Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Forty-Sixth Day - 'Say You'll Be There' by Spice Girls


The forty-sixth day (four days to go!) in the 50 Day Music Challenge is 'the first song you ever bought'.

Back in the day before downloading when it was all CDs and singles were around I bought the Spice Girls 'Say You'll Be There' single.

Don't judge, I was young.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Point and Shoot

Not the best photo quality but our weekend was spent a lot laying in bed sleeping, taking photos or watching movies.
Munchkin always sticks his tongue out as soon as he sees himself in the phone. So cute.
The above photo is my favourite in this bunch. So cheeky.
Kisses are another favourite facial expression munchkin does for photos.
Big smiles are always necessary even when in a bad mood. 

What did you do this weekend?

Want to play Point and Shoot? Head over to sunny+scout and play :) It's fun.Check out the amazing blog too. All those wonderful photos, so jealous!

Forty-Fifth Day - 'Angel' by Sarah McLachlan & Pink


The forty-fifth challenge is 'your favourite acoustic version of a song'.

I immediately thought of anything by Jeff Buckley but his songs are beautiful even when not acoustic. 

My second thought was Lady Gaga as anything acoustic by her shows her true talent and is beautiful. I don't like Lady Gaga's song normally so that rules that out.

I then remembered the amazing version of 'Angel' that Pink and Sarah McLachlan did at some awards show. Seriously amazing. Beautiful. Wonderful. Inspirational.

Happy Monday

Mondays aren't usually the brightest days so I thought a happy start to the day would make at least me feel better about the day ahead (usually a cleaning day). So here goes. If you want to join in please link to your post in the comments. Smiles :)

"With realisation of one's own potential and self-confidence in one's ability, one can build a better world"
Dalai Lama
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Sunday, May 29, 2011

Universe and Volunteering

Yesterday I had volunteer training for when his Holiness the Dalai Lama comes to Brisbane. I'm amazed at this wonderful opportunity of helping and being in the presence of his Holiness.


The mister and I are not religious. He is an atheist and I am spiritual. I've been told in the past that being spiritual is being a Christian but I disagree. I don't believe in religion. I do, however, respect others beliefs especially if it enriches others lives. 


I believe that Buddhism is a cultural way of life rather than religious. Buddhism encourages belief in self and enrichment of one's mind. That appeals to both the mister and myself which is why munchkin was blessed rather than christened.
Buddhist Blessing
Earlier this year I received word that his Holiness was coming to Australia and they were looking for volunteers. I love everything about volunteering so immediately signed up.

Yesterday morning I was a bit anxious because I didn't know what to expect. I wasn't feeling sick though, more excited. My body still gets confused between being nervous and excited. 


The mister dropped me off at Southbank about fifteen minutes early. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Brisbane, Southbank is on the river opposite Brisbane city. It's connected by LOTS of bridges so it's easy to get across. It's also still affected by the January floods with some restaurants, parks and pools still closed. It's so beautiful walking by the river so that's what I did first, straight down for a five minute walk by the river. 
Brisbane from Southbank
After my beautiful, peaceful walk I made my way to the Suncorp Piazza where our training was held. I sat down on the grass ready to write when I looked up and saw a woman walking towards the Piazza. I don't know why but I felt drawn to her so asked her if she was attending the same training session. She said yes and sat down for a chat.


We chatted for so long and so easily we ended up being fifteen minutes late to the session. We discovered that we are studying the psychology through the same University which was amazing (it's not a Brisbane university) and I helped calm her nerves about the exact unit that I was nervous about. 


It's amazing that the universe brought us together and we got along all day. In fact we both decided that the universe was free to make our plans for the rest of the day as it had been so kind introducing us. It's so lovely connecting with someone, not only over what was obvious common grounds but other common grounds that were not obvious at all.


The training session there was fun and I met some wonderful people. There was another one an hour and half later so after having lunch with the mister and munchkin I was early for the other session. This session was outside near the Riverstage. I bought a coke and laid on the grass relaxing and writing. It was so peaceful and beautiful.
Relaxing
After the session I walked through the city and realised that I wasn't comfortable leaving munchkin that night. We had a party to go to with my high school friends and I was looking forward to it. The problem was that it was over an hour away and we were catching public transport. We didn't have the money to catch a cab home if anything happened with munchkin and we've never been that far away from him before (mum's house is only half hour away). I called the mister and he understood especially as munchkin is teething and can have trouble sleeping. 


I cancelled our attendance at the party (sorry Kel) and we decided that we would go local instead. We had a date night. Something we haven't had in a long time. So back to Southbank we went and headed for drinks at the Plough Inn before seeing Pirates of the Caribbean 4 at the movies. 


It was so lovely spending time together and talking. Really talking. Drinking, dancing (me), singing (also me) and being us, not just munchkin's parents. We reconnected again and were reminded that we need to do this more often.


Yesterday was fabulous. Thank you the Mister. Thank you universe.

When I Grow Up

I want to be Rachel Bilson.
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Forty-Fourth Day - 'Kashmir' by Led Zeppelin

The forty-fourth day in the 50 Day Music Challenge is 'a song you play air guitar to'.


So many songs are awesome air guitar songs. Air guitar songs are so much better than the boy band hand  grab (not to be confused with the boy band crotch grab).


My favourite air guitar song is 'Kashmir' by Led Zeppelin.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

I Love Teapots

I don't like tea. Except Chai but can that really be classed as tea?


I do, however, love teapots. I always have and always will. 


We have four teapots on show here and my mum has four at her house. We would have more but we have limited space. Although I did just eye the space in between the top of the kitchen cupboards and the ceiling. It's just calling for cute teapots.


Some like the following teapots which I have fallen in love with.
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My favourite teapot. Why? I don't know, I just love it. I don't even like butterflies...
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Do you have something you love and have no idea why?

Forty-Third Day - 'Basket Case' by Green Day

The forty-third challenge is your 'favourite song from the 90s'.


I love the music from the 90s. It's fun, original and raw. Especially Green Day. 


My favourite Green Day song 'Basket Case' is from 1994 and it's so much fun. I scream it every time I hear it. Loud.

Friday, May 27, 2011

High Flyer Polly

This weeks Ployvore challenge from Danimezza is all about jet setting and being a high flyer.


Although Polly would be in first class she would fly in comfort. Seven by Mankind jeans, Alexander Wang loose shirt with a lovely long draped cardigan. Ballet flats so they can be slipped off and on easily (Polly's feet definitely would not smell). Check out that amazing bag, it has a map on it. Awesome! The hat would be to cover up the bad flying hair. A small touch of make up (lip gloss, foundation, mascara) to freshen up as well as the awesome Keep Calm and Carry On bottle filled with coffee or water. Small studded earrings, chess piece long necklace, enemy/friends ring and a watch to check on the time. Necessary for any high flyer is the iPad2 in a sleek organiser.


Now where's mine?
High Flyer Polly by Tutu Ames

Wanna play along? It's fun, a little bit mean (limitless, free credit card anyone?), perfect procrastination and if you are anything like me you won't be able to stop at just one!

Check out other Polly Dollies at Danimezza. While you're there check out Danimezza's other posts. She is one happening woman!


Forty-Second Day - 'Jessie's Girl' by Rick Springfield

The forty-second challenge in the 50 Day Music Challenge is 'your favourite song from the 80's'.


I love the 80's power ballads that should be heard live in a stadium surrounded by mullets and choking on hairspray and cigarettes. One such song is 'Jessie's Girl' by Rick Springfield.


Check out this video of Rick in Californication. Priceless.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Converted

I was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. More accurately I was born in Royal Brisbane Women's Hospital in the building that no longer stands. 
Beautiful old building
I was bred in Strathpine, Narangba and Burpengary, Queensland. When they were small country type towns. This isn't about how much I hate progress but rather this is about my relationship with my state.


My parents were born in other states so they don't have the emotion and loyalty to Queensland that Queenslander's do and should have. 


In January this year my grandma had a stroke so mum, munchkin and I went down to NSW visit her. It was the same week that the Brisbane river decided to remind us that she can be a bitch as well as her lovely usual self. I begged my mum to take me home so I could get home and experience the trauma with my city. I think she understood to an extent.


It made me think about my relationship with my city, my home. Why I felt this pull to be there when it needed me most. 


I came up with one word. Loyalty. 


Brisbane has been loyal to me. Yet I haven't been entirely loyal to it. 


This morning a bus reminded me that I still am not loyal to Queensland. Yes, a bus. A bus filled with balloons, streamers and various photos of Queensland. 
The bus
The photos included the 2011 floods. They reminded me of the camaraderie felt in the face of disaster. I was reminded of working with the Australian Army, Salvation Army, Queensland Police, people who lost nothing and those who lost everything, during the clean up. We were one. We worked together regardless of our backgrounds and current situations.
My fellow passengers
Queensland you have converted me. 
Thank you bus
I am now proud to be a Queenslander including in the state of origin. 


There I said it. I'm a moron, I mean a maroon (sorry dad).


I think Queensland deserves my loyalty.

Fourty-First Day - 'Over The Rainbow' by Judy Garland

The forty-first challenge is not a happy one or one that I enjoyed completing.


It is 'a song that brings back bad memories'.


This is for me 'Over the Rainbow' by Judy Garland. It was played at my great gramps' funeral. Every time I hear it I tear up. Not good.


I still miss him.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Addicted to Words With Friends

Want to play? Join in the fun - Faith Hope & a Whole Lotta Love.

Fortieth Day - 'Jack And Diane' by John Cougar

Ten days to go in the 50 Day Music Challenge! We are up to the fortieth day with 'a song that brings back amazing memories'.


This song for me is 'Jack and Diane' by John Cougar (Mellencamp). 


We used to sing it all through high school and now it's requested at every pub my high school friends and I go to. It's one of our songs.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Power Mum

This is so exciting! I exercised and so can you thanks to Power Mums!
You know the girls who just look fit, the ones who get up early to exercise before work, tuck into a salad at lunch and walk the 5kms home purely to feel good.

I am not that girl.

I’m the girl who sleeps in as much as possible, eats whatever is easiest for lunch, and catches two buses to take munchkin the 2kms to daycare rather than walk it (in my defence there are hills).

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve played sports. I’ve done baseball, softball, netball, basketball, tennis, karate, soccer, touch football, golf, volleyball, cricket, bowling, and then I finished school. Since then I’ve done karate, yoga, pilates, tennis, volleyball, golf and dance all on this magical machine called a Wii.

But seriously since school finished I’ve done pilates, netball, walking, swimming, blading and I even joined a gym for a year. That sure was expensive. I worked out that each time I went to the gym it cost me $200 and it was only an $800 membership. Ripped off.

I have these amazing moments of wisdom like not only buying the Wii Fit but also Wii Fit Plus, and EA Sports Active. Joining the gym was also one of those fine moments. I still stand by my wisdom that learning to be a Personal Trainer will not only make me fit but give me motivation to continue. Unfortunately (or fortunately), the mister doesn’t agree with my logic so we will never know how much motivation being a PT brings.

To get more energy and back into a healthy rhythm (hopefully longer than two weeks this time) I’ve enlisted the help of Ellie from Power Mums. Power Mums have classes at Windsor, Brisbane on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Ellie and me
One of bonuses for mums are the Power Mum babysitters there to care for your little one while you exercise uninterrupted. Ellie is a mum herself so understands the restrictions when trying to exercise with a child. I didn’t take munchkin with me though as the mister wasn’t studying or working so he looked after him.

I did forget that we were staying down the Gold Coast the night before to help my mum organise to move house. The class started at 9:30am. Rookie error. Against all the odds (traffic, punctuality, fog) I arrived early for the class. I’m the worse introducer of myself and others so just stood there looking lost (as usual). The girls were lovely though and included me.
The morning started with my shirt inside out
Once we were all there Ellie made the introductions, sorted the equipment and handed me a pile of papers to read through and sign. One was even a 10% discount voucher for a massage. Score! The others were general forms like cancellation policy, general health, informed consent, disclaimer and Power Mums creed. It sounds overwhelming but Ellie didn’t expect them to be filled out right then and there which made it anything but overwhelming.


The teamwork began straight away with the Power Mums creed going around the circle with everyone reading parts of it before passing onto the next person. It was a great start to the class and signified the teamwork and unity throughout the hour.

The warm up should have been easy and would have been if I did any consistent exercise more than walking up the (small) hill at the end of our street once a week. My weak ankle also decided to let me know it freaked out with the jogging. That meant I looked like a party pooper and walked rather than jogged the warm up.
'Running'
I also didn’t take any drinks (rookie mistake #2) but luckily there was a drink tap next to the class.
Boxing
The boxing was intense but the sprinting, star jumps, planking (not wanking planking, real planking), and squats in between were even more intense. I don’t remember ever doing so much exercise. Ever. It was good exercise though, fun, especially doing it in teams. Another awesome factor of Power Mums is that Ellie makes sure each class is different to avoid boredom and a plateau. 
Two of the girls working hard
The time went too quickly and before we all knew it we were ready for cool down stretches. I’m sure at the time my jelly arms and legs felt like time didn’t go fast enough but my mind wanted more.
Proper planking
Not planking
After the class I stuck around chatting with the other mum’s, which was really enjoyable. When I got in the car I told the mister that I ran! His reply was ‘what was chasing you’. More proof that I am not a runner.
I did run!
The next day my legs were a bit sore and tight but nothing like I expected. I can still easily walk and move around with no problems. I’m looking forward to more classes with Power Mums.
Releasing tension!
The amazing Ellie is offering one of my lucky readers a one week Power Mums pass which means you get to attend up to four classes in the one week. Awesome!

All you have to do is (in the comments) tell me why you want to win! Easy as, right?! Winner will be drawn by random.org on 1st June 2011. When entering please remember that classes are in Brisbane. You don't have to be a mum either!

Disclosure: I received a complimentary Power Mums class by Power Mums. No financial payment was offered nor accepted for this post. All opinions expressed are purely my own.

Thirty-Ninth Day - 'The 5th' by David Garrett

The thirty-ninth challenge is 'your favourite classical song'. I think this can be taken in any context so classical as in orchestral, as in classic rock - take it as you want to.


I've taken it as classical in the orchestral sense. My favourite classical song is 'The 5th' by David Garrett.


David Garrett is amazing. He plays violin instead of vocals for songs such as Smooth Criminal (Michael Jackson), Thunderstruck (ACDC), Kashmir (Led Zeppelin), Smells Like Teen Spirit (Nirvana), and Walk This Way (Aerosmith). 


Seriously amazing.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Point and Shoot

Sunday afternoon our family of three went down to the Gold Coast to help my mum, who likes to be called impotent, de-clutter, clean and pack for moving.
Is this the latest over 50s craze?
We don't have a bath tub at home, much to munchkin's disappointment, so whenever we are at mum's he gets a nice long, splashy bath.


The mister was appointed bath supervisor and got a little bit wet.
Splashed out.
Munchkin had a tiny nap early morning so was extremely tired after his dinner and bath.


He slept quite poorly which didn't help us get up early this morning to beat the traffic and fog so I could go to an exercise class and the mister could drop the car off for a service.
Tired
Want to play Point and Shoot? Head over to sunny+scout and play :) It's fun.Check out the amazing blog too. All those wonderful photos, so jealous!

Thirty-Eighth Day - 'Tainted Love' by Marilyn Manson

The thirty-eighth challenge is 'your favourite cover of a song'.


Apart from the Across The Universe soundtrack, I love Marilyn Manson's 'Tainted Love'.


This original song was awesome, but this cover is just so different and captivating.


The music video is so fun. I love it.

Happy Monday

Mondays aren't usually the brightest days so I thought a happy start to the day would make at least me feel better about the day ahead (usually a cleaning day). So here goes. If you want to join in please link to your post in the comments. Smiles :)


"Without music, life would be a mistake"
Friedrich Nietzsche
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Sunday, May 22, 2011

Cake Orgasm

While the rapture was supposedly occurring Melissa over at Suger Coat It put up a post on things that make you laugh.


In it she links up to Cake Wrecks which is all about cakes that are wrecks. Hilarious. 


They also show amazing cakes under the tag Sunday Sweets.


Here are some of my favourites.


My number one favourite is definitely this Asparagus Cake by Rosie at Sweetapolita
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That is a cake. Not of asparagus though. That is fondant! I know, amazing. 


It's so worth checking out the rest of the photos at the links. While you are there check out the other cakes, especially the rainbow one.
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That Narnia cake is from Rosebud Cakes. I'm not sure I could eat their cakes, they look way too good! Check out their wedding, party, and holiday cakes.


I want the Chanel cake, the mister can have the massive Sandwich cake and munchkin can have the Rocking Spongebob cake.
Here and here
That cake right there (amazing) was made by Sweet Dispositions who are from Adelaide right here in Australia.


I know the mister would love the Aston Martin DBS cake while I want the Girl Drummer Topsy cake and I know munchkin would love the Thomas The Tank Engine cake.


I'm lusting after so many of their cakes and I'm so glad they are representing Australia!
Here and here
If you have an iPhone you have probably heard of Cut The Rope. I don't play it because I suck at it. The mister does, however. He'd definitely appreciate the above cake by Crazy Beautiful Cakes more than I do.


I do LOVE their other cakes though. I want the Princess Pillow cake, the mister can have the Taco cake and munchkin can have the Peter Rabbit cake.
Here and here
How is that Dr Seuss cake by Kate of And Everything Sweet even possible? That whole party looks amazing.

I want the Miniature Party Girl cakes, the mister can have the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cake while munchkin can have the Toy Story Bed cake.

My mind is going into overload over all these amazing cakes. Seriously check out the Cake Wrecks Sunday Sweets and be amazed.

Make sure you come back and link up your favourites!

When I Grow Up

I want to be Natalie Portman.
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