Genre is going along alright, we've had an assignment added to the list of things we have to complete, but that's ok. We now have to write a 2,000 word creative piece and a write back piece in which we take a section of someone else's work and write back to it, again 2,000 words. I've decided on what I'm doing for that, so it's just a case of writing it now.
In the meantime - we have weekly tasks to complete before the next weeks lecture (Commonly called homework!) This week we had a list of trigger words. I remember, I like, I hate etc and we had to just unload the first thing that came into our heads. My list is below. Not sure if it's right, but that's what came out of my head when I read the 'trigger' words.
The other task is to just write for ten minutes. I feel like I've done this particular writing task over and over again! So I'm in no real rush to write it again, I should dig out some old ones and compare them, to see if I remember the same things.
Anyway - here is my list
I remember: holidays at the beach as a child, endless days in the sun, riding my brothers BMX along the beach, trying to learn to surf, playing cricket with other kids near our caravan, trips to the shop where twenty cents would buy you a massive bag of lollies.
I hate: people who can’t indicate on roundabouts, road rage in general, people who belittle others for their own enjoyment or from the need to feel satisfaction, animal cruelty, child abuse, the ill treatment of others due to gender or sexual preference.
I love: Saturday afternoons knowing you have another twenty four hours before getting back into the grind of daily life. My nephews and their innocents in this world and how everything to them is just so simplistic. My mum for being one of the most amazing women I know.
I never: understand why people are nasty to one another.
I always: treat others as I’d like to be treated. Wear a seatbelt. Drink tea everyday.
I can: play drums, and kinda write.
I wish: my nephews a safe and happy future. To travel overseas before I die. To experience what love is really like.
I hope: I manage to get one thing published, become a better writer, successfully complete my studies
I miss: my grandfather, cheap fuel, my youth.
I believe: for every nice deed done, an equally bad deed is done to cause a counter balance. Life wasn’t meant to be easy, but why complain about it?
Feel free to do a trigger list of your own if you like. Comment me the link if you do, I'll be interested to read them.
That's all I've got.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Taking a step back - Genre 003
I've decided to take a step back and plan more re my creative piece. I've got 2,000 words and I want every one of those to bloody rock! So I'm thinking I need to do a bit more planning. I've got the thoughts in my mind, I've just got to be able to remove those, place them into words, and more importantly put them into 2,000 words. That fucking word count is bullshit for a third year writing student! 5,000 minimum would have been a fraction better!
So that's where I'm at really. The other subjects I'm undertaking are doing my head in already. But I'll solider on, the worst that can happen is I'll fail the subjects I've taken this semester - which would suck, but wouldn't be the end of the world for me. I'll just re-do them. I'm not one to stress over stuff like that, it's not after all life and death! Besides 'worry' can't fix anything!
I'm off to the beach this weekend to hang with my cousin, as it's his birthday. So if the 'rain' stops it should be a nice day, if not we'll be hold up at his sisters place watching Zombieland ;P
That's all I've got.
So that's where I'm at really. The other subjects I'm undertaking are doing my head in already. But I'll solider on, the worst that can happen is I'll fail the subjects I've taken this semester - which would suck, but wouldn't be the end of the world for me. I'll just re-do them. I'm not one to stress over stuff like that, it's not after all life and death! Besides 'worry' can't fix anything!
I'm off to the beach this weekend to hang with my cousin, as it's his birthday. So if the 'rain' stops it should be a nice day, if not we'll be hold up at his sisters place watching Zombieland ;P
That's all I've got.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Writing Genre - Process 002
In honour of 'The ScoMan' who diligently proof read my Nanowrinmo piece. My male lead will be called...... Scott :P
I've re-read this, and I'm not happy with it. I don't think it's punchy (Excuse the pun) enough. I can see what I want to write in my mind, but it's not coming out in words.
Anyway.. This was the fight intro I wrote. Let me know what you think, remembering that I've got a 2,000 word limit, so I've not got a lot of space to talk about 'beads of sweat dripping from his brow'!
He wasn’t sure just why his flatmate had attacked him, what he did know was he was currently in a fight for his life. Blow by blow of fists and feet rained down upon him and he did everything is his power to fight his now extremely aggressive flatmate Michael off. Scott’s legs jarred from the force of the kick which pushed Michael off him, far enough away for Scott to get to his feet. Michael said nothing, other than grunting at Scott, launching at him again, his arms flaying around with no real direction other than to make contact with Scott’s body. Michael ran at him and Scott quickly stepped to the side, tripping Michael up. He fell to the ground, slaming face first onto the glass coffee table, shattering it into tiny piece which embedded itself into his face like a pin cushion.
That is when Scott noticed it. A hit to the head like that would put most people on their arse. But Michael got up, his eyes a vibrant green, face covered in blood and glass, he snarled at Scott, like a dog would, if you where trying to take its food away. Scott had to think on his feet; clearly fighting Michael off wasn’t going to stop him right now. He looked behind him as Michael again made a run for him. Scott grabbed the door to the pantry, and shoved the staggering Michael into it, before securing it. A bit of time out in there with the baked beans was what Michael needed, long enough for Scott to find out some answers.
Scott slumped down with his back to the pantry door, his body still being hammered from Michael’s attempts to break the door down. ‘Fucking hell’ He moved away from the door. ‘What the fuck is wrong with you Michael?’ Scott yelled through the door. Expecting an answer, but knowing full well he wasn’t about to get a polite conversation out of his flatmate. Scott secured the door with some furniture and sat down to assess the situation that had just unfolded.
Let me know what you think. I just think it reads like a typical 'zombie' story intro. Or maybe that's just me.
With WAY too much shit to read for the three classes I'm taking this semester...
That's all I've got.
I've re-read this, and I'm not happy with it. I don't think it's punchy (Excuse the pun) enough. I can see what I want to write in my mind, but it's not coming out in words.
Anyway.. This was the fight intro I wrote. Let me know what you think, remembering that I've got a 2,000 word limit, so I've not got a lot of space to talk about 'beads of sweat dripping from his brow'!
He wasn’t sure just why his flatmate had attacked him, what he did know was he was currently in a fight for his life. Blow by blow of fists and feet rained down upon him and he did everything is his power to fight his now extremely aggressive flatmate Michael off. Scott’s legs jarred from the force of the kick which pushed Michael off him, far enough away for Scott to get to his feet. Michael said nothing, other than grunting at Scott, launching at him again, his arms flaying around with no real direction other than to make contact with Scott’s body. Michael ran at him and Scott quickly stepped to the side, tripping Michael up. He fell to the ground, slaming face first onto the glass coffee table, shattering it into tiny piece which embedded itself into his face like a pin cushion.
That is when Scott noticed it. A hit to the head like that would put most people on their arse. But Michael got up, his eyes a vibrant green, face covered in blood and glass, he snarled at Scott, like a dog would, if you where trying to take its food away. Scott had to think on his feet; clearly fighting Michael off wasn’t going to stop him right now. He looked behind him as Michael again made a run for him. Scott grabbed the door to the pantry, and shoved the staggering Michael into it, before securing it. A bit of time out in there with the baked beans was what Michael needed, long enough for Scott to find out some answers.
Scott slumped down with his back to the pantry door, his body still being hammered from Michael’s attempts to break the door down. ‘Fucking hell’ He moved away from the door. ‘What the fuck is wrong with you Michael?’ Scott yelled through the door. Expecting an answer, but knowing full well he wasn’t about to get a polite conversation out of his flatmate. Scott secured the door with some furniture and sat down to assess the situation that had just unfolded.
Let me know what you think. I just think it reads like a typical 'zombie' story intro. Or maybe that's just me.
With WAY too much shit to read for the three classes I'm taking this semester...
That's all I've got.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Writing Genre - Process 001
Hello everyone,
I've been out all day today. However I'm here to give you all a quick update on just where I'm at with this Genre piece.
When I write, I like to make sure I have the readers attention quickly. That 'oohh what happens next' is important to me as a reader, so as I writer I like to deliver that to my audience.
Because this piece is 2,000 words it restricts the 'beginning middle and end' of a normal story. But the chunk I'm planning to write will hopefully be fast paced action, in a horror fantasy environment that will have appropriate amounts of violence in it and allow for the story to be short and sharp, but still leaving the reader satisfied.
Getting inside my readers minds.
I've literally thrown together a quick survey on genre (You'll see what I mean about thrown and quick when you click the link!) I've done it to get a better understanding of what other people think of genre, such as their favourite genre and why they like it. So if you've got 5 mins spare could you please have a look at it and answer the Q's.
Genre Survey
In the meantime - this is the opening lines to my genre piece thus far. I originally wrote a fight scene, and then the character (yet to be named, I'm open to suggestions) escapes and is then in the scene below. But I thought I might 'build' the suspense. Let me know and I'll put the opening fight scene up tomorrow and you can tell me which one works better.
A shard of light beamed into the darkened room, this sun was coming up, and the sound of his heart was deafening in his ears. He consciously control his breathing, He didn’t want to get discovered here, as he knew he’d be dead in less than a minute if he was.
He quietly moved toward the light squinting through the small crack in the wall, the outside light hurt his eyes, and took a moment to adjust, blurry vision becoming sharper, he held his breath as his eye darted left and right in search for any sign of them outside. He couldn’t hear anything, but that meant nothing.
He’d been held up in this place for two days now. Staying low, keeping as quiet as he could. He’d have to make a break for it eventually though, as his water was almost gone. He needed a weapon however, as without something to defend himself he might as well stay in this place until he withered and died.
There was nothing left in the house, it had been boarded up, and anything that could be used as a weapon had been already taken by who ever had got there before him. He squinted harder through the crack, turning his head so he could try and see further down the street. His heart pounding in his chest, his mouth dry, he swallowed hard and thought to himself. ‘Fuck I don’t won’t to die today.’
That's all I've got.
I've been out all day today. However I'm here to give you all a quick update on just where I'm at with this Genre piece.
When I write, I like to make sure I have the readers attention quickly. That 'oohh what happens next' is important to me as a reader, so as I writer I like to deliver that to my audience.
Because this piece is 2,000 words it restricts the 'beginning middle and end' of a normal story. But the chunk I'm planning to write will hopefully be fast paced action, in a horror fantasy environment that will have appropriate amounts of violence in it and allow for the story to be short and sharp, but still leaving the reader satisfied.
Getting inside my readers minds.
I've literally thrown together a quick survey on genre (You'll see what I mean about thrown and quick when you click the link!) I've done it to get a better understanding of what other people think of genre, such as their favourite genre and why they like it. So if you've got 5 mins spare could you please have a look at it and answer the Q's.
Genre Survey
In the meantime - this is the opening lines to my genre piece thus far. I originally wrote a fight scene, and then the character (yet to be named, I'm open to suggestions) escapes and is then in the scene below. But I thought I might 'build' the suspense. Let me know and I'll put the opening fight scene up tomorrow and you can tell me which one works better.
A shard of light beamed into the darkened room, this sun was coming up, and the sound of his heart was deafening in his ears. He consciously control his breathing, He didn’t want to get discovered here, as he knew he’d be dead in less than a minute if he was.
He quietly moved toward the light squinting through the small crack in the wall, the outside light hurt his eyes, and took a moment to adjust, blurry vision becoming sharper, he held his breath as his eye darted left and right in search for any sign of them outside. He couldn’t hear anything, but that meant nothing.
He’d been held up in this place for two days now. Staying low, keeping as quiet as he could. He’d have to make a break for it eventually though, as his water was almost gone. He needed a weapon however, as without something to defend himself he might as well stay in this place until he withered and died.
There was nothing left in the house, it had been boarded up, and anything that could be used as a weapon had been already taken by who ever had got there before him. He squinted harder through the crack, turning his head so he could try and see further down the street. His heart pounding in his chest, his mouth dry, he swallowed hard and thought to himself. ‘Fuck I don’t won’t to die today.’
That's all I've got.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Sh Sh Sh Shaving
It’s that time of year followers when you get out the clippers and shave you hair off for charity! Otherwise known as (booming voice) The Worlds Greatest Shave!! While I know some people are really attached to their hair. *lol* literally!! Once you’ve had a family member go through cancer treatment, you realise it’s only hair and it will grow back. So I’m shaving my hair off to raise money for The Leukaemia Foundation.
What an awesome thing you’re doing Sal, how can I help you? I can hear you asking… Well wonder no more – simply click on the link below. (Or click that big blue image there on the right of your screen!)
CLICKY CLICK TO DONATE
You’ll be transported to my sponsor page, where you can part with you cash for a very worthy cause. I’ll post photos of my head once I’ve shaved it. (Current hair is in a pic below) At this stage I doubt VERY much I’ll have to go pink, as I’m flat out making $500.00 Which is my goal. So if you’ve got some spare coin and a credit card, please sponsor me – anything over $2.00 is tax deductible.
Re Uni:
I’ve thrown some thoughts down on paper re my genre piece. So I’ll type some of that up and post it tomorrow, I’m off now to read about “Popular fictions: the logistics and practices of a literary field.” by Ken Gelder.
That’s all I’ve got.
This is my hair by the way :)
What an awesome thing you’re doing Sal, how can I help you? I can hear you asking… Well wonder no more – simply click on the link below. (Or click that big blue image there on the right of your screen!)
CLICKY CLICK TO DONATE
You’ll be transported to my sponsor page, where you can part with you cash for a very worthy cause. I’ll post photos of my head once I’ve shaved it. (Current hair is in a pic below) At this stage I doubt VERY much I’ll have to go pink, as I’m flat out making $500.00 Which is my goal. So if you’ve got some spare coin and a credit card, please sponsor me – anything over $2.00 is tax deductible.
Re Uni:
I’ve thrown some thoughts down on paper re my genre piece. So I’ll type some of that up and post it tomorrow, I’m off now to read about “Popular fictions: the logistics and practices of a literary field.” by Ken Gelder.
That’s all I’ve got.
This is my hair by the way :)
Monday, February 22, 2010
Happy Birthday to me :)
Followers will know today is my birthday - note this date down loyal readers, you'll be tested on it this time next year :P
I had a great day today, got a sleep in, got gifts (See list below) went to Uni, came home and went out to dinner with family. Gave some serious consideration to my Genre project which I'm planning on running by you in a moment. I'm currently being a total Nanna and drinking a cup of tea, before I head off and watch Doctor Who on ABC2.
So birthday gifts....
What I refer to as 'The Norm' consists of clothing that can be bundled into the following: shirts, shorts, jeans, socks, shoes and undies etc. So I got 'The Norm' Plus some dvd's, some vouchers to buy more stuff and some online vouchers for books. Overall I had a decent haul.
Thanks to anyone and everyone who sent me happy birthday wishes on facebrothel, twitter, here or via text. You know who you are ;)
Alright Uni... *Puts on serious face*
I've got a class this semester called writing genre, which doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out it's all about the various genres. The overall picture is we have to choose a genre to write within, we have to look at the conventions of that genre and decided if we will write to them, or against them. Then we have to give a blurb at the beginning of the creative piece as to what we're doing and why.
This consists on two processes. A draft of 2,000 words. Which is work shopped, marked and counted as 20% Then we submit that piece with changes etc as the final creative piece (Still confined to 2,000 words!!!) which is another 40% There is then an essay about the chosen genre, why we chose it, the history behind it (Fill in the blanks here I'm sure you get what I mean) that's another 30% Then 10% is for participation. i.e turning up to a minimum of 13 of the 15 lectures, engaging in the class, offering feedback. As they like to reiterate that 10% could be the difference between a pass and a fail! This statement is correct as in my first year there was a girl who didn't bother to turn up regularly to the lectures and consequently failed the subject!
Anyway I'll get to the point. I'm planning on writing about the process involved for my genre piece in this blog. I'll mark it with something like 'Uni Genre' in the subject line, so if you don't want to read about it you can skip that entry. (I won't be offended I promise!) But I'd like to document the process of selecting the genre I'm going for, writing about it, generally just allowing an insight into how my mind works around this creative writing process. (Now there's a scary thought!)
So to get the ball rolling, I've decided to look at Horror. I want it to be a fast action paced, heart pounding, life threatening moment or 'snippet' (I mean 2,000 words is a sneeze, and not a lot of room to move in) I'm thinking of a zombie theme. I plan to use David Moody's Hater (I've you've not read this book, seriously get into it - it's bloody amazing!!!) as a reference piece. I may even write from the POV of one of his characters? I.e the one on the other side of the 'hater' attack. Again 2,000 words is so bloody restricting. Everything is up in the air right now. However that's the plan at the moment though. If you'd be interested in reading about the process of how I go about doing this piece, please let me know.
Also if you're a new reader who I've managed to leech from Scoman. Please don't be shy and say hello. I promise not to bite... Honestly!
Anyway Doctor Who is about 20min away, time for a shower and press the 'on' button on the air-conditioning.
That's all I've got.
I had a great day today, got a sleep in, got gifts (See list below) went to Uni, came home and went out to dinner with family. Gave some serious consideration to my Genre project which I'm planning on running by you in a moment. I'm currently being a total Nanna and drinking a cup of tea, before I head off and watch Doctor Who on ABC2.
So birthday gifts....
What I refer to as 'The Norm' consists of clothing that can be bundled into the following: shirts, shorts, jeans, socks, shoes and undies etc. So I got 'The Norm' Plus some dvd's, some vouchers to buy more stuff and some online vouchers for books. Overall I had a decent haul.
Thanks to anyone and everyone who sent me happy birthday wishes on facebrothel, twitter, here or via text. You know who you are ;)
Alright Uni... *Puts on serious face*
I've got a class this semester called writing genre, which doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out it's all about the various genres. The overall picture is we have to choose a genre to write within, we have to look at the conventions of that genre and decided if we will write to them, or against them. Then we have to give a blurb at the beginning of the creative piece as to what we're doing and why.
This consists on two processes. A draft of 2,000 words. Which is work shopped, marked and counted as 20% Then we submit that piece with changes etc as the final creative piece (Still confined to 2,000 words!!!) which is another 40% There is then an essay about the chosen genre, why we chose it, the history behind it (Fill in the blanks here I'm sure you get what I mean) that's another 30% Then 10% is for participation. i.e turning up to a minimum of 13 of the 15 lectures, engaging in the class, offering feedback. As they like to reiterate that 10% could be the difference between a pass and a fail! This statement is correct as in my first year there was a girl who didn't bother to turn up regularly to the lectures and consequently failed the subject!
Anyway I'll get to the point. I'm planning on writing about the process involved for my genre piece in this blog. I'll mark it with something like 'Uni Genre' in the subject line, so if you don't want to read about it you can skip that entry. (I won't be offended I promise!) But I'd like to document the process of selecting the genre I'm going for, writing about it, generally just allowing an insight into how my mind works around this creative writing process. (Now there's a scary thought!)
So to get the ball rolling, I've decided to look at Horror. I want it to be a fast action paced, heart pounding, life threatening moment or 'snippet' (I mean 2,000 words is a sneeze, and not a lot of room to move in) I'm thinking of a zombie theme. I plan to use David Moody's Hater (I've you've not read this book, seriously get into it - it's bloody amazing!!!) as a reference piece. I may even write from the POV of one of his characters? I.e the one on the other side of the 'hater' attack. Again 2,000 words is so bloody restricting. Everything is up in the air right now. However that's the plan at the moment though. If you'd be interested in reading about the process of how I go about doing this piece, please let me know.
Also if you're a new reader who I've managed to leech from Scoman. Please don't be shy and say hello. I promise not to bite... Honestly!
Anyway Doctor Who is about 20min away, time for a shower and press the 'on' button on the air-conditioning.
That's all I've got.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
When should I feel like a grown up?
I sometimes wish that ‘uni mode’ was like a dome that moved down over your head (Kinda like those dryers old ladies get put on their heads when they are getting a perm) So that you a) you knew it was time to work hard and b) others around you knew you were in ‘uni mode’
I need that old lady dome bubble thing to descend upon me right now to literally give me a kick in the arse and get me into UNI MODE. I start back at Uni tomorrow and I’m still in holiday mode. Today I fucked about playing PS3 game demo's and watching Lost S5 and Skins S4. Both the aforementioned activities will NOT help me get my uni degree!
As you know I went to Brisbane in the week. I’d love to say I did this and that – but in reality I hooked up with two people whom I have a ‘friends with benefits’ scheme with and well had a lot of sex! I did manage to collect my mum and my aunt from the train station on the Thursday and take them both to see Cliff Richard and The Shadows perform live. (My mum is an epic fan of Cliff’s) I however love The Shadows and as a young self taught drummer. I listened to Brian Bennett (He’s the drummer) from The Shadows. So to see him perform live was one of the highlights of my life thus far.
Seeing Brian perform live made me want to buy another drumkit and get back into playing. (I sold my old one to pay the rent back in 2003) But then I think to myself for what? Every time I’ve been in a band we ALWAYS loose the bass player, either they have a ‘spaz’ and leave or they die *literally* (That’s another story!) I even contemplated getting an electronic kit which allows for 500+ different sounds to be played, it also allows for headphones so only I can hear what I’m playing (It’s never good to annoy the neighbours too much) But then reality hits me once again and I think to myself. What the fuck are you thinking? You’re too old for this shit grow up!. Speaking of growing up. (What a lovely segue there!)
It’s my birthday tomorrow. As previously stated in a post a few weeks back I will accept all gift vouchers any of you would like to bestow upon me ;) It is after all the thought that counts.
Regarding my birthday... I’m at a loss as to when I’ll be ‘grown up’? Do you hit a certain age , then think, right I’m a adult now? Because I don’t feel any different to when I was say 17 I was into movies, music, TV, video games, girls, and pissing about. The reality of it however is I’m NOT 17 any more. Whilst I know I’m much more mature than I was at 17. My mind still gets a kick out of slaying zombies in video games, and doing nothing all day other than lazing about watching TV like a teenager! (Maybe it’s mature ages Uni Student syndrome!)
So that brings me to the following question. At what point are we suppose to be ‘grown up’ Does it have to come with marriage and children? Because if it does, I’m never going to be grown up as I a) Don’t want to get married (Besides the fact that I legally can’t in Australia) and b) I have NO desire to have children. Does this mean I’ll be on here in 20 years time celebrating another birthday all excited that I got a special limited edition of the ‘retro’ Tomb Raider game? Or saying things like "I remember way back when Survivor first started in season one." As it celebrates its 250th season!
I’m getting older physically (which sucks in itself some days) but mentally I still dig Doctor Who as much now as I did as a seven year old, and I honestly can never see that changing (Unless they bring back Colin Baker which would majorly suck arse! Google him - he (Colin Baker) killed Doctor Who until McCoy bought it back from the dead!
So as I contemplate another change of the numbers that represent the time of my existence on this planet. I hope some of you can answer my question of ‘when should I feel like a grown up?’
That’s all I’ve got.
** As a footnote**
I'm the guest blogger over at Scoman's blog today. Please check my entry out, and also Sco's blog. He's as #rad as I am :P
I need that old lady dome bubble thing to descend upon me right now to literally give me a kick in the arse and get me into UNI MODE. I start back at Uni tomorrow and I’m still in holiday mode. Today I fucked about playing PS3 game demo's and watching Lost S5 and Skins S4. Both the aforementioned activities will NOT help me get my uni degree!
As you know I went to Brisbane in the week. I’d love to say I did this and that – but in reality I hooked up with two people whom I have a ‘friends with benefits’ scheme with and well had a lot of sex! I did manage to collect my mum and my aunt from the train station on the Thursday and take them both to see Cliff Richard and The Shadows perform live. (My mum is an epic fan of Cliff’s) I however love The Shadows and as a young self taught drummer. I listened to Brian Bennett (He’s the drummer) from The Shadows. So to see him perform live was one of the highlights of my life thus far.
Seeing Brian perform live made me want to buy another drumkit and get back into playing. (I sold my old one to pay the rent back in 2003) But then I think to myself for what? Every time I’ve been in a band we ALWAYS loose the bass player, either they have a ‘spaz’ and leave or they die *literally* (That’s another story!) I even contemplated getting an electronic kit which allows for 500+ different sounds to be played, it also allows for headphones so only I can hear what I’m playing (It’s never good to annoy the neighbours too much) But then reality hits me once again and I think to myself. What the fuck are you thinking? You’re too old for this shit grow up!. Speaking of growing up. (What a lovely segue there!)
It’s my birthday tomorrow. As previously stated in a post a few weeks back I will accept all gift vouchers any of you would like to bestow upon me ;) It is after all the thought that counts.
Regarding my birthday... I’m at a loss as to when I’ll be ‘grown up’? Do you hit a certain age , then think, right I’m a adult now? Because I don’t feel any different to when I was say 17 I was into movies, music, TV, video games, girls, and pissing about. The reality of it however is I’m NOT 17 any more. Whilst I know I’m much more mature than I was at 17. My mind still gets a kick out of slaying zombies in video games, and doing nothing all day other than lazing about watching TV like a teenager! (Maybe it’s mature ages Uni Student syndrome!)
So that brings me to the following question. At what point are we suppose to be ‘grown up’ Does it have to come with marriage and children? Because if it does, I’m never going to be grown up as I a) Don’t want to get married (Besides the fact that I legally can’t in Australia) and b) I have NO desire to have children. Does this mean I’ll be on here in 20 years time celebrating another birthday all excited that I got a special limited edition of the ‘retro’ Tomb Raider game? Or saying things like "I remember way back when Survivor first started in season one." As it celebrates its 250th season!
I’m getting older physically (which sucks in itself some days) but mentally I still dig Doctor Who as much now as I did as a seven year old, and I honestly can never see that changing (Unless they bring back Colin Baker which would majorly suck arse! Google him - he (Colin Baker) killed Doctor Who until McCoy bought it back from the dead!
So as I contemplate another change of the numbers that represent the time of my existence on this planet. I hope some of you can answer my question of ‘when should I feel like a grown up?’
That’s all I’ve got.
** As a footnote**
I'm the guest blogger over at Scoman's blog today. Please check my entry out, and also Sco's blog. He's as #rad as I am :P
Saturday, February 20, 2010
When almost four becomes four
Hello Blog readers - I'm back did you miss me????
It’s my nephew’s birthday today. He is officially four years old today. So in six months time he will be known as almost five. *lol*
We skyped this morning, and sung him happy birthday. I asked him
“How old are you today?”
He stuck his chest out and proudly stated “I’m four Sal”
If you could sum up happiness in a photograph then the image below would be it. A remote control car from ‘Sal’ (I’m the best aunt in the world right now!) He thanked me constantly for his ‘remotie car’ (That’s what he calls it as it comes with a ‘remotie control!!!) He’s mad on anything with a remote controller – this boy is going to be a gamer I can already see it!
As you know I’ve been away for a few days interstate. I’ll do a Brisbane (Brisvegas) update in tomorrow’s blog.
Until then, here is a pic of four with his remotie car! (I didn't quite realise it would be 'that' big from the images from the online shop I purchased it from. It is as my brother stated 'massive')
Like I said, this is happiness summed up in one photograph.
That’s all I’ve got
It’s my nephew’s birthday today. He is officially four years old today. So in six months time he will be known as almost five. *lol*
We skyped this morning, and sung him happy birthday. I asked him
“How old are you today?”
He stuck his chest out and proudly stated “I’m four Sal”
If you could sum up happiness in a photograph then the image below would be it. A remote control car from ‘Sal’ (I’m the best aunt in the world right now!) He thanked me constantly for his ‘remotie car’ (That’s what he calls it as it comes with a ‘remotie control!!!) He’s mad on anything with a remote controller – this boy is going to be a gamer I can already see it!
As you know I’ve been away for a few days interstate. I’ll do a Brisbane (Brisvegas) update in tomorrow’s blog.
Until then, here is a pic of four with his remotie car! (I didn't quite realise it would be 'that' big from the images from the online shop I purchased it from. It is as my brother stated 'massive')
Like I said, this is happiness summed up in one photograph.
That’s all I’ve got
Monday, February 15, 2010
A quickie literally
Hello readers
This is a short update to let you know I'll be away for a few days. I'm off to get up close and personal with some people in Brisbane. I will upload photos on my return. Those that are able to be shared of course. Be good take care and I'll blog again on Sunday :)
That's all I've got.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
This is a short update to let you know I'll be away for a few days. I'm off to get up close and personal with some people in Brisbane. I will upload photos on my return. Those that are able to be shared of course. Be good take care and I'll blog again on Sunday :)
That's all I've got.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Reassurance
The one thing I’ve learnt from my grandfathers passing ten years ago this year, is you shouldn’t take the people in your life for granted, because they won’t be around forever. It’s a fact we will all die. But taking the time to spend with people I think is the best gift you can give yourself and them.
All people need is reassurance. If someone is ill, and someone else says to them ‘it will be alright’ then a weight has been lifted from them. A) Someone else is helping to take the weight of the situation and b) that persons knows that at least there is one person who cares enough to be there (if that makes sense.) I’ve been the bearer of the weight (i.e the one telling the other it will be alright) and I’ve also been the one having the weight lessened from my shoulders by being told it will be ok.
Sometimes you say ‘it will be alright’ knowing full well you have no idea if it will be or not, but it’s that reassurance you offer the other person that is the most important part..
I remember telling my brother our mum had breast cancer. I had to tell him over the phone; it was a hard thing to do. But I told him. He cried… well he sobbed, but through his tears I recall saying to him that she’d be alright, everything was going to be alright, they had got it early and she would be fine. When I said it I could say it with conviction because I knew in my heart and in my gut that she would be alright. She is alright, and is currently in remission and doing well.
But that reassurance I gave my brother in that moment, was helping to ease the weight off him. Just as he had done for me in times of despair when a particular relationship I was in, ended. He was there telling me it would be alright, and in the end it was.
Reassurance is it more powerful than we give it credit for I think. It’s a very powerful force, because people just need / want to hear that everything will be ok, even if they know deep in their hearts it won’t be, it’s that moment someone says the words, and adjusts the weight bearing down on them, that makes literally the world of difference.
So how does this tie into my grandfathers 10 year anniversary of his passing? I’m not really sure to be honest, other than remembering him and how much I miss him. He would be so very proud of everything his grandchildren have achieved, and sometimes I wish selfishly he was still alive to see those achievements.
Ten years on I remembered the shared car ride home from Brisbane with my brother the day before the funeral where we spoke of the memories we had of our grandfather, and in those moments we shared a ‘it will be ok’ moment of reassurance together, as we had one another to share that burden. Because in the end all it takes to help a situation sometimes is a little reassurance.
That’s all I’ve got.
All people need is reassurance. If someone is ill, and someone else says to them ‘it will be alright’ then a weight has been lifted from them. A) Someone else is helping to take the weight of the situation and b) that persons knows that at least there is one person who cares enough to be there (if that makes sense.) I’ve been the bearer of the weight (i.e the one telling the other it will be alright) and I’ve also been the one having the weight lessened from my shoulders by being told it will be ok.
Sometimes you say ‘it will be alright’ knowing full well you have no idea if it will be or not, but it’s that reassurance you offer the other person that is the most important part..
I remember telling my brother our mum had breast cancer. I had to tell him over the phone; it was a hard thing to do. But I told him. He cried… well he sobbed, but through his tears I recall saying to him that she’d be alright, everything was going to be alright, they had got it early and she would be fine. When I said it I could say it with conviction because I knew in my heart and in my gut that she would be alright. She is alright, and is currently in remission and doing well.
But that reassurance I gave my brother in that moment, was helping to ease the weight off him. Just as he had done for me in times of despair when a particular relationship I was in, ended. He was there telling me it would be alright, and in the end it was.
Reassurance is it more powerful than we give it credit for I think. It’s a very powerful force, because people just need / want to hear that everything will be ok, even if they know deep in their hearts it won’t be, it’s that moment someone says the words, and adjusts the weight bearing down on them, that makes literally the world of difference.
So how does this tie into my grandfathers 10 year anniversary of his passing? I’m not really sure to be honest, other than remembering him and how much I miss him. He would be so very proud of everything his grandchildren have achieved, and sometimes I wish selfishly he was still alive to see those achievements.
Ten years on I remembered the shared car ride home from Brisbane with my brother the day before the funeral where we spoke of the memories we had of our grandfather, and in those moments we shared a ‘it will be ok’ moment of reassurance together, as we had one another to share that burden. Because in the end all it takes to help a situation sometimes is a little reassurance.
That’s all I’ve got.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Your lips might be moving but all I can hear is Blah Blah Blah
That whole six degrees of separation thing, you know the theory you know someone who knows someone and along the line that someone knows you or your friend (Or something like that!)
This really has nothing to do with that!!!
It's inevitable that you'll run into people who you already know but haven't seen in a long time (See recent post re the post office) Today however I was in getting a haircut, and there was this lady on the other side of the room, just staring at me constantly. In the end the girl who cuts my hair noticed it. I asked who it was, she explained it was Mrs ------ The mother of some kids (boy and girl twins) who went to school with my brother. I think he (my brother) may have dated her daughter when he was about 15! Anyway she was just stared me, each time I glanced in the mirror in her direction she was staring at me.
Long story short. I got my hair cut, was over paying at the register and the woman finally found her voice.
Aren't you (Insert my brothers name here) sister?
Yes I am
Oh....
I wait for my change
So did you follow him?
Follow him how?
Are you a doctor too?
No.
Then she just embarked on this huge blurb about how great my brother is (To the point that if he was there she'd have got on her knees and sucked his cock!)
This happened to me a lot when I was young, why aren't you more like your brother - oh you're brother is so smart, he's done well for himself, (insert lovely thing in here) Don't get me wrong. I love my brother and I'm extremely proud of his achievement. He worked hard to get where he is today. But I'm NOT HIM! I never have been and never will be, so for people to still compare me to my brother all these years AFTER I've left high school is well kinda fucked.
Then she asked the 'so what do you do?' question.. Which is always an open door to say whatever you want... I was kinda fucked off by now, and so I answered.
I run the brothel down in the industrial estate!
The girl who cut my hair laughed, and the look on the woman's face was worth it for me, but she couldn't let it go.
Clearly your brother has gone into a much more well respected profession then.
Well we all need medicine and we all need a shag, so it's win win situation.... Tell (insert her sons name here) I said hi, not seen him for a while!
The overall point I'm stating here, is that we're all individuals and everyone in society has an important role, from the doctors who mend, to the nurses to care, to dentist, teachers, mechanics, carpenters, plumbers, builders, accountants, bakers, cooks, cleaners you name it. For each role is a necessity, and without it there would not be the ever turning, well oiled wheel of progression.
See I really don't mind what you do for a living, I don't care if you don't have a job! A lot of stay at home parents don't have a job in which they take home a weekly wage, their 'job' is to be a carer to their children, technically they are unemployed but I couldn't do the job they do!
So those judgemental folk in society stop looking at people as a pay packet on a social status scale, because I know that the 'doctor' who lives next door might be able to stitch up your cut, but he sure as fuck can't unblock your backed up sewer pipes!
That's all I've got.
This really has nothing to do with that!!!
It's inevitable that you'll run into people who you already know but haven't seen in a long time (See recent post re the post office) Today however I was in getting a haircut, and there was this lady on the other side of the room, just staring at me constantly. In the end the girl who cuts my hair noticed it. I asked who it was, she explained it was Mrs ------ The mother of some kids (boy and girl twins) who went to school with my brother. I think he (my brother) may have dated her daughter when he was about 15! Anyway she was just stared me, each time I glanced in the mirror in her direction she was staring at me.
Long story short. I got my hair cut, was over paying at the register and the woman finally found her voice.
Aren't you (Insert my brothers name here) sister?
Yes I am
Oh....
I wait for my change
So did you follow him?
Follow him how?
Are you a doctor too?
No.
Then she just embarked on this huge blurb about how great my brother is (To the point that if he was there she'd have got on her knees and sucked his cock!)
This happened to me a lot when I was young, why aren't you more like your brother - oh you're brother is so smart, he's done well for himself, (insert lovely thing in here) Don't get me wrong. I love my brother and I'm extremely proud of his achievement. He worked hard to get where he is today. But I'm NOT HIM! I never have been and never will be, so for people to still compare me to my brother all these years AFTER I've left high school is well kinda fucked.
Then she asked the 'so what do you do?' question.. Which is always an open door to say whatever you want... I was kinda fucked off by now, and so I answered.
I run the brothel down in the industrial estate!
The girl who cut my hair laughed, and the look on the woman's face was worth it for me, but she couldn't let it go.
Clearly your brother has gone into a much more well respected profession then.
Well we all need medicine and we all need a shag, so it's win win situation.... Tell (insert her sons name here) I said hi, not seen him for a while!
The overall point I'm stating here, is that we're all individuals and everyone in society has an important role, from the doctors who mend, to the nurses to care, to dentist, teachers, mechanics, carpenters, plumbers, builders, accountants, bakers, cooks, cleaners you name it. For each role is a necessity, and without it there would not be the ever turning, well oiled wheel of progression.
See I really don't mind what you do for a living, I don't care if you don't have a job! A lot of stay at home parents don't have a job in which they take home a weekly wage, their 'job' is to be a carer to their children, technically they are unemployed but I couldn't do the job they do!
So those judgemental folk in society stop looking at people as a pay packet on a social status scale, because I know that the 'doctor' who lives next door might be able to stitch up your cut, but he sure as fuck can't unblock your backed up sewer pipes!
That's all I've got.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
I’m moving
Seems the owner of the place I currently live in, daughter got into Uni. (Yay for her!) So they won’t be renewing my lease, they want me out so she can move in! (Slightly disgruntled but meh fuck it, it’s a hole anyway!) So I’m looking for somewhere new to call home. This also means that my 2 week trip away will be shortened to one week as I’ll be moving house now in that time.
Anyone who has pets knows how hard it is to find a rental place that will let you have a dog! Uni is about to start back so most of the ‘decent’ places will be leased. So for the moment I’m going to house sit for my uncle while he’s away for a month (That includes looking after his dog) and then I’ll find somewhere else.
I spoke to my mum about it today, and she offered for me to come home for the interim, I thanked her as its better than being on the street, but she knows it wouldn’t work! (my father and I don’t get on) But it’s there as a back up if needed which is a nice feeling to have.
In other news….. Well there is no other news. A girlfriend of mine is coming over tomorrow to hang out (which will involve her packing boxes now!) but she’s the sort of friend who wouldn’t care about that, it’s the company she’s coming for.
So with that, I’m off to look at all the stuff I own, get depressed that at the end of the day it would all fit into one room! And start packing up my shit.
That’s all I’ve got
Anyone who has pets knows how hard it is to find a rental place that will let you have a dog! Uni is about to start back so most of the ‘decent’ places will be leased. So for the moment I’m going to house sit for my uncle while he’s away for a month (That includes looking after his dog) and then I’ll find somewhere else.
I spoke to my mum about it today, and she offered for me to come home for the interim, I thanked her as its better than being on the street, but she knows it wouldn’t work! (my father and I don’t get on) But it’s there as a back up if needed which is a nice feeling to have.
In other news….. Well there is no other news. A girlfriend of mine is coming over tomorrow to hang out (which will involve her packing boxes now!) but she’s the sort of friend who wouldn’t care about that, it’s the company she’s coming for.
So with that, I’m off to look at all the stuff I own, get depressed that at the end of the day it would all fit into one room! And start packing up my shit.
That’s all I’ve got
Monday, February 1, 2010
Remote Controlled Cars and Seven Things
I spoke to almost four today before he went to his first day of pre-school, and asked him what he wanted for his birthday. He was quite clear. A remote controlled car. No worries. I’d sort that out. Do you know how hard it is to find a remote control car that isn’t worth a kidney! I’m shopping online because they live at the back of beyond so it’s just easier to shop and get it delivered straight there. However because of their location, I need to look at an ‘outdoors’ type remote control car. I found one! A Spiderman hummer! Clicked through all the various pages, ordered it, got confirmation of the order. Woohoo. Then three hours later got an e-mail saying ‘we’re out of stock’ they refunded my money and did offer me an alternate option, however the remote control that went with it bloody confused me! And I’m WELL over four years of age!
So I hunt high and low, found one with a remote you can recharge! Went ‘click to order’. Oh we don’t ship to Australia FOR FUCK SAKE!!! If you type in remote control car into Google it brings back these RC clubs that are clearly ‘into’ their cars. But who the fuck plays $500.00 for a remote controlled car!?! I can buy a bloody Holden Gemini for $500.00 and it’s a REAL CAR! As in it gets me from point a to point b!
So I’m still on the hunt for a remote controlled car that is kinda ‘buggy / truck (4x4) like, that a four year old boy can play with preferably in Australia so it will get to him before the 20th of February which is his birthday and that won’t cost more that $150 in total (Buying it and getting it posted out there!) If you can help – PLEASE do!!
Continuing on from yesterday’s blog re the new seven things I have to share, thanks to being tagged. I have to admit I had to go back and check what I disclosed the last time I got an award off Wendy (aka Quillfeather)
So here is a list of ‘new stuff’
1) I drive a Subaru Imprezza
2) I have tattoos
3) I had braces when I was young
4) I don’t like my handwriting
5) I can type quicker than I can write by hand
6) I’m a dog owner (He’s a boxer)
7) I don’t like pickled onions.
I’ll tag the following bloggers. If you’re keen to ‘share’ go ahead, if not, then don’t!
Carter Mackenzie
Scoman
Hillbilly Dunn
C.J Koster
Rosie
Cate P
Jennee
That's all I've got.
So I hunt high and low, found one with a remote you can recharge! Went ‘click to order’. Oh we don’t ship to Australia FOR FUCK SAKE!!! If you type in remote control car into Google it brings back these RC clubs that are clearly ‘into’ their cars. But who the fuck plays $500.00 for a remote controlled car!?! I can buy a bloody Holden Gemini for $500.00 and it’s a REAL CAR! As in it gets me from point a to point b!
So I’m still on the hunt for a remote controlled car that is kinda ‘buggy / truck (4x4) like, that a four year old boy can play with preferably in Australia so it will get to him before the 20th of February which is his birthday and that won’t cost more that $150 in total (Buying it and getting it posted out there!) If you can help – PLEASE do!!
Continuing on from yesterday’s blog re the new seven things I have to share, thanks to being tagged. I have to admit I had to go back and check what I disclosed the last time I got an award off Wendy (aka Quillfeather)
So here is a list of ‘new stuff’
1) I drive a Subaru Imprezza
2) I have tattoos
3) I had braces when I was young
4) I don’t like my handwriting
5) I can type quicker than I can write by hand
6) I’m a dog owner (He’s a boxer)
7) I don’t like pickled onions.
I’ll tag the following bloggers. If you’re keen to ‘share’ go ahead, if not, then don’t!
Carter Mackenzie
Scoman
Hillbilly Dunn
C.J Koster
Rosie
Cate P
Jennee
That's all I've got.
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