So, again Year 12 saves the day for any spare time I might want to use in posting or whatever personal indulgence like movies etc.
I'll make it up to you all by giving you some delightful and delicious little links to fill your hours of procrastination with a blog/website that actually posts regularly.
And please, if you have any other brilliant ones let me know!
Just so you know, these have the potential to be quite a girly list of websites. Sorry.
1. Ever wondered what the name of your phobia is, or some of the weird and wacky ones out there?
http://phobialist.com/
2. Want some cool pranks for the halls/yard at school?
http://www.zug.com/live/85040/The-Ultimate-Guide-to-Planning-Senior-Pranks.html
http://improveeverywhere.com
3. Some cool pictures, extreme articles and comps inspired by the beer itself.
http://coronaextra.com.au/home.php
4. Classy and brilliant clothes...
http://www.wildfoxcouture.com/
5. A few cool photo blogs
http://www.rowtaylor.com/people-photographer.html
http://www.larryclarkofficialwebsite.com/
http://www.dougphotograph.com/home.html
http://libbyobrienphotography.wordpress.com/
http://ajackalbleeds.tumblr.com/
http://letterstolauriefrombonnie.blogspot.com/
http://darkishday.blogspot.com/
6. Ever felt like sharing a secret?
http://www.postsecret.com/
7. News on a spin sites.
http://www.thepunch.com.au/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/
http://www.lifehacker.com.au/
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/index.html
8. For the laughs
http://www.zefrank.com/youngmenowme/blog/index.php/page/3/
http://thingsboganslike.com/
http://youparklikeanasshole.com/
http://dearblankpleaseblank.com/
http://grouchyrabbit.com/
http://damnyouautocorrect.com/
9. Some good pick up lines - or other cool ways of seeming super smart
http://www.yuni.com/library/latin_1.html
http://www.postsecret.com/
10. Learn how to survive a shark attack. You never know when it could happen!
http://www.wikihow.com/Survive-a-Shark-Attack
11. Clothes/Fashion Blogs
http://accordingtoannika.blogspot.com/
http://withloveandswallow.blogspot.com/
http://stylebykling.tv4.se/
http://www.gininateacup.com/
http://sequincat.blogspot.com/
http://www.stylecaster.com/
http://dropdeadgorgeousdaily.com/
http://www.michellesstylefile.blogspot.com/
http://heartandbleecker.blogspot.com/
http://www.theblondesalad.com/
http://charlize-mystery.blogspot.com/
http://stylemelbourne.com/ - as the name states....
http://kisforkani.blogspot.com/
http://www.seaofghosts.com/category/what-i-wore/
http://mon-is-me.blogspot.com/
http://www.annawanna.com/
http://lovemoreblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Outfits
http://www.alegorie.com.au/shop/ - brilliant Australian Jewellery
12. Crafty blogs
http://www.goodnightlittlespoon.com/
http://cisforchanell.blogspot.com/
http://takingteawithladyluff.blogspot.com/
http://whisk-kid.blogspot.com/ - RECIPESSSS YUM
http://www.whatkatiedoes.net/
http://bleubirdvintage.typepad.com/blog/
http://www.burdastyle.com/
13. Inspiring blogs
http://sandwhichpatch.wordpress.com/
http://shiftyshadow.blogspot.com/
14. Expand your vocabulary and save the english language
http://savethewords.org/
15. I had to give you some feminism
http://postfeminist.wordpress.com/
16. Because we love the ABC and well, having confused feelings....watch the latest episodes and make your own confused feelings scenes!
http://www.abc.net.au/tv/phillipafinch/#/Home
17. Pipe Band.
http://www.pipebandclub.com.au/
http://www.pipesdrums.com/Default.aspx?sys-Portal=57
http://www.sfupb.com/
http://www.drummingmad.net/
http://www.pipebandsforum.com/index.php
http://www.tyfry.com/
http://www.come2drum.com/
http://blogpipe-pipesdrums.com/
http://www.theworlds.co.uk/Pages/default.aspx
http://www.rspba.org/
http://www.slotpb.com/index.shtml
http://www.jimkilpatrick.co.uk/
http://thecaptainscorner.com/blog.htm
http://www.thecale.net/
http://www.pipeband.com/
http://pipebands.tumblr.com/ --> BRILLIANT BLOG
http://www.sobopercussion.co.uk/
18. Love and...other things....
http://beingblanche.blogspot.com/
19. Programming
http://en.softonic.com/mac
http://www.keepvid.com/ -- keep youtube vids.
20. TV
http://ten.com.au/thenurses --> OFFSPRING AND THE NURSES
and this pair of jeans you cannot afford not to have in your wardrobe! http://www.madewell.com/newarrivals/denim/PRDOVR~35516/35516.jsp
So my Year 12 or Uni friends, you now have no reason to procrastinate! GO!
Please, only do so in moderation. If you abuse this, your ATAR may suffer serious consequences, as may your self confidence.
Love,
Light,
Peace
x
Monday, July 4, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Our people provide our capability
Straight off, I'm sorry. It has been months since I've written! However, year 12 is more busy than one would think....thus this is a holiday write up.
Things as I said have been....busy. However, some light and excitement came into my otherwise dim and book laiden life when I went to Canberrazzzz for my Navy officer selection board. It's basically 4 days of dressing up in suits and pretending to believe in all these things that you really don't. Just kidding. Not about the suit part - thats for sure!
So day one I fly to Sydney, then back down to Canberra. Tell me why a direct flight wasn't available? Anyway. So I arrive, the first one there and wait for 3 hours and a bit for the rest to come in. Joy! But was good talking with Bonnie, the only other girl there up till that point (except our chauffeur, Racheal). The melbourne flight came in, with 6 boys. Once they all sat down, silence dictated the conversation. But, by the end of the week Bon and I had realised our laughter and bouncy talk made them talk too.
Sometimes.
So we go to where we are staying, HMAS Harmon, a Navy base for the Junior Sailors. It was ok. The heating didn't work. I had to lift my door up to get the hinges up in order to open the door. Quite a strange experience as we were on the second level, and right across from my room was the loo. It was unisex. A new sort of thing, and because none of us are actually in the military yet me and Bon just went in and used the mirrors etc. What we didn't know was that the group that had arrived in the day before us and done their OSB that day had been highly segregated in their bathrooms, boys on our level and girls downstairs. Apparently it was quite a shock to a few of the boys as they got out of the shower to see me and Bon in there talking! So we all get dressed up to go to ADFA (Australian Defence force academy) and, as Bonnie and I had started to realise there was a distinct lack of female presence there in comparison to males. It will obviously be like this, because of the nature of the military. However, we hadn't expected it to be that much!! According to the Defence Jobs website there are 10 000 women serving in the military in some form (reserves etc included).
I now quote the website
"The ratio of women to men depends on the role of a particular unit. In some units, given the frontline nature of its mission, there won't be any women.
So then a late nighter as we sat up talking with the other group, playing cards, and I gave Joel a massage. Sorry, I mean Frankie. Funny kid. They turned the heating on! Bonnie and I were the champions of our group as we stayed up to 2 or something, then hit the sack in my room - cause Victoria was way asleep in Bonnie's room and we didn't want to wake her. The next OSB group also arrived. Pretty cool kids also. Seriously cannot wait to get in so I can chill with them all all the time. If I get in. If I don't take a GAP year. Oh, decisions. But the Navy's camos are so cool! Man I want to wear them....
Where can you find pleasure
Search the world for treasure
Learn science technology
Where can you begin to make your dreams all come true
On the land or on the sea
Where can you learn to fly
Play in sports and skin dive
Study oceanography
Sign up for the big band
Or sit in the grandstand
When your team and others meet
In the navy
Yes, you can sail the seven seas
In the navy
Yes, you can put your mind at ease
In the navy
Come on now, people, make a stand
In the navy, in the navy
Can't you see we need a hand
In the navy
Come on, protect the motherland
In the navy
Come on and join your fellow man
In the navy
Come on people, and make a stand
In the navy, in the navy, in the navy (in the navy)
They want you, they want you
They want you as a new recruit
If you like adventure
Don't you wait to enter
The recruiting office fast
Don't you hesitate
There is no need to wait
They're signing up new seamen fast
Maybe you are too young
To join up today
Bout don't you worry 'bout a thing
For I'm sure there will be
Always a good navy
Protecting the land and sea
In the navy
Yes, you can sail the seven seas
In the navy
Yes, you can put your mind at ease
In the navy
Come on now, people, make a stand
In the navy, in the navy
Can't you see we need a hand
In the navy
Come on, protect the motherland
In the navy
Come on and join your fellow man
In the navy
Come on people, and make a stand
In the navy, in the navy, in the navy (in the navy)
They want you, they want you
They want you as a new recruit
Who me?
They want you, they want you
They want you as a new recruit
But, but but I'm afraid of water.
Hey, hey look
Man, I get seasick even watchin' it on TV!
They want you, they want you in the navy
Oh my goodness.
What am I gonna do in a submarine?
They want you, they want you in the navy
Things as I said have been....busy. However, some light and excitement came into my otherwise dim and book laiden life when I went to Canberrazzzz for my Navy officer selection board. It's basically 4 days of dressing up in suits and pretending to believe in all these things that you really don't. Just kidding. Not about the suit part - thats for sure!
So day one I fly to Sydney, then back down to Canberra. Tell me why a direct flight wasn't available? Anyway. So I arrive, the first one there and wait for 3 hours and a bit for the rest to come in. Joy! But was good talking with Bonnie, the only other girl there up till that point (except our chauffeur, Racheal). The melbourne flight came in, with 6 boys. Once they all sat down, silence dictated the conversation. But, by the end of the week Bon and I had realised our laughter and bouncy talk made them talk too.
So we go to where we are staying, HMAS Harmon, a Navy base for the Junior Sailors. It was ok. The heating didn't work. I had to lift my door up to get the hinges up in order to open the door. Quite a strange experience as we were on the second level, and right across from my room was the loo. It was unisex. A new sort of thing, and because none of us are actually in the military yet me and Bon just went in and used the mirrors etc. What we didn't know was that the group that had arrived in the day before us and done their OSB that day had been highly segregated in their bathrooms, boys on our level and girls downstairs. Apparently it was quite a shock to a few of the boys as they got out of the shower to see me and Bon in there talking! So we all get dressed up to go to ADFA (Australian Defence force academy) and, as Bonnie and I had started to realise there was a distinct lack of female presence there in comparison to males. It will obviously be like this, because of the nature of the military. However, we hadn't expected it to be that much!! According to the Defence Jobs website there are 10 000 women serving in the military in some form (reserves etc included).
 |
| Totally me when I get in the Navy...lol jks. |
I now quote the website
"The ratio of women to men depends on the role of a particular unit. In some units, given the frontline nature of its mission, there won't be any women.
The current percentages of women in the ADF by service are:
- Navy – Approximately 18%;
- Army – Approximately 12%; and
- Air Force – Approximately 17%"
So because I'm going into the Navy, I have the highest ratio of females to males. This is positive. However, at the same breath, we have all seen the news during the past couple of weeks. 'Kate' (the officer's sudo name) was in a consensual sexual relationship with another cadet, when, without her knowing, he skyped their sexual encounter to some other male cadets in the next room.
After talking to some of the other cadets in the mess, its hardly anything like the media is portraying it to be. Now, it is highly unfortunate that this girl was filmed without her knowledge. But when Head of ADFA, Bruce Kafer, after this situation becoming public, pulled out the female cadets past tarnishes - of which there are several: fraternisation at inappropriate times, taking leave without having leave etc - he was doing this in order to sum up the whole situation, I believe.
In an interview with lateline, this is what came out
"STEPHEN SMITH, DEFENCE MINISTER: Commander Kafer allowed matters which had occurred in March relating to the young woman concerned being absent without leave or using alcohol allowed these matters to be dealt with at the same time. Indeed, in the aftermath of the Skype incident becoming public."
Yes, it was possibly not handled well, but while Kafer has indefinite leave, the deputy head - a Colonel in the Army, whom I met myself - told us at the OSB when we were having chats with some Cadets about ADFA and their jobs etc, told us that there was nothing to worry about, and that he had our personal promise that this situation was being handled in the best way possible. There are some that disagree with this:
"PAUL BARRATT, FORMER DEFENCE SECRETARY: I'm surprised at the way this was handled. How anyone could come to the conclusion that the behaviour of the seven male cadets would be dealt with as a misdemeanour is, ah, very surprising to me. It seemed to me to be egregiously serious. And I would be - I would have been expecting the commandant of ADFA immediately to ask all seven of those young men to show cause why they shouldn't have been marched out the gate of ADFA. "
Post our little talk with the Colonel and the cadets, I stayed behind and chatted to one of the Cadets, funnily enough, a girl who was going for the same job as me in the Navy. I asked her about her experiences with it all, and we agreed that it was something about your air, the way you put yourself out and the way you hold yourself. She mentioned that she had been romantically involved with one of her male friends in the Air Force, but that in order to allow it to work you must seperate work - or military training - and free time, as well as class time. Sometimes it is just not appropriate to be with each other. One thing I kept hearing was that you really just shouldn't let people know you are seeing someone else in the academy.
Ok. So this isn't the only scandal we have seen come out of ADFA, or the military. It could have something to do with how close you get to the rest of the people you are working and studying with, but it could also be the alcohol culture of the military, and the way people act under the influence.
It's something that comes down to the age old saying - don't believe everything you read in the papers or see on TV.
Now, going back to the rest of the trip. We had our Officer Selection boards, I saw Pebbles etc etc. I was recommended for entry as Maritime Warfare Officer. This means that thus far I have not been made an offer of appointment (so an actual job/uni offer), but I may be offered one at any time up to and including the date of appointment. Apparently Navy ones take 3 weeks or so, so everyone - fingers crossed until then!! :)
The day we had our boards, I was second, thus finished at about 12 noon. We had already had a spelling test and also a situation called the heart/lung machine. Pretty cool. Then the board where my knowledge of the Navy, my job and the world was tested. It was pretty scary, as the President of the board was a Captain. They usually don't get Captains in for OSBs. And then there was a female psychologist and a female Navy officer. They were both really nice, but the Captain was pretty cold faced until he told me that I was recommended. It was weird - he was so nice and almost excited then! Strange. Also: note, his name was Captain Hooke. ahahahahahahaha. At least I didn't laugh when I found that out ;)
But me Bonnie, and two of the Guys were finished, so we got driven back to the accom - after a Coles stop. Lennie (the other Chauffeur) judged us as we bought heaps of lollies, but we needed to prepare for a cold afternoon of watching movies. Oh yes, that was the other thing - HARMAN WAS FREEZING. The windows didn't shut in our common room (they were broken) and the heaters weren't going to be turned on until ANZAC Day. WTF!? So we got our blankets etc and watched the Hangover. I think. Can't really remember. Then some of the other kids from the other group got back and we all chilled, played pool on the MASSIVE pool table and eventually everyone got back about 4 hours after us. haha.
Back to ADFA for dinner where, at this point, Bonnie and I could not stop laughing. COULD NOT STOP is definitely an understatement. A really nice Navy engineer sat next to us - without any other cadets - and chilled and talked. He advised us to get desert with main course or we would miss out on the caramel slice. I took his advice as I was bitterly dissapointed at missing out the night previous. I got some! He was really nice! And we continually embarrassed ourselves as we couldn't stop laughing. Note: the ADFA food is actually pretty good, and the mess hall is really scary to walk into as an OSB candidate. All the cadets stare at you as you come in. But there is awesome icecream - they have a machine! We eventually met up with the army guys from the OSB. it really sucked for them as they had to go out to Duntroon for theirs and do a physical and team work stuff. Apparently their psych was yelling at them! ahaha. But only 2/7 got recommended. The board was pretty harsh.
And then the highlight of the trip. I was laughing, trying to get air into my lungs, leaning back on my chair right as a group of cadets walked behind me. I hit him in the crotch with my hair which was in a bun, and then as I apologised with tears in my eyes from laughing at Bonnie, I put my hand out and hit him on the arse. What a win :) So hilarious!! The laughter could have had something to do with the pack of jelly beans I devoured....
So then a late nighter as we sat up talking with the other group, playing cards, and I gave Joel a massage. Sorry, I mean Frankie. Funny kid. They turned the heating on! Bonnie and I were the champions of our group as we stayed up to 2 or something, then hit the sack in my room - cause Victoria was way asleep in Bonnie's room and we didn't want to wake her. The next OSB group also arrived. Pretty cool kids also. Seriously cannot wait to get in so I can chill with them all all the time. If I get in. If I don't take a GAP year. Oh, decisions. But the Navy's camos are so cool! Man I want to wear them....Up the next morning, off to the War Memorial and Museum. Just a quick note, there are some pretty painful speed bumps at HARMAN. We all complained etc, but Racheal started to get some enjoyment out of it. Such was this that she would be going the speed limit, then SPEED UP HEAPS to go over the bumps. Much pain to our bums.
Back to the museum. It was amazing. Our tour guide was so full of knowledge and we learnt heaps about some battles, relative to the majority of the different forces people in our group, and also so great people that paid the ultimate sacrifice. So sad, and inspiring. Bonnie and I found some cool pictures, and upon trying to find our way out to the fountain/tomb of the unknown soldier found some other people from our group. And some gift shop time. Prior to the museum we had been to the top of mount Ainslee - FREEZING - and Bon and I felt sick we were so tired. The boys were quiet as usual and then, upon arrival back at the bus I grabbed us the seats at the back so we could sleep. It didn't work. And they were just as quiet down the back of the bus! Bonnie and I continued to not be able to stop laughing.
After the memorial we had lunch at ADFA, then a tour of the uni and the rooms of the Cadets etc. It is super sweet. We even got to see some experiments etc. That was sweet - we had a crazy scientist guy taking us around. The weather continued to be freezing and we continued to seek out warm rooms. Back to the Base for a few movies and then back to ADFA for one last dinner. No crotch or arse hitting, but still we couldn't stop laughing. Back to chill with the other group, watch some DVDs - like hard or steel case jacket (NOTE: Creepy, creepy movie with creepy actor. But good viewing. American military and Vietnam stuff) and remember the titans - Brilliant movie! Awe inspiring. It was nice to bond with the other group as we had spent a lot of time with the rest of the people in our group and then the group previous to us. Massages were all around - Bonnie going into la la land as James gave her a head massages and Toby doing a brilliant job on my back. This is after I had given Billy with the Brogues and the blanket like a 2hr one and Bonnie etc etc.... and again Bonnie and I championed our group - me more than her as I stayed up till 3.15 or something. After the first night nerves and not sleeping till after midnight till 5, then the next night with 4 hours sleep and the last night with 3 hours sleep, we were doing well! Got up early for our flights - 6.30 to have breakfast with Bonnie, James, Vic and Bryce as they all left earlier than me. I felt and looked like hell 10 mins after waking up and getting down to breakfast - but I had to say goodbye! At least they weren't flying off at like 6am like Trent. Poor guy.
We said some sad goodbyes, promised to see each other again and I returned to trying to shut my broken case. It wasn't that I had too much stuff - it was that the edges has been bent and I couldn't get the clasp in the right spot. Then I used masking tape to make sure it stayed. All in all we said goodbye to the other group, went off to the airport at 7.45 and then Brandon and I chilled, cause we didn't think we could be able to get into the Virgin room, and weren't allowed in the Qantas lounge....so then, as we got to the flight gate, I realised I still had my room key in my pocket. Ooops! But its in the mail now back to the awesome Racheal :)
We got on the plane, and I stuffed up which seat I was meant to be in then Brandon just moved 2 back from me so we both had it wrong. Then I had to move next to a bloke who had a very feminine man bag. I nearly asked him if his wife would be sitting next to us until I realised it was his bag. AWKWARD. Brandon and I got to Sydney, went through customs and shiz and got some food. Silly boy shouldn't have got a foot long! I got a boost which was awesome. We said our goodbyes and I flew home.
Now, I seriously cannot wait to get into this institution. ADFA seems amazing and I miss all the crazy kids in my OSB group, and the other groups already :( we are road tripping though!! ;) Everyone fingers crossed for me and my OSB mates to get in and party together at Mooseheads where the shots are 50c and then skooners are like $1.50! :D Of course, we will be drinking responsibly. Now I'm reconsidering my GAP in Scotland and thinking I should go straight in. I'd be doing a year of training before ADFA anyway, out at Jervis Bay and then 6 months on the beautiful seas. So I think it would be pretty swell. ahaha. Pun intended.
I apologise for my shit humour. And telling you all of this. But I must remember it all. Even Tree boys Seaman/Semen jokes and the laughter that seemed to be overflowing everywhere we went. I want to be back there. Stuff HSC and exams and everything. Oh the life in the navy....
I'll tell you one last thing. While we were at ADFA the defence force announced women could now hold any role in defence. This includes combat and infantry and clearance diving. EVERYTHING. This is a huge step forward, but at the same time we have to consider the reasons why they had this in the first place. Men act differently when women are in the front line, it's human nature. They try to protect them form danger/wont attack them. This is an issue. I'l go into this some other time. By now you must be bored of my stories. So I'll give you a link and you can all do your homework for next time...
Gillard - All frontline jobs to Women
I'll tell you one last thing. While we were at ADFA the defence force announced women could now hold any role in defence. This includes combat and infantry and clearance diving. EVERYTHING. This is a huge step forward, but at the same time we have to consider the reasons why they had this in the first place. Men act differently when women are in the front line, it's human nature. They try to protect them form danger/wont attack them. This is an issue. I'l go into this some other time. By now you must be bored of my stories. So I'll give you a link and you can all do your homework for next time...
Gillard - All frontline jobs to Women
I'll leave you with a few songs about the Navy. And remember girls, if you put yourself out there you could very well be raped. Not that anyone asks for it. But there are some pretty nasty people out there in our world.
Search the world for treasure
Learn science technology
Where can you begin to make your dreams all come true
On the land or on the sea
Where can you learn to fly
Play in sports and skin dive
Study oceanography
Sign up for the big band
Or sit in the grandstand
When your team and others meet
In the navy
Yes, you can sail the seven seas
In the navy
Yes, you can put your mind at ease
In the navy
Come on now, people, make a stand
In the navy, in the navy
Can't you see we need a hand
In the navy
Come on, protect the motherland
In the navy
Come on and join your fellow man
In the navy
Come on people, and make a stand
In the navy, in the navy, in the navy (in the navy)
They want you, they want you
They want you as a new recruit
If you like adventure
Don't you wait to enter
The recruiting office fast
Don't you hesitate
There is no need to wait
They're signing up new seamen fast
Maybe you are too young
To join up today
Bout don't you worry 'bout a thing
For I'm sure there will be
Always a good navy
Protecting the land and sea
In the navy
Yes, you can sail the seven seas
In the navy
Yes, you can put your mind at ease
In the navy
Come on now, people, make a stand
In the navy, in the navy
Can't you see we need a hand
In the navy
Come on, protect the motherland
In the navy
Come on and join your fellow man
In the navy
Come on people, and make a stand
In the navy, in the navy, in the navy (in the navy)
They want you, they want you
They want you as a new recruit
Who me?
They want you, they want you
They want you as a new recruit
But, but but I'm afraid of water.
Hey, hey look
Man, I get seasick even watchin' it on TV!
They want you, they want you in the navy
Oh my goodness.
What am I gonna do in a submarine?
They want you, they want you in the navy
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Come on, drug us up!
Woman: Mrs. Haines, I don't know how you manage all the things in your life and still make time for charitable work.
Mary Haines: Oh, well pharmaceuticals.
So you see above a quote from one of my best loved movies, "The Women" a witty and provocative movie with fabulous Actresses including an all time favourite, Meg Ryan.
Those of you who have an average or above IQ will note that the name of my blog shares a name with this movie. Co-incidence? I think not. I'll share with you all a little story. After seeing the movie a couple of times I started having ideas about our place in society and how things have changed through the years - as there is also a 1939 Original version of the aforementioned film. Also, after reading possibly my absolute favourite book, White Oleander again most recently I again started having these thoughts. So, how do you express such things? Create a blog, of course!
I suggest you read White Oleander (or see the movie) and also watch The Women.
Moving back to the title of this post. Holidays have just started and I am still getting over a particularly nasty chest infection/pleurisy (now on my 4th set of antibiotics) and was watching my favourite movie again. This quote came up and it made me come to think, do we all rely on pharmaceuticals these days to keep up with the ever speeding up world in which we live?
This being my blog and all I'll share my experiences with you all. So this chest thing had been going on for possibly 7 weeks before I headed to the doctor. And do you know what? I seriously was struggling to do everything I had to with school and everything else in life. It was so difficult that by the time I was booked in for the doctor I was begging to go. Mum was worried about how long it would take for me to get over it, because this illness was just getting in the way! Antibiotics (well, seemingly...) to save the day!
Do you, dear reader, take fish oil tablets? Do you take multivitamins? Do you take inner health plus? Do you take all these drugs that they claim to be so good for you on the television? Well, charming ol' Mr Young suggests you take fish oil tablets to help you stay smart. Joe Blow on the television says that inner health plus is good for you after antibiotics (and hey, the possibly are. Pardon me....its a bad example...) and blah blah multivitamins help you to remain alert and fabulous for your everyday life. True? Possibly. I'm not a complete cynic and not a complete believer. What I will say is that a wholeeee load of that stuff you are putting into your body with those (EXPENSIVE) tablets is going straight on out the other end.
This is where I start to put my foot down. Im fine with eating carrots to help my night vision, or blue berries because they are full of antioxidants but these pills just have so much stuff in them its a waste! AND they aren't a food group so don't go home and try to live off them.
See, I'd prefer to go have a good juice (but please, buy a juicer with all the money you would spend at boost during the next 5 years as there is now one in Albury, and some fruit and yoghurt etc and make some at home every morning...) to start the day and get all these great things the 'easy' way - straight from nature.
I'm the first to say that I take a whole heap of the above tablets. At one point during this enduring sickness I was taking 17 pills a day. Yes. You heard me right, 17. That included prescription drugs (such as antibiotics and chest decongestants) and health things (such as horseradish and fish oil and swisse women's ultivite). So yes, believe me I was dependant on them.
Now we ask ourselves, preventative vs. reactive medication? As with everything, preventative helps us in the long run. But, must we be dependant on these pills?
In order for our society's life expectancy to continue to increase, preventative medical action is needed. If anyone actually pays attention to our politicians they would see that all the health issues now aim at preventative action, such as the dental plans now in place with medicare.
Dependant on these pharmaceuticals? Yes. Yes we are. We wouldn't be the modern, western society that we are today without all of these things. And are they needed for our everyday lives, just like Mrs Haines needs them? For those who have perhaps longer lasting pressures then yes. We all can't go on forever continually pushing ourselves, and these fabulous drugs just push back when that time comes - to when it's convenient for us and our schedules. Possibly sometime during retirement I'd say, at this rate.
How many pills do you take a day? Do pharmaceuticals keep you going?
Mary Haines: Oh, well pharmaceuticals.
So you see above a quote from one of my best loved movies, "The Women" a witty and provocative movie with fabulous Actresses including an all time favourite, Meg Ryan.
Those of you who have an average or above IQ will note that the name of my blog shares a name with this movie. Co-incidence? I think not. I'll share with you all a little story. After seeing the movie a couple of times I started having ideas about our place in society and how things have changed through the years - as there is also a 1939 Original version of the aforementioned film. Also, after reading possibly my absolute favourite book, White Oleander again most recently I again started having these thoughts. So, how do you express such things? Create a blog, of course!
I suggest you read White Oleander (or see the movie) and also watch The Women.
Moving back to the title of this post. Holidays have just started and I am still getting over a particularly nasty chest infection/pleurisy (now on my 4th set of antibiotics) and was watching my favourite movie again. This quote came up and it made me come to think, do we all rely on pharmaceuticals these days to keep up with the ever speeding up world in which we live?
This being my blog and all I'll share my experiences with you all. So this chest thing had been going on for possibly 7 weeks before I headed to the doctor. And do you know what? I seriously was struggling to do everything I had to with school and everything else in life. It was so difficult that by the time I was booked in for the doctor I was begging to go. Mum was worried about how long it would take for me to get over it, because this illness was just getting in the way! Antibiotics (well, seemingly...) to save the day!
Do you, dear reader, take fish oil tablets? Do you take multivitamins? Do you take inner health plus? Do you take all these drugs that they claim to be so good for you on the television? Well, charming ol' Mr Young suggests you take fish oil tablets to help you stay smart. Joe Blow on the television says that inner health plus is good for you after antibiotics (and hey, the possibly are. Pardon me....its a bad example...) and blah blah multivitamins help you to remain alert and fabulous for your everyday life. True? Possibly. I'm not a complete cynic and not a complete believer. What I will say is that a wholeeee load of that stuff you are putting into your body with those (EXPENSIVE) tablets is going straight on out the other end.
This is where I start to put my foot down. Im fine with eating carrots to help my night vision, or blue berries because they are full of antioxidants but these pills just have so much stuff in them its a waste! AND they aren't a food group so don't go home and try to live off them.
See, I'd prefer to go have a good juice (but please, buy a juicer with all the money you would spend at boost during the next 5 years as there is now one in Albury, and some fruit and yoghurt etc and make some at home every morning...) to start the day and get all these great things the 'easy' way - straight from nature.
I'm the first to say that I take a whole heap of the above tablets. At one point during this enduring sickness I was taking 17 pills a day. Yes. You heard me right, 17. That included prescription drugs (such as antibiotics and chest decongestants) and health things (such as horseradish and fish oil and swisse women's ultivite). So yes, believe me I was dependant on them.
Now we ask ourselves, preventative vs. reactive medication? As with everything, preventative helps us in the long run. But, must we be dependant on these pills?
In order for our society's life expectancy to continue to increase, preventative medical action is needed. If anyone actually pays attention to our politicians they would see that all the health issues now aim at preventative action, such as the dental plans now in place with medicare.
Dependant on these pharmaceuticals? Yes. Yes we are. We wouldn't be the modern, western society that we are today without all of these things. And are they needed for our everyday lives, just like Mrs Haines needs them? For those who have perhaps longer lasting pressures then yes. We all can't go on forever continually pushing ourselves, and these fabulous drugs just push back when that time comes - to when it's convenient for us and our schedules. Possibly sometime during retirement I'd say, at this rate.
How many pills do you take a day? Do pharmaceuticals keep you going?
Monday, November 29, 2010
Gender roles - in our Genes?
Hey everyone,
I know it’s been a while since I posted. I haven’t run out of ideas – I promise you that! It’s just that school is a good one for taking over lives. Literally and metaphorically.
Moving on.
I was reading ‘The Punch’ today, a highly funny (at times) and insightful news page when I came across this headline article http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/confessions-of-a-young-anti-feminist/
Basically it’s all about our roles in society – Men and women that is – and them being not only re-enforced by our own culture, but also it being physiological. Now there is no point at which I proclaim to be feminist. In fact, I think that Men in our society are being suppressed.
Ladies, take a step back. What can we do? We can have freedom of sexuality (although still being accepted by society, we are making our way there with it – Discuss.), we have freedom in work choice (there isn’t many glass ceilings anymore are there?), we have freedom in clothing (now seriously – can you imagine a man wearing a dress or skirt without being looked at sideways? No! And we can wear pants, yes?) and freedom of spirit (ok, I was scooping at the bottom of the barrel here – how many Gypsy or Tarot Card reader men do you know? Just ignore the whole men priest thing and male monks thing).
So. Now you’re all thinking, ‘Hey! She’s on the guys side!’ – Well no. Yes, we have had more than our fair share of suppression. And yes, I do appreciated THE FEM burning all her nice bras back in the first days of feminism. However, to be a successful and ‘stand above the rest’ sort of society, we must move towards the next stage – Equality. Sure, yes we still have pay equality problems with men on average earning more than women in the same positions, and even though I joke about the fact that there isn’t a glass ceiling anymore, I’m going to do a Mr. Routely favourite and contradict myself – there is still levels in which women struggle to get past in the big businesses.
In trying to research a little for this, I do what everyone else would do: Google it.
Type in ‘Female Bosses’. The first thing I find? (OK, so i cannot put my screen shot in...follow the link....) http://www.google.com.au/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=female+bosses&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&redir_esc=&ei=6YvzTNDkJYvEvQPi45j3DQ
Well, I now ask myself suddenly, is our society looking for equality? This leads back to ‘The Punch’ article. Perhaps, physiologically we are set in our ways? Sure, bringing up the family is difficult work, but it’s in our nature to be Motherly and nurture our children. Isn’t that satisfying for us? Sure, it’s difficult for men to be a work earning the $$$, but is it not built into them to want to protect and look after their family in that way? To provide? All the way back to cavemen, we see them out hunting and gathering food for their family, mum at home cooking.
Yes, there will always be exceptions to every rule, and a differing situation for every person. But is to fit into our so called ‘gender roles some sort of instinct built into our genes?
I leave you with this question, quote ‘The Punch’ –
“Is it becoming unacceptable in our society for women to rely on men and take pride in abilities defined as gender roles?”
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Is that a dead body??
So. Today i broke the news to my extension teacher.
Although, I might add I was tres scared.
So - David decided to give it to her instead as it would be a shock to her (he does ext 2 thus cannot drop ext 1) then, when she read it and realised it was me she screamed a little and gasped. Then thrust me back at me saying 'why??' then 'we will talk about this at the end'.
But I must add it was possibly the most hilarious ext english lesson thus far.
So at the moment we are studying (well I was...but not anymore!!!) romanticism. Now, before you all get these whimsical ideas about love etc I have to stop you - sorry its the era early to mid nineteenth century. Anyways. Lets move past the history of it and get to the funny part. Well, you probably won't find it funny. Moving on. Again.
THE FEM (aka Ext english teacher): So lets move back now, to that time when women really were rubbish.
Great. So she is now admitting that women were rubbish at some point. Surprisingly enough - I agree. There are many reasons for this, but I'll go into that some other time.
Back to the funny things. THE FEM goes on to say: Look, a lot of literary works make you a sexual pervert.
*Shock by class, confusion* - We weren't exactly sure what she was trying to say. But if you need some ideas go read 'Bright Star' a poem by Keats. Apparently if you: Go looking for it - then its there to be found and all poets are pretty much sex addicts. Even that chick who was religious and so virginal living in a house then 'made up for it' (quote THE FEM) when she met some other poet. End of Story.
So (quote Claudia) - today is a double whammy.
I must mention that today is a VERY special day. Today is the 100th day of my good friend Fergus's blog. He posts everyday and it is very exciting.
here is his blog :)
Hip hip hoo ray for your 100th Day :)
http://sandwhichpatch.wordpress.com/
But i must say that he called me gemma today on way into school.
This is becoming a common occurrence within the school yard.
Yesterday was gemma's birthday. Woot for being 17 love.
At lunch, lucy came over and hugged me from behind saying 'Happy birthday!' Me - being extremely puzzled turned around. Yes, she had mistaken kate for gem.
Eddie - one of our new school captains, and a good friend of both gemma and I - yelled at me something as I passed the locker room. It wasn't until I was sure I had no idea what he was talking about did I go back - to him working out I wasn't who he thought I was.
A year 9 kid for several weeks called me Gemma everytime I walked past.
So. Yes we are both
-tall
-blonde
-similar shape
Inserted is a picture - I need your opinions. Guess which ones we are. Now. This photo does make us look quite alike - but do we really?
p.s. thanks to dwez for the photo. Its all the new leaders for 2011 :)
But, well, really, we do not look THAT alike.
Please kids, get us right.
So. This post was more than a double whammy. As I get to the end you're possibly starting to wonder why this was titled 'Is that a dead body??'.
Again, THE FEM hits a home run of hilariousness.
We are sitting there with about ten minutes of class left and only just getting into the work when she glances out the window and shouts: IS THAT A DEAD BODY???
*class runs to windows, looking out into the middle of the english block*
As it turns out, it was some other Yr 12 kids carrying a table back to the classroom with a jumper on it.
Apparently it looked like they were carrying a dead body on a stretcher.
Although this may seem not so funny, yet I was cracking up for the remainder of class.
With those last thoughts of dead bodies and crazy feminists, I will bid you all goodnight.
Until next time,
Love
Light
Peace
x
Although, I might add I was tres scared.
So - David decided to give it to her instead as it would be a shock to her (he does ext 2 thus cannot drop ext 1) then, when she read it and realised it was me she screamed a little and gasped. Then thrust me back at me saying 'why??' then 'we will talk about this at the end'.
But I must add it was possibly the most hilarious ext english lesson thus far.
So at the moment we are studying (well I was...but not anymore!!!) romanticism. Now, before you all get these whimsical ideas about love etc I have to stop you - sorry its the era early to mid nineteenth century. Anyways. Lets move past the history of it and get to the funny part. Well, you probably won't find it funny. Moving on. Again.
THE FEM (aka Ext english teacher): So lets move back now, to that time when women really were rubbish.
Great. So she is now admitting that women were rubbish at some point. Surprisingly enough - I agree. There are many reasons for this, but I'll go into that some other time.
Back to the funny things. THE FEM goes on to say: Look, a lot of literary works make you a sexual pervert.
*Shock by class, confusion* - We weren't exactly sure what she was trying to say. But if you need some ideas go read 'Bright Star' a poem by Keats. Apparently if you: Go looking for it - then its there to be found and all poets are pretty much sex addicts. Even that chick who was religious and so virginal living in a house then 'made up for it' (quote THE FEM) when she met some other poet. End of Story.
So (quote Claudia) - today is a double whammy.
I must mention that today is a VERY special day. Today is the 100th day of my good friend Fergus's blog. He posts everyday and it is very exciting.
here is his blog :)
Hip hip hoo ray for your 100th Day :)
http://sandwhichpatch.wordpress.com/
But i must say that he called me gemma today on way into school.
This is becoming a common occurrence within the school yard.
Yesterday was gemma's birthday. Woot for being 17 love.
At lunch, lucy came over and hugged me from behind saying 'Happy birthday!' Me - being extremely puzzled turned around. Yes, she had mistaken kate for gem.
Eddie - one of our new school captains, and a good friend of both gemma and I - yelled at me something as I passed the locker room. It wasn't until I was sure I had no idea what he was talking about did I go back - to him working out I wasn't who he thought I was.
A year 9 kid for several weeks called me Gemma everytime I walked past.
So. Yes we are both
-tall
-blonde
-similar shape
Inserted is a picture - I need your opinions. Guess which ones we are. Now. This photo does make us look quite alike - but do we really?
But, well, really, we do not look THAT alike.
Please kids, get us right.
So. This post was more than a double whammy. As I get to the end you're possibly starting to wonder why this was titled 'Is that a dead body??'.
Again, THE FEM hits a home run of hilariousness.
We are sitting there with about ten minutes of class left and only just getting into the work when she glances out the window and shouts: IS THAT A DEAD BODY???
*class runs to windows, looking out into the middle of the english block*
As it turns out, it was some other Yr 12 kids carrying a table back to the classroom with a jumper on it.
Apparently it looked like they were carrying a dead body on a stretcher.
Although this may seem not so funny, yet I was cracking up for the remainder of class.
With those last thoughts of dead bodies and crazy feminists, I will bid you all goodnight.
Until next time,
Love
Light
Peace
x
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
The Feminist and our closure.
ok everyone. I know this thing isnt meant to be entirely about me, but hey - who wouldnt want to read about my super exciting life! *please note sarcasm*
But i feel the need to share this with a few people.
I HAVE DECIDED TO QUIT EXTENSION ENGLISH.
Ah. pressure relieved.
its just so much work for 1 unit! I mean - seriously!!!
but i would like to now note why i wrote this on a blog about women.
The main reason I hate extension so much isnt the course or what we study in it (because its all books about women anyways) yet - our teacher is a full blown feminist! and i really dislike her sometimes!
Some people find her funny, some amusing.
I do. Sometimes.
Ok, so she drives me up the wall with her disorganisation. The only time i really smile is when she really goes round the twist OR starts raving on about how she didnt burn all her nice bras back then for nothing! If you want to imagine her - come to my school. Or just imagine Lady Macbeth (from Shakespeare's Macbeth) crossed with one of the Hepburns.
Side note: go look up the AIDS/HIV ad that was on in the 80s or 90s. Her brother was the grimreaper. Just sayin'.
Also - i have found a person within my own class to buy all the texts for this year I already bought - BONUS!
Now i have to find some drama books....urgh.
Anyways. I am sorry this has been a little neglected etc but I have some fabulous ideas floating around and will be posted soon!
Until then,
Love
Light
Peace
x
But i feel the need to share this with a few people.
I HAVE DECIDED TO QUIT EXTENSION ENGLISH.
Ah. pressure relieved.
its just so much work for 1 unit! I mean - seriously!!!
but i would like to now note why i wrote this on a blog about women.
The main reason I hate extension so much isnt the course or what we study in it (because its all books about women anyways) yet - our teacher is a full blown feminist! and i really dislike her sometimes!
Some people find her funny, some amusing.
I do. Sometimes.
Ok, so she drives me up the wall with her disorganisation. The only time i really smile is when she really goes round the twist OR starts raving on about how she didnt burn all her nice bras back then for nothing! If you want to imagine her - come to my school. Or just imagine Lady Macbeth (from Shakespeare's Macbeth) crossed with one of the Hepburns.
Side note: go look up the AIDS/HIV ad that was on in the 80s or 90s. Her brother was the grimreaper. Just sayin'.
Also - i have found a person within my own class to buy all the texts for this year I already bought - BONUS!
Now i have to find some drama books....urgh.
Anyways. I am sorry this has been a little neglected etc but I have some fabulous ideas floating around and will be posted soon!
Until then,
Love
Light
Peace
x
Monday, October 11, 2010
I promise that I will do my best....
It seems fitting that my first proper blog should be about something I have experienced myself or something I really advocate for. Thus, it is Girl Guiding.
And here are a few quotes
Discipline yourself daily by having a plan...not just vague, wishful thinking. Commit yourself daily to do something however small, for somebody else, for by making other people happy you will find true happiness yourself.
--- Lady Olave Baden-Powell (founder of guides)
So in our work indeed, in any work of life we should look forward, well forward, with high aims and hope; look around with joy and goodwill; look back with thankfulness at what has been accomplished and then press on with renewed vigor, with helpful initiative, and with broadened outlook, towards the highest goal, not forgetting to give a helping hand to others as we go. But when you look - look WIDE; and even when you think you are looking wide - LOOK WIDER STILL."- Lord Baden-Powell (founder of scouts and guides)
And amazing movement for girls lead by volunteer leaders, basing itself on community service and developing young girls into women with awesome morals. I love it.
And, this year is Girl Guides Australia's 100 birthday! YAY!
So, the one thing I have gotten out of Guides' Birthday? Ok, so there is more than one..
1) I went to an awesome camp in Melbourne to celebrate. It was called ACE, and I had probably the best time of my life (thus far...) and met some AMAZING girls - truly wonderful, awe inspiring friends I know I will keep forever.
2) some cool badges ;)
3)The last day before my life, before my freedom was taken away (aka the last day before year 12 started) was used at a church service on the 10/10/10 to renew our guiding promises at 10am. Cool ae? Yeah no when I was the only senior guide there AND we had to sing infront of all the church people in really high soprano voices. Cool. But I mean, it was still really good to do and all.
So, HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY GIRL GUIDES!
If you want to learn more about this amazing movement of highly inspiration women and fabulous programming check out the guides australia website...
http://www.guidesaus.org.au/
And here are a few quotes
Discipline yourself daily by having a plan...not just vague, wishful thinking. Commit yourself daily to do something however small, for somebody else, for by making other people happy you will find true happiness yourself.
--- Lady Olave Baden-Powell (founder of guides)
So in our work indeed, in any work of life we should look forward, well forward, with high aims and hope; look around with joy and goodwill; look back with thankfulness at what has been accomplished and then press on with renewed vigor, with helpful initiative, and with broadened outlook, towards the highest goal, not forgetting to give a helping hand to others as we go. But when you look - look WIDE; and even when you think you are looking wide - LOOK WIDER STILL."- Lord Baden-Powell (founder of scouts and guides)
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