Finding and being with him is like completing a rubix cube. You try for ages, trying different things, trying different ways, some look like they'll work but they don't and then finally it all clicks into place and it's just how it's meant to be.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Love Analogy
I was talking to Tahu on Saturday night and came up with an analogy for what I feel for him that I think explains it pretty perfectly and I liked it so much I thought I'd post it.
Finding and being with him is like completing a rubix cube. You try for ages, trying different things, trying different ways, some look like they'll work but they don't and then finally it all clicks into place and it's just how it's meant to be.
Finding and being with him is like completing a rubix cube. You try for ages, trying different things, trying different ways, some look like they'll work but they don't and then finally it all clicks into place and it's just how it's meant to be.
Monday, November 23, 2009
My gorgeous man
How flash does he look in this suit? It's one we got made for him in Thailand.
And these are some beautiful flowers that got delivered to me at work on Friday. Just cos he wanted to tell me he loved me. Awwww!
A couple of other favourites
These are some pictures I took from our trip through Tibet. Just love the sharp blue sky!
This is my gorgeous Lulu. I miss her heaps, if only she could have come home with me!
Panoramas from our trip
This is Nepal:
This is Kathmandu, Nepal:
This is the Great Wall of China (see going from the right over the top of the mountain?):
This is Kharola Glacier in Tibet:
This is the Bridge Over The River Kwai in Thailand:
And this is my favourite of all...Tibet. Isn't it beautiful?:
If you click on the pictures they can be viewed a lot bigger I believe.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
One last update from Asia
So in a few hours we will be catching another flight but this time it is to Melbourne, Australia and we're really looking forward to it. We have had the most amazing time on this trip. It's been hard in places and we are both so tired and saw and looking forward to lots of things but when we look back it has absolutely been a trip of a lifetime. We've seen incredible things, done fun things, been through places we never thought we'd go. We would recommend this kind of flying visit trip to anyone who wants to travel as you get to know the places you want to go spend time in and if you're not a fan of a place then you are only there for a while. For example we are keen to come back to Japan (this time with loads of money to buy the so cheap electronics) and Nepal to do some trekking maybe but then India and Tibet we are so happy to have seen and experienced but pretty sure we don't want to go back there a second time. We also have found that just cos you wouldn't go back to a place doesn't mean you didn't like it, just that it's not somewhere we want to explore further. Hope that makes sense!
Ok funny story of how the language barrier can go badly wrong...when we first got to Japan we wanted to look at DVDs and we saw a sign that said a whole lot in Japanese and then DVD in english. We were like sweet lets go there. We go up to the 7th floor where it is and walk in and just seen cartoons really and then the guy comes running up to us and goes Only Men!!! Then we look again and realise we've gone into an adult movie place!! AWKWARD!! Later on we nearly did it again too but after that just didn't bother going in unless we could see more then just DVD on the sign!
We've also found some things out about travelling that people didn't tell us. Firstly take a small laptop with you if possible. Nearly everywhere has free wireless internet and that would make emailing so much easier. Beijing has no internet cafes that we could find and Japan is similar. Also take cash with you for each country and when you leave change it at the border. For example we have Nepalese Rupee which we can't change anywhere and we would really like to!! Next would be to take a phrase book with you for each country if possible. Nothing big, just a little one to say basic stuff like Train and Toilet. Also always have toilet paper and pen and paper with you. They will come in useful!! Think that's the main ones. Everything else is fairly obvious!! Oh when packing it's not about fitting everything into a bag because if you do that bag will be really heavy! Try having one big backpack and a few smaller bags for the heavy stuff. That will make it easier. And the final and most important one: do all your shopping last, not first like we did. You run out of money and you have to carry it everywhere with you afterwards!!!
Now we looked forward to this trip so much but there a few things we are really looking forward to when we come home.
1. Not having to pack every few days will be a big one
2. Having clean clothes
3. Being able to cook your own food
4. When you eat not having to wonder what you are actually eating, if it will be nice and whether it will make you sick
5. Having fresh bread that isn't sweet!
6. Seeing familiar faces
7. Being able to speak/read english!!
8. Driving - not walking/training/busing/flying everywhere
9. Not having everyone staring at you like you're from out of space
10. English speaking TV!!
11. Actually getting what you ask for
12. Being able to watch a movie if you feel like it
This list goes on but we won't bore you. We have hundreds of photos too. I will put up the better of them in a small format but if you want to see our pics let me know and we can sort out a better way of doing it. If you are on Facebook you'll see it anyways.
Ok funny story of how the language barrier can go badly wrong...when we first got to Japan we wanted to look at DVDs and we saw a sign that said a whole lot in Japanese and then DVD in english. We were like sweet lets go there. We go up to the 7th floor where it is and walk in and just seen cartoons really and then the guy comes running up to us and goes Only Men!!! Then we look again and realise we've gone into an adult movie place!! AWKWARD!! Later on we nearly did it again too but after that just didn't bother going in unless we could see more then just DVD on the sign!
We've also found some things out about travelling that people didn't tell us. Firstly take a small laptop with you if possible. Nearly everywhere has free wireless internet and that would make emailing so much easier. Beijing has no internet cafes that we could find and Japan is similar. Also take cash with you for each country and when you leave change it at the border. For example we have Nepalese Rupee which we can't change anywhere and we would really like to!! Next would be to take a phrase book with you for each country if possible. Nothing big, just a little one to say basic stuff like Train and Toilet. Also always have toilet paper and pen and paper with you. They will come in useful!! Think that's the main ones. Everything else is fairly obvious!! Oh when packing it's not about fitting everything into a bag because if you do that bag will be really heavy! Try having one big backpack and a few smaller bags for the heavy stuff. That will make it easier. And the final and most important one: do all your shopping last, not first like we did. You run out of money and you have to carry it everywhere with you afterwards!!!
Now we looked forward to this trip so much but there a few things we are really looking forward to when we come home.
1. Not having to pack every few days will be a big one
2. Having clean clothes
3. Being able to cook your own food
4. When you eat not having to wonder what you are actually eating, if it will be nice and whether it will make you sick
5. Having fresh bread that isn't sweet!
6. Seeing familiar faces
7. Being able to speak/read english!!
8. Driving - not walking/training/busing/flying everywhere
9. Not having everyone staring at you like you're from out of space
10. English speaking TV!!
11. Actually getting what you ask for
12. Being able to watch a movie if you feel like it
This list goes on but we won't bore you. We have hundreds of photos too. I will put up the better of them in a small format but if you want to see our pics let me know and we can sort out a better way of doing it. If you are on Facebook you'll see it anyways.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Tibet, China and now in Japan!!
I know it's been over 2 weeks since my last email but we have been in China and Tibet for that time and were advised that our emails would be monitored so felt it was easier to just wait til Japan rather then trying to be careful what we write! Also all blogs, facebook and anything sensitive were blocked. For example after we had been to Tiananmen Square in Beijing we wanted to look up about the 1989 Massacre as there was no mention of it there. We looked up wikipedia and got the page and then one second later it was blocked. So we looked up a youtube video on it and again it was blocked. So strick!
To start off with we spent 5 days driving from Kathmandu to Lhasa in Tibet. The first day was awful. We drove to the border but had to walk up hill a long way with all our gear cos there had been a landslide and then cross the border which took 2-3 hours then wait for the whole group to go through. We went through on the 10th of October which was the first day since the 21st of September or something that the border had been open as they had closed it for their 60th anniversary celebrations. It's 60 years of communisim in China. We got into jeeps about 4 pm but didn't get further then a km til 10.30pm as they closed the road. Apparently they do that quite often for no reason really. So by then it was dark and so foggy and the drivers didn't go slowly and every now and then the barriers would be broken where someone had gone off the road. Was really scary to be honest and we were so relieved to get to the guest house where we were staying. The rest of the trip was not nearly as bad, paved roads most of the ways even! We travelled with another couple called Alex and Gareth from Wales. It was so nice to hang out with them and we're looking forward to them coming to stay with us at Christmas in Christchurch. Well that's the plan anyways. We often caught our driver falling asleep so we spent most of the trip singing very loudly to the Ipod to try and keep him entertained. Hard when we speak different languages! Played a bit of Ipod kareoke too which was so fun. One person has the Ipod and sings along and we all have to guess what the song is. Oh the fun! I have videos to prove it.
So Tibet is very high. Even Kathmandu was high. For about a week we were higher then the highest point in NZ which is Mt Cook. So there was quite a bit of altitude sickness which took the shine off it. Constant headaches and aching bones, nausia, no appetite, short of breath. Makes it hard but was worth seeing. Tibet is very barren. Hardly any green but some beautiful views. Including Mt Everest! Yes we have now seen it. It's so amazing to know you're looking at the highest point in the whole world. We saw quite a few monastrys although Tahu and I started bunking those after the first couple. They tend to all look the same but will millions of stairs! One place we saw in Lhasa was Potala Palace which is the home of the Dalai Lama. Well meant to be. Was really amazing. Until the 5th Dalai Lama it was just the political palace and then someone made the Dalai Lama the Spiritual and the Political leader of Tibet and we saw the very room where that happened. We were amazed at the amount of gold in that palace. The Dalai Lamas from 5 up are buried there and the 5th Dalai Lamas tomb has over 3 TON of gold on it alone. We also saw the tomb for the 11th Dalai Lama which is the current one and that raised a few questions but of course we are not allowed to ask them. Several in our group including Gareth got told off for asking about that kinda stuff. Bit like Harry Potter and He How Can Not Be Named!!
One thing that struck us was that 60 years ago China decided that Tibet was theirs but as much as they have tried to make that happen we still consider it a different country. We called it the least successful invasion ever. And also we weren't sure why they would want Tibet! There really isn't a whole lot there!!
After Tibet we left the tour and caught a train to Xian. We saw the Terracotta Warriors there which was so amazing. So old!! Also by the way the train was awesome. So flash! Made the 36 hour trip a lot easier! Also we found McDonalds there which was just what we needed! We may have had it a few too many times since then! Just so good to know what you're eating!!
After that we caught another train to Beijing which was another overnight trip. We didn't do much the first day, just stayed at the hostel and read and relaxed a bit. Then we went on the big mission which was to go to the Great Wall of China!! It can be seen from space but took an awful long time for us to see it!! We made it though and for only about $30NZ each which is way cheaper then the tours that we were offered. We went to Mutianyu and it was so beautiful. You catch a gondola up to the wall and we walked around and then tobboganed down which was just like a Luge at Queenstown. I was petrified but was actually really fun. Was incredible to stand on the only man made thing that can be seen from space. It was beautiful and so strong. Just amazing!
Not much else has been done. We did shopping of course. And found a great food court in Beijing. Such good food!!
So yesterday we caught a bus which took an hour to the airport and got the plane that I wondered if we were even booked for. I had found the tickets on a chinese website and we had got them for $400 NZ each but when we got them we found out we'd got them for 25% of what they were worth!!! So I was pretty sure they were fake but turned out they weren't! So flew to Shanghai and saw an amazing sunset there and then on to Tokyo. After another 2 hours on the train we got to our hostel in Yokohama. Was a very long day and we were so tired but very excited to be here in Japan!!
We are into the last week now. Kinda sad but also really looking forward to not living out of a backpack! And seeing everyone again too. We have another 3 nights in Japan and then we have 4 nights in Melbourne with my bro Jem and his partner Eva and I am getting really excited about that! Will be great to see familiar faces again.
We have loads of stories and pictures and memories but now that I'm writing the emails I can't remember them all. Often I have these moments where I go Wow I'm in Japan or China or Tibet and it's just amazing. I planned this for so long and then suddenly it's nearly over. But we have had the best time and I would have been absolutely lost without Tahu. He has been so good to me when I am sick or tired or unhappy. I would have been very lonely if I'd been here on my own for sure.
To start off with we spent 5 days driving from Kathmandu to Lhasa in Tibet. The first day was awful. We drove to the border but had to walk up hill a long way with all our gear cos there had been a landslide and then cross the border which took 2-3 hours then wait for the whole group to go through. We went through on the 10th of October which was the first day since the 21st of September or something that the border had been open as they had closed it for their 60th anniversary celebrations. It's 60 years of communisim in China. We got into jeeps about 4 pm but didn't get further then a km til 10.30pm as they closed the road. Apparently they do that quite often for no reason really. So by then it was dark and so foggy and the drivers didn't go slowly and every now and then the barriers would be broken where someone had gone off the road. Was really scary to be honest and we were so relieved to get to the guest house where we were staying. The rest of the trip was not nearly as bad, paved roads most of the ways even! We travelled with another couple called Alex and Gareth from Wales. It was so nice to hang out with them and we're looking forward to them coming to stay with us at Christmas in Christchurch. Well that's the plan anyways. We often caught our driver falling asleep so we spent most of the trip singing very loudly to the Ipod to try and keep him entertained. Hard when we speak different languages! Played a bit of Ipod kareoke too which was so fun. One person has the Ipod and sings along and we all have to guess what the song is. Oh the fun! I have videos to prove it.
So Tibet is very high. Even Kathmandu was high. For about a week we were higher then the highest point in NZ which is Mt Cook. So there was quite a bit of altitude sickness which took the shine off it. Constant headaches and aching bones, nausia, no appetite, short of breath. Makes it hard but was worth seeing. Tibet is very barren. Hardly any green but some beautiful views. Including Mt Everest! Yes we have now seen it. It's so amazing to know you're looking at the highest point in the whole world. We saw quite a few monastrys although Tahu and I started bunking those after the first couple. They tend to all look the same but will millions of stairs! One place we saw in Lhasa was Potala Palace which is the home of the Dalai Lama. Well meant to be. Was really amazing. Until the 5th Dalai Lama it was just the political palace and then someone made the Dalai Lama the Spiritual and the Political leader of Tibet and we saw the very room where that happened. We were amazed at the amount of gold in that palace. The Dalai Lamas from 5 up are buried there and the 5th Dalai Lamas tomb has over 3 TON of gold on it alone. We also saw the tomb for the 11th Dalai Lama which is the current one and that raised a few questions but of course we are not allowed to ask them. Several in our group including Gareth got told off for asking about that kinda stuff. Bit like Harry Potter and He How Can Not Be Named!!
One thing that struck us was that 60 years ago China decided that Tibet was theirs but as much as they have tried to make that happen we still consider it a different country. We called it the least successful invasion ever. And also we weren't sure why they would want Tibet! There really isn't a whole lot there!!
After Tibet we left the tour and caught a train to Xian. We saw the Terracotta Warriors there which was so amazing. So old!! Also by the way the train was awesome. So flash! Made the 36 hour trip a lot easier! Also we found McDonalds there which was just what we needed! We may have had it a few too many times since then! Just so good to know what you're eating!!
After that we caught another train to Beijing which was another overnight trip. We didn't do much the first day, just stayed at the hostel and read and relaxed a bit. Then we went on the big mission which was to go to the Great Wall of China!! It can be seen from space but took an awful long time for us to see it!! We made it though and for only about $30NZ each which is way cheaper then the tours that we were offered. We went to Mutianyu and it was so beautiful. You catch a gondola up to the wall and we walked around and then tobboganed down which was just like a Luge at Queenstown. I was petrified but was actually really fun. Was incredible to stand on the only man made thing that can be seen from space. It was beautiful and so strong. Just amazing!
Not much else has been done. We did shopping of course. And found a great food court in Beijing. Such good food!!
So yesterday we caught a bus which took an hour to the airport and got the plane that I wondered if we were even booked for. I had found the tickets on a chinese website and we had got them for $400 NZ each but when we got them we found out we'd got them for 25% of what they were worth!!! So I was pretty sure they were fake but turned out they weren't! So flew to Shanghai and saw an amazing sunset there and then on to Tokyo. After another 2 hours on the train we got to our hostel in Yokohama. Was a very long day and we were so tired but very excited to be here in Japan!!
We are into the last week now. Kinda sad but also really looking forward to not living out of a backpack! And seeing everyone again too. We have another 3 nights in Japan and then we have 4 nights in Melbourne with my bro Jem and his partner Eva and I am getting really excited about that! Will be great to see familiar faces again.
We have loads of stories and pictures and memories but now that I'm writing the emails I can't remember them all. Often I have these moments where I go Wow I'm in Japan or China or Tibet and it's just amazing. I planned this for so long and then suddenly it's nearly over. But we have had the best time and I would have been absolutely lost without Tahu. He has been so good to me when I am sick or tired or unhappy. I would have been very lonely if I'd been here on my own for sure.
Friday, October 09, 2009
Nepal is BEAUTIFUL!
So we survived our 3 days in India. So glad we had organised a guide because it was way more full on then Bangkok and everything was just different. We spent our first night in Delhi and then next day we drove to Jaipur and saw this amazing fort and palace and observatory where there was the worlds biggest sundial which was way more impressive then in sounds! It is accurate to within 2 seconds and was hundreds of years old. Tahu and I were both struck with how western culture thinks it's so smart with it's technology and cranes and electricity but yet hundreds of years ago people were doing amazing things like airconditioning, calenders, clocks and all that stuff and making it so beautiful and long lasting. Definitely impressed.
The next day we drove to Agra which was again an experience! There are officially no traffic rules in Agra although you often see traffic cops and I have to say that has to be the best job ever because you just stand there and do absolutely nothing! We went to the Taj Mahal there and it was beyond words. Way more then either of us had expected. 81 metres high, marble and inlaid gems, everything is exactly symetrical except for the 2 graves and it's all just beautiful. took 22 years to build. absolutely breathtaking and well worth the trip to get there!
There are so many animals everywhere! We've seen camels, elephants, squirrels, dogs, cats, pigs, goats, sheep, monkeys, horses, donkeys...the list probably goes on! A lot of fun spotting the different things! We got to ride an elephant too and our driver texted most of the time and even stopped to buy cigarettes! Most entertaining. We had the most amazing driver/guide called Jessie who we really appreciated! If anyone is planning a trip to India please contact us and we will give you the details as the country would be very hard to navigate on a short time on your own I think. But maybe it was just us not being seasoned travellers!
The next day was Tahu's birthday but we had to get up at 3am to drive to Delhi and catch a flight to Nepal. A lot of travel by car, bus, plane, bus, car, in that order! Poor Tahu was sick too which does not make for much fun! But we survived.
Kathmandu is just amazing. Nepal is just so green and so big! The people are amazing but I will tell that story later! Nepal is definitely somewhere we recommend!!
All the places we've been staying while on this organised tour part have been amazing. So flash! We are very spoilt. Yesterday we had an ausy guy called John join us for the sightseeing part which was cool. We went to the Monkey Temple and a couple of other places and also the place where they cremate bodies. Now can I just say we did not ask to see this and that we thought we're just see the outside and the smoking chimney but no. You walk down this river and there are bodies being cremated the whole way. It was truely hard to see and we all felt like intruders although there were hundreds of tourists. The people had all died that morning. Not sure I can really tell everything we saw. Hard to explain. The ashes are washed into the river and we saw a guy cleaning his teeth beside them and there were kids swimming!! A little disturbing to say the least!
Yesterday morning we went on a flight up to see Mt Everest. It was mostly covered in cloud but we were stoked just the same and then we got our money back cos they said it wasn't good enough!! $300USD. Oh yes that did make it so much better!!
Ok the big adventure would be last night! We had to drive to Nagarkot which is way up in the mountains and about 2 thirds of the way there our car got a flat tyre. Not a big deal except that the spare was flat too. So the driver jumps on a truck down the hill and gets someone to tell us that he'll be half and hour. Not so. A guy who lives just up the road let me use his (squat) toilet. Oh the pleasure. And offered us drinks but as it was only meant to be half an hour we said we'd just wait at the car. About an hour and a half later in the pitch black he comes back to us and then another guy stops and after much discussing in broken english and what I assume was Hindi we worked out that he would take us on his motorbike the rest of the way and the other guy would wait with the car. But about a km before the place we were staying at the top of the mountain we hit mud. So we walked the last way hoping we were going in the right direction! At one point 2 men walked for some of the way with us and we still don't know why although it might have been that we had a torch. Can I just say to Dad at this point thank you so much for making me keep that yellow torch?? For some reason I had it in my bag and so at least we could see! We made it there in the end!! But really were amazed at how kind these people were. It was so dark and completely out of their way and they helped us without a second thought. A bit of an adventure for sure! We got to this super flash hotel and found not hot water, a phone that didn't work, no towels, the tv didn't work and no heating or aircon. Not quite ideal after the trip there but somehow it was still great!
So tomorrow we are starting the drive to Lhasa in Tibet. It will take 5 days and we're told its one of the most beautiful drives in the world. We cross into Tibet tomorrow and again it is great timing as the border has been closed since the 21st and is only open from tomorrow. We have had great timing the whole way really. Like the sun came out at the sundial, it rained up until the day we went to the Taj Mahal and the flight to everest the day before was cancelled because of the rain! We at least got to go up and see it. Also I missed a Typhoon in Cambodia and there was massive flooding in India but we saw nothing. Lets hope this keeps up as a typhoon is due to japan yesterday i think!
Ok better go, got shopping to do and I think I've covered everything!
The next day we drove to Agra which was again an experience! There are officially no traffic rules in Agra although you often see traffic cops and I have to say that has to be the best job ever because you just stand there and do absolutely nothing! We went to the Taj Mahal there and it was beyond words. Way more then either of us had expected. 81 metres high, marble and inlaid gems, everything is exactly symetrical except for the 2 graves and it's all just beautiful. took 22 years to build. absolutely breathtaking and well worth the trip to get there!
There are so many animals everywhere! We've seen camels, elephants, squirrels, dogs, cats, pigs, goats, sheep, monkeys, horses, donkeys...the list probably goes on! A lot of fun spotting the different things! We got to ride an elephant too and our driver texted most of the time and even stopped to buy cigarettes! Most entertaining. We had the most amazing driver/guide called Jessie who we really appreciated! If anyone is planning a trip to India please contact us and we will give you the details as the country would be very hard to navigate on a short time on your own I think. But maybe it was just us not being seasoned travellers!
The next day was Tahu's birthday but we had to get up at 3am to drive to Delhi and catch a flight to Nepal. A lot of travel by car, bus, plane, bus, car, in that order! Poor Tahu was sick too which does not make for much fun! But we survived.
Kathmandu is just amazing. Nepal is just so green and so big! The people are amazing but I will tell that story later! Nepal is definitely somewhere we recommend!!
All the places we've been staying while on this organised tour part have been amazing. So flash! We are very spoilt. Yesterday we had an ausy guy called John join us for the sightseeing part which was cool. We went to the Monkey Temple and a couple of other places and also the place where they cremate bodies. Now can I just say we did not ask to see this and that we thought we're just see the outside and the smoking chimney but no. You walk down this river and there are bodies being cremated the whole way. It was truely hard to see and we all felt like intruders although there were hundreds of tourists. The people had all died that morning. Not sure I can really tell everything we saw. Hard to explain. The ashes are washed into the river and we saw a guy cleaning his teeth beside them and there were kids swimming!! A little disturbing to say the least!
Yesterday morning we went on a flight up to see Mt Everest. It was mostly covered in cloud but we were stoked just the same and then we got our money back cos they said it wasn't good enough!! $300USD. Oh yes that did make it so much better!!
Ok the big adventure would be last night! We had to drive to Nagarkot which is way up in the mountains and about 2 thirds of the way there our car got a flat tyre. Not a big deal except that the spare was flat too. So the driver jumps on a truck down the hill and gets someone to tell us that he'll be half and hour. Not so. A guy who lives just up the road let me use his (squat) toilet. Oh the pleasure. And offered us drinks but as it was only meant to be half an hour we said we'd just wait at the car. About an hour and a half later in the pitch black he comes back to us and then another guy stops and after much discussing in broken english and what I assume was Hindi we worked out that he would take us on his motorbike the rest of the way and the other guy would wait with the car. But about a km before the place we were staying at the top of the mountain we hit mud. So we walked the last way hoping we were going in the right direction! At one point 2 men walked for some of the way with us and we still don't know why although it might have been that we had a torch. Can I just say to Dad at this point thank you so much for making me keep that yellow torch?? For some reason I had it in my bag and so at least we could see! We made it there in the end!! But really were amazed at how kind these people were. It was so dark and completely out of their way and they helped us without a second thought. A bit of an adventure for sure! We got to this super flash hotel and found not hot water, a phone that didn't work, no towels, the tv didn't work and no heating or aircon. Not quite ideal after the trip there but somehow it was still great!
So tomorrow we are starting the drive to Lhasa in Tibet. It will take 5 days and we're told its one of the most beautiful drives in the world. We cross into Tibet tomorrow and again it is great timing as the border has been closed since the 21st and is only open from tomorrow. We have had great timing the whole way really. Like the sun came out at the sundial, it rained up until the day we went to the Taj Mahal and the flight to everest the day before was cancelled because of the rain! We at least got to go up and see it. Also I missed a Typhoon in Cambodia and there was massive flooding in India but we saw nothing. Lets hope this keeps up as a typhoon is due to japan yesterday i think!
Ok better go, got shopping to do and I think I've covered everything!
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Feeling better now
It's so nice having Tahu here with me. If it's possible I had forgotten how great he is to have around and we are both really similar in what we like doing and all that. Not feeling fragile any more for the record!
We're off to India tonight which is scary but will be fun for sure!
We're off to India tonight which is scary but will be fun for sure!
Cambodia, Thailand and tonight..India!
So I've left it so long since my last update that now I have to try and remember everything I have done!
On Wednesday last week we flew in this tiny plane up to Rattanakiri and spent 2 nights there. We went to the prison twice and I played pharmasist while the others did medical checks. Was quite full on to be honest and I was glad when we left and had an afternoon of sightseeing. We went to Crater Lake and had a picnic which was just amazing and then (on Motos of course) we went to a waterfall. Had to walk into the bush a bit and it was just amazing. We could go behind the waterfall and everything.
We flew back to Phnom Penh on Friday and it was a VERY rough flight especially for a little plane and a couple of us (yes I was one of them) had the pleasure of spewing during the flight! Oh such fun. Was glad to be home for sure!
Saturday we went to Kantal Prison again with the Dentist team and in the evening I went with Annie to Lakeside which is a slum area. They live right on the train tracks and we were standing there going man these houses would get destroyed if a train came through and then not long after one did and nothing got damaged cos they knew it was coming and moved all their awnings or whatever off the tracks! Definitely impressive to see.
Sunday was my last teaching session and Monday I went to the International University for a bit and did some last minute shopping.
Tuesday was really hard because there were goodbyes. Most of the children weren't around which was good because it was hard enough saying goodbye to the few that I saw!! In the afternoon I caught a flight to Thailand and hung out at the airport for a few hours until Tahu's flight arrived! Was so good to finally see him but because I'd spent hours worrying about how to find him and if he'd get through customs ok it took me til the next morning to relax and actually be happy!
So we've been here a few days and have done a lot of shopping and just looking around. We've spent a day or so just chilling at the backpackers too which was very much needed! Tahu got a suit custom made and it looks AMAZING!! I am very impressed. I got glasses and contacts and we both got clothes and other random things. A lot of fun shopping but not so fun trying to pack it all this morning!
Yesterday we successfully caught a bus to Kanchanaburi and saw the Bridge over the River Kwae and the war museum and just looked around there for a few hours. Was very hot though so lots of viewing everything from the shade!
Tonight we are catching a flight to India. We have a night in Delhi, a night in Jaipur and a night in Agra. Wednesday we are going to the Taj Mahal and then flying to Nepal and it is also Tahu's birthday! What a way to celebrate eh!
On Wednesday last week we flew in this tiny plane up to Rattanakiri and spent 2 nights there. We went to the prison twice and I played pharmasist while the others did medical checks. Was quite full on to be honest and I was glad when we left and had an afternoon of sightseeing. We went to Crater Lake and had a picnic which was just amazing and then (on Motos of course) we went to a waterfall. Had to walk into the bush a bit and it was just amazing. We could go behind the waterfall and everything.
We flew back to Phnom Penh on Friday and it was a VERY rough flight especially for a little plane and a couple of us (yes I was one of them) had the pleasure of spewing during the flight! Oh such fun. Was glad to be home for sure!
Saturday we went to Kantal Prison again with the Dentist team and in the evening I went with Annie to Lakeside which is a slum area. They live right on the train tracks and we were standing there going man these houses would get destroyed if a train came through and then not long after one did and nothing got damaged cos they knew it was coming and moved all their awnings or whatever off the tracks! Definitely impressive to see.
Sunday was my last teaching session and Monday I went to the International University for a bit and did some last minute shopping.
Tuesday was really hard because there were goodbyes. Most of the children weren't around which was good because it was hard enough saying goodbye to the few that I saw!! In the afternoon I caught a flight to Thailand and hung out at the airport for a few hours until Tahu's flight arrived! Was so good to finally see him but because I'd spent hours worrying about how to find him and if he'd get through customs ok it took me til the next morning to relax and actually be happy!
So we've been here a few days and have done a lot of shopping and just looking around. We've spent a day or so just chilling at the backpackers too which was very much needed! Tahu got a suit custom made and it looks AMAZING!! I am very impressed. I got glasses and contacts and we both got clothes and other random things. A lot of fun shopping but not so fun trying to pack it all this morning!
Yesterday we successfully caught a bus to Kanchanaburi and saw the Bridge over the River Kwae and the war museum and just looked around there for a few hours. Was very hot though so lots of viewing everything from the shade!
Tonight we are catching a flight to India. We have a night in Delhi, a night in Jaipur and a night in Agra. Wednesday we are going to the Taj Mahal and then flying to Nepal and it is also Tahu's birthday! What a way to celebrate eh!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Feeling a little fragile
I think it's cos I'm really tired and have a headache. I love being here but it's very full on and you see so much that you just can't fix.
Very much looking forward to seeing Tahu on Tuesday. Only 3 more sleeps!! Will miss Annie and my orphans though.
Does anyone remember me? I feel like I've been gone for so long and everyone will have forgotten who I am.
Very much looking forward to seeing Tahu on Tuesday. Only 3 more sleeps!! Will miss Annie and my orphans though.
Does anyone remember me? I feel like I've been gone for so long and everyone will have forgotten who I am.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Dentists, haircuts and HIV
It feels like ages since I’ve last done an update but probably it’s only a few days. I’ll try and remember everything!
I went to the dentist for the first time in nearly 8 years the other day. It cost me $30US and I got a tiny filling that didn’t even need an injection and an xray and my teeth cleaned of course. My first thought is what a relief that there was nothing wrong and my next one is that I’m stoked I haven’t wasted time, money and energy going to the dentist every year for a checkup!
On Friday we took 4 of the girls from the orphanage out for the day. They are 16, 14, 13 and 7 and we all got our nails done and some of us got haircuts too. I got one and it cost $1.50. Bit shorter but all good. Can’t complain at that price!!
Yesterday and today we have gone to the orphanage just to play with the kids. They are all so excited to see us and come running and all want hugs and cuddles. Got some gorgeous photos because they love having pictures taken and then I can show them right away because my camera is digital. Also I’ve taken bubble mixture most times and that makes for a lot of fun. Today when it had all quieted down I found one little boy crying. He was obviously very tired and so I held him til he fell asleep and then put him to bed. He was just so cute! Again I’ll send the photo out another time. It is so nice to be able to give these kids the attention because as much as they are so well cared for they can’t always have cuddles or fall asleep in someones arms.
It is quite obvious to us now that these children are sick and in some cases dying. I try really hard to think about it but it’s hard not to see the sores or hear them coughing. One wee boy has a growth on his nose which Annie tells me is actually cancer and as with all HIV people it will spread very quickly.
There is one wee girl who arrived last week. She is 6 months old. Her name is said ShinShin but everyone calls her Lulu. She is just gorgeous and all smiles whenever she sees me except today because she is sick. And it’s not like when we get a cold, it can be life threatening every time. We have all fallen in love with a child or 2 and for me Lulu is one of them. I have lots of photos and will be very sad to say goodbye. We have talked a bit about adoption but the general consensus is that even if we could (HIV children aren’t allowed to be adopted) then it would be unfair to take them away from their culture and family and friends. A tough decision to make but we can see the reasons behind it.
We had one of our team members go home yesterday. We are all here for different lengths of time and what a mixture we are! Ron Morrison has been here teaching budgeting, forecasting and cashbook and his students all loved him as did we. He has been a lot of fun to have around.
Next there is Dr Scott Gray. He is from Dunedin and was a dentist and then went on to be a professor at the dental school. He is here doing work with the International University and will tomorrow be giving a lecture on something about dentistry. He has handled everything AMAZINGLY well considering his age (he’s 86) and continues to amaze me with his quick wit and never complaining.
There is Dr Annie Chen-Green of course. She is a Chinese born kiwi and has endless energy and ideas and is constantly in meetings! I’m sharing a room with her and we have had a lot of fun. Also handy when I was very sick last week as she threw pill after pill at me to fix everything that was wrong!
We also have Sheena staying with us. She is 24, from Rotorua and is here with another team but while they are out of town she’s been staying with us.
So we get a lot of looks, an 86 year old western man, a very white western girl (that’s me), a Chinese woman, a little person (Ron is a dwarf) and a tall Maori girl. What a mixture but so much fun.
This weekend has been a long weekend here in Cambodia. It is the Festival of the Dead which sounds awful but is actually about honoring and celebrating your ancestors.
On Wednesday Scott is going home and Annie and I are flying up to the North and will be doing medical checks on the border of Cambodia and Laos. As Annie said we will be guessing as to who has HIV and who has TB and whatever else they have! Will definitely be an experience.
Ok until next time!
I went to the dentist for the first time in nearly 8 years the other day. It cost me $30US and I got a tiny filling that didn’t even need an injection and an xray and my teeth cleaned of course. My first thought is what a relief that there was nothing wrong and my next one is that I’m stoked I haven’t wasted time, money and energy going to the dentist every year for a checkup!
On Friday we took 4 of the girls from the orphanage out for the day. They are 16, 14, 13 and 7 and we all got our nails done and some of us got haircuts too. I got one and it cost $1.50. Bit shorter but all good. Can’t complain at that price!!
Yesterday and today we have gone to the orphanage just to play with the kids. They are all so excited to see us and come running and all want hugs and cuddles. Got some gorgeous photos because they love having pictures taken and then I can show them right away because my camera is digital. Also I’ve taken bubble mixture most times and that makes for a lot of fun. Today when it had all quieted down I found one little boy crying. He was obviously very tired and so I held him til he fell asleep and then put him to bed. He was just so cute! Again I’ll send the photo out another time. It is so nice to be able to give these kids the attention because as much as they are so well cared for they can’t always have cuddles or fall asleep in someones arms.
It is quite obvious to us now that these children are sick and in some cases dying. I try really hard to think about it but it’s hard not to see the sores or hear them coughing. One wee boy has a growth on his nose which Annie tells me is actually cancer and as with all HIV people it will spread very quickly.
There is one wee girl who arrived last week. She is 6 months old. Her name is said ShinShin but everyone calls her Lulu. She is just gorgeous and all smiles whenever she sees me except today because she is sick. And it’s not like when we get a cold, it can be life threatening every time. We have all fallen in love with a child or 2 and for me Lulu is one of them. I have lots of photos and will be very sad to say goodbye. We have talked a bit about adoption but the general consensus is that even if we could (HIV children aren’t allowed to be adopted) then it would be unfair to take them away from their culture and family and friends. A tough decision to make but we can see the reasons behind it.
We had one of our team members go home yesterday. We are all here for different lengths of time and what a mixture we are! Ron Morrison has been here teaching budgeting, forecasting and cashbook and his students all loved him as did we. He has been a lot of fun to have around.
Next there is Dr Scott Gray. He is from Dunedin and was a dentist and then went on to be a professor at the dental school. He is here doing work with the International University and will tomorrow be giving a lecture on something about dentistry. He has handled everything AMAZINGLY well considering his age (he’s 86) and continues to amaze me with his quick wit and never complaining.
There is Dr Annie Chen-Green of course. She is a Chinese born kiwi and has endless energy and ideas and is constantly in meetings! I’m sharing a room with her and we have had a lot of fun. Also handy when I was very sick last week as she threw pill after pill at me to fix everything that was wrong!
We also have Sheena staying with us. She is 24, from Rotorua and is here with another team but while they are out of town she’s been staying with us.
So we get a lot of looks, an 86 year old western man, a very white western girl (that’s me), a Chinese woman, a little person (Ron is a dwarf) and a tall Maori girl. What a mixture but so much fun.
This weekend has been a long weekend here in Cambodia. It is the Festival of the Dead which sounds awful but is actually about honoring and celebrating your ancestors.
On Wednesday Scott is going home and Annie and I are flying up to the North and will be doing medical checks on the border of Cambodia and Laos. As Annie said we will be guessing as to who has HIV and who has TB and whatever else they have! Will definitely be an experience.
Ok until next time!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Dentists everywhere!
At first I thought it was because we're doing a lot of work here with CTAP which is a dental charity that works with people in the prisons and slums but actually it's because there are no regulations here on dentistry and so there are loads. Just cos a place says it's a dentist doesn't mean a dentist works there!
This is actually my second attempt at this email. I lost my last one when sending! It was really long too! So annoying!
So I'm in Phnom Penh in Cambodia. I landed here on Friday. Was really nervous coming through customs because I had over 6kg of medicines and dental equipment. None of it is illegal but if they find I had it I would more then likely have to pay them money (bribes) to get it through and I have NO experience in that! But when I'd got my visa and through passport control a man and a woman approached me. One was Dr Sonita who is a dentist with CTAP and the other was her relative who works in Customs. They got my bag and my form and just walked me out! Was so crazy and a relief! Yesterday we went and did the same thing for the last member of our team, Ron Morrison. It was quite surreal going through customs to meet him. Would never happen in NZ or Aus!
On Saturday morning we were picked up at 7am to go to one of the prisons in Phnom Penh. We spent the morning there doing tooth extractions, fillings and medical checks. Well everyone else did. I walked around and did things like take photos! I held one female prisoners hand while they did something to her teeth but I couldn't watch! No way I could be a dentist eh. There is every kind of person there. We were beside the teenage boys area and behind us were the men. To get in we walked past the womans area and if a woman has children who can't be looked after by anyone else then they are in there too. There was one gorgeous little girl who watched us nearly the whole time! I went and talked to her but she went all shy and it's hard with a translator. I will send out a photo when I can. The prisoners are either in normal clothes or a blue top and pants. The ones in normal clothes are waiting for sentencing or trial. This is one of the nicest prisons here. Lots of flowers and bushes and the prisoners were all relaxed and some even joking with the guards. All claim to be innocent apparently and here they might just be telling the truth. They have a factory, a garden and a room where people (woman mostly) are taught sewing skills so they have something to do when they leave. I was nervous at first to be right in the middle of a prison but there were no problems. Everyone just watched us! I wasn't sure whether the random white girl or the dental work was more interesting.
In the afternoon I helped Huy (said like hoi) work out how to use his mac laptop. It has been donated to CTAP and as Huy is in charge of 3 orphanages he gets to use it. He looks after about 300 orphans. One of the orphanages has about 90 children in it and they are all HIV or AIDS children. This is where we are teaching out of over the next few days.
I had to go home sick yesterday which was REALLY disappointing but how I got home was on a moto (motorbike). It was SO MUCH FUN! It was not nearly as scary as I thought, you feel really safe! Or maybe Khov was just a good driver. He is a orphan that is involved with CTAP in the livlihood project. He was given this moto to use the day before yesterday to use to make money by taking passengers and so on. He lives in a Wat with the monks. A wat is a temple.
Here an orphan can mean a child with only one parent because here they see that if a parent is on their own they have to work twice as hard so aren't around as much.
Not sure what else is planned for the rest of the week but that's what I was expecting. You never know what to expect!
This is actually my second attempt at this email. I lost my last one when sending! It was really long too! So annoying!
So I'm in Phnom Penh in Cambodia. I landed here on Friday. Was really nervous coming through customs because I had over 6kg of medicines and dental equipment. None of it is illegal but if they find I had it I would more then likely have to pay them money (bribes) to get it through and I have NO experience in that! But when I'd got my visa and through passport control a man and a woman approached me. One was Dr Sonita who is a dentist with CTAP and the other was her relative who works in Customs. They got my bag and my form and just walked me out! Was so crazy and a relief! Yesterday we went and did the same thing for the last member of our team, Ron Morrison. It was quite surreal going through customs to meet him. Would never happen in NZ or Aus!
On Saturday morning we were picked up at 7am to go to one of the prisons in Phnom Penh. We spent the morning there doing tooth extractions, fillings and medical checks. Well everyone else did. I walked around and did things like take photos! I held one female prisoners hand while they did something to her teeth but I couldn't watch! No way I could be a dentist eh. There is every kind of person there. We were beside the teenage boys area and behind us were the men. To get in we walked past the womans area and if a woman has children who can't be looked after by anyone else then they are in there too. There was one gorgeous little girl who watched us nearly the whole time! I went and talked to her but she went all shy and it's hard with a translator. I will send out a photo when I can. The prisoners are either in normal clothes or a blue top and pants. The ones in normal clothes are waiting for sentencing or trial. This is one of the nicest prisons here. Lots of flowers and bushes and the prisoners were all relaxed and some even joking with the guards. All claim to be innocent apparently and here they might just be telling the truth. They have a factory, a garden and a room where people (woman mostly) are taught sewing skills so they have something to do when they leave. I was nervous at first to be right in the middle of a prison but there were no problems. Everyone just watched us! I wasn't sure whether the random white girl or the dental work was more interesting.
In the afternoon I helped Huy (said like hoi) work out how to use his mac laptop. It has been donated to CTAP and as Huy is in charge of 3 orphanages he gets to use it. He looks after about 300 orphans. One of the orphanages has about 90 children in it and they are all HIV or AIDS children. This is where we are teaching out of over the next few days.
I had to go home sick yesterday which was REALLY disappointing but how I got home was on a moto (motorbike). It was SO MUCH FUN! It was not nearly as scary as I thought, you feel really safe! Or maybe Khov was just a good driver. He is a orphan that is involved with CTAP in the livlihood project. He was given this moto to use the day before yesterday to use to make money by taking passengers and so on. He lives in a Wat with the monks. A wat is a temple.
Here an orphan can mean a child with only one parent because here they see that if a parent is on their own they have to work twice as hard so aren't around as much.
Not sure what else is planned for the rest of the week but that's what I was expecting. You never know what to expect!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Delayed, delayed, delayed...but not Cancelled!
I've made it to Bangkok! It took me over 30 hours instead of 24 though because my flight from Melbourne to here was delayed from 1.55pm to us leaving more like 8pm! To be honest it wasn't a problem for me. I was aware that with all my flights I was going to get delayed and I got a free dinner, $50 voucher for my next booking and if I'd wanted it there was free tea, coffee and softdrinks on the flight. But actually I slept over 7 of the 9 hour flight. We got to Bangkok at 2am local time (that's 7am NZ time) and I got through customs without even getting asked to declare anything and then even managed to find a guy from my hotel to take me there. He was like you were meant to be here at 9pm, as if I needed that pointed out! My room is just what I needed. Clean, QUIET, so good.
I have to say though that not all the passengers on my flight were as happy to wait around as me! One guy had the airport police called on him and so he was not allowed to go on the flight. Other people had transfers that they will have missed but if you have travel insurance that's not really a problem (Note: never fly long haul without travel insurance!). Another guy was meant to be in London today for a wedding and so he won't be able to make it but well maybe he should have planned that a bit better!
Ok this isn't the most interesting of updates but never mind. I am SO STOKED to be here! I was prepared for a pretty bad night considering how long I would have travelled for and that I would be on my own and a few other things but actually being here was just amazing. Happy Jo! I recommend it to everyone!
I have to say though that not all the passengers on my flight were as happy to wait around as me! One guy had the airport police called on him and so he was not allowed to go on the flight. Other people had transfers that they will have missed but if you have travel insurance that's not really a problem (Note: never fly long haul without travel insurance!). Another guy was meant to be in London today for a wedding and so he won't be able to make it but well maybe he should have planned that a bit better!
Ok this isn't the most interesting of updates but never mind. I am SO STOKED to be here! I was prepared for a pretty bad night considering how long I would have travelled for and that I would be on my own and a few other things but actually being here was just amazing. Happy Jo! I recommend it to everyone!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
The countdown is at zero!
Has anyone noticed the countdown that's on the sidebar of this blog? It's been counting down to when I leave for my trip. And I left this morning. And now I'm in Melbourne airport wasting time as my next flight isn't for another 5 hours (!!!) and I just noticed that my blog countdown has all zeros! I have been through so many different things today! This morning I was feeling awful: scared, tired, sore and for a while there I had visions of myself spewing on mum and dads carpet because I felt so bad. But survived that. Got to the airport and have managed the first flight. I slept most of it. Now I feel: excited, tired, sore, positive, proud. Proud because I have followed through with this trip and I had first said I'd do it about 2 years ago. Is it wrong to feel proud? Pride is almost always a negative thing. Not for me today. Today it is positive because feeling good about me and what I do is something I very rarely do!
More to come later.
More to come later.
Monday, September 07, 2009
3 nights to go!
So it's Monday. Tomorrow is my last day at MYOB. I got a new job last week which I am really excited about. Working for Acclipse (which is actually our competition). I will be a Training Consultant. That means I train the clients on how to use our software (accountant practice management software) and create the material. Also it means a payrise, new challenges, my own office and I'm based in town so lunch with the niece and nephew! (haha Denise and Denephew) I start Nov 4 after I get back from my trip.
Speaking of the Trip, I leave on Thursday! It's come up so fast but can't wait now. 8 weeks in Asia. BRING IT ON! Actually just looked and it's 7.5 weeks. Close enough!
Had such a busy weekend! But managed to see everyone I needed to see and do groceries, 3 loads of washing and get almost everything I need for my trip. Just got to pack and pick up a couple of last minute things like hairties and a toothbrush and I'm all ready. Well it's not quite that simple but close enough!
While I'm away I'm hoping to be updating this blog quite regularly. Although it will probably say very similar to what I send out in emails. And also am going to be keeping a journal of everything so I don't forget!!
3 weeks tomorrow til I see Tahu. I'm so excited.
Speaking of the Trip, I leave on Thursday! It's come up so fast but can't wait now. 8 weeks in Asia. BRING IT ON! Actually just looked and it's 7.5 weeks. Close enough!
Had such a busy weekend! But managed to see everyone I needed to see and do groceries, 3 loads of washing and get almost everything I need for my trip. Just got to pack and pick up a couple of last minute things like hairties and a toothbrush and I'm all ready. Well it's not quite that simple but close enough!
While I'm away I'm hoping to be updating this blog quite regularly. Although it will probably say very similar to what I send out in emails. And also am going to be keeping a journal of everything so I don't forget!!
3 weeks tomorrow til I see Tahu. I'm so excited.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Tuesday Night Drama!
My flatmate Heather and I both got home within 5 mins of each other last night and neither of us noticed anything wrong outside. About 10 mins later when I was going to bed I realised I'd left my phone in my car which I never do so I went to get it and while I was out there I could smell smoke really badly so I got Heather and we looked around and found one of the dumpsters was on fire! Had to call the fire brigade and the caretaker and let the fireman in and all that. By the time they got there the fire was melting through the plastic it was that full on. If we had been another 10 mins in finding it they said it would have set the fence on fire and then who knows what would have happened! It took them a few minutes to put it out with their full on fire hoses so it wasn't just a small fire. Don't know yet whether it was lit or whether it was oil or something in the bin that had self combusted (that's their words by the way, I'm not just making it up!)
I do feel like someone was watching over us last night because I never leave my phone in the car and there was no other reason for me to have gone out there and no one else from the apartments came out even when the fire brigade were there.
If only that someone had made me realise I had left my phone in the car BEFORE I put my pj pants on.
I do feel like someone was watching over us last night because I never leave my phone in the car and there was no other reason for me to have gone out there and no one else from the apartments came out even when the fire brigade were there.
If only that someone had made me realise I had left my phone in the car BEFORE I put my pj pants on.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Photo retouching
This website has brilliant examples of how photos in magazines are edited. I knew they did it but didn't realise there was so much editing, including slimming down and beefing up and taking away all freckles and so on. Well worth a quick look!!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Remembering Lynley
Today is a year since Lynley passed away. I can't believe it's a year already. It feels a little wrong that life kept going for me but for Graeme and John and Leanne it has probably stopped.
I think she'd be stoked with how our family has come together though. It is very hard to see the good in someone dying but we can all see that through her we've got back in touch and not just that, we've spent time together. I go and visit my uncle and aunty every couple of weeks and while I was in Ausy, Tahu and I went and stayed the night up on the Sunshine Coast with my cousins. Was so nice just spending time with them and getting to know each other. I'm sure I can say on behalf of all of us, Thank You Lynley.
So today my family is at the front of my mind, Uncle Jack, Aunty Pat, cousins Karen and Mick, Graeme, John, Leanne, Kylie and Steve, Talia, Chloe, Levi, Carlene and Andrew and, of course, Lynley.
I think she'd be stoked with how our family has come together though. It is very hard to see the good in someone dying but we can all see that through her we've got back in touch and not just that, we've spent time together. I go and visit my uncle and aunty every couple of weeks and while I was in Ausy, Tahu and I went and stayed the night up on the Sunshine Coast with my cousins. Was so nice just spending time with them and getting to know each other. I'm sure I can say on behalf of all of us, Thank You Lynley.
So today my family is at the front of my mind, Uncle Jack, Aunty Pat, cousins Karen and Mick, Graeme, John, Leanne, Kylie and Steve, Talia, Chloe, Levi, Carlene and Andrew and, of course, Lynley.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Defeated
That's The Feeling of the Day.
Will I ever be as good as everyone else?
I have been reading blogs a lot recently. Everyone has beautiful photos and interesting things to write. Why do the photos I take never look that good? The colours are never as bright, the positioning never as good. I have tried putting up pictures and whatever but I just feel like I'm boring. Like it looks like I'm trying.
And will I ever stop relying on my parents? I'm 25. It seems like everyone else can live sufficiently on their own but for some reason I am always going to my parents for support, like advice or comfort or whatever. And they always give it to me and I will never be able to repay them for what they do for me. But surely my living independantly would be a small repayment wouldn't it?
And work is just getting me down. I wrote up this email recently and sent it to my managers about why they should promote me/change my role and I've had nothing back. I really thought they'd at least say well done we will consider it. Instead all I got was sorry that's someone else's decision.
I feel defeated. I can't even write about all the things that make me feel defeated. One of my very dearest friends cooked me dinner on Friday night and she said how when she first saw me at work she thought how "cool" I was with my piercing and how I dressed. It made me laugh because I just don't know how she thought that!
I go to Cambodia in just over 3 weeks and I feel like I'm not even doing that right. I don't have as much money as I had planned. I'm teaching IT which it feels like everyone laughs at. I've not lost any of the weight I need to lose.
Ugh!
Jo Brown: Epic Fail.
Will I ever be as good as everyone else?
I have been reading blogs a lot recently. Everyone has beautiful photos and interesting things to write. Why do the photos I take never look that good? The colours are never as bright, the positioning never as good. I have tried putting up pictures and whatever but I just feel like I'm boring. Like it looks like I'm trying.
And will I ever stop relying on my parents? I'm 25. It seems like everyone else can live sufficiently on their own but for some reason I am always going to my parents for support, like advice or comfort or whatever. And they always give it to me and I will never be able to repay them for what they do for me. But surely my living independantly would be a small repayment wouldn't it?
And work is just getting me down. I wrote up this email recently and sent it to my managers about why they should promote me/change my role and I've had nothing back. I really thought they'd at least say well done we will consider it. Instead all I got was sorry that's someone else's decision.
I feel defeated. I can't even write about all the things that make me feel defeated. One of my very dearest friends cooked me dinner on Friday night and she said how when she first saw me at work she thought how "cool" I was with my piercing and how I dressed. It made me laugh because I just don't know how she thought that!
I go to Cambodia in just over 3 weeks and I feel like I'm not even doing that right. I don't have as much money as I had planned. I'm teaching IT which it feels like everyone laughs at. I've not lost any of the weight I need to lose.
Ugh!
Jo Brown: Epic Fail.
Friday, August 14, 2009
National PJ Day
So feeling a little run down. Tired as and just needing a day off. So Sunday will be a PJ day I think. We sometimes have these in our flat. It's where we try and spend a whole day in our pyjamas, just relaxing on the couch. Bit of a recharge day. Anyone want to join me?
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Heading back to Christchurch tonight
I'm no good at goodbyes....and today I have to say goodbye to Tahu for 7 weeks. Trying to focus on the fact that next time we see each other will be in Thailand and that this is the last time we have to do long distance as he will be moving back to Christchurch in November. Still not fun today though.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
New Look
Do you like my new picture/logo/thingy at the top? The 4 photos are ones I took too which makes me like it more. And actually I think it looks cool and would you believe I made it ENTIRELY in Microsoft Word? Yes I do like that program.
I've always thought of myself as the least talented person in my family. And by that I mean I have no special talents. Shaz can sing and write songs and Jem can play any instrument you give him and make beautiful music and Deb can make anything she wants with her hands. She's so artistic. And then there's me. I think my talent (if you can call it that) is that if you ask me to make something on a computer I can do it. I can't draw to save myself but on a computer I can do almost anything. And maybe that graphic isn't everyone's cup of tea but I really like it and I like that I used pictures I took because it would have been very easy to grab other images of the internet that looked better but I wanted this to be all mine.
I've always thought of myself as the least talented person in my family. And by that I mean I have no special talents. Shaz can sing and write songs and Jem can play any instrument you give him and make beautiful music and Deb can make anything she wants with her hands. She's so artistic. And then there's me. I think my talent (if you can call it that) is that if you ask me to make something on a computer I can do it. I can't draw to save myself but on a computer I can do almost anything. And maybe that graphic isn't everyone's cup of tea but I really like it and I like that I used pictures I took because it would have been very easy to grab other images of the internet that looked better but I wanted this to be all mine.
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Ok life isn't that bad
I've been feeling bad about my moaning whinging post from yesterday. Guess sometimes your day just seems worse then it actually is. And I am well aware that others have far worse stuff going on in their lives then me so I shouldn't complain.
Yesterday I went shopping and got Annie Rose and Madi some gorgeous wee clothes. Man they make cute baby clothes these days! I did feel a little pinked out by the end of it! But how can you not buy girlie pink stuff for baby girls!
Have finished the background stitching on my bags cross stitch. Started doing all the detailing on it last night which is actually hard but doesn't take as long as I thought it would. This is by far the hardest one I've ever done. Just so much more too it then plain stitches and then straight outlines! Will put up some photos of it when I get around to downloading pics off my camera.
It's one week today til I go home to Christchurch. It's come around so so fast! Will be very hard leaving Tahu. But fun to be back with my friends and family and it will mean there's only 4 weeks til I head off again. And I get to see Rokocoko who mum tells me looks like a panda! Big and fluffy for the winter.
Is it winter? I forget...was 24 degrees here yesterday. Meant to be like that all week. I don't understand! We're not that far away yet we are so much colder then Brisbane!
Yesterday I went shopping and got Annie Rose and Madi some gorgeous wee clothes. Man they make cute baby clothes these days! I did feel a little pinked out by the end of it! But how can you not buy girlie pink stuff for baby girls!
Have finished the background stitching on my bags cross stitch. Started doing all the detailing on it last night which is actually hard but doesn't take as long as I thought it would. This is by far the hardest one I've ever done. Just so much more too it then plain stitches and then straight outlines! Will put up some photos of it when I get around to downloading pics off my camera.
It's one week today til I go home to Christchurch. It's come around so so fast! Will be very hard leaving Tahu. But fun to be back with my friends and family and it will mean there's only 4 weeks til I head off again. And I get to see Rokocoko who mum tells me looks like a panda! Big and fluffy for the winter.
Is it winter? I forget...was 24 degrees here yesterday. Meant to be like that all week. I don't understand! We're not that far away yet we are so much colder then Brisbane!
Monday, August 03, 2009
Grrr!!
That's me today. Not literally, I have not become an asian man overnight. But that's how I feel. Frustrated! Angry! Just plain over it. Is it mondayitis? Maybe. Just...frustrated.
Not enough time
Not enough money
Not enough everything!
I feel like I'm stuck in this crappy job and I'd much rather be spending time with people I love and with people that love me and doing stuff I enjoy.
I'm tired of stupid people and even worse...the people who don't realise they're stupid!
Man what a whinger I am today! But lets be honest, we all have these days! Grrr!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
I'm so addicted to cross stitch. I sit at my desk and think about it. I am considering quitting my job so I can stay home and cross stitch. I have got 4 to work on when I've finished the one I'm doing at the moment but it's still not enough. I'm trying to resist going on trademe to find more to buy. Is there a support group for this kind of thing? Can I go on the sickness benefit while I work through my issues (aka finish my cross stitches)?
Monday, July 27, 2009
I Believe...
...that one day I will have a job I love
...that I won't always struggle when it comes to money
...that life isn't just black and white
...that showers, sleep, good friends and family are good for my soul
....that Tahu is my favourite
...that I will get through my trip and that even though I feel like I've bitten off more then I can chew that I can do it
...that God is my provider
...that you can speak things into someones life even if they can't hear you so you should be careful what you say about others and your self
...that I won't always be fat
...that even though I know it looks awful that I have bad skin it would look worse if I tried to cover it with makeup
I believe lots of things. Some things I have no idea what I believe and so I keep away from those subjects but other things I feel strongly about. I'm not sure I have many readers but if you read this and think of something that you feel strongly about please make a comment of it. Would love to know what others think.
...that I won't always struggle when it comes to money
...that life isn't just black and white
...that showers, sleep, good friends and family are good for my soul
....that Tahu is my favourite
...that I will get through my trip and that even though I feel like I've bitten off more then I can chew that I can do it
...that God is my provider
...that you can speak things into someones life even if they can't hear you so you should be careful what you say about others and your self
...that I won't always be fat
...that even though I know it looks awful that I have bad skin it would look worse if I tried to cover it with makeup
I believe lots of things. Some things I have no idea what I believe and so I keep away from those subjects but other things I feel strongly about. I'm not sure I have many readers but if you read this and think of something that you feel strongly about please make a comment of it. Would love to know what others think.
Friday, July 24, 2009
This time in 7 weeks I'll be...
Ok I'll be asleep. But to be fair I'll be asleep in a hotel in Bangkok and will be flying to Cambodia later on that day! Can't believe how fast this is coming. We have almost all our flights, have found our accommodation and today Tahu is going to get our visas for India. All other visas we can get on arrival but for some reason we have to get the one for India early. And it costs $93AUD ($120NZ)! But I'm glad we only have to get one cos man it is a mission filling out forms and finding proof of everything! Do you know, after putting my name on the form, the next question is what is my father or spouse's name? We don't care where you live but we do want to know your dad or your partner. A little weird. But exciting.
It's all getting very real now. I feel a bit like I've bitten off more then I can chew but keep reminding myself that I got to this point by taking one little step at a time so that's all I have to keep doing. As is the same with everything, if I focus on the big picture sometimes it gets overwhelming. Looking at the little parts and handling them one at a time is much easier!
It's all getting very real now. I feel a bit like I've bitten off more then I can chew but keep reminding myself that I got to this point by taking one little step at a time so that's all I have to keep doing. As is the same with everything, if I focus on the big picture sometimes it gets overwhelming. Looking at the little parts and handling them one at a time is much easier!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Transport - Lesson One
My sister Deb recently set up a blog for my nephew Reuben. He needs different ways of learning and this is one way they are trying. This has got me thinking a lot about how I could help with this and the things I could teach him that would be interesting from my life. I'm living in Brisbane at the moment and he hasn't been here before so it's not something he can visualise. The main thing I think about is that every day I take so many different forms of transport. So here's my first attempt at a "lesson" for Reuben. It's probably not very good but if nothing else, it's a least interesting to me!!
Different forms of transport I take:
First off, to get here I had to get on a plane. It took 3 hours and 50 minutes and I had to catch it at 7am!! I arrived at only 8.50am though because of the time differences (but that's a whole nother lesson!). I will have to get on one to come back too but this time I will catch it after work and so arrive at about 11.45pm! Oh for some normal timed flights!
Different forms of transport I take:
First off, to get here I had to get on a plane. It took 3 hours and 50 minutes and I had to catch it at 7am!! I arrived at only 8.50am though because of the time differences (but that's a whole nother lesson!). I will have to get on one to come back too but this time I will catch it after work and so arrive at about 11.45pm! Oh for some normal timed flights!
When I go to work I catch a bus. This takes an hour and isn't very interesting! Cos it's so early and dark I often have to jump out on the road to make them stop for me!:
When I get here I have to get on an elevator to take me up to my office because I work on the 16th floor. Because this building is so tall there are 2 lots of elevators. The first lot stops at floors 1-12 and the second lot, which I get on, goes to floors 13-27 (I think that's how high it goes):
After work I catch a train. This also takes about an hour and I have to go through some underground tunnels to get on this train. It takes me all the way out to a place called Cleveland and I get off at the end of the line:
Some days, when I get off the train, I walk for a while. It's much warmer here then Christchurch. I walk about 2.5km up a gradual hill. These are not my shoes but they look very much like this:
Tahu picks me up after I have walked for a while unless I'm too tired and then he just picks me up from the train station. It's another 15 minutes to get home if he does this:
I should point out that these images are not pictures I've taken but I've tried to get pictures as close to what they look like as possible (That may or may not be Tahu's actual car though!!!) :)
Saturday, July 11, 2009
I love flowers
This week has been a bit up and down. And my darling boyfriend knew this and to "show me how much he loves me" he surprised me with flowers when he picked me up from the train yesterday.
Aren't they gorgeous?
Aren't they gorgeous?
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Something isn't right.
This week 3 boys were killed down south in a car crash thought to involve speed, alcohol, drag racing and road conditions. One of them, a 16 year old, was buried yesterday and his coffin was decorated in Tui stickers. (For those overseas readers Tui is a brand of beer here and also the legal drinking age is 18). There is so many things wrong with that whole situation.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Monday, July 06, 2009
Friday, July 03, 2009
Rude!!
So at lunch yesterday I went and sat in the park across the street cos it was 22 degrees and sunny and I needed to get out of the office. And this girl came up to me and said "do you have 30 seconds to sign a petition" and I said no cos I only had a few minutes left and just wasn’t in the mood to save the world and I know she’s lying when she says 30 seconds! She goes ok and then are you from NZ or just wearing an NZ tshirt? Which I felt was a dumb question because the tshirt says NZ is Home and really who else would wear that but someone from NZ but said yeah from NZ and she goes oh where from? And I said Christchurch. She goes oh I HATED Christchurch! What was I supposed to say to that? I wanted to go are you serious? but instead I went oh well. And then she walked off. But seriously. Was that not ridiculously rude or what???
I feel at this point I should say that the petition was for stopping violence against women. Ironic I felt. I just wanted to hit her. I should have and then signed the petition. That would have been confusing for her!
Rude!!
I feel at this point I should say that the petition was for stopping violence against women. Ironic I felt. I just wanted to hit her. I should have and then signed the petition. That would have been confusing for her!
Rude!!
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Thoughts from Brisbane
So in case you don't know, I'm now based in Brisbane for the next 6 weeks. I arrived here very early on Sunday morning. I got a transfer so I can do my work out of the Brisbane office and it means I can live with Tahu and also visit cousins and friends who I otherwise wouldn't see! I work NZ hours here so start at 6.30am but get to finish at 3pm and it actually works really well for me. Think I'm more of a morning person. Also Tahu works very similar hours so our routines are the same.
It's really nice here. About 15 degrees warmer every day. It's still a novelty catching a train home from work and we live with a cat and it's just so nice seeing Tahu every day. These are just little things that make this all a lot more fun then last time!
I do miss my family and friends. Have spent a bit of time with Deb and the kids recently and it's so good. I find that I can handle life a bit better if I spend time with my family. Not just the kids but with Uncle Jack and Aunty Pat, Mum and Dad and Shaz too. I obviously can't hang out with Jem but email and texting makes that easier.
10 weeks tomorrow til I got to Asia. A bit nervous now! Well mostly nervous about getting enough money for it but I know that this is what I'm meant to be doing and so the money will happen.
Also still loving cross stitch. Working on the baches one that I had posted a picture of. Probably half way through now. Will put up some pics when I'm back in Christchurch of the ones I've completed cos I left them there.
Ok better go. Work to do!
It's really nice here. About 15 degrees warmer every day. It's still a novelty catching a train home from work and we live with a cat and it's just so nice seeing Tahu every day. These are just little things that make this all a lot more fun then last time!
I do miss my family and friends. Have spent a bit of time with Deb and the kids recently and it's so good. I find that I can handle life a bit better if I spend time with my family. Not just the kids but with Uncle Jack and Aunty Pat, Mum and Dad and Shaz too. I obviously can't hang out with Jem but email and texting makes that easier.
10 weeks tomorrow til I got to Asia. A bit nervous now! Well mostly nervous about getting enough money for it but I know that this is what I'm meant to be doing and so the money will happen.
Also still loving cross stitch. Working on the baches one that I had posted a picture of. Probably half way through now. Will put up some pics when I'm back in Christchurch of the ones I've completed cos I left them there.
Ok better go. Work to do!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
What the?
Read this article - It's not murder, honestly! It's manslaughter, I didn't mean to stab her 216 times!
Are they going for the insanity plea or something? Cos that's definitely insane!
NB: I've just reread the article and it's been changed since when I first read it. The original wording that I read is:
"The man accused of the murder of Dunedin student Sophie Elliot has admitted killing her but denied murder.
Clayton Robert Weatherston pleaded "not guilty of murder, but guilty of manslaughter" at the start of his trial for the murder of Sophie Elliott, in the High Court at Christchurch today.
Weatherson, 33, is accused of stabbing his 21-year-old girlfriend 216 times in an attack at her Dunedin home on January 9 last year."
Are they going for the insanity plea or something? Cos that's definitely insane!
NB: I've just reread the article and it's been changed since when I first read it. The original wording that I read is:
"The man accused of the murder of Dunedin student Sophie Elliot has admitted killing her but denied murder.
Clayton Robert Weatherston pleaded "not guilty of murder, but guilty of manslaughter" at the start of his trial for the murder of Sophie Elliott, in the High Court at Christchurch today.
Weatherson, 33, is accused of stabbing his 21-year-old girlfriend 216 times in an attack at her Dunedin home on January 9 last year."
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Happy Birthday Chrissy!
Today is my wonderful niece Chrissys 16th birthday. It really doesn't feel like 16 years. I should point out the picture is from Christmas a couple of years back now but it's her surrounded in presents which I'm hoping will happen today as well! She is such a cool girl in so many ways. Love you heaps Chrissy!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Cross Stitch
Over the weekend I went out to Coalgate and spent the night with Deb and family. It was so nice and relaxing and one of the things that happened is that I rediscovered my love of cross stitch. I made the mistake of going on Trade Me to see what was available and ended up buying 3 yesterday. Here's what I got:
Will be 45cm x 10 cm when finished
Will be 41cm x 18 cm when finished
Will be 16cm x 10 cm when finishedThursday, June 11, 2009
Asia Trip Plan
So last week Tahu and I bought our flights to Asia. It's so exciting to have it actually happening and to not being going on my own now is even better. Thought I'd tell you (by you I mean you, the one reader I possibly don't even have now!) what the plan is.
On September 10th I fly to Bangkok, Thailand and then on the 11th I go to Phnom Penh in Cambodia to meet up with Dr Annie Chen Green. We then spend the next nearly 3 weeks doing a variety of work in prisons, slums and with other charitys. I will be doing some basic nursing with Annie and also some IT work such as running some beginners classes for Microsoft Office, setting up Skype for people so they can have more contact with people from home and also setting up a database or 2 for charities that require it. The first one we have done is for CTAP which is an organisation that does dentistry work for those who can't afford it and really need it, for example those in prison.
On the 29th of September I fly back to Bangkok and meet Tahu there. We spend the next few days doing things like going to the Bridge over the River Kwai, the floating markets, the tiger sanctuary and of course shopping. On the 4th of October we fly to India where we are met by a tour operator who has created a tour for us. We spend the next 15 days going through India (Taj Mahal of course), Nepal (including flying up to see Mt Everest) and Tibet. On the 17th of October we leave Tibet and get on a train that takes us over a few days to Xian to see the Terracotta Warriors and then up to Beijing for 4 nights. There we will see things like the Great Wall, Forbidden Kingdom and (if I have my way) the Beijing Zoo. On the 24th of October we fly over to Tokyo, Japan for another 4 nights and then on to Melbourne for a few days with our families and mates. After that it's back to Christchurch, work and recovering!
There's still so much to plan and organise but that's part of the fun. I bought a beautiful new camera (Canon SX10 if anyone is interested) and have done the fundraiser jump already, also had all my leave confirmed and I have my plan tickets. It feels like it is all suddenly happening even though I've been talking about and planning this for so long. Will be amazing though.
If anyone has any suggestions of things to do in the places we're going we would love to hear about them! Also recommendations for places to stay.
On September 10th I fly to Bangkok, Thailand and then on the 11th I go to Phnom Penh in Cambodia to meet up with Dr Annie Chen Green. We then spend the next nearly 3 weeks doing a variety of work in prisons, slums and with other charitys. I will be doing some basic nursing with Annie and also some IT work such as running some beginners classes for Microsoft Office, setting up Skype for people so they can have more contact with people from home and also setting up a database or 2 for charities that require it. The first one we have done is for CTAP which is an organisation that does dentistry work for those who can't afford it and really need it, for example those in prison.
On the 29th of September I fly back to Bangkok and meet Tahu there. We spend the next few days doing things like going to the Bridge over the River Kwai, the floating markets, the tiger sanctuary and of course shopping. On the 4th of October we fly to India where we are met by a tour operator who has created a tour for us. We spend the next 15 days going through India (Taj Mahal of course), Nepal (including flying up to see Mt Everest) and Tibet. On the 17th of October we leave Tibet and get on a train that takes us over a few days to Xian to see the Terracotta Warriors and then up to Beijing for 4 nights. There we will see things like the Great Wall, Forbidden Kingdom and (if I have my way) the Beijing Zoo. On the 24th of October we fly over to Tokyo, Japan for another 4 nights and then on to Melbourne for a few days with our families and mates. After that it's back to Christchurch, work and recovering!
There's still so much to plan and organise but that's part of the fun. I bought a beautiful new camera (Canon SX10 if anyone is interested) and have done the fundraiser jump already, also had all my leave confirmed and I have my plan tickets. It feels like it is all suddenly happening even though I've been talking about and planning this for so long. Will be amazing though.
If anyone has any suggestions of things to do in the places we're going we would love to hear about them! Also recommendations for places to stay.
Monday, June 08, 2009
Bungy Jump Fundraiser!
Yes I did it. Was actually really scary but felt worth it. We raised about $600 too so worth it! 3 of us jumped myself, my workmate Jackie and my flatmate Heather.
This is before...
This is during....
This is after...
This is before...
This is during....
This is after...
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
An Amazing Attitude
I just read this article about a guy who has been released on parole. The person he killed was called Chris. Chris' mum wrote to the parole board and this is part of what she said:
Ngatai should always remember Chris when he leaves prison, when he leaves home for a life of independence, when he runs onto a rugby field, when he turns 21, when he meets his first love, when he marries and when one day he has his own children. Let him remember Chris and what Chris missed out on and hopefully this will inspire him and give him the courage to make his life a success.
I'm amazed at that attitude. She is incredible! To be able to say to the person who killed your son that you wish him to have a successful life. If only more people had that wisdom.
Friday, February 27, 2009
10 years today
I'm not really sure what to write but I feel like because today is a big deal to me and I've thought about it a lot that maybe getting it written would be a good idea.
Today it is 10 years since my mum had a stroke. I don't know what the exact diagnosis was but definitely to my 15 year old self it was a massive stroke. She spent about 1 month in Public hospital and then another 2 in Burwood. I think I saw her once on my own in that time. I remember some of my friends and teachers being so amazing. I remember one friend being just awful. Telling me to toughen up, God was in control. Just cos he's in control doesn't mean I wasn't scared and upset!!
It was a Saturday. I remember hearing mums car and cos I knew she was away for the weekend I thought it must have been dad going to get the paper or something. Not long after that dad came in and woke me up. I know now it was mum and Ginny coming to tell dad what had happened. I remember me and Shaz playing speed for hours. Can't play that game now without thinking of it. Still a great game though. I remember how amazing it was to me that the families in the church cooked us meals and that they did it for so long. At first it was every night and then after a while it was every second until we were able to look after ourselves.
I remember a month before hand mum making me stop what I was doing so she could teach me how to use the washing machine and clean a toilet. I remember being like why on earth would I need to know that but realise now it was us being prepared.
I remember the doctor in the ER telling us that it was a minor stroke and that she'd be out in a week or so. I knew my uncle had had a minor stroke and been out the same day. I guess if I'd known how bad it was though I wouldn't have coped.
I remember writing mum letters and getting others to deliver them and when she was allowed home she'd leave one for me.
About a year later I went on an easter camp. I cried for probably hours one night because I realised that I really didn't feel like I had a mum. I had a girl I know pray for me that'd I'd get that relationship back. All I wanted that night was for my mum to hug me with both arms. She couldn't do that at the time. When I got back from the camp, it may have been that day or just a couple later, mum hugged me. But then she brought up her other arm and hugged me with both arms and she was like oh that's the first time I've been able to do that, like it was so not a big deal to me!! If she only knew.
I remember mums first physio at Public. I went with her and at first it was awful for both of us. they put this stupid big blow up arm on her and tried to get her to move her arm. Even I could see that have plastic around your arm on a vinyl bench was making it even harder for her! But then at the end they let her try and walk and she could and that made it all ok. Her arm might not have been great but she could walk. I think we both felt better after that.
I remember mum made friends with random characters when she was in hospital. The lady who owned the Mitre Tavern in Lyttelton who we later went to visit. I think there was a russian sailor in Burwood. Someone who could only talk with a machine.
I remember putting a fake tattoo on her as a laugh and then it hadn't worn off when she went to water therapy and how embarrassed she was when people saw!!
There's so many things to say about it. I guess my overwhelming feelings are how much stuff has happened since then that mum has got to be a part of, like new grandchildren and trips overseas and also how glad I am that she's here. Would be lost without you and dad! But I think you already know that.
Today it is 10 years since my mum had a stroke. I don't know what the exact diagnosis was but definitely to my 15 year old self it was a massive stroke. She spent about 1 month in Public hospital and then another 2 in Burwood. I think I saw her once on my own in that time. I remember some of my friends and teachers being so amazing. I remember one friend being just awful. Telling me to toughen up, God was in control. Just cos he's in control doesn't mean I wasn't scared and upset!!
It was a Saturday. I remember hearing mums car and cos I knew she was away for the weekend I thought it must have been dad going to get the paper or something. Not long after that dad came in and woke me up. I know now it was mum and Ginny coming to tell dad what had happened. I remember me and Shaz playing speed for hours. Can't play that game now without thinking of it. Still a great game though. I remember how amazing it was to me that the families in the church cooked us meals and that they did it for so long. At first it was every night and then after a while it was every second until we were able to look after ourselves.
I remember a month before hand mum making me stop what I was doing so she could teach me how to use the washing machine and clean a toilet. I remember being like why on earth would I need to know that but realise now it was us being prepared.
I remember the doctor in the ER telling us that it was a minor stroke and that she'd be out in a week or so. I knew my uncle had had a minor stroke and been out the same day. I guess if I'd known how bad it was though I wouldn't have coped.
I remember writing mum letters and getting others to deliver them and when she was allowed home she'd leave one for me.
About a year later I went on an easter camp. I cried for probably hours one night because I realised that I really didn't feel like I had a mum. I had a girl I know pray for me that'd I'd get that relationship back. All I wanted that night was for my mum to hug me with both arms. She couldn't do that at the time. When I got back from the camp, it may have been that day or just a couple later, mum hugged me. But then she brought up her other arm and hugged me with both arms and she was like oh that's the first time I've been able to do that, like it was so not a big deal to me!! If she only knew.
I remember mums first physio at Public. I went with her and at first it was awful for both of us. they put this stupid big blow up arm on her and tried to get her to move her arm. Even I could see that have plastic around your arm on a vinyl bench was making it even harder for her! But then at the end they let her try and walk and she could and that made it all ok. Her arm might not have been great but she could walk. I think we both felt better after that.
I remember mum made friends with random characters when she was in hospital. The lady who owned the Mitre Tavern in Lyttelton who we later went to visit. I think there was a russian sailor in Burwood. Someone who could only talk with a machine.
I remember putting a fake tattoo on her as a laugh and then it hadn't worn off when she went to water therapy and how embarrassed she was when people saw!!
There's so many things to say about it. I guess my overwhelming feelings are how much stuff has happened since then that mum has got to be a part of, like new grandchildren and trips overseas and also how glad I am that she's here. Would be lost without you and dad! But I think you already know that.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
25 things about me
There's this thing on Facebook going around where you have to write 25 things about yourself. I really didn't think I could do it so cos I have I figure I'll post it. Here tis:
1. I'm pretty sure I can't think of 25 things about myself that are worth writing down.
2. I became an aunty for the first time when I was 9. It was awesome. I now have 2 nephews (13 and 7) and 1.5 neices (15 and -6 weeks)
3. I am possibly the only girl on earth that CAN'T STAND The Princess Bride movie
4. If I'm having a bad day nothing cheers me up like a shower and a sleep
5. I'm scared of the dark.
6. The only thing I miss about highschool is being "forced" to play sport. I left school when I was 16.
7. I used to teach hip hop dance
8. Between the ages of about 15 and 22 I did youth work in Waltham and loved it.
9. Family means more to me then anything
10. I can't handle horror movies, not even being told about them!
11. I can't remember how many times I've had my belly button pierced. I don't have it at the moment. I've currently got 7 piercings. Don't get excited, you can see all of them.
12. I have a cat called Rokocoko (and it's said Rokothoko!!!)
13. I struggle watching sport cos it annoys me not being able to just get in there and do it myself!
14. Until I was 8 or 9 I lived in a very strict religious cult
15. I'm stoked I've got to 15. I'm still pretty sure I can't get to 25. I've had to ask my flatmates 3 times for help already.
16. I played soccer and volleyball at highschool
17. I learnt Maori for 4 years at highschool. For 2 reasons, I loved the language and the boys were hot!
18. I love photography
19. I have 2 tattoos, one on my wrist and one on my back. I've had the one on my wrist for ages, before it was cool even!
20. I'd love to lose 15-20 kgs
21. I wish I could win lotto. For so many reasons! I don't want to buy tickets though. I think it's a waste of my money
22. I'm scared of the sea. It's too big and strong. I love deep sea fishing!
23. I don't have any grandparents. I only ever met one and that was my grandad.
24. (Almost at 25!!!!) I had dreds once. Just for a few days, had to take them out for school. I loved them.
25. I like having dark brown hair the best but everyone says I look better blonde.
1. I'm pretty sure I can't think of 25 things about myself that are worth writing down.
2. I became an aunty for the first time when I was 9. It was awesome. I now have 2 nephews (13 and 7) and 1.5 neices (15 and -6 weeks)
3. I am possibly the only girl on earth that CAN'T STAND The Princess Bride movie
4. If I'm having a bad day nothing cheers me up like a shower and a sleep
5. I'm scared of the dark.
6. The only thing I miss about highschool is being "forced" to play sport. I left school when I was 16.
7. I used to teach hip hop dance
8. Between the ages of about 15 and 22 I did youth work in Waltham and loved it.
9. Family means more to me then anything
10. I can't handle horror movies, not even being told about them!
11. I can't remember how many times I've had my belly button pierced. I don't have it at the moment. I've currently got 7 piercings. Don't get excited, you can see all of them.
12. I have a cat called Rokocoko (and it's said Rokothoko!!!)
13. I struggle watching sport cos it annoys me not being able to just get in there and do it myself!
14. Until I was 8 or 9 I lived in a very strict religious cult
15. I'm stoked I've got to 15. I'm still pretty sure I can't get to 25. I've had to ask my flatmates 3 times for help already.
16. I played soccer and volleyball at highschool
17. I learnt Maori for 4 years at highschool. For 2 reasons, I loved the language and the boys were hot!
18. I love photography
19. I have 2 tattoos, one on my wrist and one on my back. I've had the one on my wrist for ages, before it was cool even!
20. I'd love to lose 15-20 kgs
21. I wish I could win lotto. For so many reasons! I don't want to buy tickets though. I think it's a waste of my money
22. I'm scared of the sea. It's too big and strong. I love deep sea fishing!
23. I don't have any grandparents. I only ever met one and that was my grandad.
24. (Almost at 25!!!!) I had dreds once. Just for a few days, had to take them out for school. I loved them.
25. I like having dark brown hair the best but everyone says I look better blonde.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Monday, February 02, 2009
Books Books Books
So I'm onto book number 8 of the year and as you know you can see the ones I've read on the right. I feel that I should point out that this is NOT a recommended reading list but only what I have read this year. Some of the books are no good at all but then others are brilliant.
James started highschool today. Crazy to think of my wee boy going to highschool! He was very excited though so that's all good.
So much to write but just don't know how to put it into words so it will have to wait for another day. I thought up a post last night when I couldn't sleep but now it just seems a bit hard out. Will have a think and maybe put it up another time.
James started highschool today. Crazy to think of my wee boy going to highschool! He was very excited though so that's all good.
So much to write but just don't know how to put it into words so it will have to wait for another day. I thought up a post last night when I couldn't sleep but now it just seems a bit hard out. Will have a think and maybe put it up another time.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Happy Birthday James
Today James is 13. A teenager! Can't believe how fast he's growing up. And from the picture it appears that I am growing down just as fast...
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Books I've Read
Just a quick note that I have created a new part on my blog which will list the books I read this year. Yes it is correct that I have read 2 already. If you want to know more about the book just click on it and it will take you to a site I have found that gives a good explanation of the book.
If you think of books that I might like to read, leave a comment with the title and author although I can't promise I'll read them all as I do have 2 large piles of books on my floor to get through! And if you own it and want to lend it to me then I will be even more inclined to read it and I promise I'll get it back to you :)
If you think of books that I might like to read, leave a comment with the title and author although I can't promise I'll read them all as I do have 2 large piles of books on my floor to get through! And if you own it and want to lend it to me then I will be even more inclined to read it and I promise I'll get it back to you :)
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Quick thought...
Sometime people say quotes without thinking about what they actually mean. It doesn't annoy me or anything, I just find it funny. I've been trying to think of more examples but the best I have is 2.
Firstly, "Sticks and stones may break your bones but words will never hurt you". I remember a teacher saying that to me when I was little and some girls were picking on me and even though I was young still being like what on earth is she talking about?? To further prove my point that this is a lame saying I can bet that everyone can remember someone saying something awful to them, even from school.
Next saying, "I slept like a baby". Oh so you woke up every hour or so crying and screaming for no reason? And yes before you all comment I do know that the saying is actually about sleeping with no worries and all that but seriously, I'd rather sleep well than sleep like a baby!
That's all for now. I'll write more later xx
Firstly, "Sticks and stones may break your bones but words will never hurt you". I remember a teacher saying that to me when I was little and some girls were picking on me and even though I was young still being like what on earth is she talking about?? To further prove my point that this is a lame saying I can bet that everyone can remember someone saying something awful to them, even from school.
Next saying, "I slept like a baby". Oh so you woke up every hour or so crying and screaming for no reason? And yes before you all comment I do know that the saying is actually about sleeping with no worries and all that but seriously, I'd rather sleep well than sleep like a baby!
That's all for now. I'll write more later xx
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