Big sighs here.
Have decided I'm going to slow life down a bit. I crave adventure and living on the edge. I want flexibility, freedom, cultural immersion, new experiences. I feel as though it's part of my DNA now and I couldn't live without it. The thought of 9-5 jobs scare me. The thought of mortgages, interest rates causes me to want to pack my bag and head off. I don't think it's a fear of committing.. more a fear of being boring, being settled, actually I don't believe that I could find contentment in that.
Is it that I need to grow up? Is it that I have been so on-the-go that it's made a bit of turmoil in my mind of what is normal? I know being sold out for God isn't a second rate life. There's adventure, sacrifice and JOY. Joy is my favourite feeling/state of being. I crave it. But I guess there needs to be that peace, that stability, that contentment at all times before you can truly experience the adventures. Sometimes there needs to be "down" time where you just sit and be. Sit and be. It's hard, you know? Stop running.. breathe, let God's love wash over you.
Adventures can happen anywhere too. A new friend has a ministry with her nextdoor neighbours (the kids) and has her God-work cut out for her there. She doesn't need to go, she is content and finds God-adventure where she is. He sees her willing heart and uses her.
Mixed up post, I know. Just getting it out there. God is my refuge, my strength, my sustenance, my future, my hope, my all. I can't run from him. It doesn't work. I don't want to.
Better go.. being domesticated for our welcome home me family thing tomorrow.
Love x
Friday, August 18, 2006
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Back on the mainland
Howdy,
Well, back in Australia. Had a week in Melb visiting Mels and Robby (and Zoe). It was so nice. Some friends just make you feel at home with who you are. They are such a fantastic couple.. it was a real treat to spend a week celebrating their relationship. We had a nice stay in G-long with Rob's family for the enragement breakfast, met his fam.. they're lovely. Lots of wedding talk, hearing what their heart is for the big day. We went wedding dress shopping which was a huge thing and I felt so honoured to be there. Twas sad to wave goodbye last night from the tarmac but I couldn't help but repeat myself over and over at just fantastic it is that they're so good for each other and can be so confident in that. I always leave some of my heart with Mels and now Robby too. I love them heaps.
Have not really felt like there's a lot left for me in Perth. It really doesn't feel like home. Not that Switzy really is as I wouldn't be there if it wasn't for work. Almost sent me into a panic fit this morning before I stopped myself and realised that "home" is only going to be where I am for the moment. It seems to be a lesson I keep getting.. don't put your security in where you are or who is around you. I've kinda had that all taken away over the past 12 months and it's just been me and God. Not that I am saying I've lived in poverty in terms of physical stuff and been hard done by.. but in terms of the things I (and quite a few people I know) would and have put my security in - friendships, church, having a home/space that is mine, a community, routine, career path, spiritual enouragement, discipleship - I just haven't lived in that. You can't put your trust or security in something that's not available. I feel like I keep getting this lesson over and over. I do get it but I don't seem to keep that mentality/mind-set for long as not long after I get back into a panic about having a seemingly helter-skelter life.
This morning was a landmark though not to let my emotions go down that road. I'm here for now.. I am never alone. God is always with me, always protecting, nurturing, providing, guiding. That term "rock" is fitting and true. Not to tie you down to something, but to support you.. to anchor who you are. Does that make sense? He's dependable when nothing else is. He's reliable when there's no one else to rely on. Not as a last resort.. I need to preach this to myself till it's sunk in.
That, of course, could just be this week as I'm tired. Maybe Perth does feel like home when I am awake. Mandy and Rich take melatonin (some vitamin you get from the sun) which helps get your body into the swing on things. If I could just remember to take it!
Had a bit of a lazy day.. spent some time with my brother and his mate tonight which was nice. Some things never change. It's strange. Not sure what the plan is for tomorrow. Catching up with a friend for lunch.. can't wait to see her. She's a gem.
Saw some of my kiddies today. It's amazing to watch them mature and develop their personalities. They soak up everything. They're so balanced and beautiful. I love them so much.
Well absolutely buggered. Eyes hurting.
Bonne nuit xx
Well, back in Australia. Had a week in Melb visiting Mels and Robby (and Zoe). It was so nice. Some friends just make you feel at home with who you are. They are such a fantastic couple.. it was a real treat to spend a week celebrating their relationship. We had a nice stay in G-long with Rob's family for the enragement breakfast, met his fam.. they're lovely. Lots of wedding talk, hearing what their heart is for the big day. We went wedding dress shopping which was a huge thing and I felt so honoured to be there. Twas sad to wave goodbye last night from the tarmac but I couldn't help but repeat myself over and over at just fantastic it is that they're so good for each other and can be so confident in that. I always leave some of my heart with Mels and now Robby too. I love them heaps.
Have not really felt like there's a lot left for me in Perth. It really doesn't feel like home. Not that Switzy really is as I wouldn't be there if it wasn't for work. Almost sent me into a panic fit this morning before I stopped myself and realised that "home" is only going to be where I am for the moment. It seems to be a lesson I keep getting.. don't put your security in where you are or who is around you. I've kinda had that all taken away over the past 12 months and it's just been me and God. Not that I am saying I've lived in poverty in terms of physical stuff and been hard done by.. but in terms of the things I (and quite a few people I know) would and have put my security in - friendships, church, having a home/space that is mine, a community, routine, career path, spiritual enouragement, discipleship - I just haven't lived in that. You can't put your trust or security in something that's not available. I feel like I keep getting this lesson over and over. I do get it but I don't seem to keep that mentality/mind-set for long as not long after I get back into a panic about having a seemingly helter-skelter life.
This morning was a landmark though not to let my emotions go down that road. I'm here for now.. I am never alone. God is always with me, always protecting, nurturing, providing, guiding. That term "rock" is fitting and true. Not to tie you down to something, but to support you.. to anchor who you are. Does that make sense? He's dependable when nothing else is. He's reliable when there's no one else to rely on. Not as a last resort.. I need to preach this to myself till it's sunk in.
That, of course, could just be this week as I'm tired. Maybe Perth does feel like home when I am awake. Mandy and Rich take melatonin (some vitamin you get from the sun) which helps get your body into the swing on things. If I could just remember to take it!
Had a bit of a lazy day.. spent some time with my brother and his mate tonight which was nice. Some things never change. It's strange. Not sure what the plan is for tomorrow. Catching up with a friend for lunch.. can't wait to see her. She's a gem.
Saw some of my kiddies today. It's amazing to watch them mature and develop their personalities. They soak up everything. They're so balanced and beautiful. I love them so much.
Well absolutely buggered. Eyes hurting.
Bonne nuit xx
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Waahhhhhh!! You can't make me leave!
Ok, so this is the view from out the front of our apartment (we're 3rd floor.. this is on the path outside). Tell me you can feel the serenity..? Boodle hoodles, we have to go. We're all a bit sad. Except for the part where we get to see our family and friends.
Rich took this photo using a
So, once again, Kellie has no clue how she's going to fit everything into her bag. There's only so many beatings this poor case can take, you know? If it were just clothes and shoes it would be a sinch. But this baby carries my life: my mini-library, study books, files, office supplies, 50 bazillion gifts for my family (why couldn't you all stop at one kid? it would've been so much easier.. and cheaper), cables for each different country for each power pack, rollerblades, toiletries. I think that's it. I am even leaving behind my favourite blanky cos there's no room. Waahhh!!Shut up Kellie. Quit you're whining: be glad you're alive, you're healthy, you have a job, you've been able to see so much more of the world over the past 13 months, you have 2 eyes and a nose (not the other way around), you've got a mind that works enough to decide not to whine. Good. Glad that's over.
Tonight we had dinner while we watched RV on the projector. Oh my gosh, it's painful. Don't bother unless you're up for some groaning. Gosh.
OK folks.. I know this post is the kind where you can barely stop to take a breath in excitement of what I am going to say next (I just invisaged "someone" watching a computer screen with their eyes glued and their tongue wagging like a dogs..). I'm not on anything, I swear it. I think I'm just tired.
Love ya long time n00bs,
Kel
xxx
Saturday, August 05, 2006
It's raining ropes
Bonsoir,
Well, it's been raining the last few days. I think it's just decided to be the end of summer. So instead of 30c+ everyday we've been having 16c, colder in the mornings. Ick. This is so cold. I'm taking it as God's way of prepping me for proper winter weather in Melbourne after not having winter for a while (kinda been drifting around the place skipping winters everywhere).
Très bonne (very good) week. There was the Swiss national day which was quite nice. I went and watched les feu d'artifice (fireworks) by myself at the last minute in Montreux. Gorgeous. It was so froid (cold) and windy I thought my eyes would fall out so I did the walk home alone before the grande (large) crowd dispersed. People are très happy to be Swiss it seems. It's great. Not quite as "yobbo-ish" as Australia.. dare I say it. Although Australia Day is my favourite day of the year and I am passionate about Aussies.
Anyway, Luke has been having half-days of school this week for our last week in Switzerland.. boohoo. So this afternoon I went to run an errand and ended up getting some pressies for my nieces and nephews (watches, what else would you buy in Switzerland that wouldn't melt?!) and found some gorgeous shops in Lausanne. Beautiful cobbled stoned roads.. and the rain. Ahh, it's so beautiful. J'aime la Suisse (I love Switzerland). Went to find an aussie hairdresser but, alas: "vacance" (he is on vacation). That's the only bit I understood, the rest was French jibberish unfortunately.
Tonight we went out for dinner with our neighbour, Michele. She's really very nice and has lived such a life. She's French but left for Argentina with her family when the war was about the start in the late 30's-early 40's. She lived there 30 years, escaped Argentina to go back to Paris with her 3 children and went into hiding for a year before opening a boutique to sell jewelry to support her children. She's pretty amazing. She lives with her dog, Rumba. She (Rumba) is fairly skitty and doesn't want to be my friend.. fine I say!
It was great to hear some of her story. Get to know someone ahead in life and learn a bit of what they've had to go through in order to appreciate how easy my life has been. Thank God. I mean that.
Well, the wine makes me sleepy so I have to go to sleep now.
Bon nuit,
Bisous xx
P.S. I guess I should explain the title.. you know how English speakers sometimes say "it's raining cats and dogs"? Well, the French saying makes much more sense: " it's raining ropes". Cats and dogs? Honestly.. who thought of it?! Hope you've enjoyed my snippets of le français!
Well, it's been raining the last few days. I think it's just decided to be the end of summer. So instead of 30c+ everyday we've been having 16c, colder in the mornings. Ick. This is so cold. I'm taking it as God's way of prepping me for proper winter weather in Melbourne after not having winter for a while (kinda been drifting around the place skipping winters everywhere).
Très bonne (very good) week. There was the Swiss national day which was quite nice. I went and watched les feu d'artifice (fireworks) by myself at the last minute in Montreux. Gorgeous. It was so froid (cold) and windy I thought my eyes would fall out so I did the walk home alone before the grande (large) crowd dispersed. People are très happy to be Swiss it seems. It's great. Not quite as "yobbo-ish" as Australia.. dare I say it. Although Australia Day is my favourite day of the year and I am passionate about Aussies.
Anyway, Luke has been having half-days of school this week for our last week in Switzerland.. boohoo. So this afternoon I went to run an errand and ended up getting some pressies for my nieces and nephews (watches, what else would you buy in Switzerland that wouldn't melt?!) and found some gorgeous shops in Lausanne. Beautiful cobbled stoned roads.. and the rain. Ahh, it's so beautiful. J'aime la Suisse (I love Switzerland). Went to find an aussie hairdresser but, alas: "vacance" (he is on vacation). That's the only bit I understood, the rest was French jibberish unfortunately.
Tonight we went out for dinner with our neighbour, Michele. She's really very nice and has lived such a life. She's French but left for Argentina with her family when the war was about the start in the late 30's-early 40's. She lived there 30 years, escaped Argentina to go back to Paris with her 3 children and went into hiding for a year before opening a boutique to sell jewelry to support her children. She's pretty amazing. She lives with her dog, Rumba. She (Rumba) is fairly skitty and doesn't want to be my friend.. fine I say!
It was great to hear some of her story. Get to know someone ahead in life and learn a bit of what they've had to go through in order to appreciate how easy my life has been. Thank God. I mean that.
Well, the wine makes me sleepy so I have to go to sleep now.
Bon nuit,
Bisous xx
P.S. I guess I should explain the title.. you know how English speakers sometimes say "it's raining cats and dogs"? Well, the French saying makes much more sense: " it's raining ropes". Cats and dogs? Honestly.. who thought of it?! Hope you've enjoyed my snippets of le français!
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
These are a few of my favourite things..
Salut,
Well, I have had some boring posts lately so I thought I would continue along the same lines.. here's some things I love, in absolutely random order.
Well, I have had some boring posts lately so I thought I would continue along the same lines.. here's some things I love, in absolutely random order.
- outdoors
- affagatos
- soul friends
- trees
- quality chocolate (quite happy to not have it if it's not the good stuff)
- the idea of snowboarding (haven't tried it yet)
- getting inspiration (rhema moments) from the word
- forests
- the giddy kind of excitement children get at the simplest of things
- cute teacups
- picnics
- rough (wave-wise) beaches
- honesty (eg, friends telling me I'm being an idiot when I am..)
- bushwalks/walks in tree-full places (ok, I know I have already said forests..)
- good photography
- walking with God (things aren't ranked ok?)
- thunderstorms
- cold weather for sleeping
- siberian huskies
- cellos.. they get my heart to float along with the notes
- laying on grass talking about nothing in part
- dates with God (special times when you get dressed up and go out, intent to spend some time with God)
- remembering funny times from my childhood with my stoopid brothers :) haha, when Don made that video clip of us to "I want to ride my bicycle" as we played on mum's frog-green exercise bike, hehee.. do you know where that tape is Donny?!
- living in God's presence
- star-watching
- crying, not being afraid to show emotion at the right times
- inspirational people
- candle-lit girls nights
- everlastings (paper daisy.. pink ones)
- a good read
- running in the rain
- sudoko
- green eyes (like that afghani girl from National Geographic years ago..)
- laughing
- really sharp knives
- guys with earthy, powerful voices
- old people (particularly sweet old ladies)
- dreddies (I don't know why, I just love them..)
- seeing God's power and love totally change someone's life
- The Wild Fig Cafe near.. hmm, batemans I think
- watching a guy's face as he sees his bride walking down the aisle to him at their wedding
- team sports
- knowing you're walking in the will of God.. ahh, peace! sweet peace!
- quality jazz music
- sitting in the sun with Mum in the front room while she takes 4 hours to read and re-read the paper on a sunday afternoon
- when I know I am understood and accepted no matter what
- children's picture books
- old cars
- the thought that I will speak French eventually!
- laughing with Lou as we try to think of as many US towns/cities/states beginning with M.. (how did that start Louey love? oh, I remember.. you and your friend that has a country as a name)
- wooden furniture - chunky, rustic kinda stuff. wooden floors. wooden houses. ok, I love wood stuff.
- bass (double-bass, guitar)
- getting Joyce Meyer's podcast.. woohoo
- being the President of Kate Reynold's fan club. what an honour..
- travelling home
- fine-point pens.. LOVE THEM!
- driving nowhere for the sake of it
Well that's all I can think of just for the minute. I know there's lots more, just can't drudge it up from the depths at the moment. There's so much to love about life. It'll flash by too fast unless you take time to appreciate the things around you. Even the things that seem so small.
Love you. I mean that.
Kel
xx
Monday, July 31, 2006
Happy Birthday..
Woo, well the weekend flew by in a flash, that's for certain.
It wasn't the most exciting weekend, but not bad. It's our second last one here (till next time) so I guess I should've made the most of it.. oops.
Friday I went to France with Luke for school. He's a bit of a car-nut so Mandy and I planned a surprise trip to the national car museum. He loves trains, so it was a great bonus that it took us FOUR HOURS (had to write 4 in words for emphasis) to get there. And FOUR HOURS home :) 4 trains each way!!hehe, nah, I'm used to the trains by now and it wasn't too bad. Luke hadn't been on them yet so he was excited (especially the double-decker IC). The car museum was great and I can even say I enjoyed it! I'm not really into heaps of metal.. as long as it works. Well, I do like driving in nice cars though. And I do love cute old cars.. hmm ok. I'm not overly phased by them. There were heaps of Bugattis, Peugot, Benz, Masarati, Ferrari, Porsche etc. The originals too. Like, back in the 1800's and stuff. Crazy! The collection was started by two brothers (who our neighbour told me where imprisoned for not paying taxes and had their cars taken away..), Schlumph. Let me tell you.. the Bugattis were so nice.. there was a green one that was so beautiful. Luke loved it so that was the main thing. There was a new expo of the latest Bugatti model, Veyron, which is the fastest production car at the moment at 406km/hr. Crazy. Luke LOVED seeing that in person. So we trundled home after that and got home pretty late and rather bushed. We met some lovely French people that couldn't speak a word of English but didn't get snotty about it and helped us find the right tram to get around Mulhouse. Cheers mate!
Moving on: Saturday, had a chat with my family on skype. They were having a family reunion for my Mum's side of the family so it ended up being a great time to call. Talked to my Nana (the one who HAD been ill.. yay), my aunties, uncle, nieces, nephews, brothers, sissy-in-laws, ma, pa. Oh and the dog... Not really. Jordie, rest his soul, past on a few years back. It was great to chat! My pop got a bit disorientated when he was told to talk to Kellie in Switzerland on the computer.. he'd just woken up and it totally whacked him out (using the webcam as well) so he wasn't interested in talking. Who can blame the guy.. I mean, at 93 (or 94?) he'd have seen a fair few changes in technology that it would be rather overwhelming. It was so good to chat to everyone and I made some plans with Naomi (my niece) for the big upcoming girls sleepover.. the likes of going to see a movie, doing each others hair, nail polish, girly talk etc. Hehe, she is such a girl - it's going to be fun!
OK, so after that family chinwag, we whizzed around the house to get it clean and Mandy and I went off to France (2 days in a row!!) to do some shopping. There's a mother-of-the-bride outfit issue that needs to get sorted out. We went to Annecy and wandered around looking at different stores but not finding anything really suitable which was a bit sad for Mandy. It's amazing that you can go 1/2 an hour over the border and things really are different. France is great, but I.. eek, don't want to offend anyone.. much prefer Switzerland from what I have seen. It's crazily clean here.. I love it.
Anyway, Saturday night I went for a wander up the mountain and found some beautiful little cobble-stone villages, then went back home, took care of Luke and had an early one. Sunday, I played with some babies at church and then we took the lakeside road home before grabbing a bite to eat and heading home. It's always such nice weather on the weekend - it really is well behaved over here. Chatted to Mum for an hour or so and to a friend as well. Listened to the sermon from this morning which was BRILLIANT, helped Mandy with tea and then watched a movie about a guy turning into a dog with the family. It was quite funny actually.
Surprised that I didn't tell you when I went to the loo or when I blew my nose? I know, lots of boring info. It's like a really dull diary entry that an 11 year old girl would write. Oh well. It's good to mix things up cos usually my posts are SO exciting!! (what's with all the caps tonight..?).
Anyway, that's all I've got. Ohhh, the Happy Birthday title is for Leanne (girl..you're still young enough to be called a girl.. from church here) who is celebrating a special birthday tomorrow (Monday). I don't know if you'll ever read this, but I hope you have a really great day! :)
Love Kel
xx
It wasn't the most exciting weekend, but not bad. It's our second last one here (till next time) so I guess I should've made the most of it.. oops.
Friday I went to France with Luke for school. He's a bit of a car-nut so Mandy and I planned a surprise trip to the national car museum. He loves trains, so it was a great bonus that it took us FOUR HOURS (had to write 4 in words for emphasis) to get there. And FOUR HOURS home :) 4 trains each way!!hehe, nah, I'm used to the trains by now and it wasn't too bad. Luke hadn't been on them yet so he was excited (especially the double-decker IC). The car museum was great and I can even say I enjoyed it! I'm not really into heaps of metal.. as long as it works. Well, I do like driving in nice cars though. And I do love cute old cars.. hmm ok. I'm not overly phased by them. There were heaps of Bugattis, Peugot, Benz, Masarati, Ferrari, Porsche etc. The originals too. Like, back in the 1800's and stuff. Crazy! The collection was started by two brothers (who our neighbour told me where imprisoned for not paying taxes and had their cars taken away..), Schlumph. Let me tell you.. the Bugattis were so nice.. there was a green one that was so beautiful. Luke loved it so that was the main thing. There was a new expo of the latest Bugatti model, Veyron, which is the fastest production car at the moment at 406km/hr. Crazy. Luke LOVED seeing that in person. So we trundled home after that and got home pretty late and rather bushed. We met some lovely French people that couldn't speak a word of English but didn't get snotty about it and helped us find the right tram to get around Mulhouse. Cheers mate!
Moving on: Saturday, had a chat with my family on skype. They were having a family reunion for my Mum's side of the family so it ended up being a great time to call. Talked to my Nana (the one who HAD been ill.. yay), my aunties, uncle, nieces, nephews, brothers, sissy-in-laws, ma, pa. Oh and the dog... Not really. Jordie, rest his soul, past on a few years back. It was great to chat! My pop got a bit disorientated when he was told to talk to Kellie in Switzerland on the computer.. he'd just woken up and it totally whacked him out (using the webcam as well) so he wasn't interested in talking. Who can blame the guy.. I mean, at 93 (or 94?) he'd have seen a fair few changes in technology that it would be rather overwhelming. It was so good to chat to everyone and I made some plans with Naomi (my niece) for the big upcoming girls sleepover.. the likes of going to see a movie, doing each others hair, nail polish, girly talk etc. Hehe, she is such a girl - it's going to be fun!
OK, so after that family chinwag, we whizzed around the house to get it clean and Mandy and I went off to France (2 days in a row!!) to do some shopping. There's a mother-of-the-bride outfit issue that needs to get sorted out. We went to Annecy and wandered around looking at different stores but not finding anything really suitable which was a bit sad for Mandy. It's amazing that you can go 1/2 an hour over the border and things really are different. France is great, but I.. eek, don't want to offend anyone.. much prefer Switzerland from what I have seen. It's crazily clean here.. I love it.
Anyway, Saturday night I went for a wander up the mountain and found some beautiful little cobble-stone villages, then went back home, took care of Luke and had an early one. Sunday, I played with some babies at church and then we took the lakeside road home before grabbing a bite to eat and heading home. It's always such nice weather on the weekend - it really is well behaved over here. Chatted to Mum for an hour or so and to a friend as well. Listened to the sermon from this morning which was BRILLIANT, helped Mandy with tea and then watched a movie about a guy turning into a dog with the family. It was quite funny actually.
Surprised that I didn't tell you when I went to the loo or when I blew my nose? I know, lots of boring info. It's like a really dull diary entry that an 11 year old girl would write. Oh well. It's good to mix things up cos usually my posts are SO exciting!! (what's with all the caps tonight..?).
Anyway, that's all I've got. Ohhh, the Happy Birthday title is for Leanne (girl..you're still young enough to be called a girl.. from church here) who is celebrating a special birthday tomorrow (Monday). I don't know if you'll ever read this, but I hope you have a really great day! :)
Love Kel
xx
Friday, July 28, 2006
Song of the hour..
From "Seated in Heavenly Places" - Victory Life Centre Perth.. song by Denise (can't remember her surname, well she's married since I left Perth anyway.. my Praise lecturer!) called "I Will Remember".
I will remember the price you paid for me
and I will remember the blood you shed for me
I can never repay you
for what you've done for me
but I give you the one thing that you desire of me
I give you my heart
I give you my life
My most precious treasure
I lay before your feet
and I'm willing to give
I'm willing to go
I'm willing to follow you to the ends of the earth my God
Bridge:
Ohh Lord, send me I will go
Ohh Lord, send me I will follow
(repeat)
Such a beautiful song. Just a heart cry to God that you'll give all that's precious to you for His service.. for His glory. Because He's worth it. He's amazing, He's given what's most precious to Him for us. I think anything I might have can even compare? Uh, no. But He's done it all! So, I ask myself: what can there be to lose in following where ever He wants me to go? Have I ever not come out the other side closer to Him when I've taken the road he's lead me on.. even though it might seem scary or difficult? Nope, that's the only thing I can be truly assured of, that He's got me in His hands, He knows what's best for me and that He trusts me to be one of His hands on this Earth.. even when I stuff up, get back up and plod on!
I will remember the price you paid for me
and I will remember the blood you shed for me
I can never repay you
for what you've done for me
but I give you the one thing that you desire of me
I give you my heart
I give you my life
My most precious treasure
I lay before your feet
and I'm willing to give
I'm willing to go
I'm willing to follow you to the ends of the earth my God
Bridge:
Ohh Lord, send me I will go
Ohh Lord, send me I will follow
(repeat)
Such a beautiful song. Just a heart cry to God that you'll give all that's precious to you for His service.. for His glory. Because He's worth it. He's amazing, He's given what's most precious to Him for us. I think anything I might have can even compare? Uh, no. But He's done it all! So, I ask myself: what can there be to lose in following where ever He wants me to go? Have I ever not come out the other side closer to Him when I've taken the road he's lead me on.. even though it might seem scary or difficult? Nope, that's the only thing I can be truly assured of, that He's got me in His hands, He knows what's best for me and that He trusts me to be one of His hands on this Earth.. even when I stuff up, get back up and plod on!
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Warm, balmy nights
G'day,
Well, I would say it's been a while between posts, but I've written quite a few posts but not published them. They were all a bit boring anyway :)
It's continued to stay rather hot here of late. Staying in the apartment all day isn't that fun either when it's this hot so I like to wait until it's cool enough then go for a walk. However, tonight we went to higher ground in search of a breeze and some cooler weather.
I went out with a really nice Aussie couple from church on Sunday, to a place called Sonchaux (for Dad, who likes to google-earth stuff) which is behind and UP from Montreux.. and across too. We went fairly late in the arvo I think and took a stroll before having dinner at this cute cafe-kinda place on the edge on the mountain. It feels like the middle of nowhere but you still have to make a reservation to get one of the outdoor tables with a view! It was breath-taking.
Anyway, the Swannell's and I went up there tonight in search of cooler weather. The temperature actually dropped (according to the car thermometer thingy) 10C! It was so beautiful up there. You can't imagine the views over the lake. We went for a wander a bit further up and managed to score a view at 4 paragliders taking off from the top. When Rich yelled goodbye to the lady (who was the last to take off) she gave us a great "woohoo!" as she took off over the side of the mountain. What a fantastic hobby/sport. It's something I really want to try out.. I just imagine the weightlessness of gliding through the air with only the chute above you (no Mum, not the weightlessness as you invisage me plumetting to my death!). Wow. You couldn't ask for a better view either. God is so creative, it blows me away.
So here are some pics of the sun beginning it's descent (or the Earth.. argh, confusing!) tonight with the reflection on the lake.
Tickets are booked.. I'm in Melbourne for a bit then back in Perth August 14th.. can't wait. It'll be great to see everyone. I'm sad to be leaving such a beautiful place though. I have really been spoilt being here. I do love it..
Night all,
Love Kel
P.S. Photos STILL not working for me - they're up on the flickr site (link in previous post)
Well, I would say it's been a while between posts, but I've written quite a few posts but not published them. They were all a bit boring anyway :)
It's continued to stay rather hot here of late. Staying in the apartment all day isn't that fun either when it's this hot so I like to wait until it's cool enough then go for a walk. However, tonight we went to higher ground in search of a breeze and some cooler weather.
I went out with a really nice Aussie couple from church on Sunday, to a place called Sonchaux (for Dad, who likes to google-earth stuff) which is behind and UP from Montreux.. and across too. We went fairly late in the arvo I think and took a stroll before having dinner at this cute cafe-kinda place on the edge on the mountain. It feels like the middle of nowhere but you still have to make a reservation to get one of the outdoor tables with a view! It was breath-taking.
Anyway, the Swannell's and I went up there tonight in search of cooler weather. The temperature actually dropped (according to the car thermometer thingy) 10C! It was so beautiful up there. You can't imagine the views over the lake. We went for a wander a bit further up and managed to score a view at 4 paragliders taking off from the top. When Rich yelled goodbye to the lady (who was the last to take off) she gave us a great "woohoo!" as she took off over the side of the mountain. What a fantastic hobby/sport. It's something I really want to try out.. I just imagine the weightlessness of gliding through the air with only the chute above you (no Mum, not the weightlessness as you invisage me plumetting to my death!). Wow. You couldn't ask for a better view either. God is so creative, it blows me away.
So here are some pics of the sun beginning it's descent (or the Earth.. argh, confusing!) tonight with the reflection on the lake.
Tickets are booked.. I'm in Melbourne for a bit then back in Perth August 14th.. can't wait. It'll be great to see everyone. I'm sad to be leaving such a beautiful place though. I have really been spoilt being here. I do love it..
Night all,
Love Kel
P.S. Photos STILL not working for me - they're up on the flickr site (link in previous post)
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Rotating toilet seats...
Hey,
I have been rather slack (or too busy) to do posts this week, sorry. I've been getting on with my study so haven't been emailing or blogging. Boy, it feels so great to be back in the swing of study.. I remember what I really loved about college: the word of God is so freeing and powerful!
Anyhoo, tonight we went out to a really nice restaurant for dinner. All the ladies dressed up and off we went. Rich & Mandy's friends, the Reids, are leaving tomorrow so that was the occassion. I enjoyed a Guinness Stout for the first time which was surprisingly nice (and it's meant to have plenty of B vitamins)! So, after dinner I took a trip to the ladies and guess what I found: a rotating toilet seat!! It was crazy. When you flush the seat turns around (at first I thought it was my eyes warping) and at the back it had a cleany thingy which.. cleans it! How cool. I know I haven't explained it well, but I must've looked a bit crazy walking out of the toilets giggling to myself :) Dang, why didn't I take my camera!
So that's all for tonight. It's been really warm lately. Around 33-37C during the day. As the sun is just setting now (around 10pm) it stays hot till late too. Yesterday (while the Reids were in Paris) Rich, Mandy, Luke and I went for a paddle in Lake Leman (Lake Geneva) which was divine. There were really warm and cold spots but it was fantastic! The lake is so pretty with white swans, ducks and heaps of other types of water birds.
OK, better get going. Night all!
Love Kel
P.S. 27 days till I'm back on home turf and with Mellie.. yippeeeee!
I have been rather slack (or too busy) to do posts this week, sorry. I've been getting on with my study so haven't been emailing or blogging. Boy, it feels so great to be back in the swing of study.. I remember what I really loved about college: the word of God is so freeing and powerful!
Anyhoo, tonight we went out to a really nice restaurant for dinner. All the ladies dressed up and off we went. Rich & Mandy's friends, the Reids, are leaving tomorrow so that was the occassion. I enjoyed a Guinness Stout for the first time which was surprisingly nice (and it's meant to have plenty of B vitamins)! So, after dinner I took a trip to the ladies and guess what I found: a rotating toilet seat!! It was crazy. When you flush the seat turns around (at first I thought it was my eyes warping) and at the back it had a cleany thingy which.. cleans it! How cool. I know I haven't explained it well, but I must've looked a bit crazy walking out of the toilets giggling to myself :) Dang, why didn't I take my camera!
So that's all for tonight. It's been really warm lately. Around 33-37C during the day. As the sun is just setting now (around 10pm) it stays hot till late too. Yesterday (while the Reids were in Paris) Rich, Mandy, Luke and I went for a paddle in Lake Leman (Lake Geneva) which was divine. There were really warm and cold spots but it was fantastic! The lake is so pretty with white swans, ducks and heaps of other types of water birds.
OK, better get going. Night all!
Love Kel
P.S. 27 days till I'm back on home turf and with Mellie.. yippeeeee!
Saturday, July 15, 2006
.
The fam and the Reids (lovely friends of Rich & Mandy visiting from WA) have gone to Italy for a couple of days. I opted out, looking forward to having the house to myself. I LOVE having people around but I also crave time alone at home. Maybe it's that I am a social creature but I need time out to focus and replenish the energy stores, argh who knows.
This is a funny photo from when Amz, Anita and I were sharing the room. I miss them, particularly Amz. By the way, the hair is Amy's. Hehe, funny huh.
This is a funny photo from when Amz, Anita and I were sharing the room. I miss them, particularly Amz. By the way, the hair is Amy's. Hehe, funny huh.
Been updating the photos on my flickr site if you wanted to take a look. For some reason the photos of Paris just don't want to load on blogger. I've tried many, many times. You can check them out on flickr if you want to. As you can see above, other photos load. GRR! I wish I knew html. This is my flickr site again (for your sake Ma): http://www.flickr.com/people/whereiskelnow/
Better posts coming up soon!
Love Kel
P.S. Totally off the subject, we have a really nice neighbour here, Michelle, who is a middle aged woman. She has had an interesting life so far, including living in Argentina for 30 years. Her 2 year old granddaughter is visiting this week from Paris and is SOO cute. She's just like a little smiley doll.. aww :)
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Offline..
Hey,
Sorry about the lack of posting lately: I've been away visiting my wonderful Swiss friend Jasmin (who was at Riverview while she lived in Aus) up the north of Switzerland and have since been offline at home.
I still have the Paris post to do (grr, pictures are still not uploading) and also some from the weekend in Aarau and then today we went up (and through) a glacier which was amazing. We got home and the internet is back up, hooray!
Anyhoo, it's after midnight so I had better get to sleep. Will post some more as soon as the time is available!
Love Kel
xx
Sorry about the lack of posting lately: I've been away visiting my wonderful Swiss friend Jasmin (who was at Riverview while she lived in Aus) up the north of Switzerland and have since been offline at home.
I still have the Paris post to do (grr, pictures are still not uploading) and also some from the weekend in Aarau and then today we went up (and through) a glacier which was amazing. We got home and the internet is back up, hooray!
Anyhoo, it's after midnight so I had better get to sleep. Will post some more as soon as the time is available!
Love Kel
xx
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Here's a little secret: I'm not perfect! Part I
Hmm, interesting topic I know! Well, I think I might let you in on what I am doing at the moment in my spare time (yes, I know I said I was doing my post on Paris - I will do that, but it takes time to find pics, load them etc, so I'll do that after work). I've read this book, "Wanting to Be Her: Body Image Secrets Victoria Won't Tell You" by Michelle Graham. I picked it up when I was back in Perth in January. I'm not going to be doing this to receive pity or sympathy or compliments - please don't give any of that. I also realise I am opening myself up to criticism from others by exposing my weaknesses, but I am fine with that. I can only be who I am now.. and I cannot hide that. I am really excited to be changing this area of my life, bringing it into line with what God says about me. His opinion should be the only one that matters to me and I want to share with you this part of my journey.
I found the transition from India to Australia quite hard in many ways, but in particular to do with body image. There's so much focus and expectation (or is that just in my mind) on it in our society that I felt really bombarded by it when I got home. Anyway, so I've gone through this book once and am now going through it the second time, doing the journal bits as well, and memorising the verses it has for each chapter (hehe, Luke tests me - he's a tough critic! I've got the whole thing wrong if I say one little word wrong!). It is brilliant. It's opened my eyes to a whole new world: that I can live beyond what I tell myself over and over in my head. I was not born to look in the mirror and loathe what I see. God has not only made everyone else in His own image, but that includes me! This has been such a trap that I have been living in that I am keen to share what I learn with you.. in the hopes that it will help someone else to break free of this area that is really disgusting in my life.
Here's some great bits from the chapter I've just read (titled, When Beauty Becomes a Beast): she talked about God's truth, how He created us, how He cherishes us, and now onto the LIE that tells us otherwise. Thinking instead of the opinions of others (it's in the media.. there are ALWAYS worst and best dressed lists.. and isn't it strange to think we could even delight in seeing some of the celebrities looking less than perfect! YUCKY thought Kellie) instead of our beloved God. Here's a quote from the book "Not only are our assumptions of others' opinions often false, but living in fear of them is a form of slavery that will never lose its grip.. But there is something I can know for sure. I can know that there is One who will never reject me. In Song of Songs he calls me his beloved. The fear of rejection places the opinions of other people higher than this One who cherishes me unconditionally. But we must choose whose opinion will really matter to us."
It goes on to talk about the quest for perfectionism, with your body image. I totally realise that's why I've been living in shame of who I am. I have been striving towards to a body image that is just not right. Striving towards an unattainable goal as I will never be satisfied as perfectionism will never be reached. Perhaps an eating disorder might help, but I am wise enough to not go down that path (again, tried that in Year 10). But still living in my mindset that I am just not matching up is wrong and wastes so much thought-time and energy. It's also SIN! Ugly, wugly SIN! And I am not meaning to make a joke of it as this is perhaps the biggest stronghold I've had to deal with and I am aware of how much it has trapped me. Michelle talks about the "only remedy is to experience unconditional love". The unconditional love of God that tells me I am accepted just as I am. I don't need to change the way I look to win mandkind's approval or God's.
Here's the scripture for this chapter as well as my favourite quote:
"Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galations 1:10
"We suffer from believing what our culture tells us about our bodies. We are losing out to discontentment, fear and perfectionism. But this is not God's desire for us. He longs got us to know freedom from these things. We must find a way to let it sink in that God made not only humanity well, but my particular body too. The consequences otherwise are much too costly."
Interesting thought.
I found the transition from India to Australia quite hard in many ways, but in particular to do with body image. There's so much focus and expectation (or is that just in my mind) on it in our society that I felt really bombarded by it when I got home. Anyway, so I've gone through this book once and am now going through it the second time, doing the journal bits as well, and memorising the verses it has for each chapter (hehe, Luke tests me - he's a tough critic! I've got the whole thing wrong if I say one little word wrong!). It is brilliant. It's opened my eyes to a whole new world: that I can live beyond what I tell myself over and over in my head. I was not born to look in the mirror and loathe what I see. God has not only made everyone else in His own image, but that includes me! This has been such a trap that I have been living in that I am keen to share what I learn with you.. in the hopes that it will help someone else to break free of this area that is really disgusting in my life.
Here's some great bits from the chapter I've just read (titled, When Beauty Becomes a Beast): she talked about God's truth, how He created us, how He cherishes us, and now onto the LIE that tells us otherwise. Thinking instead of the opinions of others (it's in the media.. there are ALWAYS worst and best dressed lists.. and isn't it strange to think we could even delight in seeing some of the celebrities looking less than perfect! YUCKY thought Kellie) instead of our beloved God. Here's a quote from the book "Not only are our assumptions of others' opinions often false, but living in fear of them is a form of slavery that will never lose its grip.. But there is something I can know for sure. I can know that there is One who will never reject me. In Song of Songs he calls me his beloved. The fear of rejection places the opinions of other people higher than this One who cherishes me unconditionally. But we must choose whose opinion will really matter to us."
It goes on to talk about the quest for perfectionism, with your body image. I totally realise that's why I've been living in shame of who I am. I have been striving towards to a body image that is just not right. Striving towards an unattainable goal as I will never be satisfied as perfectionism will never be reached. Perhaps an eating disorder might help, but I am wise enough to not go down that path (again, tried that in Year 10). But still living in my mindset that I am just not matching up is wrong and wastes so much thought-time and energy. It's also SIN! Ugly, wugly SIN! And I am not meaning to make a joke of it as this is perhaps the biggest stronghold I've had to deal with and I am aware of how much it has trapped me. Michelle talks about the "only remedy is to experience unconditional love". The unconditional love of God that tells me I am accepted just as I am. I don't need to change the way I look to win mandkind's approval or God's.
Here's the scripture for this chapter as well as my favourite quote:
"Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galations 1:10
"We suffer from believing what our culture tells us about our bodies. We are losing out to discontentment, fear and perfectionism. But this is not God's desire for us. He longs got us to know freedom from these things. We must find a way to let it sink in that God made not only humanity well, but my particular body too. The consequences otherwise are much too costly."
Interesting thought.
Monday, July 03, 2006
Congratulations!!
I know they don't read my blog (Mels has once or twice I think), but for the next time they check..
Congratulations to Mels and Rob on their engagement! They got engaged last weekend whilst up a mountain somewhere near Melbourne. It's very exciting! (This picture is not from that particular day.. but it's how I picture it to have looked last weekend).
Congratulations to Mels and Rob on their engagement! They got engaged last weekend whilst up a mountain somewhere near Melbourne. It's very exciting! (This picture is not from that particular day.. but it's how I picture it to have looked last weekend).
They make a beautiful couple and it will be a fantastic celebration when they get married :) I can't wait guys! Although they live in Melbourne but will have the wedding in Perth which I wouldn't miss for the world. Yay!
Love Kel
xxx
P.S. Had an amazing weekend in Paris. Lots of fun times.. will do a post tonight with some pics.
P.P.S. Oh, and I'm going to be a bridesmaid for Mels: so exciting!
Friday, June 30, 2006
End of week sum up
Ok, nothing exciting has happened lately except that Mandy (one of my bosses) got back from 2 weeks in Australia so I am off cleaning, washing, cooking duty everyday.. woohoo! I'm not complaining.. I made it through fine. My oh my, I think about having a family of my own.. oh dear. I asked Mandy when she got home if she enjoys cooking all the time and she replied "umm.. NO", phew, I'm not alone! Just the pressure of it all, and things just don't always work out, especially when you're trying to multitask and things just cook a little too long. Argh, anyway, I'm glad it's over for the moment. No need to worry about having my own family right now!
So, we kinda have dates planned (not booked) for coming home to Australia!! At the moment it's mid-August: YAY!! I can hardly wait! We might be home for a month, go somewhere else for a month then come back for a month!! WOOHOO!! I am really, truly, extremely excited :) I calculated that I have been in Perth for under 3 months in the last 12 months. That's just not very good: I miss everyone too much (yes, I am aware that it is my own choice..).
Ok, I have a bug in my eye so I better go now.
Bisous!
Kel
xxx
P.S. I made it in colour so it might seem more appealing.. did it work?
So, we kinda have dates planned (not booked) for coming home to Australia!! At the moment it's mid-August: YAY!! I can hardly wait! We might be home for a month, go somewhere else for a month then come back for a month!! WOOHOO!! I am really, truly, extremely excited :) I calculated that I have been in Perth for under 3 months in the last 12 months. That's just not very good: I miss everyone too much (yes, I am aware that it is my own choice..).
YAY. I'm happy. And I've had lovely chats this week with Mellie-moo (planned a trip over to see her, straight from NY, to Singapore to THERE.. YAYAY!) and Andrea which has been delightful.
On other news.. (that's the most exciting bit so far) I am going to Paris again tomorrow morning with Amy and Anita. It should be lovely (and I get to have a long weekend with Friday off.. yippee). We're staying fairly central and have trips and shopping planned. It's going to be 30 degrees all 3 days we're there.. ARGH! Hothead. I might have to just not pack anything that suits and be forced to buy stuff there.. hmm, I wonder who I am trying to trick by doing that. Strange me and my mindgames with myself. It's my job to not get us lost on the metro and other trains.. seeing as I have been all of once, pfft! I have been studying the 3 maps that Soph got me, so I should at least get us to the hotel :) If we get lost after that it doesn't really matter, right? I know where the good shopping areas are so we'll be fine.Ok, I have a bug in my eye so I better go now.
Bisous!
Kel
xxx
P.S. I made it in colour so it might seem more appealing.. did it work?
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Photo issues
Hi,
As you can see I've been having issues with posting photos for the past week or so. I have no idea why, it just suddenly didn't upload them. I tried doing it a different way, but it doesn't work. Anyhoo, I've created a photo album thingy on Flickr, but I'll still keep trying to post pics on here (Amy is going to try and help me with the html stuff later).
Oh, the address is http://www.flickr.com/photos/whereiskelnow/ . As it's new there's not much on there now (pics from Paris and from the walk that the last post was about) but I'll get snap-happy so there's some more.
Bisous, Kel xx
As you can see I've been having issues with posting photos for the past week or so. I have no idea why, it just suddenly didn't upload them. I tried doing it a different way, but it doesn't work. Anyhoo, I've created a photo album thingy on Flickr, but I'll still keep trying to post pics on here (Amy is going to try and help me with the html stuff later).
Oh, the address is http://www.flickr.com/photos/whereiskelnow/ . As it's new there's not much on there now (pics from Paris and from the walk that the last post was about) but I'll get snap-happy so there's some more.
Bisous, Kel xx
Monday, June 26, 2006
Walkies
WARNING: I have been having trouble uploading pics so I tried to do it using "edit html".. be warned some of the photos are BIG.. I don't know how to change it. It's the best I could do, sorry!
Salut!
Today's weather has been really interesting. The day started off reasonably cool so I wore jeans to church. Then I almost boiled to death when the weather got really hot. Then a storm started and it got really humid and there was fork lightning over the lake.. pretty freaky. Then the sun came out and I couldn't see any more storm clouds so thought I would take a wander up a bit of a mountain. So I get half-way (I think) and it starts to thunder again.. so off I ran down the hill. Argh! Make your mind up weather!!
Speaking of church.. it was really great this morning. It covered some of the stuff that I've been learning in my Old Testament Survey subject at College. About how only the High Priest was allowed into the Holy of Holies, God's presence, once a year and how thick the curtain was to enter in and how he wore a rope around his ankle and bells etc. It is so fascinating. And now that Jesus has conquered all the customs like that as our High Priest and the curtain to the Holy of Holies is torn so we can enter into God's presence whenever we want.. all it takes is a prayer. When you stop to think about it that is AMAZING. I know that I have taken for granted that I can just talk to God whenever I want to.. have a personal relationship with Him. It hasn't always been that easy. We are SO blessed to have been born now: look at the freedom we have - in Christ. I have so much to be grateful for..
Oh, on that church note: as we were leaving today this man that I spoke to the first time I went said goodbye and said something about my blog and I said "huh?!". Turns out a friend of his, in Chicago I think, did a search on C3 Lausanne and it came up with a link to my blog because of my previous post on the first visit to the church. OOOooooOOoooOOOoooo, the world is a small place - I better be careful what I write on here! :P
Salut!
Today's weather has been really interesting. The day started off reasonably cool so I wore jeans to church. Then I almost boiled to death when the weather got really hot. Then a storm started and it got really humid and there was fork lightning over the lake.. pretty freaky. Then the sun came out and I couldn't see any more storm clouds so thought I would take a wander up a bit of a mountain. So I get half-way (I think) and it starts to thunder again.. so off I ran down the hill. Argh! Make your mind up weather!!
Speaking of church.. it was really great this morning. It covered some of the stuff that I've been learning in my Old Testament Survey subject at College. About how only the High Priest was allowed into the Holy of Holies, God's presence, once a year and how thick the curtain was to enter in and how he wore a rope around his ankle and bells etc. It is so fascinating. And now that Jesus has conquered all the customs like that as our High Priest and the curtain to the Holy of Holies is torn so we can enter into God's presence whenever we want.. all it takes is a prayer. When you stop to think about it that is AMAZING. I know that I have taken for granted that I can just talk to God whenever I want to.. have a personal relationship with Him. It hasn't always been that easy. We are SO blessed to have been born now: look at the freedom we have - in Christ. I have so much to be grateful for..
Oh, on that church note: as we were leaving today this man that I spoke to the first time I went said goodbye and said something about my blog and I said "huh?!". Turns out a friend of his, in Chicago I think, did a search on C3 Lausanne and it came up with a link to my blog because of my previous post on the first visit to the church. OOOooooOOoooOOOoooo, the world is a small place - I better be careful what I write on here! :P
Well, here's some pics from the walk. It was only for an hour or so, so not many pics. You can see the storm coming in on some of the shots. Just got to the car in time to meet a California girl, Natalie, who was lost so took her with me to avoid the rain that had just started bucketing down to find the school that she was just starting in today. She was nice and after driving around in the rain we managed to find someone to ask for directions and we found it. Rich picked up some guy from Bulgaria the other day.. looks like it's the Aussies that find the lost little lambs around here.
So flipping BIG!! The drops on my glasses are sweat: hard-core.. YEAH!
Pretty tourism pathway up and up..
More pretty trees :)
The storm is coming!
Pretty town, Glion, above Montreux
Me in Glion, after getting back to the car.. lake in background (ARGH, photo is SO big!)
Friday, June 23, 2006
Unco meme
Bonsoir (Good evening: French style),
Just got home from a "women's connect" night at church. They had a hiphop lesson night with chocolate and stuff. I got there really late (got talking with an Argentinian in the petrol station.. plus got a bit lost..) so missed the first half hour. But we learnt a dance routine and it was really fun! There were a few girls that could do the moves really well, but I was just struggling to do the moves let alone look good doing them. I don't think we had enough dancing at home (although I remember fondly the Christmas Eve nights when Chris and I would dance around silly to Feliz Navidad) so I've never really gotten into dancing. Anyhoo, it was really fun and a great way to meet some ladies and learn to count to 8 in French (the whole lesson thing was in French).
Must get on to doing that Paris post soon. It was such a blast! Have another trip to Paris in a couple of weeks with Amz and Anita and seeing Jasmin in Aarau the next weekend: I love seeing friends, woohoo!!
Sorry that there's no photos again. Will post some tomorrow. Oh, we're going inside that castle, Chateau de Chillon (I took snaps from on the lake when Luke and I went pedal-boating) tomorrow afternoon which should be really interesting. Luke has been hanging out to go since we landed here :) Oh, Luke and I got rollerblades this week! Brings back memories of killer stacks when I was younger. Mum, can you remember that you put me into figure roller-skating classes as a child when we were in Canberra? Hahaha!! Luke, Luke, Luke.. yes my life does revolve around him these days! He's my best friend :) He's 9.. maybe I should find someone closer in age to me..?
OK, mwa mwa mwa (the Swiss kiss on one cheek, then the other, then back to the first on greeting - the Swisskiss or Swiskers as I like to call it)! I love it! I'm used to doing 2 with Soph and the Indian crowd but 3 tops it! I'm bringing it home to Aus! Looooook out :)
Way too many :) and ! and ) Kellie. Tsk.
P.S. As homework from Paris I am translating a children's book, Mimi Cracra, into English from French. It's hard! The first chapter she calls her doll "mother" and bathes her doll's feet in chocolate.. weird French books, I say.
Just got home from a "women's connect" night at church. They had a hiphop lesson night with chocolate and stuff. I got there really late (got talking with an Argentinian in the petrol station.. plus got a bit lost..) so missed the first half hour. But we learnt a dance routine and it was really fun! There were a few girls that could do the moves really well, but I was just struggling to do the moves let alone look good doing them. I don't think we had enough dancing at home (although I remember fondly the Christmas Eve nights when Chris and I would dance around silly to Feliz Navidad) so I've never really gotten into dancing. Anyhoo, it was really fun and a great way to meet some ladies and learn to count to 8 in French (the whole lesson thing was in French).
Must get on to doing that Paris post soon. It was such a blast! Have another trip to Paris in a couple of weeks with Amz and Anita and seeing Jasmin in Aarau the next weekend: I love seeing friends, woohoo!!
Sorry that there's no photos again. Will post some tomorrow. Oh, we're going inside that castle, Chateau de Chillon (I took snaps from on the lake when Luke and I went pedal-boating) tomorrow afternoon which should be really interesting. Luke has been hanging out to go since we landed here :) Oh, Luke and I got rollerblades this week! Brings back memories of killer stacks when I was younger. Mum, can you remember that you put me into figure roller-skating classes as a child when we were in Canberra? Hahaha!! Luke, Luke, Luke.. yes my life does revolve around him these days! He's my best friend :) He's 9.. maybe I should find someone closer in age to me..?
OK, mwa mwa mwa (the Swiss kiss on one cheek, then the other, then back to the first on greeting - the Swisskiss or Swiskers as I like to call it)! I love it! I'm used to doing 2 with Soph and the Indian crowd but 3 tops it! I'm bringing it home to Aus! Looooook out :)
Way too many :) and ! and ) Kellie. Tsk.
P.S. As homework from Paris I am translating a children's book, Mimi Cracra, into English from French. It's hard! The first chapter she calls her doll "mother" and bathes her doll's feet in chocolate.. weird French books, I say.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Cuckoo..
Hmm, I have been having trouble posting with blogger. I have some pics from my weekend with Sophie in Paris.. will keep trying (have tried the 1/2 hr before bed for 3 nights in a row.. GRR!).
How is everyone anyway? (everyone, pfft! none of my friends even use blogs!! Ok, sorry mum.. you're my friend too..)
P.S. My mum and I chatted today on the net! Haha! She even did smileys and all. Well done Baloogs.. bravo :)
How is everyone anyway? (everyone, pfft! none of my friends even use blogs!! Ok, sorry mum.. you're my friend too..)
P.S. My mum and I chatted today on the net! Haha! She even did smileys and all. Well done Baloogs.. bravo :)
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Which countries have I been to?
create your own visited country map
How cool is that.. I've been to so few countries (not sure if I've been to all 50 USA states.. Dad, do you remember how many?).. there's so much left to explore! Aww Fiji is small :( It's not quite accurate as it colours in the whole country even if you've only been to one town or whatever. Nevermind, you get the idea!
Lots of people ask the question: if you could go to any country in the world, where would you want to go? Next on my list is France (going to Paris on the weekend to see Soph, yay!).. but somewhere I've always wanted to go to is Bolivia, then Mongolia. I know I'll get there someday soon!
How about you.. where do you want to go? Or what is your most favourite place you've been to so far?
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Driving along..
Sorry if my last post was offensive or made people feel bad - not my intention. Just not sure what to do with my Nana and it lead me down a road of contemplation and waffling.. SORRY. I'll try to keep it to my journal in future :)
There's loads of these little beasts, I want one :(
ANYHOO, I hadn't driven since we left the US. I have to admit now that I don't actually have my manual licence (everyone in my family has autos and I couldn't be bothered getting lessons after I had a creepy instructor for my first lesson). Most of the small nifty cars around here are manuals so I had just taken to walking around the place. Anyway, now we have a different car (yay, I'll be able to go to the YWAM base at a nearby town.. the first YWAM base ever!) and so tonight I took poor little Amz on a drive.
I wanted to go up a mountain.. so off we went. I accidently got on the motorway and went a loooooonnnngg way away, but then I found an exit ("sortie" in French) and found a mountain to climb! The car has an auto clutch but you still change the gears up and down.. HAHA, I changed to the wrong gear a couple of times, but it was so much fun! So we went zig and zag around the mountain, up 11km. I didn't like the narrow parts of the road, but other than that it was great to be driving again. Boy Switzerland is a beautiful place. If you're planning a European trip, I thoroughly recommend Switzerland. So lush, green and quaint. When we were going down the hill I stopped to chat to some cows to see if they spoke English (they didn't) and they were all wearing bells around their necks and making quite a racket! It's just gorgeous here :)
This kinda cow.. but not in it's Sunday best.
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