Bonjour, g'day, hey, hi, hello!
It's been such a long time since I last posted - about two months! My most sincere apologies to all of you.
So anyway, I um, don't have that much to tell you. It seems my amazing immune system has finally let its walls down - I now have the red puffy eyes, annoying blocked nose and never-ending sneezes that everyone seems to have had at least once so far this winter. Except me, until now.
Aside from that, I'm getting pretty excited about all my travel plans. I was planning a trip to China with one of my good friends, but that's really not looking too positive anymore, since she has other uni related things to pay for. Looks like China has been delayed for now. I'm left trying to decide when I should go where. I'd like to go to New Zealand for about a month, just exploring - a completely relaxing holiday, just me, my camera and the beautiful natural scenery. And I also have to decide on the particulars of my holiday to the UK. It'll be a working holiday, for three months; one month in England, one in Scotland and one in Ireland. So many decisions to make in so little time!
I told you all that because it kind of introduces my next project. I'm going to cover my ceiling (yes, my ceiling!) in pictures of all the places I want to go. Since there are metal bars going both horizontally and vertically across my ceiling which splits it into four fairly even sections, I'm going to dedicate each quarter to a particular continent or country I'd like to see. The first will be Europe and the UK, the second America, the third Asia, and the fourth will be all the other little places here and there that I simply must see in my lifetime but don't fit into the other three categories.
I'm hoping to have all this done in around a month, so hopefully pics will be up around the end of August. (: Stay tuned to see my soon to be CRAZY ceiling. :D
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011
I QUIT!
Quitter! Quitter! Quitter!
I can just hear the accusations now. BUT IT WAS HARD! Bad excuse, hey. I'm sorry, really I am. But it's getting boring, and I'm not committed, and that's about all I can say. Sorry for boring you, I know I was.
YAY! now I can write other things, like reviews and short pieces and lists! Oh, lists! And I'll post photos regularly and I promise I won't be boring ever again!
So I'll leave it here today. Tomorrow will bring a whole new blog. Woo!
Ciao!
I can just hear the accusations now. BUT IT WAS HARD! Bad excuse, hey. I'm sorry, really I am. But it's getting boring, and I'm not committed, and that's about all I can say. Sorry for boring you, I know I was.
YAY! now I can write other things, like reviews and short pieces and lists! Oh, lists! And I'll post photos regularly and I promise I won't be boring ever again!
So I'll leave it here today. Tomorrow will bring a whole new blog. Woo!
Ciao!
Laaaaaaaaazy.
SORRY SORRY SORRY SORRY SORRY!
I've been so slack, I do apologize. My couple of days of trust went alright. But it was definitely a hard task.
This week I've been focusing on being 'caring'. So when my workmate went home early on Monday because she felt sick, I raged in my head for a few minutes, told her I hoped she would feel better and then stuck my head down and worked solidly on the never-ending pile of photocopying for the rest of the afternoon. It's so much harder with just one person at work, but it couldn't have been helped.
I think I was most caring, however, when I cancelled a few outings on the weekend to recover from fatigue. I'm always forgetting to take care of myself, so this week definitely reminded me.
This week is one I hate. My highschool motto included this word and I HATE HATE HATE it. Integrity. I don't even know what it means! But, I'm resolved to doing something about it. First I'm going to find out what it means. Like, right now. Back in half an hour or so, with a definition and a task! :D
I've been so slack, I do apologize. My couple of days of trust went alright. But it was definitely a hard task.
This week I've been focusing on being 'caring'. So when my workmate went home early on Monday because she felt sick, I raged in my head for a few minutes, told her I hoped she would feel better and then stuck my head down and worked solidly on the never-ending pile of photocopying for the rest of the afternoon. It's so much harder with just one person at work, but it couldn't have been helped.
I think I was most caring, however, when I cancelled a few outings on the weekend to recover from fatigue. I'm always forgetting to take care of myself, so this week definitely reminded me.
This week is one I hate. My highschool motto included this word and I HATE HATE HATE it. Integrity. I don't even know what it means! But, I'm resolved to doing something about it. First I'm going to find out what it means. Like, right now. Back in half an hour or so, with a definition and a task! :D
Friday, May 6, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
TRUST.
Yes, that's right, this week's word is 'Trust'. I know it's already Wednesday, but there are still a good 4 days left of the week to devote to my humble little self-mastery card.
The only thing is, I have a problem with this week's card. Of course, it's a great virtue to have, but I think it has very large limitations. The world we live in today is not a trustworthy one. There have always been bad people in the world, and there always will be. But what my mum used to call 'bad', like shop-lifting and street violence, has escalated into something much bigger. School kids shoplift. Teenagers beat each other up. A night out at a bar or a club is becoming more and more dangerous, with drink spiking, drunken fights and drug abuse. Fathers beat their wives, mothers abuse their children, and loved ones kill other loved ones. In a very real way, trust is going out the window.
Maybe I'm taking it too far, but even so, I'm constantly being told I'm too trustworthy. People trust me and I trust people - that's just the way it is with me. Tell me something plausible, and I'll believe you. It's not because I'm an idiot. I won't deny I'm somewhat naive but I'm definitely not an idiot. I think it's more because I like to give people the benefit of the doubt. What's worse: being gullible and believing, or skeptical and cynical?
So is it a good idea to focus on trust this week? Don't I trust people enough?
I think this week I'd just like to think about it when I decide to trust someone. I don't want to change how I am in this regard, because it's just, well... how I am!
What's that? Orange backwards spells gullible? Nice bloody try.
The only thing is, I have a problem with this week's card. Of course, it's a great virtue to have, but I think it has very large limitations. The world we live in today is not a trustworthy one. There have always been bad people in the world, and there always will be. But what my mum used to call 'bad', like shop-lifting and street violence, has escalated into something much bigger. School kids shoplift. Teenagers beat each other up. A night out at a bar or a club is becoming more and more dangerous, with drink spiking, drunken fights and drug abuse. Fathers beat their wives, mothers abuse their children, and loved ones kill other loved ones. In a very real way, trust is going out the window.
Maybe I'm taking it too far, but even so, I'm constantly being told I'm too trustworthy. People trust me and I trust people - that's just the way it is with me. Tell me something plausible, and I'll believe you. It's not because I'm an idiot. I won't deny I'm somewhat naive but I'm definitely not an idiot. I think it's more because I like to give people the benefit of the doubt. What's worse: being gullible and believing, or skeptical and cynical?
So is it a good idea to focus on trust this week? Don't I trust people enough?
I think this week I'd just like to think about it when I decide to trust someone. I don't want to change how I am in this regard, because it's just, well... how I am!
What's that? Orange backwards spells gullible? Nice bloody try.
Far Behind.
Sorry folks for the delay.
So I had a slight flirt on Wednesday, then talked to someone I didn't know when I was at my friends' birthday dinner, but didn't do anything else that I was meant to last week. I was supposed to write several more lists, and as much as I like making lists, I don't really think they would have made me feel confident in any way.
'The thing is, and here's the thing' (Hannah Abell, 2011), that the information on the internet sucks asshole. I knew this before I started the challenge (which was very short lived and pointless), but I even further confirmed it last week. Anyone can write anything on the internet. I don't think it's possible to dictate to people how to simply be confident. Some people are born with it, others aren't. Sure, everyone knows that a new outfit and haircut make you feel great, but the fact is that deep, true confidence comes slowly over time, after we've learnt things and been places and had many an embarrassing moment, not after we've just splurged on a pair of expensive shoes.
Therefore, I surmise that I am a semi-confident person. It's developing; it's getting there. But it's got a way to go yet.
So I had a slight flirt on Wednesday, then talked to someone I didn't know when I was at my friends' birthday dinner, but didn't do anything else that I was meant to last week. I was supposed to write several more lists, and as much as I like making lists, I don't really think they would have made me feel confident in any way.
'The thing is, and here's the thing' (Hannah Abell, 2011), that the information on the internet sucks asshole. I knew this before I started the challenge (which was very short lived and pointless), but I even further confirmed it last week. Anyone can write anything on the internet. I don't think it's possible to dictate to people how to simply be confident. Some people are born with it, others aren't. Sure, everyone knows that a new outfit and haircut make you feel great, but the fact is that deep, true confidence comes slowly over time, after we've learnt things and been places and had many an embarrassing moment, not after we've just splurged on a pair of expensive shoes.
Therefore, I surmise that I am a semi-confident person. It's developing; it's getting there. But it's got a way to go yet.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
AMAZING THINGS I WANT TO DO IN MY LIFE.
- Travel overseas at least once every two years
- Be an amazing photographer
- Get married and have children
- Design my own house, witness its construction, then decorate it myself
- Become an excellent cook
- Write a book
- Embark on a road trip around Australia in a caravan, with tents, hammocks, musical instruments and cameras.
- Write an original song, play it and sing it.
- Learn to ride a motorbike
- Become good at one sport
- Learn to make my own clothes
- Live in another country for at least 1 year
- Win a large sum of prize money
- Become known for doing something really well
- Discover something amazing, like an underwater city or a new species of whales or a temple somewhere deep in a dense forest.
Let's see now.
- Yes, I could plan out the places I'd like to go in the next decade or so. That could work I suppose.
- I need to get an awesome camera first, and study photography.
- Um, yeah. I can't see this one working out anytime soon.
- Oooh! I could design my own house!!! That's a bit exciting.
- To be honest, I can't be bothered right now with this one.
- I've been waiting for a couple of years for a brilliant idea to come to me. I still am.
- Yeah, I need a caravan.
- I could do this, but I kind of don't want to. (:
- Sorta need a motorbike...
- I could research really obscure sports to try?
- Too much of a big project to start right now
- Uhhhh...
- Yeah....
- Ahuh...
- Hmmmm....
That's a big NO for activity number one giving me any kind of confidence.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Abbi fiducia in te stesso.
Self-confidence.
Ah geez, I could make a bloody big fool out of myself with what's on the cards for this week.
Here's what I've decided. As a bit of a joke, I'll pick 6 things that the internet claims 'make you feel self-confident'. And I'll do one of these things each day. Then I'll give a critique of whether it actually worked. And don't get your hopes up, I'm sure as hell not. Here's a brief itinerary, starting from tomorrow since today's nearly over already.
Tuesday - 'Write yourself a list of the amazing things you’d love to do in your life, and make a start by simply looking into the first one or two things that leap out at you.'
Wednesday - 'Flirt. It’s a harmless way to play around with connecting with people and having fun.' Oh boy, am I going to have fun with that one.
Thursday - 'Don’t think for a second that you can’t be confident. There are already loads of things you do with natural self-confidence, you just have to notice them and get familiar with how it feels. Look for the things you do where the question of whether you’re confident enough never arises.'
Friday - 'You have to keep your mind well fed, so write a list of 20 things that keeps your mind feeling nourished and make sure you’re giving them room in your life.'
Saturday - 'Write a list of the things you’re tolerating and putting up with in your life, then write down how you can remove, minimise or diminish each one.'
Sunday - 'Next time you’re at a social event, don’t just stick with the people you know – go and have a conversation with someone you don’t know and you never know what – or who – you’ll discover.'
For all those who lack self-confidence, think of it as a review column. This one's for you.
Ah geez, I could make a bloody big fool out of myself with what's on the cards for this week.
Here's what I've decided. As a bit of a joke, I'll pick 6 things that the internet claims 'make you feel self-confident'. And I'll do one of these things each day. Then I'll give a critique of whether it actually worked. And don't get your hopes up, I'm sure as hell not. Here's a brief itinerary, starting from tomorrow since today's nearly over already.
Tuesday - 'Write yourself a list of the amazing things you’d love to do in your life, and make a start by simply looking into the first one or two things that leap out at you.'
Wednesday - 'Flirt. It’s a harmless way to play around with connecting with people and having fun.' Oh boy, am I going to have fun with that one.
Thursday - 'Don’t think for a second that you can’t be confident. There are already loads of things you do with natural self-confidence, you just have to notice them and get familiar with how it feels. Look for the things you do where the question of whether you’re confident enough never arises.'
Friday - 'You have to keep your mind well fed, so write a list of 20 things that keeps your mind feeling nourished and make sure you’re giving them room in your life.'
Saturday - 'Write a list of the things you’re tolerating and putting up with in your life, then write down how you can remove, minimise or diminish each one.'
Sunday - 'Next time you’re at a social event, don’t just stick with the people you know – go and have a conversation with someone you don’t know and you never know what – or who – you’ll discover.'
For all those who lack self-confidence, think of it as a review column. This one's for you.
Wise as wise can be.
^^ Not really.
I can't take the credit for this one. I know it's meant to be things that I've come up with on my own, but these lyrics by one of my favourite bands Biffy Clyro are just too good.
'You can't rely on someone else to be happy'.
Because putting all your eggs in one basket is a dangerous activity. Whether you invest your happiness in a person, hobby or prized possession, make sure it's permanent. If it goes, what's left, huh?
My final quote of the week is an original, sort of. I mean, my dad gave me the idea a few weeks ago, and I've since realised how absolutely true it is.
'Time flies with routine'.
Short but sweet. Spontaneity, travel, doing things constantly - they're the only things which really slow time down. Have you ever noticed how quickly the week passes while you're working, or sitting at home doing nothing, or studying? Do something every day for a week; pack each day to the very brim with activity and at the end of it all, when you look back to the first day it will have seemed like a year ago, not a week ago. I don't want to end up in a job doing the same thing every single day and then suddenly celebrate my 50th birthday with my grandchildren.
See what I mean?
I can't take the credit for this one. I know it's meant to be things that I've come up with on my own, but these lyrics by one of my favourite bands Biffy Clyro are just too good.
'You can't rely on someone else to be happy'.
Because putting all your eggs in one basket is a dangerous activity. Whether you invest your happiness in a person, hobby or prized possession, make sure it's permanent. If it goes, what's left, huh?
My final quote of the week is an original, sort of. I mean, my dad gave me the idea a few weeks ago, and I've since realised how absolutely true it is.
'Time flies with routine'.
Short but sweet. Spontaneity, travel, doing things constantly - they're the only things which really slow time down. Have you ever noticed how quickly the week passes while you're working, or sitting at home doing nothing, or studying? Do something every day for a week; pack each day to the very brim with activity and at the end of it all, when you look back to the first day it will have seemed like a year ago, not a week ago. I don't want to end up in a job doing the same thing every single day and then suddenly celebrate my 50th birthday with my grandchildren.
See what I mean?
Friday, April 22, 2011
Quote me on this.
My first quote is something I feel very strongly about. So I went the extra mile. With this one, I give you a movie made with my very own photos from some of the places I've been, accompanied by 'Where two oceans meet' by Josh Pyke. I thought it was appropriate.
'A life untravelled is a life not lived'. In other words: travel. Go places, see things, do things you can't do at home. And when you've been everywhere, seen everything and done everything, do it all again.
'A life untravelled is a life not lived'. In other words: travel. Go places, see things, do things you can't do at home. And when you've been everywhere, seen everything and done everything, do it all again.
Looks like you'll have to watch my video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kghhp_w7c38
Sunday, April 17, 2011
A wise man once told me...
Ahoy hoy.
Let me just say, self respect week went fairly well. Nothing really exciting happened, not that I expected it to or anything, but you get what I mean. I didn't do any exercise (surprise surprise), nor did I eat particularly well (in fact I may have eaten worse). But I felt good about myself and that's a very good start, because when you feel good, nothing else really matters all that much.
So this week is going to be a little difficult, because I don't quite know what this word truly means. Well, sure, I have an idea, but at the ripe old age of 17 I don't really think I could give a full definition of this word and be completely sure about it. Wisdom. There's all that talk about wisdom coming with age, about developing wisdom as you get older after you've experienced many different corners of life, blah-di-blah-di-blah, whatever.
But who says I haven't got just a little bit of wisdom? 17 years of life may not seem like much, but I think there are some lessons I've learned, and learned well.
So my mission this week is to come up with at least 3 very definite truths; things that I truly believe in. Even if you don't. Three of my own quotes, if you like. And with each quote this week, I'll also post a photo, just to make my page more attractive. :D
And if anybody is reading this, I urge you to encourage your inner old person this week. Think about things more deeply than you usually would. Think twice, think carefully, and think well.
Let me just say, self respect week went fairly well. Nothing really exciting happened, not that I expected it to or anything, but you get what I mean. I didn't do any exercise (surprise surprise), nor did I eat particularly well (in fact I may have eaten worse). But I felt good about myself and that's a very good start, because when you feel good, nothing else really matters all that much.
So this week is going to be a little difficult, because I don't quite know what this word truly means. Well, sure, I have an idea, but at the ripe old age of 17 I don't really think I could give a full definition of this word and be completely sure about it. Wisdom. There's all that talk about wisdom coming with age, about developing wisdom as you get older after you've experienced many different corners of life, blah-di-blah-di-blah, whatever.
But who says I haven't got just a little bit of wisdom? 17 years of life may not seem like much, but I think there are some lessons I've learned, and learned well.
So my mission this week is to come up with at least 3 very definite truths; things that I truly believe in. Even if you don't. Three of my own quotes, if you like. And with each quote this week, I'll also post a photo, just to make my page more attractive. :D
And if anybody is reading this, I urge you to encourage your inner old person this week. Think about things more deeply than you usually would. Think twice, think carefully, and think well.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Holy mother of God.
It's been almost 2 weeks since my last post. How time flies!! So I have a few things to report:
- My Happiness week (the week before last) went pretty well. Except for one night when I was in a bad mood and wanted to cry for a couple of hours, I was generally in a fairly good mood.
- Last week was Positivity. Since I had my driving test on Friday afternoon and was crapping my pants in the few days beforehand, this one came in handy. And boy was it challenging. I kept saying, 'Oh sweet Jesus I'm going to fail miserably and then waste another $150 paying for another stupid test and then fail again and waste another $150...' and so it went. Friday came, and Friday went. I got my license. Every time I had a negative thought I pushed it back, and I have a feeling that my semi-confidence did actually help. Then Sunday was the best day of the year so far; so that definitely made me feel positive about where my life was headed. I made some pretty major decisions about where I'd like to travel to, which put me in a very good mood. Let's just say I'm a compulsive planner.
- Finally, I've now landed myself in the week which I was dreading from the start: self-respect. I'm not very good at that one. Gorging myself on chocolate and cookies got me off to a pretty bad start tonight. My plan is just to eat a little more healthy than usual and maybe even do some exercise. And I'm not going to put myself down, unless I do something ridiculously embarrassing, like farting at work. Just an example...
I hereby swear that I will love myself sick.
- My Happiness week (the week before last) went pretty well. Except for one night when I was in a bad mood and wanted to cry for a couple of hours, I was generally in a fairly good mood.
- Last week was Positivity. Since I had my driving test on Friday afternoon and was crapping my pants in the few days beforehand, this one came in handy. And boy was it challenging. I kept saying, 'Oh sweet Jesus I'm going to fail miserably and then waste another $150 paying for another stupid test and then fail again and waste another $150...' and so it went. Friday came, and Friday went. I got my license. Every time I had a negative thought I pushed it back, and I have a feeling that my semi-confidence did actually help. Then Sunday was the best day of the year so far; so that definitely made me feel positive about where my life was headed. I made some pretty major decisions about where I'd like to travel to, which put me in a very good mood. Let's just say I'm a compulsive planner.
- Finally, I've now landed myself in the week which I was dreading from the start: self-respect. I'm not very good at that one. Gorging myself on chocolate and cookies got me off to a pretty bad start tonight. My plan is just to eat a little more healthy than usual and maybe even do some exercise. And I'm not going to put myself down, unless I do something ridiculously embarrassing, like farting at work. Just an example...
I hereby swear that I will love myself sick.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
What's a doodle do?
I was definitely successful this week. In fact I may have been too successful.
It wasn't hard to focus on being peaceful at work as it wasn't busy at all - unlike the past few weeks which have been pretty damn hectic. And my nights are almost always peaceful - I just do what I please. But I did discover a few new things which keep me chilled and mellow.
Saturday was beautiful. Clear sky, warm sun and light breeze - utterly perfect. My grandma stayed with us this weekend, and while she was having a snooze I took my chance and crept outside. I ended up sitting in the shade, leaning up against the back door with an apple juice and one of my favourite books. I think doing relaxing things outside that are typically indoor activities like reading takes peacefulness to a whole new level. Very rejuvenating indeed.
I also realised that spending time alone with my dad is a very good idea. Since we're so alike, we can usually decide on something to do which keeps us both happy and doesn't allow for much argument. I'm almost always out with mum, because we both like shopping and I like her company, but dad never gets much of a chance. He's always either working or at the archery range. Hopefully this new discovery will bring on a bit of a change with regards to how much time we spend together.
Week 5 = HAPPINESS.
I think it's pretty self-explanatory. Be genuinely happy and have no troubles for 1 week. How hard could it possibly be?
It wasn't hard to focus on being peaceful at work as it wasn't busy at all - unlike the past few weeks which have been pretty damn hectic. And my nights are almost always peaceful - I just do what I please. But I did discover a few new things which keep me chilled and mellow.
Saturday was beautiful. Clear sky, warm sun and light breeze - utterly perfect. My grandma stayed with us this weekend, and while she was having a snooze I took my chance and crept outside. I ended up sitting in the shade, leaning up against the back door with an apple juice and one of my favourite books. I think doing relaxing things outside that are typically indoor activities like reading takes peacefulness to a whole new level. Very rejuvenating indeed.
I also realised that spending time alone with my dad is a very good idea. Since we're so alike, we can usually decide on something to do which keeps us both happy and doesn't allow for much argument. I'm almost always out with mum, because we both like shopping and I like her company, but dad never gets much of a chance. He's always either working or at the archery range. Hopefully this new discovery will bring on a bit of a change with regards to how much time we spend together.
Week 5 = HAPPINESS.
I think it's pretty self-explanatory. Be genuinely happy and have no troubles for 1 week. How hard could it possibly be?
Monday, March 21, 2011
No love for me!
Well, I didn't try very hard. I thought about it a lot though. I couldn't quite come up with a specific task for 'love' last week, but I was definitely more aware of it. That being said, I was a bit lazy last week.
This week is peace. Peace-y peace-y peace peace.
That's about all I can say about it. Oh sweet lord, how am I meant to be peaceful this week? I thought about challenging myself to keep calm in every situation, but is that the true definition of peace? I think I'd rather do something indulgent instead. Specifically, I'd like to dedicate at least half an hour of trying my very hardest to feel blissfully at peace with myself each night after work. I wander if this will prove to be in any way difficult? Should be interesting.
So that's what I'm going to do. But how? I know that reading in my room with dimmed lights and beautiful music makes me feel absolutely wonderful, but I wander if I could find other ways to feel that great? To feel that absolutely brilliant; that completely at peace with myself and my life?
Hopefully by the end of the week I'll be able to share some new methods on keeping peaceful (I didn't get my half hour of peace tonight, but never mind - 6 more nights to go!)
Peace be with you.
This week is peace. Peace-y peace-y peace peace.
That's about all I can say about it. Oh sweet lord, how am I meant to be peaceful this week? I thought about challenging myself to keep calm in every situation, but is that the true definition of peace? I think I'd rather do something indulgent instead. Specifically, I'd like to dedicate at least half an hour of trying my very hardest to feel blissfully at peace with myself each night after work. I wander if this will prove to be in any way difficult? Should be interesting.
So that's what I'm going to do. But how? I know that reading in my room with dimmed lights and beautiful music makes me feel absolutely wonderful, but I wander if I could find other ways to feel that great? To feel that absolutely brilliant; that completely at peace with myself and my life?
Hopefully by the end of the week I'll be able to share some new methods on keeping peaceful (I didn't get my half hour of peace tonight, but never mind - 6 more nights to go!)
Peace be with you.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
LOVE!
Friday didn't happen, you know, the whole 'sitting alone somewhere in the dark' thing. Yeah, I didn't exactly feel compelled to do that. Wander why?
And the weekend? I think I went alright. There were only two times I can think of when I actively thought about either the past or the future, if that makes sense. Every other time was just a mistake. But in all honesty, I didn't worry about things I couldn't control, and I didn't dwell on things that are over and done with.
With my freedom week over, I think I can safely say I went alright. Some things were harder than others, but most went okay. Some were lots of fun!
This week's word is LOVE. If I'm honest, I'm really not sure what my project should be. I don't want it to be something lame like 'Show someone I love them every day of the week' or some crap. Besides, my affectionate side is very temperamental and only comes out every once in a while (especially with my family).
So how can I act out 'love' this week? I think I need some help.
And the weekend? I think I went alright. There were only two times I can think of when I actively thought about either the past or the future, if that makes sense. Every other time was just a mistake. But in all honesty, I didn't worry about things I couldn't control, and I didn't dwell on things that are over and done with.
With my freedom week over, I think I can safely say I went alright. Some things were harder than others, but most went okay. Some were lots of fun!
This week's word is LOVE. If I'm honest, I'm really not sure what my project should be. I don't want it to be something lame like 'Show someone I love them every day of the week' or some crap. Besides, my affectionate side is very temperamental and only comes out every once in a while (especially with my family).
So how can I act out 'love' this week? I think I need some help.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
What a cracker!
I loved, loved, LOVED today's challenge!
I may not have had the guts to to do something completely outrageous and just plain socially unacceptable, but I did give it my all. Here's what I did (and didn't give a flying FUCK what other people thought):
1. I missed my train home, and was feeling hungry, so with 20 minutes until the next train I decided to get McDonalds. The line was ridiculously long, and when a new employee came to serve at another register, calling 'next!', people just bolted to it. I had only just joined the line and decided that when the girl called 'next!' I would run for it. So I did. Some 40 year old man gave me a dirty look because he had been in the line longer than me. Nothing much, I know, but I would usually never be so impolite. It felt bloody good.
2. I stared, unashamedly at a man with ludicrous sideburns sitting opposite me on the train. He stared back.
3. I also stared unashamedly at a gorgeous 20 something guy sitting next to the ludicrous sideburns man. He forgot his umbrella, and when I realised it was still standing next to his seat I said, 'Your umbrella is there', and pointed like some kind of stupid dumbass. Then he smiled at me :D
May not sound like much, but I felt proud of myself. I'm almost always quiet and shy in public situations. But not so much today. (: Mission accomplished!
I may not have had the guts to to do something completely outrageous and just plain socially unacceptable, but I did give it my all. Here's what I did (and didn't give a flying FUCK what other people thought):
1. I missed my train home, and was feeling hungry, so with 20 minutes until the next train I decided to get McDonalds. The line was ridiculously long, and when a new employee came to serve at another register, calling 'next!', people just bolted to it. I had only just joined the line and decided that when the girl called 'next!' I would run for it. So I did. Some 40 year old man gave me a dirty look because he had been in the line longer than me. Nothing much, I know, but I would usually never be so impolite. It felt bloody good.
2. I stared, unashamedly at a man with ludicrous sideburns sitting opposite me on the train. He stared back.
3. I also stared unashamedly at a gorgeous 20 something guy sitting next to the ludicrous sideburns man. He forgot his umbrella, and when I realised it was still standing next to his seat I said, 'Your umbrella is there', and pointed like some kind of stupid dumbass. Then he smiled at me :D
May not sound like much, but I felt proud of myself. I'm almost always quiet and shy in public situations. But not so much today. (: Mission accomplished!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Freedom isn't easy.
Today is Wednesday, and I apologise for my late blog entries. I'll summarise the past few interesting days of my 'freedom' project.
Monday was incredibly hard. I kind of wasn't expecting to reduce my large usage of everyday 'things'. It was more an attempt to actually take notice of what I do use during the day. Here's a list of all the things I vaguely remember 'using' on Monday (and every day, for that matter):
- phone, ipod, toothbrush, knives, forks, spoons, cups, saucers, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, face wash, comb, bobby pins, hair tie, money, wallet, go card, photocopier, printer, stapler, stapler remover, hole punch, scanner, computer, computer mouse, band-aids, hand soap, hand towels, toaster, television, and the list goes on and on and on.
I practically made no attempt whatsoever to stop using any of these things on Monday. In fact I pretty much forgot about the whole 'freedom' concept until I got home from work. Besides, work made it incredibly difficult to put this task into action. Result: fail.
Tuesday was a little better. A lot better. Actually, during the day I was asked to perform a task for work which completely stressed me out. This kind of went against my whole 'do only what I want for the day' task. Again, difficult to act upon when I have to do things for other people at work. I didn't even get to take my whole 45 minutes off for lunch, because I had to finish the job I had started.
But there were a few things I did just for me.
I ate a whole big two-pack of mars bars on the train by myself, and crunched the wrapper doing so in the supposed 'quiet carriage'. And then I saw someone I knew, and pretended I hadn't. Wasn't exactly in the mood for small talk that afternoon.
Overall I'd say I earned a D+ for that one. Maybe a C-.
No, definitely a D+.
Then today was better again. I think I only stayed in one place for more than half an hour about 4 times. Twice on the train journeys, once while I was doing that job from yesterday (still), and right now, because I've kind of given up. I reckon I've been sitting in this very spot on the couch for about an hour. But that's not so bad, right? I've definitely passed today's task, maybe with a B.
Now I'm looking forward to tomorrow. Doing something outrageous? Oh dear lord. This could be a whole lot of fun!
Monday was incredibly hard. I kind of wasn't expecting to reduce my large usage of everyday 'things'. It was more an attempt to actually take notice of what I do use during the day. Here's a list of all the things I vaguely remember 'using' on Monday (and every day, for that matter):
- phone, ipod, toothbrush, knives, forks, spoons, cups, saucers, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, face wash, comb, bobby pins, hair tie, money, wallet, go card, photocopier, printer, stapler, stapler remover, hole punch, scanner, computer, computer mouse, band-aids, hand soap, hand towels, toaster, television, and the list goes on and on and on.
I practically made no attempt whatsoever to stop using any of these things on Monday. In fact I pretty much forgot about the whole 'freedom' concept until I got home from work. Besides, work made it incredibly difficult to put this task into action. Result: fail.
Tuesday was a little better. A lot better. Actually, during the day I was asked to perform a task for work which completely stressed me out. This kind of went against my whole 'do only what I want for the day' task. Again, difficult to act upon when I have to do things for other people at work. I didn't even get to take my whole 45 minutes off for lunch, because I had to finish the job I had started.
But there were a few things I did just for me.
I ate a whole big two-pack of mars bars on the train by myself, and crunched the wrapper doing so in the supposed 'quiet carriage'. And then I saw someone I knew, and pretended I hadn't. Wasn't exactly in the mood for small talk that afternoon.
Overall I'd say I earned a D+ for that one. Maybe a C-.
No, definitely a D+.
Then today was better again. I think I only stayed in one place for more than half an hour about 4 times. Twice on the train journeys, once while I was doing that job from yesterday (still), and right now, because I've kind of given up. I reckon I've been sitting in this very spot on the couch for about an hour. But that's not so bad, right? I've definitely passed today's task, maybe with a B.
Now I'm looking forward to tomorrow. Doing something outrageous? Oh dear lord. This could be a whole lot of fun!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
New Week
So that was my creative week. I completed 4 out of the 7 tasks. I wrote a song, took a picture, made something from paper, and wrote a piece of creative writing. Yes, I partially failed, but it was my first week.
In other news, tomorrow is the first day of the second week. The card is 'freedom'. This will be interesting, if nothing else. The card description reads:
'I let go of all my limitations. Dispossess myself of all the weight associated with things, people, places, public opinions, fears and desires. I fly.'
The verdict: very funny and corny, yet somehow compelling. Let's give that a go, shall we? Here's the plan.
Monday (things): Use as few of my belongings as possible. I know I rely on my things way too much (don't we all?), so I'm going to try and use only the very essentials, apart from using my computer briefly to update my blog. After all, 'the less you own, the more freedom you have'.
Tuesday (people) : This day will be a lot of fun. I'm not going to worry about what other people want. I'm going to make this day completely about me. Shouldn't be too hard.
Wednesday (places): I plan on moving places every half hour or more. I won't be able to rely on the resources of one particular place for any more than that half hour. :/
Thursday (public opinions): Do something completely outrageous without worrying about what other people might be thinking. I'm already embarrassed.
Friday (fears): The dark scares me sometimes. Seeing as I know I will never be able to conquer my fear of spiders, I will sit in my room in complete darkness for an hour on Friday night. The fun never stops.
Saturday & Sunday (desires): I think the weekend beholds the most difficult task of the week. I'm going to stop thinking, and go with the flow. I'm not allowed to think about anything stressful, or anything to do with the future. The present is everything.
So there you go. Let's see if this might be a little more successful than last week. XD
In other news, tomorrow is the first day of the second week. The card is 'freedom'. This will be interesting, if nothing else. The card description reads:
'I let go of all my limitations. Dispossess myself of all the weight associated with things, people, places, public opinions, fears and desires. I fly.'
The verdict: very funny and corny, yet somehow compelling. Let's give that a go, shall we? Here's the plan.
Monday (things): Use as few of my belongings as possible. I know I rely on my things way too much (don't we all?), so I'm going to try and use only the very essentials, apart from using my computer briefly to update my blog. After all, 'the less you own, the more freedom you have'.
Tuesday (people) : This day will be a lot of fun. I'm not going to worry about what other people want. I'm going to make this day completely about me. Shouldn't be too hard.
Wednesday (places): I plan on moving places every half hour or more. I won't be able to rely on the resources of one particular place for any more than that half hour. :/
Thursday (public opinions): Do something completely outrageous without worrying about what other people might be thinking. I'm already embarrassed.
Friday (fears): The dark scares me sometimes. Seeing as I know I will never be able to conquer my fear of spiders, I will sit in my room in complete darkness for an hour on Friday night. The fun never stops.
Saturday & Sunday (desires): I think the weekend beholds the most difficult task of the week. I'm going to stop thinking, and go with the flow. I'm not allowed to think about anything stressful, or anything to do with the future. The present is everything.
So there you go. Let's see if this might be a little more successful than last week. XD
Friday, March 4, 2011
Fail.
So Friday I stayed at my friend's place, and didn't do anything particularly creative. And today's Saturday, and I'm about as tired as I could possibly be. Basically, I don't know if I'm going to be able to get too creative tonight, or even tomorrow. So far I've only been creative 4/7 days. Am I going to fail my first week? Oh dear. I have serious commitment issues.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Paper Hat.
As promised, I did make something out of paper last night. I was thinking something along the lines of intricate origami, something time consuming and difficult. But then I saw my MX newspaper from the afternoon sitting on top of my piano, and thought 'hey, I remember when I used to make those awesome newspaper sailor hats and wear them all day long'. So I re-lived the moment. And I got my awesome brother to model the finished product. There's a lot to be said about simple, childish things.
So that's that.
And today, Thursday the 3rd of March, I wrote down in my notepad that I'm going to write a piece of creative writing. Or something. Here's something I prepared a little earlier.
I swear I'd never seen something so beautiful. He was just an ordinary boy. Long, lank, mousy grey hair fell across his forehead and hid his left eye from view. His mouth was set in an ugly grimace and he had terrible posture. The printer jerked and shuddered as he tried to kick it back into working order. Very ordinary indeed.
It was his wings which had caught my attention. They were laced so intricately, so astonishingly beautifully with every single shade of green imaginable. The jade of grandma's old ring, the dewy drops caught on fern leaves in the early morning, the deep murky water of a mossy creek, the fresh, soft green that runs over grassy plains and hills. Everything green I had ever seen before in my life was weaved through the pattern of his lacy wings. And they really were like lace; like a doily almost. Utterly beautiful.
And then he looked at me. He must have sensed me staring at him and become uncomfortable with it, because he threw such a look at me that I felt I had been stabbed with a blunt, rusty knife right between my eyes. Picking up his booklet from the table, he returned back to his work. But I was still unable to look away. Eventually I realised it had already been an hour since I came into the kitchen for lunch, and I was meant to be back a little while ago. Reluctantly, I turned, draped the towel over the back of the chair where I had found it and headed slowly back to reception.
How very odd.
So that's that.
And today, Thursday the 3rd of March, I wrote down in my notepad that I'm going to write a piece of creative writing. Or something. Here's something I prepared a little earlier.
I swear I'd never seen something so beautiful. He was just an ordinary boy. Long, lank, mousy grey hair fell across his forehead and hid his left eye from view. His mouth was set in an ugly grimace and he had terrible posture. The printer jerked and shuddered as he tried to kick it back into working order. Very ordinary indeed.
It was his wings which had caught my attention. They were laced so intricately, so astonishingly beautifully with every single shade of green imaginable. The jade of grandma's old ring, the dewy drops caught on fern leaves in the early morning, the deep murky water of a mossy creek, the fresh, soft green that runs over grassy plains and hills. Everything green I had ever seen before in my life was weaved through the pattern of his lacy wings. And they really were like lace; like a doily almost. Utterly beautiful.
And then he looked at me. He must have sensed me staring at him and become uncomfortable with it, because he threw such a look at me that I felt I had been stabbed with a blunt, rusty knife right between my eyes. Picking up his booklet from the table, he returned back to his work. But I was still unable to look away. Eventually I realised it had already been an hour since I came into the kitchen for lunch, and I was meant to be back a little while ago. Reluctantly, I turned, draped the towel over the back of the chair where I had found it and headed slowly back to reception.
How very odd.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Pretty photo.
Tuesday, I took a photo, but I wasn't able to upload it due to internet problems :/
I just wanted to take a photo of something that I see everyday, but make it look somewhat interesting and 'pretty'. I actually rather like the simplicity and clean, crisp edge to this photo.
And then today, Wednesday 2nd, I'm supposed to make something out of paper. Or at least, that's what I told myself I would do today.
I'm just not sure what. Whatever I decide, I'll let you know tomorrow! I might take a photo of it also, just for proof XD
Til tomorrow! :D
I just wanted to take a photo of something that I see everyday, but make it look somewhat interesting and 'pretty'. I actually rather like the simplicity and clean, crisp edge to this photo.
And then today, Wednesday 2nd, I'm supposed to make something out of paper. Or at least, that's what I told myself I would do today.
I'm just not sure what. Whatever I decide, I'll let you know tomorrow! I might take a photo of it also, just for proof XD
Til tomorrow! :D
Monday, February 28, 2011
Lyrics of the day
So! Monday, the last day of February. As good a day as any to start my 66 week (huge I know) project. With this weeks card, 'creativity' I have decided to give myself a random task for each day. Today's task, I decided yesterday, was to write song lyrics. Invent them. Just something I was thinking about through the day.
I had big plans to write this on the train home from work, but unfortunately, due to the crowdedness, I didn't really want to whip out my notepad and start getting all into it.
Alas, I wrote it when I got home, and here it is. Sorry it's untitled.
Little Timmy took a taxi
To the other side of town,
Watched as the red paint blurred
And drew down into the ground.
It wasn't that little Timmy
Wanted to run away and hide,
But rather that he thought the grass
Would be greener on the other side.
Against this dull society
Timmy you've almost won,
You've almost won,
If you lose your head in the process just go on.
Take it in your stride
And keep your wits about you,
The world has a funny habit
Of giving one and taking two.
Little Timmy you've already won,
Oh yes you've already won,
Society can't claim you anymore.
I had big plans to write this on the train home from work, but unfortunately, due to the crowdedness, I didn't really want to whip out my notepad and start getting all into it.
Alas, I wrote it when I got home, and here it is. Sorry it's untitled.
Little Timmy took a taxi
To the other side of town,
Watched as the red paint blurred
And drew down into the ground.
It wasn't that little Timmy
Wanted to run away and hide,
But rather that he thought the grass
Would be greener on the other side.
Against this dull society
Timmy you've almost won,
You've almost won,
If you lose your head in the process just go on.
Take it in your stride
And keep your wits about you,
The world has a funny habit
Of giving one and taking two.
Little Timmy you've already won,
Oh yes you've already won,
Society can't claim you anymore.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
66 weeks.
Hola everyone!
After starting my new full-time job on Monday, I have quickly realised how very little time I will get to myself throughout the next year and a half. I struggle with my six o'clock start, wearily board the train each morning at about 7:30am, arrive an hour later, and then work until 5:30pm. By the time I wait for the train home and arrive back at my station, it's well and truly 6:30pm. I don't mean to complain, because I knew this was what I wanted, but I only find about 3 hours each night to do the things I want to.
To cope with this new lifestyle and find balance and happiness with so little time for myself, I have formed a plan. I don't think it'll be easy. But I'm willing to give it a go.
About 6 months ago, my beloved aunty gave me a pack of 'self-mastery cards'. There are 66 in all, and each features a word - a value or virtue, complete with a small sentence or two describing how exactly to incorporate this into one's daily life.
So, my plan is this: each week I will choose a card to focus on for the duration of those seven days. I will decide on a sort of 'task' to perform throughout the week, and rate the week on its level of success and enjoyment. I will then give an overall comment in my notebook of how the week went. Each day, I plan on summarizing my task on my blog, too.
So now that you now the ins and outs of the plan, I suppose it's time to put it into action.
From tomorrow, the 28th of February until Sunday, the 6th of March, I will focus on this week's card. The word? Creativity.
I have a feeling I'm going to have fun with this one. I'll be back tomorrow with results from my first day!
After starting my new full-time job on Monday, I have quickly realised how very little time I will get to myself throughout the next year and a half. I struggle with my six o'clock start, wearily board the train each morning at about 7:30am, arrive an hour later, and then work until 5:30pm. By the time I wait for the train home and arrive back at my station, it's well and truly 6:30pm. I don't mean to complain, because I knew this was what I wanted, but I only find about 3 hours each night to do the things I want to.
To cope with this new lifestyle and find balance and happiness with so little time for myself, I have formed a plan. I don't think it'll be easy. But I'm willing to give it a go.
About 6 months ago, my beloved aunty gave me a pack of 'self-mastery cards'. There are 66 in all, and each features a word - a value or virtue, complete with a small sentence or two describing how exactly to incorporate this into one's daily life.
So, my plan is this: each week I will choose a card to focus on for the duration of those seven days. I will decide on a sort of 'task' to perform throughout the week, and rate the week on its level of success and enjoyment. I will then give an overall comment in my notebook of how the week went. Each day, I plan on summarizing my task on my blog, too.
So now that you now the ins and outs of the plan, I suppose it's time to put it into action.
From tomorrow, the 28th of February until Sunday, the 6th of March, I will focus on this week's card. The word? Creativity.
I have a feeling I'm going to have fun with this one. I'll be back tomorrow with results from my first day!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Crappy Days.
So as a rather depressing start to my blog, do you ever get that really terrible feeling that lasts for days and all you can think is 'I suck at everything'?
I think I'm in the middle of one of those stupid mindsets. It seems I am utterly incapable of the littlest things, and find myself gritting my teeth and giving myself an internal lecture about making myself useful. And then while I'm obsessing over everything I'm doing wrong, I cut one too many slices of tomato and think 'Man, i really do suck'.
I suck at driving, I suck at speaking coherently, I suck at cutting tomato for a salad, I suck at having a shower, I suck at buying the groceries, I suck at keeping a conversation without making it awkward, I suck at eating, cooking, talking, thinking, doing and being. I. SUCK.
I bet the word 'suck' just started to sound funny.
So with that said, what I'm interested to know is, how do you get yourself out of this ridiculous thinking pattern? Is it possible that one can simply, 'get over it'? And what gets our confidence down so low in the first place, eh? I imagine it could be a whole truckload of factors. Stress, family tension, a fight with a friend, a bad word from somebody, a rumour, the death of a loved one, or the repetitive making of a simple mistake.
The thing is, since I am coming toward the end of a very relaxing 3 month holiday, I can't seem to identify the cause. Let's put it down to boredom.
I think I'm in the middle of one of those stupid mindsets. It seems I am utterly incapable of the littlest things, and find myself gritting my teeth and giving myself an internal lecture about making myself useful. And then while I'm obsessing over everything I'm doing wrong, I cut one too many slices of tomato and think 'Man, i really do suck'.
I suck at driving, I suck at speaking coherently, I suck at cutting tomato for a salad, I suck at having a shower, I suck at buying the groceries, I suck at keeping a conversation without making it awkward, I suck at eating, cooking, talking, thinking, doing and being. I. SUCK.
I bet the word 'suck' just started to sound funny.
So with that said, what I'm interested to know is, how do you get yourself out of this ridiculous thinking pattern? Is it possible that one can simply, 'get over it'? And what gets our confidence down so low in the first place, eh? I imagine it could be a whole truckload of factors. Stress, family tension, a fight with a friend, a bad word from somebody, a rumour, the death of a loved one, or the repetitive making of a simple mistake.
The thing is, since I am coming toward the end of a very relaxing 3 month holiday, I can't seem to identify the cause. Let's put it down to boredom.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Ciao!
Welcome everyone! You can call me Romy, since that is my name. It's a pleasure to meet you. Here is the place where I'll share my thoughts, photos, pieces of writing and poetry and anything else that takes my fancy. I'm not really good at describing myself in overly special or witty ways but I'll give it a shot.
I finished school last year and now I have a job as an office lady in a law firm, which I start on Monday and I will probably let you know how that goes after my first day there. Apart from that, I'm a simple gal interested in photography, music, and beautiful clothing. I've been playing the piano ever since I was about 7 and I like things that are different, and appreciate the simplistic beauty in everything. I love nature, with an exception for spiders, which are disgusting and scary and should never have inhabited this earth. I'm not religious but I'm also not restricted by my religious beliefs. If somebody or something could prove that there is a god then I would be more than happy to believe them. My main goal in life is to travel; to experience as many different cultures as possible. I think if you haven't travelled, you haven't lived. I try to be healthy but I love food and I'm pretty lazy, so that combination probably isn't ideal.
And that's about it about me. I guess I'll keep you posted.
I finished school last year and now I have a job as an office lady in a law firm, which I start on Monday and I will probably let you know how that goes after my first day there. Apart from that, I'm a simple gal interested in photography, music, and beautiful clothing. I've been playing the piano ever since I was about 7 and I like things that are different, and appreciate the simplistic beauty in everything. I love nature, with an exception for spiders, which are disgusting and scary and should never have inhabited this earth. I'm not religious but I'm also not restricted by my religious beliefs. If somebody or something could prove that there is a god then I would be more than happy to believe them. My main goal in life is to travel; to experience as many different cultures as possible. I think if you haven't travelled, you haven't lived. I try to be healthy but I love food and I'm pretty lazy, so that combination probably isn't ideal.
And that's about it about me. I guess I'll keep you posted.
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