things and some very inspirational things. I am still loving my life here. I do miss having a large group of friends around me. It gets lonely at times. I hang out for that moment when the kids jump off the 4X4 bus every morning and run up for a huge cuddle. It is an amazing feeling to be living here with such beautiful people.<br /><br />Until next time.. xxUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298246490652486420.post-76613852114526219302010-03-23T00:27:00.000-07:002010-03-23T00:47:13.296-07:00Skudda MungerSo - Im reading over my last blog post and suddenly realise it has been a long time since I wrote it! So much has happened. I am still really loving my time here. The weeks fly by as if they are three days long. The kids are more and more beautiful and the weekends are packed full of fun adventures. I feel like I am on a giant holiday.<br /><br />It is hard to sum up what happens here, mainly because every day is a bit different. There are times when I realise where I am and it becomes clear to me that life here is 'normal' now.. I have passed the culture shock phase and am just living it day by day. Im so attatched to the kids. It makes me sad when I hear that a family are choosing to move on to another community. It happens a lot. Im losing a student this week actually. I am sad because she was one of the hardest ones to build a relationship with. It took a lot of work to build trust with her, and now she is leaving :(<br /><br />Today I spent half of my time babysitting a 3 month old baby girl who was given to me at lunch time. Her mum is a lady who works in the kitchen preparing 'soup-soup' for the kids' lunch. This baby was handed to me straight after having a bath, and she was covered in white baby powder.. so adorable against her dark skin. She has a big mop of dead straight, thick black hair. Gorgeous. So the kids just went about their class work while I held this bubba. Good fun.<br /><br />The kids have been teaching me kriol, so I am down with the lingo here now. They speak to me in kriol after school, because during school they are encouraged to learn standard english. I love letting them teach me. They are amazing. They take me down the river and show me where it is safe to drink and swim. They teach me all about which berries I can eat, and where to find the real sweet ones. They are so interested in me and my way of life - but then SO enthusiastic to show me theirs. I love it.<br /><br />I have made friends with a lot of the women here. I have also managed to get to know a few people from the next town, and we catch up on weekends. Mainly nurses, teachers, and tradies. I have met a few too many cowboys too! They are funny funny people. Everyone has a cool story. It is like stepping onto the scene of Man From Snowy River.. the typical cowboy. I find it quite entertaining when they waltz into the pub with their flannies tucked into their uber tight jeans and cowboy hats that are broader than their shoulders. Funny funny.<br /><br />It is a different world here. I could go on for ages trying to describe it. I guess you will just have to come and see it for yourself to really understand.<br /><br />Corrie.<br /><br />PS: One thing I am NOT enjoying - frogs in my toilet. They are my fear.. I can deal with all the other nasties.. but frogs.. no way.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298246490652486420.post-51705485153697399302010-02-12T03:05:00.000-08:002010-02-12T03:50:31.446-08:00OH BABY!I am writing to you tonight from the comfort of my donga, known around the community as 'top donga' because it is located at the very top of the 'hill', that is really just a slope in the dirt. I am still sick from Ross River, with no real signs of progress.. other than it has now been a month and apparently this is the average length of time that the virus lasts. Technically I am still in the accute phase, which sucks. It hasn't hindered my time in my new surroundings though.. and this is good! I have had enough mobility and energy most days to check out the beautiful things around this community - even if it is by car. Im really looking forward to being able to go for walks and see it all again by foot rather than 4WD. Oh! I got bogged the other night.. on a secret mission to find lollies in the school.. managed to get into a nice boggy patch of the dirt road and lets just say our secret mission to find lollies was not so secret anymore!<br /><br /><br /><br />The kids in my class are SO adorable. The first few days I really struggled to understand them, as they speak quite fast with a lot of kriol combined with minimal english, but now I am able to understand them very well, and even find myself speaking part kriol in class when Im stuck into my lessons. Its quite funny really. I went to the pub in the nearest town (almost 2 hrs away) last weekend for a meal, and I was shocked at how fast I was speaking and the way I kept almost reverting into kriol sounding language.. haha, this place really gets into your skin, in many ways..<br /><br /><br /><br />The people here are amazing. I wouldn't say it has been a culture shock for me, more of an adjustment. The ladies here are very friendly and are interested in knowing who you are.. they dont speak much, but when they do, you know you are ok with them. The kids however.. they just throw themselves at you and talk a million miles an hour with a truckload of questions. A few days before school started I was walking around the school, and hadn't met any of the kids yet... I was walking to my classroom when I saw a girl with fuzzy hair sticking her head around the corner of a building peeping at me and then hiding when I looked at her.. I said "hello... whats your name? Can you help me find my classroom?" ....the next thing I heard was about 30 kids erupt with laughter and giggles and from all directions they came running out screaming and laughing their hearts out.. they all jumped all over me and played with my hair and my legs and my arms.. they were facinated with my 'wobbly bits' and my smooth legs. I was pretty much on the ground with all these kids jumping all over me asking me heaps of questions and wanting to know what I was carrying in my hands.. I ended up hanging out with them all outside my donga all afternoon giving them cold water to sip from plastic bottles and chatting about all their favourite things to do around here. They are just gorgeous. Most nights at least one or two groups of kids will come knocking, asking for 'justa cold water miss, and a little bit food?'.. it is a very special time of getting to hear their stories and learn about their culture.<br /><br /><br /><br />I thought I would list some of my favourite things the kids have said to me so far:<br /><br /><br /><br />"miss, why you got so fats guts? you like the fat cheeeeese?"<br /><br /><br /><br />"your hair is a lubbly one miss"<br /><br /><br /><br />One of the girls spotted a freckle on my arm and said "miss!!!.. you got a booty spot!"<br /><br /><br /><br />"im paining in my guts - needa rest or shit...(I look at him in shock that he said "shit", and he says..) gaaaaaah sorry miss, a poo!"<br /><br /><br /><br />When I was attempting a hiphop move that involves a bit of hip action, one of the boys got up and said "ah miss, that not dance, that a bad wiggle" and burst into laughter.. I joined him. It was ridiculous, and these kids have so many dance skills, not sure why i ever thought I could pull off more than just a bad wiggle.<br /><br /><br /><br />Last night we had a 'killa', which is where the locals kill a beast to chop up and eat for the whole community. It was cool. The grade 10 blokes put on a bingo game and we all sat outside in the 49 degree heat playing bingo in the shade of the basketball court. After bingo and killa, the Walkabout Boys (a local band) played some tunes and the kids all ran around playing basketball and doing their hiphop moves to some country tunes pumping through the amps. The adults all stuck around, some getting up for a boogie, others just watching... I danced with the kiddies and held about 7 babies that were thrust into my arms over the duration of the evening. The babies are gorgeous.<br /><br /><br />So - it is safe to say that I am stoked with my decision to move here, and I am falling in love very quickly. I love the people, the culture, the artworks, the school, the staff, the isolation, the scenery, the sunsets, the animals, the bush tucker, the rivers, the waterholes, the heat... and even the hiphop music is becoming something I am enjoying more than I ever imagined I would!<br /><br />I have some special friends I have made here. I intend to stay for a long time. They say it takes a special person to live here.. but I think 'as if you wouldn't!' I can't imagine why anyone would not want to live in this amazing place.<br /><br />xxxxUnknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298246490652486420.post-35990433376662051512010-01-19T22:07:00.000-08:002010-01-19T22:17:52.992-08:00Ross RiverSo I made it to Broome after a 14 hour drive in forty something degree heat with a busted aircon and a burst tube in the radiator. I became quite familiar with my cars engine that day. And my best friend was a roll of electrical tape. I whipped out a dodgy job on the burst tube and somehow managed to make it to Broome from Kununurra with only a few roll starts and three stops due to the engine overheating. <br/><br/>Since being in Broome I have met loads of people and really enjoyed my time relaxing and preparing for the year. I am constantly feeling that this was the right move to make. I know I am where I'm meant to be in this moment. <br/><br/>I met my new principal and staff crew over the week (bumped into one guy who is staying at the backpackers here and worked out he is one of the teachers). They are all very very nice and so supportive!! <br/><br/>Support is something I need at the moment because I've just been diagnosed with Ross River Virus. If you aren't familiar with it, it is passed on through mozzie bites and can vary in it's impact according to the individual. Unfortunately for me, I have lost a lot of movement in my small joints (fingers, toes, elbows, jaw) and it is very painful too. I also have a full body rash going on that looks like I've been eaten by little bugs. It's pretty nasty. There is no treatment as such, just pain relief, and is likely to last a month before improving. Sucks to be me. So I'm in bed resting up. <br/><br/>Looking forward to kicking it in the head and enjoying my year(s) at Yiyili!<br/><br/><div class="iblogger-footer"><br clear="all"/><p style="text-align:right;font-size:10px;">[Posted with <a href="http://illuminex.com/iBlogger/index.html">iBlogger</a> from my iPhone]</p><br/></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298246490652486420.post-90324424235362312902010-01-12T03:09:00.000-08:002010-01-12T03:24:17.729-08:00blogblankSo I've hit a bump in my blogging where there is just too much to write about so I just stop. <br/><br/>I'm currently in Darwin. To sum up my experiences in one sentence I would say:<br/><br/>I'm loving the travel, never bored, seeing all I could dream of seeing, meeting amazing people, missing time alone, yearning for a home, needing more quiet space, excited to adventure, probably been a bit too adventurous at times, wishing I was invincible, new found love for swimming, the heat is awesome, the rain and floods are more awesome, lightening and thunder are entertainment, frogs are not friends, and vodaphone is not either. <br/><br/>I'm sitting at a crossroads tonight between Struggle Street and Growth Grove. I think I need to hang a hard right onto Growth Grove after a good night sleep. Yiyili in 7 days and I can't wait!! <br/><br/>I get to see my place and set up but only staying one night. From there I cruise to broome for a week followed by training in fitzroy crossing for a week. So really, another three weeks on the road.<br/><br/>Now time to journal the stuff that won't make it onto this blog..in the words of a close friend "turning my emotions into a masterpiece"...hmmm or a mess of random thoughts. <div class="iblogger-footer"><br clear="all"/><p style="text-align:right;font-size:10px;">[Posted with <a href="http://illuminex.com/iBlogger/index.html">iBlogger</a> from my iPhone]</p><br/></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298246490652486420.post-73889279719524028832009-12-09T22:24:00.000-08:002009-12-09T23:15:15.405-08:00lingering dreggs of past experiencesin the vacant lot <br/>stale and stagnant<br/>a tiny tear falls<br/>put away for safe keeping<br/>she knows it is hers<br/>lying still till sadness calls<br/><br/>her luring voice<br/>sensitive and sweet<br/>invites herself to the vacant lot<br/>familiar, heavy, unwelcomed but strong<br/>forces peace to leave and sits snug in her spot. <br/><br/>she imitates goodness<br/>and fools me to believe<br/>her binding lies of reason<br/>a striking manner to deceive.<br/><br/>who is this thief who has stolen my hope<br/>the voice singing of sorrow and despair<br/>you will find her dwelling deep in my lot<br/>-but I didn't invite her there-<br/><br/>you are not welcome and you will not stay<br/>I'll know next time you call.<br/><br/>piss off 'sadness', <br/>I won't prepare a bed for you<br/>I'll just let the tears fall. <br/><br/><br/><br/> <br/> <br/> <div class="iblogger-footer"><br clear="all"/><p style="text-align:right;font-size:10px;">[Posted with <a href="http://illuminex.com/iBlogger/index.html">iBlogger</a> from my iPhone]</p><br/></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298246490652486420.post-71533263478706001562009-11-22T06:51:00.000-08:002009-11-22T07:18:33.753-08:00touchy topicIs it racism? Or culturism? Or socio-economicism? How about locationism? <br/><br/>When I tell people about my plans to go north and teach in an aboriginal community, they usually respond one of two ways...<br/><br/>1. 'That's awesome.'<br/><br/>Or<br/><br/>2. 'Why?'<br/><br/>There have been quite a few negative comments thrown my way by close friends recently..<br/><br/>"why would you bother living with people who will treat you like shit no matter how hard you try to fit in?"<br/><br/>"they are dirty and rude-you won't last"<br/><br/>"surely you could have found a job somewhere else?"<br/><br/>Now, I'm not naive..I know this is going to be a challenge.. And I know that the culture is going to shock me.. But these comments are made with a vicious undertone of judgement and ...anger? <br/><br/>Similar things have been said by supportive friends and I've felt encouraged. It isn't so much the words, it is the intention of their impact. <br/><br/>I'm not too bothered by the amount of negative feedback I've received because it is massively outweighed by the support and positive comments, but it just makes we wonder.. <br/><br/>I honestly don't think it is all racism..I think people would make the same comments if I said I was moving to a prodominently non-aboriginal community in the same location...same economic background and population size. Obviously there is also an element of racism too. It worries me that it is acceptable in our culture to make these comments, and that it is almost unacceptable to dispute them. <br/><br/>In my opinion - every community in the world has its challenges. I am looking forward to enveloping myself in a culture I'm yet to experience... challenging as it may be.<br/><br/>Thanks to those who are supportive.. <br/><br/>And bigger thanks to those who aren't- because you are reinforcing how important it is that I go.. and your comments just make it easier for me to leave. <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <div class="iblogger-footer"><br clear="all"/><p style="text-align:right;font-size:10px;">[Posted with <a href="http://illuminex.com/iBlogger/index.html">iBlogger</a> from my iPhone]</p><br/></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298246490652486420.post-63006020915918356312009-11-20T01:01:00.000-08:002009-11-20T01:24:32.254-08:002002It is a mystery how I manage to forget or temporarily misplace memories that hold the reasons and ways I have become who I am in this moment.<br/><br/>In 2002 I had my life planned out. I was going to become a farmer's wife with lots of kids and take over MrFriends dads farm. <br/><br/>MrFriend was my closest mate. An innocent teenage companionship between two friends longing to be grown up and mature enough to make our own decisions, but not ready to embrace maturity. Neither of us were looking to live the Christian dream of getting hitched by 20 and popping out the first by 21..we were just keen to hang at the river and kick balls along the beach. My favourite memory was riding 4WDs around the farm and chasing cows around the paddocks.<br/><br/>A leader in our church decided to spook us out by making us watch DVDs about not kissing until you are married etc.. And suddenly our innocent friendship became awkward. Bit by bit it all fell apart. We were never in love-but we did love each other a lot. Looking back, it seems the simple suggestion of us being more than friends tore our relationship apart. Damn. <br/><br/>I forgot all about MrFriend until recently..it's been years since I thought about him. He is married now. To a friend of mine. I'm glad for him...but more glad for myself that I didn't end up being a farmers wife. <br/><br/>Strange, slightly awkward, and rather pointless blog post..but I just thought I'd share. <br/> <div class="iblogger-footer"><br clear="all"/><p style="text-align:right;font-size:10px;">[Posted with <a href="http://illuminex.com/iBlogger/index.html">iBlogger</a> from my iPhone]</p><br/></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298246490652486420.post-27007930793706413292009-11-10T03:23:00.000-08:002009-11-10T04:09:56.075-08:00stonesSo.. Jesus goes for a walk along a stony road with his disciples and tells them each to pick up a stone to carry. John picks up a large one and carries this, while Peter picks the smallest stone to carry. Smart idea? Well.. I guess he wasn't struggling to carry it.. and he was still obeying the commandment of Jesus, right? John, however, chose the big heffa stone to carry and is most likely struggling to lug the over sized chunk of Earth with him. I can just imagine them walking along the road.. Peter probably slipped his stone into his pocket or playfully tossed it as he walked along the road, whilst John sweats and aches carrying the large stone. They get to a point where they are hungry and tired from their walk and Jesus says 'stones..turn into bread' and bamshabam each of the stones carried by the disciples turns into bread. Obviously Peter's stone being small is not enough to satisfy him, so John shares some of his with him. Jesus then says, 'lads, choose another stone, we are going to walk again'... so Peter, feeling as though he has this all worked out and knows how the game runs chooses a massive stone. He struggles along carrying the stone believing the at the end of the walk he will be rewarded for his efforts. When they stop, Jesus says 'throw your stones in the river' and Peter is left dumbfounded. I can imagine his frustration and confusion, because he had struggled to carry this stone all the way and then WHAT THE?!?! What good is a stone thrown in the river?? Jesus turns to Peter and says 'Who did you carry this stone for? For me?... or for yourself?'<br /><br />SO many times in offering sermons I hear the same old, 'God doesn't need your money, but what a blessing it is to give to him! Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Isn't it wonderful knowing that our offerings are refunded ten fold?! Let's give church, lets give give GIVE'.<br /><br />Yes - cool.. give ten percent.. that is great.. but if our motives for giving aren't 100% out of pure desire to give without the expectation of receiving.. then surely we are being just like Peter was that day on the stony road? If we carry a heavy load in life expecting that blessing will follow... and aren't prepared to carry that same load purely because it has been asked of us.. aren't we doing a Peter? I believe God blesses. No doubt about it. But I don't believe we can earn his blessing or his favour. It is already there. We can't become MORE blessed.. we just become more aware of our blessings. He doesn't favour or love us more according to what we do.. we just learn to recognise his love. I feel most blessed when my attitude is 100% for the kingdom. Let me define what I mean by 'blessed'... I'm not talking an extra $100 in my pay packet, or winning a small lottery, or being given gifts, or anything human in fact.. When I think of blessing, I think of that indescribable feeling/knowing that I am connected to God in a way I simply can not explain. Somehow, in the times I am fighting against a million blows and burns coming at me, I feel most blessed. There is power in knowing that I am capable of forgiveness in the most unforgiving circumstances, that my heart attitude towards life's blows and burns is what gives me reason to carry the stone..<br /><br />I stuff up. All the time. I say 'yes..erm.. it is ok that I am struggling with this now because I know it will all work out and I will be so much better off because of it and wow, how much is God going to bless me after this!?'... it is quite a common thought pattern. I think back to the stony road. Hope is good. And Peter hoping for a nice chunk of bread at the end of the road is fine.. in fact it is great.. hoping in God for fulfillment and blessing is wonderful.. but simply living knowing that you are blessed already, and that you don't need to earn it, that is when you carry that heavy stone without even considering opting for the smaller one. That is how I want to live.<br /><br /><br />Just a thought.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298246490652486420.post-68041429999851049412009-11-09T02:53:00.000-08:002009-11-09T03:18:04.006-08:00I said a bad wordA series of events filled my day, each with their own unique style of ruining my optimism. I was pissed off. So angry at the world and I wanted to tell everyone just how mad I was, but I didn't want to talk to anyone...so that made it a little hard for me. I ended up sprawled out on my bed staring at a tiny spider crawling along my window. I stayed there for hours just letting my thoughts pass into a haze of ignorance and denial. I didn't feel angry in that state, just numb. I felt no sadness and no worry. I love that our minds have the ability to escape our feelings.. At least long enough to calm down and wait long enough for the dust to settle. Today was crap. Tomorrow will probably reflect and respond to today's happenings...who knows? I'm not about to pretend that my life is meant to be peachy. It's not. <br/><br/>A friend told me today she thought I'd had above and beyond my fair share of 'bleh' moments...and that life doesn't seem to deal them out equally. It's strange, because even though she sees my life as being unfairly overindulged in rubbishy events, I still feel like I've got it good and often wish I could take some of someone elses problems on behalf of them because I don't think it is dealt out fair. Bizaarro. <br/><br/>A part of me is glad to have trials. A very small part. But a part. I'm choosing to tap into that miniscule part of me and try to enlarge it for the sake of my character. I know that trials are opportunities to extend myself and amplify my faith, I'm just not sure I have wired the amp right, and wouldn't want to blow a fuse. <div class="iblogger-footer"><br clear="all"/><p style="text-align:right;font-size:10px;">[Posted with <a href="http://illuminex.com/iBlogger/index.html">iBlogger</a> from my iPhone]</p><br/></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298246490652486420.post-37521638365458666242009-11-08T01:02:00.000-08:002009-11-08T01:07:04.219-08:00teachinthekimberley.blogspot.com/www.<a href="http://www.teachinthekimberley.blogspot.com/">teachinthekimberley.blogspot.com/</a> is the link to my new blog (Walkabout), purely dedicated to stories about my experiences teaching in the Kimberley. This blog (Welcome to the Misconception) will remain one for all other blog posts not relating to my teaching experiences. I decided to create Walkabout for my friends and family to stay in touch with what I am up to, and also because I think it would be helpful for future Kimberley bound teachers to have a read. So subscribe.. read.. and enjoy.<br /><br />Corrie.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298246490652486420.post-83223599259868695352009-11-05T23:29:00.000-08:002009-11-05T23:31:09.307-08:00Berlin Wall IronyFans hoping to glimpse U2's free concert celebrating 20 years since the Berlin Wall fell were outraged Thursday to find that a 12-foot (3.6-meter) metal barrier was installed to block the view for those without tickets.<br /><br />Both Berliners and tourists alike saw the irony in building a wall around a concert dedicated to the wall that has already come down.<br /><br />"It's completely ridiculous that they are blocking the view," said Louis-Pierre Boily, 23, who came to Berlin even though he failed to get U2 tickets. "I thought it's a free show, but MTV probably wants people to watch it on TV to get their ratings up."<br /><br />Boily, from Quebec City, was among several hundred people who gathered Thursday against the new fence, which was draped with a white tarp that blocked the view of the stage from the street. Some fans were already trying to tear down the tarp before the concert, which was being held in front of Berlin's iconic Brandenburg Gate.<br /><br />The music network MTV, which organized Thursday's concert, said it worked with the local promoter, the city and Berlin police to install a temporary fence "around the site to ensure the safety and security of the attendees at the event as well as residents and businesses in the area."<br /><br />U2's publicist RMP refused comment about the barrier.<br /><br />Some 10,000 tickets were made available online for the Irish rockers' free show — and they were snapped up in just three hours.<br /><br />U2 was performing four songs but only one song was being shown later on television Thursday as part of MTV's European Music Awards, according to MTV.<br /><br />The Berlin Wall fell on Nov. 9, 1989, ending almost 30 years of Cold War division between the communist East and the democratic West.<br /><br />Throughout those decades, the Brandenburg Gate stood just inside East Berlin. In 1988, musicians such as Pink Floyd and Michael Jackson performed in a three-day "Berlin Rock Marathon" on the western side of the concrete barrier, with the landmark as a backdrop.<br /><br />Concertgoers in the West hurled bottles and firebombs at the wall, while some 2,000 youths gathered on the eastern side to listen, many shouting "The wall must go!"Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298246490652486420.post-33343835259467528802009-10-17T17:55:00.000-07:002009-10-17T18:09:14.643-07:00grade 2know that this is complicated<br/>a puzzle with no pattern<br/>no picture or straight edges<br/>and I don't hold the plan<br/><br/>easiest pieces first<br/>the corners set in place<br/>but know that this is complicated<br/>because I still can't see your face<br/><br/>looking for the bigger picture<br/>in the mess spread across the table<br/>task deemed impossible<br/>without guidance I'm not able<br/><br/>but it is all there...the picture<br/>every piece that is needed<br/>know that this is complicated<br/>it seems looking won't help me see it<br/><br/><br/> <div class="iblogger-footer"><br clear="all"/><p style="text-align:right;font-size:10px;">[Posted with <a href="http://illuminex.com/iBlogger/index.html">iBlogger</a> from my iPhone]</p><br/></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298246490652486420.post-27648667802598663032009-10-15T17:19:00.000-07:002009-10-15T17:30:18.026-07:00im not a stonerLast night I dreamt that I downloaded an application on my iPhone that let me smoke weed at any time...just put your lips on the screen and take a chuff. <br/><br/>I dreamt that I was sitting next to my mum at the family house I grew up in and I took a chuff. She asked me what I was doing and I had to confess to her. I was so upset! <br/><br/>It's strange. It actually felt pretty awesome in my dream. It was so real. I woke up and considered not going to work because I was worried you could smell it on me and that I was still under the influence. I felt so bad about it too! <br/><br/>Haha strange. I put it down to watching The Mighty Boosh before bed and drifting off to sleep while listening to 'The Drugs Dont Work'. <br/><br/><br/>***I do not take drugs or condone the use of illicit drugs unless in a dream because that is actually pretty bonkers***<div class="iblogger-footer"><br clear="all"/><p style="text-align:right;font-size:10px;">[Posted with <a href="http://illuminex.com/iBlogger/index.html">iBlogger</a> from my iPhone]</p><br/></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298246490652486420.post-40143169881764202652009-10-13T00:50:00.000-07:002009-10-13T00:52:33.381-07:00heat of the momentSo I've decided after today's classroom antics that I am... <br/><br/>1. Not getting married.<br/>2. Not having children. <br/>3. Never teaching highschool grades again. <br/><br/>Over and out. <div class="iblogger-footer"><br clear="all"/><p style="text-align:right;font-size:10px;">[Posted with <a href="http://illuminex.com/iBlogger/index.html">iBlogger</a> from my iPhone]</p><br/></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298246490652486420.post-91273810847388852262009-10-11T02:32:00.000-07:002009-10-13T14:59:21.149-07:00LIOR - I'LL FORGET YOU<p>I like this song a lot. Mainly the lyrics, but it has a catchy tune and quite a sweet little melody that is sung by Lior and Sia together. I like it :)</p><p>I left you out</p><p>Inside my heart</p><p>How easily</p><p>This could be the start</p><p>And rip my life apart</p><p></p><p>Like a bowerbird collecting blue</p><p>See me gather words</p><p>To let you know</p><p>It's hard to let this go</p><p></p><p>But I'm making up my mind</p><p>I'll forget you in time</p><p></p><p>You still make me cry</p><p>Like a song of the east</p><p>That loses its centre</p><p>But always finds its way back home</p><p>How this bird has flown</p><p></p><p>So I'm making up my mind</p><p>Gonna rescue myself tonight</p><p>Yeah I'm making up my mind</p><p>I'll forget you in time</p><p></p><p>I am leaving you</p><p>You are leaving me</p><p>We've sung our song</p><p>And we chose to roll on</p><p>Although this love never fades</p><p>It's time to forget the road we never travelled along</p><p></p><p>So I've made up my mind</p><p>Gonna rescue myself tonight</p><p>Yeah I've made up my mind</p><p>I'll forget you in time.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298246490652486420.post-62983688442472998492009-10-10T20:47:00.000-07:002009-10-10T21:14:34.729-07:00high fives and smilessix thirty we gather<br/>high fives and banter<br/>she's got a new headband<br/>and he's rockin the raybans<br/>loud 'yo bros' and flashy smiles<br/>greeting strangers in youthy style<br/>everyone is impressed with the funky coloured lights<br/>the girls on the stage in short skirts and tights<br/>high fashions roll, the leaders are blingin'<br/>the moshing gets pumpin' as the band gets singin'<br/>hands held high and voices shouting<br/>everyone's up the front and the 'praise pit' is bouncin'<br/>adrenaline rush as the concert begins<br/>everyone cheers when the pop song ends<br/>slow down the tempo and forget the jumping<br/>this slow synthy tune is serious worship or something<br/>the keys keep twinkling right through his talk<br/>the carpet wears a hole from his back and forward walk<br/>his language is hip and he's holding the book <br/>this guy must be alright because he's got the look<br/>clap, clap, clap and cheer and banter <br/>service is over - time for pizza and fanta<br/> <br/><br/> <br/> <div class="iblogger-footer"><br clear="all"/><p style="text-align:right;font-size:10px;">[Posted with <a href="http://illuminex.com/iBlogger/index.html">iBlogger</a> from my iPhone]</p><br/></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298246490652486420.post-68996342443588516592009-10-08T23:06:00.000-07:002009-10-08T23:39:14.056-07:00the universal languageso they say that music is a universal language.. but obviously some styles/artists appeal to people in different ways. Lately I have been indulging in new musical goodness as opposed to my couple of months recently where I was content just listening to old stuff and had no real desire to buy a new album. I love my CD collection for its randomness and almost embarrassing selection of tunes. It tells a story about my musical appreciation journey..the things I listened to along the way that have lead me to loving music the way I do. <br/><br/>So I thought I might enlighten you with some of my most recent musical loving. <br/><br/>A band out of France called Pheonix are my current favourite. They use a lot of synth coupled with odd but catchy beats and a very unique vocal sound that glides over the complex synth action going on. They use a lot of tempo and timing techniques that intertwine to create depth to a rather simplistic melody. It is quite fascinating to listen to the way different timing and tempo is used for different synth parts in unity...strange but good.<br/><br/>then there is this guy who sells himself as Bon Iver which means 'Good Winter' in French (I'm sensing a French theme) but this guy is from Canada? I think? Anyway, he wrote his most recent album after a breakup with 1.his band and 2. His girlfriend. The album is called For Emma, Forever Ago. It is beautiful. It is acoustic based with stacks of vocal multitracking and a lot of random sounds thrown in that create a very emotional and touching theme. Bon Iver is an artist that I appreciate for his ability to write a good song and portray his emotions brilliantly through that medium, not so much for musical genius. <br/><br/>MuteMath - wow. I won't go down the line of trying to use words to describe them..just buy the album. Armistice. It is fab. <br/><br/>Now for a talent that I am looking forward to further releases from. Florence and the Machine out if London. She has an awesome voice and I love her style but she is quite new on the scene and although I do appreciate her music I am more excited about things to come. Worth a looky if you are into jazzy but poppy but soulful female vocal greatness. <br/><br/>Muse - hmmmm. I should be careful with this one because I know there are a lot of diehard fans out and about who are loving their 2009 release but for me personally I am quite disappointed. I am not too sure what I expected but I didn't expect Bellamy to be Beyoncè. Granted, they are still Muse and haven't 'lost' their brilliance...they just didn't really infuse it into this latest release.<br/><br/>And that brings me to the end of my blab. <br/><br/> <div class="iblogger-footer"><br clear="all"/><p style="text-align:right;font-size:10px;">[Posted with <a href="http://illuminex.com/iBlogger/index.html">iBlogger</a> from my iPhone]</p><br/></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298246490652486420.post-35982088944327020012009-10-08T03:56:00.000-07:002009-10-08T04:08:00.884-07:00giftsI love gifts. Giving and receiving. When I give a gift I think a lot about what I would like to bless someone with -big or small- it is something I have lots of fun doing. Tonight I got a gift in the mail from a friend back home. It was so heartfelt in that I could tell a lot of thought had gone into it -coupled with a handmade card- it made me feel so special :-) <br/><br/>It was a copy of the book, 'Seven Seasons in Aurukuu'...a story about time spent living and teaching in a remote aboriginal school. How exciting! The picture on the cover brought tears to my eyes. I know I am doing what my heart is demanding by going to Yiyili. My emotions react so strongly with the things I have been reading as preparation and I am becoming more and more certain of my choice being a positive one! I was scared, and didn't really want to follow through (not scared of there...scared of leaving here) but now I am feeling affirmed in my decision and the encouragement from friends has made a huge impact on me. It really hit me last weekend just how much humans need each other. I will expand more on this in future posts. <br/><br/>Until such a time,<br/>Goodnight x <div class="iblogger-footer"><br clear="all"/><p style="text-align:right;font-size:10px;">[Posted with <a href="http://illuminex.com/iBlogger/index.html">iBlogger</a> from my iPhone]</p><br/></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298246490652486420.post-21512464288320903332009-10-04T23:04:00.000-07:002009-10-04T23:53:14.431-07:00mission: soloIt seems whenever there is change or transition I like to go solo in figuring out my next moves. It's habit I think, and I also believe I'm not alone in this, that I go for as long as possible on my own mission to fill the gaps in my story so I know things will be ok tomorrow.. instead of trusting now and forever. <br/><br/>The 'now' bit is alright for me.. I have no worries taking each moment of each day and trusting it to God but when it comes to the forever part..I start filling my 'now' with worries about 'forever'. <br/><br/>The proverbs talk about a lot of things...mainly wisdom in living out a faithful life. I don't usually like to separate verses from their chapter or book (to maintain context) but this one kind of speaks for itself anyway..<br/><br/>Proverbs 3:5-6. <br/>Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. <br/><br/>I like this verse because it reminds me that we are all on our own paths (plural) and that they are indeed OUR paths that he will straighten. It makes me wonder exactly what the metaphor for a 'straight path' is referring to..it is often interpreted as being 'righteous and without sin', or in the more religious sense of doing all the right things to get into heaven... but I wonder if it is perhaps suggesting something more literal, and more practical. I don't know, and I haven't thought about it enough to make a call but all I do know is that no matter what 'straight' means, God is making my paths that way and I'm up for that.<br/><br/>I get caught up in thinking it's so terrifying to make decisions because I might be stuffing up my destiny...how selfish of me! I spend so much time worrying about the decisions I'm making that I don't get out and let myself be used. And if I look at my life so far..I never really chose to do the things I've done or have the passions I have..they have just become a part of my life. <br/><br/>My friend said this to me on the weekend, and it has stuck: "too many Christians worry so much about what they are meant to do to the point where they end they end up doing nothing."<br/><br/>I don't want to get to heaven and have God say "well done good and not-so-faithful servant."<br/><br/>When I think of the word "faithful" I think of 'loyal' and 'obedient', but when you look at the word, these things are merely fruits of faithfulness.<br/><br/>Faith= being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see.<br/><br/>Therefore, faithful= living that out = acknowledging your beliefs in everything you do = proverbs 3:5-6. <br/><br/>'nuff said. <div class="iblogger-footer"><br clear="all"/><p style="text-align:right;font-size:10px;">[Posted with <a href="http://illuminex.com/iBlogger/index.html">iBlogger</a> from my iPhone]</p><br/></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298246490652486420.post-6583610781600828552009-10-04T03:43:00.000-07:002009-10-04T03:58:18.226-07:00last legSo...I've been on holidays for the past two weeks but it feels like about 3 months. I go back to work tomorrow and I'm almost positive that as soon as I arrive I will feel like I had no holiday at all. <br/><br/>I love my job but I feel like I've already left. The past 2 weeks have been spent doing two things<br/>1. Relaxing/traveling<br/>2. Preparing to leave in 3 months. <br/><br/>In my head I'm already there...so going back to work for another 10 weeks is painful! <br/><br/>On the upside, this holiday has been very productive. I had a great time away, satisfied my craving for adventure (for now), scored the job, finished reading my book, caught up with all the people I have been missing because work takes up too much time AND I even started clearing out my junk and giving away loads of things I will never need. <br/><br/>So my plans at this point in time are to teach for a year minimum at Yiyili and travel as much as I can during the breaks. I would still love to move to Romania and get to see Lietchtenstein at some point..whether that is in the next 5 years or the next 50 I don't know..and I'm ok with that :) <br/><br/><br/> <div class="iblogger-footer"><br clear="all"/><p style="text-align:right;font-size:10px;">[Posted with <a href="http://illuminex.com/iBlogger/index.html">iBlogger</a> from my iPhone]</p><br/></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298246490652486420.post-68373244758782366692009-10-03T00:36:00.000-07:002009-10-03T00:45:25.140-07:00zodicrapWhy do people search for the answers in their zodiac signs? A close friend of mine finds identity in knowing she is a Libra. She says reading her signs each week gives her a heads up and stability. <br/><br/>Two thousand years ago the night sky looked completely different, and so when you get right down to it, the Greek conceptions of star signs as related to birth dates are grossly inaccurate for today's day and age. It's called the line of procession: back then the sun didn't set in Taurus, but in Gemini. A September 24 birthday didn't mean you were a Libra, but a Virgo. And there was a thirteenth zodiac constellation, Ophiuchus the Serpent Bearer, which rose between Saggitarius and Scorpio for only four days. <br/><br/>The reason it's all off kilter? The earths axis wobbles. Life isn't nearly as stable as we want it to be. <div class="iblogger-footer"><br clear="all"/><p style="text-align:right;font-size:10px;">[Posted with <a href="http://illuminex.com/iBlogger/index.html">iBlogger</a> from my iPhone]</p><br/></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0