nimble fingers

Today was filled with origami and baking. I haven't made paper cranes in a long time. It was nice to relive one of my childhood pastimes. As for the baking, I made a double batch of cookies and tried a new recipe for banana bread. I've had to trial a couple of different recipes to get the soft springiness found in café versions, and not so dry and crumby as the last few recipes I'd tried. Today's recipe was the closest I've gotten so far.

'afternoon tea' challenge: lemon meringue pie

Last Thursday I had my first run at making lemon meringue pie. The recipe was actually pretty easy and consisted of three parts: the base, the filling and the meringue. I was a bit worried how it would work out as I'd never made any of these before but I found them all really simple to make and the result was surprisingly really yummy! This is definitely something I want to bake again. The best part? My non-lemon-loving hubby liked it so much he had seconds.

It's 2am, I feel wide awake and hungry (crazy pregnancy). Scary things happen when staying up late in Aussie summer! I'd forgotten how many flies and bugs will swarm towards whatever light is kept on in the dark of night. The last time I remember experiencing this was back in high school days, which is over six years ago. Now I feel itchy and paranoid that they're crawling on me..

On a happier note, my sister-in-law gave birth to adorable Abigail Jane yesterday! Despite attempting a natural birth, after 24 hours in labour she had an emergency C-section. I had expected this to scare me but instead, after looking at her baby's gorgeous little face and watching her yawn, I absolutely cannot wait to give birth and meet my own little baby despite all the pain that comes with it. You can see a photo of baby AJ here.

yummy baking goodness

Image from frankie.com.au. Get your own copy here.
I have been a fan of Frankie Magazine since their first issue back in Oct/Nov 2004. Each issue is beautifully designed with lots of white space and a mishmash of modern-yet-crafty illustrations and photographs. Frankie doesn't bombard you with the latest celebrity gossip nor the next fashion craze you cannot afford, but has remained faithful to staying "smart, funny, sarcastic, friendly, cute, rude, arty, curious and caring".

So when Frankie released their yummy baking cookbook "Afternoon Tea" I just had to buy it! Which I did, about two years ago. Being a lazy sort of person by nature, I hadn't really attempted more than two or three recipes in this book. Until now, where I will attempt to work my way through the entire list of recipes. Idea taken from the movie 'Julie & Julia'.

ready to take on 2010

After watching 'Julie & Julia' on dvd a few weeks ago I was reminded of my own blog, all forlorn and forgotten. I realised a lot had changed since I last posted, and so will give a brief summary:

In mid-October: I was made redundant just before completing a full year.
As shocked as I was I had also expected this to occur in the near future, but didn't think it would for another few months. At the same I was glad and at peace about finishing up working there as I had started to resent accepting the role despite the gut feeling I had during the interview for the role, the gut feeling telling me that this was not the right place for me. Despite all, I learned a lot of life skills being there and so was excited for whatever was coming ahead in life.

About one week later: I discovered I was pregnant.
I was a month overdue and had been having horrible cramps constantly for a week straight. I was worried that this was due to a cyst that had previously been found in my left ovary, and I was scheduled to have key-hole surgery in January to remove and test it for cancer. So the morning after a week of cramps and worry I went to the doctor to have a blood test done. That afternoon hubby and I went to get the results to find out if it gave an indication of what might be causing the pain. What I'll never forget is the feeling of being told we were going to have a baby. It was complete and pure joy, the same feeling I had felt on our wedding day upon being told Adam and I were husband and wife. We had previously been told that it was highly unlikely that I would fall pregnant as the cyst present in one of the ovaries would prevent it from producing eggs. So this is our miracle baby.

Since then: I am growing and maturing.
I am enjoying the crazy journey of pregnancy with the support for family and friends, and am excited to meet our little bub. I am learning how to be a better wife-lover-friend to my husband and be less selfish, and desire that my heart will expand to embrace those around me so that I may love others better. I am praying that I will be a loving, nurturing mother. I am learning to take better care of our bedroom home and am looking forward to moving out in May, to make that house a home that is welcoming to all who step in, and to finally play with all the wedding gifts we've got as they have all been stored away till we move. Most of all, I am trusting that Jesus' love will always be at the core of all that I do, that I the way I live my life and love myself and others will be in a direct response to His love for us.

not just wistful

Birds Redux, originally uploaded by Grant Hamilton.

Through my childhood I remember being asked what I'd like to be when I grow up. I'd always answer with a lie, saying I wanted to be a teacher or an artist or an archaeologist. I'd never say what I was really thinking. All I've ever wanted to be when I grow up is happy.

oopa!

Photograph from official mailing list
A few weeks ago my friend and I went to see Lisa Mitchell perform at the Wollongong Uni Bar. We'd been really looking forward to it since we hardly ever have time together with our busy lifestyles. And of course we got a little lost getting there which is half the fun!

The stage was small, like a primary school hall, and was decorated bunting, faux gum trees framing the stage and hanging lights over head. We missed the opening band, but got there in time to see Oh Mercy. What a breath of fresh air! Their sound reminded me of those old school bands that played at prom night in those corny teenage American flicks in the 50s or so (I have no clue really). Anyhow, they were amazing to listen to and I promptly bought a copy of their album once they finished their set.

Soon after Lisa came on with her band, a tall, lanky, cute and quirky bunch with goofy grins which pleasantly matched Lisa in her fashion and dancing. I hadn't yet listened to her album (finally got it in the mail yesterday) so didn't recognise all the songs, but absolutely loved the ones I did, particularly "Stevie" and "Napoleon Dreams". Her voice is cute and sweet, and her lyrics are interesting with their unconventional rhythm and flow of phrasing. And anyone that plays kazoos and harmonicas just rocks.

One thing I found quite sad though. Before singing "Coin Laundry", Lisa was talking about how she never expected the song to end up causing her physical pain as some people in the audience in past shows thought it would be funny to throw coins at her while performing. I'm sure anyone would know that, although small, it would still hurt to have a dollar coin pelted at you. Yet some girls in front of me thought had the audacity to start throwing coins anyway (you can hear Lisa asking them to stop in mid-song here at 1:24).

It's saddening to see one person disrespect another so publicly, especially when they are performing for the listening pleasure of others. I don't understand the point of these girls bothering to pay to see someone perform and then reduce them to a mere form of "entertainment" for them to mock. Only thing that comes to mind is the old tall poppy syndrome. Just sad.

hoplessly devoted

Zemaitis Z-JHW



Epiphone PR5-E




Gibson Hummingbird




Gibson J-200




Maton EBG808CL


So I love my guitar. It's the last one right at the end, her name is Delilah. And I've been having withdrawals lately, I just want to drive to the middle of nowhere with my guitar and notebook and Bible and just read and pray and write and think. I tell ya, there's nothing like singing your heart out by yourself in the middle of the bush!

frock and roll

I did something out of the ordinary this weekend past and spoiled myself with a pair of books. They have been on my wish list for quite some time now so it's nice to have finally gotten my paws on them.


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Beauty in Bloom is filled with the thoughts and inspirational ideas of Natalie Bloom, brainchild of Bloom Cosmetics, and is beautifully illustrated by Rebecca Wetzler. It gives a lovely glimpse into the heart and mind of the creator of such an eye-catching cosmetic range. Bloom cosmetics caught my eye before I ever started dabbling in make up, and I remember making a mental note to use it when the time was right. I was a late bloomer (no pun intended) and as such have only been using make up for approx 2-3 years, and officially started using facial mask/cleansers as of today. My face has never felt so soft!


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Like I Give A Frock has the hilarious and random fashion opinions of SBS weather girl Michi (I recommend subscribing to her mailing list), and illustrated by Kat Macleod. Oh my goodness! I've loved Kat before I ever knew who she was! I'd seen her work before as she has also illustrated the So Frenchy So Chic albums and a few Bloom face products (which I bought on the weekend and made my face feel so soft and pretty). Such a small world, so much beauty to be seen!

blood battles and dessert

My hubby and I email each other a lot throughout the work day. It's the best thing though, especially during a crappy day because he's so good at cheering me up. Yeah, we're lovesick like that.

Okay, let me explain a bit here: I'm not a big romance fan. You ask me if I've seen the latest chick flick at the movies and I'll start telling you about the last action movie I watched. I get annoyed when right after some awesome fight scene they bring in some pathetic love interest that ruins the whole plot. My idea of a good mix of action/romance? 300. Short hubby/wife action and then off to war.

Anyhow, I got this very lovely email from MR. Husband, and am very much looking forward to our date night tonight! Yes, the way to my heart IS through my stomach!

For desert my love would you prefer:

Nutella & Marshmallow Crepes
Thin traditional crepes filled with melted nutella and marshmallows, sprinkled with nuts
or....

Mars Bar Cheese Cake
Traditional baked cheesecake with a mars bar twist
or....

Nutella Pizza
Oven baked pizza topped with nutella and nuts
or....

Nutella Pancakes
Stack of pancakes topped with melted nutella and nuts

Yes, I love being married to my man!! And yes, I do love nutella. I have been known to have it not only on toast but also crepes, muffins, scones, sao biscuits, strawberries, oh the possibilities are endless!!

REBOOT

I'm 23 years old, married to the most amazing man and serving an awesome, powerful, personal God. I'm musically and creatively inclined. I'm so imperfect it's not funny (well, sometimes it is) and a little obsessive compulsive. I've studied graphic design for four years and now work an administration job for debt collectors (don't ask). I'm hoping to one day be one of those blogger mums and share a glimpse of my day with the world, but I don't have kids yet so this is practice. True story. One day I will look back at this and laugh. In a good way.

there's nothing wrong with making plans

Been journaling a bit, knitting a green scarf, and pondering lyrics. Discovered tumblr and am very much in love. Have been keeping a "food diary" that I will look back on when completed and possibly cry (not really, just being dramatic). I do realise, of course, that although I may have cut a lot of junk food out of my diet and am consuming much more fruit/veggies/water than before that it makes almost no difference if I do not exercise.

lovely memories

I have finally uploaded some wedding photos to flickr for friends and family to see! I've had so many requests and thought it would just be easiest to make them available for the masses if they were online.

It was the loveliest day, it was supposed to rain but the weather was beautiful, warm and breezy till after the ceremony. Once we were safe inside the reception hall the rain started. My poor sister and cousin in-laws spent a good few hours curling my hair, sadly it didn't hold up against the humid coastal breeze which is why it looks limp in the photos. Mind you it was the last thing on my mind at the time, I was over the moon at the fact that I was getting married!

sipping soy vanilla latte

Married life it total bliss! Travelling to work together, quick kiss goodbye as we split at the train station to go to our own jobs, emailing throughout the day, meeting up for sushi lunch, travel back home together (aka: dvd time), and on-the-run dinners. Not much has changed since we've gotten married, we just love each other more and get to come home to the same place. <3

mother's day

I made scarves for my mum and mother-in-law. It is probably the quickest knitting project I've ever completed, it took me a few hours over four days to complete both. I love knitting with 8mm needles!

morning commute

I finally finished my scarf last week and I love it! Hubby liked it too and said it was good enough to sell, he's such a sweety. I know I'm not fast enough a knitter to do that yet though, nor do I know if anyone would like to buy anything I make. But ideally, that is how I would love to make a living - by making stuff and selling it. I'm such a dreamer :)

I have discovered I can't take care of plants! While house sitting, I was supposed to water them "every now and then". Apparently that means more than once a week.. Poor things! They've been recovering though and not as droopy since I started watering them daily.

lunch break

Hubby and I have been house sitting for his aunt's while she's on holidays with her family. It is so much fun, and a nice glimpse into the future (we currently live with my parents). We are so excited and eager for the day we have finally saved up enough to move out on our own.

In some ways it feels like we're doing things backwards. Most couples move out together then possibly get married and have kids (or kids then marriage), where as we dated for seven years before getting engaged and marrying three months after that. But I love our quirky relationship and I can't imagine life with anyone else. Hooray for highschool sweethearts!

I've got a few projects I hope to show in the future once we're back home and I have my camera handy. I've taken up knitting again since it's almost winter. I've really neglected my creative side for the last few months due to christmas and getting married, glad to be getting into it again.

maturity

Kind of like this blog I've started, there's a lot of things I want to achieve and get out of life. I want to be creative, be inspired as well as an inspiration, be comfortable with who I am but still growing. I'm deep at times yet forgetful. I jump from being intensely motivated to being stagnant and feeling blocked. I guess I'm just your average confused girl.

Now that I'm 23 years old and married, I realise that I'm no longer that extremely shy high school girl that hated pink. I'm older but still growing and maturing and learning how to be a woman. And I don't mean the kind that knows how to get what she wants whatever it takes despite the consequences to others. I want to be nurtured by faith, hope, love, kindness, patience, gentleness, truth - and I want to be all these to those around me.

flashback

I have a history of starting journals online and after a few entries forgetting all about them. I wrote this a while back on Tuesday, August 28, 2007:

Life is not worth living if you don't live out what you believe in. Say what you mean and mean what you say, don't be fake or a hypocrite. At the same time, everything in existence is here because it has a purpose. If you aren't fulfilling your purpose in life, what are you doing that is so much more important? Some may ask, what is my purpose in life? It is to make a difference in this world. Just as the simple wheel made a difference in the history of technology, the existence of you is meant to make an impact in the lives of those around you. Stop focusing on the disasters in your own life, start focusing on repairing the brokenness in the lives of the less fortunate around you. You are never so low that you can't help someone lower. Change the world, don't let the world change you.

That was the only entry I ever made in that blog but it's something I still feel strongly about it today and with the same determination, although maybe not with the same harshness. It's good to reflect on who and where I was a few years back, I find it helps to steer me towards the future.