At the dawn (or at least early morning) of 2009, I return to my very neglected blog with much news to share. It is a year of many new beginnings and many exciting developments, some of which are well-known by now and others which I may reveal later. To reflect all this newness, I thought a fresh new colour would suit (although blue is perhaps not that far removed from blue afterall...).
Let me bring you up to speed. The last you heard of me, I was whinging about yet another self-inflicted work load. I was on the verge of report writing, final exams and end of year routine. In short, it was even worse than I thought it would be due to many unforseen interuptions (not all of which were unpleasant!). But I made it through, surviving my 'first year out' and completing all study for good (or at least until a future lapse of judgement).
Much more importantly, I've finally traded in my boyfriend for a fiancé after the most romantic proposal of all time on November 22. Stoz and I will be getting married on the 19th of September! Yay :) Keep up to date with the new countdown on the sidebar.
So, 2009 sees me teaching Indonesian, Music, Maths and Humanities, and planning a wedding on the side. This will certainly be a very interesting year!
Showing posts with label Stoz. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stoz. Show all posts
Monday, 5 January 2009
Saturday, 13 October 2007
Five Years
Wow, we're getting old!
But more seriously, Stoz and I enjoyed a beautiful evening together on Thursday to celebrate our five years dating anniversary. We went to a posh restaurant with exquisite food and my favourite music playing in the background - how much more perfect could you get!
But more seriously, Stoz and I enjoyed a beautiful evening together on Thursday to celebrate our five years dating anniversary. We went to a posh restaurant with exquisite food and my favourite music playing in the background - how much more perfect could you get!
Monday, 7 May 2007
21st Birthday
I suppose I really ought to mention that my 21st birthday was on Saturday. Due to the extreme rush of the weekend, I couldn't post earlier, sorry. On Saturday I slept in for the first time since February (nice!), then had a fantastic party at Stoz's house complete with mountains of food Mum had spent all week cooking, groovy coordinating decorations, a surprise photo slide show and home movie from Stoz, lots of nice pressies, and around 40 of my closest friends!
Sunday was a family lunch at Pratty's Patch, followed by Mum's homemade cakes at home. Also nice.
A big thanks to everyone who came - and people far away who wished me well - for the presents and the friendships we share. Thanks heaps to the boys for letting me use their awesome party house, and my parents for organising so much stuff. And extra big thanks to Mum for her huge effort, and Stoz for all the scanning, music and organising that he did.
Sunday was a family lunch at Pratty's Patch, followed by Mum's homemade cakes at home. Also nice.
A big thanks to everyone who came - and people far away who wished me well - for the presents and the friendships we share. Thanks heaps to the boys for letting me use their awesome party house, and my parents for organising so much stuff. And extra big thanks to Mum for her huge effort, and Stoz for all the scanning, music and organising that he did.
Friday, 6 April 2007
What makes a good partner?
When Stoz so artfully foreshadowed his post Friends are Forever, I also began thinking of what makes a good partner. I decided to hold off until after Stoz's post, but now here is my answer!
What makes a good partner?
* Someone who can jump from a moving horse onto the horns of a runaway steer and never lose his hat.
* Someone who’s by your side in a gunfight.
* Someone who doesn’t let the saloon doors swing back and hit you in the face as you enter.
* Someone who says “Howdy!”
* Someone who has integrity, honesty and respect - maybe even the Sheriff!
* Someone who says “Reach for the sky!”
* Someone who can shoot straight.
* Someone who's a quick draw.
* Someone with whom you can ride off into the sunset.
What? Isn't that the kind of "partner" you meant? Well, just in case, I'll show you how these things can line up for a real relationship too...
Someone who can jump from a moving horse onto the horns of a runaway steer and never lose his hat.
Amid all all the hustle and bustle of chasing down a runaway steer, he still holds on to what is important to him - his hat. In all the craziness and busyness of life, they still hold onto what is important to them - God. That is always their first priority, and in much more than just a superficial way.
Someone who’s by your side in a gunfight.
Any good partner is at your back in a gun fight, and any good life partner is by your side through life. They're with you through the thick and the thin, and you really share your whole life with them.
Someone who doesn’t let the saloon doors swing back and hit you in the face as you enter.
A good partner is considerate and compassionate towards both you and others. They are thoughtful of others' needs before their own. They have humility and are willing to serve.
Someone who says “Howdy!”
Communication is incredibly important. Not just in terms of the ability to communicate with one another effectively, but also the enjoyment of communication with each other.
Someone who has integrity, honesty and respect - maybe even the Sheriff!
Integrity is a deep and often misunderstood word. Having integrity is more than just being a (wo)man of your word, but also being someone who adheres to their values and beliefs, and who seeks to have God's way in their lives in entirety.
Someone who says “Reach for the sky!”
A good partner is encouraging and inspires us to reach our life's highest goals. They're behind us every step of the way, supporting us, and not afraid to challenge us if we drift.
Someone who can shoot straight.
A good partner knows where they're aiming in life. They also aren't afraid to pull us up on our faults and say it like it is, constructively of course!
Someone who's a quick draw.
A good partner is quick to love and forgive, quick to offer help, and quick to seek forgiveness.
Someone with whom you can ride off into the sunset.
A good partner is one with whom you can enjoy doing things together... And a little bit of romance never goes astray!
Everyone needs good partners in their lives, whether they're romantic relationships, close friendships, family or other support groups. We all know that ultimately God is the best partner we could ever have.
In conclusion, these are just my ideas. I'm sure the list is not exhaustive. I hope you found this both enlightening and amusing.
What makes a good partner?
* Someone who can jump from a moving horse onto the horns of a runaway steer and never lose his hat.
* Someone who’s by your side in a gunfight.
* Someone who doesn’t let the saloon doors swing back and hit you in the face as you enter.
* Someone who says “Howdy!”
* Someone who has integrity, honesty and respect - maybe even the Sheriff!
* Someone who says “Reach for the sky!”
* Someone who can shoot straight.
* Someone who's a quick draw.
* Someone with whom you can ride off into the sunset.
What? Isn't that the kind of "partner" you meant? Well, just in case, I'll show you how these things can line up for a real relationship too...
Someone who can jump from a moving horse onto the horns of a runaway steer and never lose his hat.
Amid all all the hustle and bustle of chasing down a runaway steer, he still holds on to what is important to him - his hat. In all the craziness and busyness of life, they still hold onto what is important to them - God. That is always their first priority, and in much more than just a superficial way.
Someone who’s by your side in a gunfight.
Any good partner is at your back in a gun fight, and any good life partner is by your side through life. They're with you through the thick and the thin, and you really share your whole life with them.
Someone who doesn’t let the saloon doors swing back and hit you in the face as you enter.
A good partner is considerate and compassionate towards both you and others. They are thoughtful of others' needs before their own. They have humility and are willing to serve.
Someone who says “Howdy!”
Communication is incredibly important. Not just in terms of the ability to communicate with one another effectively, but also the enjoyment of communication with each other.
Someone who has integrity, honesty and respect - maybe even the Sheriff!
Integrity is a deep and often misunderstood word. Having integrity is more than just being a (wo)man of your word, but also being someone who adheres to their values and beliefs, and who seeks to have God's way in their lives in entirety.
Someone who says “Reach for the sky!”
A good partner is encouraging and inspires us to reach our life's highest goals. They're behind us every step of the way, supporting us, and not afraid to challenge us if we drift.
Someone who can shoot straight.
A good partner knows where they're aiming in life. They also aren't afraid to pull us up on our faults and say it like it is, constructively of course!
Someone who's a quick draw.
A good partner is quick to love and forgive, quick to offer help, and quick to seek forgiveness.
Someone with whom you can ride off into the sunset.
A good partner is one with whom you can enjoy doing things together... And a little bit of romance never goes astray!
Everyone needs good partners in their lives, whether they're romantic relationships, close friendships, family or other support groups. We all know that ultimately God is the best partner we could ever have.In conclusion, these are just my ideas. I'm sure the list is not exhaustive. I hope you found this both enlightening and amusing.
Tuesday, 23 January 2007
Long time no holiday
As promised, the low-down on my recent holiday in Frankston! This was the only real holiday I've had in what seems like years, and for something so simple it was unbelievably relaxing!
Day 1 – Wednesday Jan 3 2007
We left a little later than intended at around 12. I hate being late, and it meant we missed lunch with the Stosics. But never mind. Shortly after starting our journey, we stopped at Centro Lansell. There we bought a very groovy dinosaur book for Jasper's first birthday. Shortly thereafter we were on the road again. It was very hot, since Stoz's car has no air conditioning (that I am aware of). We stopped for lunch at Maccas, but the ice cream machine was broken, unfortunately.
We arrived just after three, and I was very happy to see everyone. It felt like it'd been ages, but it was really only a month or two. That evening Uncle Bernie arrived with his scaredy-cat dog, Schroeder. That dog is so funny to watch, particularly with the crazy antics of the other pets in that house, Milo and Ezekiel. Stoz went off to unload the boot of all the forgotten treasures from the backroom of his house, and I talked to Maureen about Omi, Jasper and other family matters. Dinner was scrumptious goulash and noodles, with ice cream for dessert, although I ended up feeling kinda sick from food overload. After tea, I mostly watched Kate and Stoz play Tetris and Doctor Mario. We all went off to bed just after 12. I felt so comfortable getting into bed, even though it was an old trundle bed. Why? No stress! It took me awhile to figure out why I felt so good... It was a forgotten feeling.
Day 2 – Thursday Jan 4 2007
We got up around 9 and I did my stretches (so the physio should be happy!). One of the parts I love most about staying with the Stosics is the awesome BBQ bacon and egg breakfast, complete with mushrooms. Kate stayed in bed, though.
After breakfast, Stoz and I headed off to see Oma in Warragul. It was another hot road trip. We passed through Langwarrin, which sounded familiar. I finally figured out it was where Nat lived, and I texted him. I saw a strange giant bird statue out the front of a a fun park, along with many weird business signs along the road. We arrived in Warragul just after 12 and spent three hours with Oma. I drank three cups of tea (and felt sick!), looked at all her photos, books and paintings, and heard all about her life. I was reminded very much of Omi, Opa and Mama, which was a strange yet familiar mix. Her accent is different to Omi's, probably since she's Polish not German, but the things she said were very much the same, particularly the haunting “Alles geht vorüber/vorbei” (it all passes). On the other hand, the way she talked also reflected Opa's fantastic memory of every little event that had transpired. Even the house seemed half German, half Warwick to me.
One thing Oma said that made an impression on me was this: “It was the war, but those were nice days. We were young.” I guess we have so much to learn from that generation. If they could enjoy life where they were, war and all, how much more should we enjoy the life God has given us, no matter the circumstances?
I left Warragul feeling a little sad, since it was all so close to home and fresh. Once back in Frankston, we went out to dinner with Maureen, Alex and Kate at Sophia’s on the beach front. It was a lot like a La Porchetta, but very nice and beautiful. Very quick service, too. We had a waitress from Belgium (the Dutch part), who had been in Australia for six years (I love how Melbourne is so multicultural!). There were lots of cops around for some reason, so something must have been going on at the beach.
After tea, we all went for a walk along the pier. The water was so beautiful and clear, you could actually see the bottom (not like other Victorian beaches). I guess I've been spoiled by the Gold Coast. The pier was long and between the cracks you could see the water and the beams holding it up. There were kids and other people everywhere, many looking ethnic of some sort. Very beautiful, and very romantic (almost). There was a gorgeous, picturesque sunset to top it all off. Oma called while we on the pier, and said to Maureen to “Enjoy Steff while she’s there, she’s a sweet girl.” Aw shucks.
As we were leaving, we passed a mob of boys heading out to the end of the pier. Between them they carried a pair of BMX bikes and a wooden ramp. I said to Stoz, "Do you think that's kinda suspicious?" We didn't get to see what happened next unfortunately, but instead went home and played games again until just before midnight.
Day 3 – Friday Jan 5
This was our supposed last day of the holiday. We got up around nine. Kate had to go to the dentist at 10 – I didn't realise she hates the dentist even more than I do! Stoz and I played Tetris while we waited for Kate, then the rest of us headed out for a late breakfast at Billy Baxter’s café, near the new cinema. It was really nice. Then we went window shopping at the nearest shopping complex - HUGE! It felt like being in the airport, or Melbourne Central (poor little country girl). I wanted to spend ages there, but also felt guilty since you can go shopping any time really. We went past the infamous JB on the way home, and I played that crazy guitar game on display.
At home Will, Kate's boyfriend, had arrived as moral support (she was still sore from the dentist). We all decided (except Maureen) to go to the beach, where we spent about an hour. Firstly Stoz and I went for a short stroll, the waves splashing over our feet. Then I paddled up to my knees, since I didn't have my bathers. Though, I got wet anyway. I gave up and sat on the towel and watched as the four of them played keepings off with a foam ball. Stoz also chased Kate around with a piece of seaweed (what a mean brother!).
As you can guess, we got home and played games yet again. Dinner was fried rice and chicken (I love this family!), followed by cookies and cream ice cream. Yum! We decided it was too late to head home at 8.30pm (it's a three hour trip at least), so we played/watched games again. I got to sleep in the double bed (woohoo!) since Will was also staying.
Day 4 – Saturday Jan 6
I woke up at 7am, but hit snooze several times. I finally heard Stoz rummaging around next door. He popped his head in on his way to the shower, and I said he could go first so I could snooze a little longer (lazy or what!). We packed up, then had breakfast with everyone - another bacon and egg feast.
We were finally ready to go just after 9.30 (an hour and a half after originally intended). We said our goodbyes and left. Thank goodness I'm not the navigator, because I couldn't follow which turns we took on the highway! We stopped for drinks at Maccas and eventually made it home. The sad part is, I could feel all the stress coming back the closer we got to Bendigo.
Oh well, it was still fantastic, and I can't wait til Kate's birthday when we're going again!
Day 1 – Wednesday Jan 3 2007
We left a little later than intended at around 12. I hate being late, and it meant we missed lunch with the Stosics. But never mind. Shortly after starting our journey, we stopped at Centro Lansell. There we bought a very groovy dinosaur book for Jasper's first birthday. Shortly thereafter we were on the road again. It was very hot, since Stoz's car has no air conditioning (that I am aware of). We stopped for lunch at Maccas, but the ice cream machine was broken, unfortunately.
We arrived just after three, and I was very happy to see everyone. It felt like it'd been ages, but it was really only a month or two. That evening Uncle Bernie arrived with his scaredy-cat dog, Schroeder. That dog is so funny to watch, particularly with the crazy antics of the other pets in that house, Milo and Ezekiel. Stoz went off to unload the boot of all the forgotten treasures from the backroom of his house, and I talked to Maureen about Omi, Jasper and other family matters. Dinner was scrumptious goulash and noodles, with ice cream for dessert, although I ended up feeling kinda sick from food overload. After tea, I mostly watched Kate and Stoz play Tetris and Doctor Mario. We all went off to bed just after 12. I felt so comfortable getting into bed, even though it was an old trundle bed. Why? No stress! It took me awhile to figure out why I felt so good... It was a forgotten feeling.
Day 2 – Thursday Jan 4 2007
We got up around 9 and I did my stretches (so the physio should be happy!). One of the parts I love most about staying with the Stosics is the awesome BBQ bacon and egg breakfast, complete with mushrooms. Kate stayed in bed, though.
After breakfast, Stoz and I headed off to see Oma in Warragul. It was another hot road trip. We passed through Langwarrin, which sounded familiar. I finally figured out it was where Nat lived, and I texted him. I saw a strange giant bird statue out the front of a a fun park, along with many weird business signs along the road. We arrived in Warragul just after 12 and spent three hours with Oma. I drank three cups of tea (and felt sick!), looked at all her photos, books and paintings, and heard all about her life. I was reminded very much of Omi, Opa and Mama, which was a strange yet familiar mix. Her accent is different to Omi's, probably since she's Polish not German, but the things she said were very much the same, particularly the haunting “Alles geht vorüber/vorbei” (it all passes). On the other hand, the way she talked also reflected Opa's fantastic memory of every little event that had transpired. Even the house seemed half German, half Warwick to me.
One thing Oma said that made an impression on me was this: “It was the war, but those were nice days. We were young.” I guess we have so much to learn from that generation. If they could enjoy life where they were, war and all, how much more should we enjoy the life God has given us, no matter the circumstances?
I left Warragul feeling a little sad, since it was all so close to home and fresh. Once back in Frankston, we went out to dinner with Maureen, Alex and Kate at Sophia’s on the beach front. It was a lot like a La Porchetta, but very nice and beautiful. Very quick service, too. We had a waitress from Belgium (the Dutch part), who had been in Australia for six years (I love how Melbourne is so multicultural!). There were lots of cops around for some reason, so something must have been going on at the beach.
After tea, we all went for a walk along the pier. The water was so beautiful and clear, you could actually see the bottom (not like other Victorian beaches). I guess I've been spoiled by the Gold Coast. The pier was long and between the cracks you could see the water and the beams holding it up. There were kids and other people everywhere, many looking ethnic of some sort. Very beautiful, and very romantic (almost). There was a gorgeous, picturesque sunset to top it all off. Oma called while we on the pier, and said to Maureen to “Enjoy Steff while she’s there, she’s a sweet girl.” Aw shucks.
As we were leaving, we passed a mob of boys heading out to the end of the pier. Between them they carried a pair of BMX bikes and a wooden ramp. I said to Stoz, "Do you think that's kinda suspicious?" We didn't get to see what happened next unfortunately, but instead went home and played games again until just before midnight.
Day 3 – Friday Jan 5
This was our supposed last day of the holiday. We got up around nine. Kate had to go to the dentist at 10 – I didn't realise she hates the dentist even more than I do! Stoz and I played Tetris while we waited for Kate, then the rest of us headed out for a late breakfast at Billy Baxter’s café, near the new cinema. It was really nice. Then we went window shopping at the nearest shopping complex - HUGE! It felt like being in the airport, or Melbourne Central (poor little country girl). I wanted to spend ages there, but also felt guilty since you can go shopping any time really. We went past the infamous JB on the way home, and I played that crazy guitar game on display.
At home Will, Kate's boyfriend, had arrived as moral support (she was still sore from the dentist). We all decided (except Maureen) to go to the beach, where we spent about an hour. Firstly Stoz and I went for a short stroll, the waves splashing over our feet. Then I paddled up to my knees, since I didn't have my bathers. Though, I got wet anyway. I gave up and sat on the towel and watched as the four of them played keepings off with a foam ball. Stoz also chased Kate around with a piece of seaweed (what a mean brother!).
As you can guess, we got home and played games yet again. Dinner was fried rice and chicken (I love this family!), followed by cookies and cream ice cream. Yum! We decided it was too late to head home at 8.30pm (it's a three hour trip at least), so we played/watched games again. I got to sleep in the double bed (woohoo!) since Will was also staying.
Day 4 – Saturday Jan 6
I woke up at 7am, but hit snooze several times. I finally heard Stoz rummaging around next door. He popped his head in on his way to the shower, and I said he could go first so I could snooze a little longer (lazy or what!). We packed up, then had breakfast with everyone - another bacon and egg feast.
We were finally ready to go just after 9.30 (an hour and a half after originally intended). We said our goodbyes and left. Thank goodness I'm not the navigator, because I couldn't follow which turns we took on the highway! We stopped for drinks at Maccas and eventually made it home. The sad part is, I could feel all the stress coming back the closer we got to Bendigo.
Oh well, it was still fantastic, and I can't wait til Kate's birthday when we're going again!
Friday, 29 December 2006
For Christmas, Stoz gave me a ring...!
... pull opener. A ring pull opener - how thoughtful! :) Now I don't have to be phobic about opening ring pull cans anymore. (For those just joining us, I'm referring to my little accident about a month ago.)
It's been a while, so I guess I should update you a little:
* Christmas was hard and low-key.
* I finally went swimming (after two recommendations from my 'therapist'), and it took me five minutes to actually get into the water.
* I went and saw Happy Feet with Cara and Sammy.
* Sammy dyed my hair chocolate brown, but nobody even noticed...
* I am madly trying to organise everything in the rapidly disappearing number of days I have available - but what else is new, really?
It's been a while, so I guess I should update you a little:
* Christmas was hard and low-key.
* I finally went swimming (after two recommendations from my 'therapist'), and it took me five minutes to actually get into the water.
* I went and saw Happy Feet with Cara and Sammy.
* Sammy dyed my hair chocolate brown, but nobody even noticed...
* I am madly trying to organise everything in the rapidly disappearing number of days I have available - but what else is new, really?
Monday, 11 December 2006
Fifty
For those who are interested, today marks Stoz and my 50th 'monthaversary.' Probably not all that significant, but a nice, round, impressive number nonetheless.
It's funny and kinda cute how new couples make a great fuss about one month, six months, one year... travelling great distances, buying gifts, planning surprises, etc. Would anyone call me silly if I indulged in the newbieness of celebrating 50 months?
Thanks for the big 50, Stoz. I love you.
It's funny and kinda cute how new couples make a great fuss about one month, six months, one year... travelling great distances, buying gifts, planning surprises, etc. Would anyone call me silly if I indulged in the newbieness of celebrating 50 months?
Thanks for the big 50, Stoz. I love you.
Sunday, 10 December 2006
O Tannenbaum
Yesterday Stoz and I went out and bought a Christmas tree! I'd never done that before, so it was very exciting for me. The tree was of course from our favourite store, Aldi (with which I happen to have the good fortune of sharing a street, I might add). The decorations are predominantly gold and blue, with some red for contrast, and as of yet no tinsel. We also picked up some LED lattern-shaped lights, because LEDs use less power and last longer, and so in Stoz's words are "good for the environment, good for the pocket" (plus they just have that 'cool' factor).
Finding the tree-topping star was the hardest part. We couldn't find anything that didn't look really tacky (there were nice glass ones at Aldi though), but finally found one in Safeway of all places. This was another LED decoration which does this cool fade between colours, retro fiberoptic tree style!
We got all the stuff back to Stoz's house and managed to set it up - a feat of several hours. The tree happens to have a 'bald spot' which is at least not so noticeable with the decorations on it. We didn't have enough lights to fit around it, and we hung the lanterns in the back room near the dining table (they look great there). So five hours from when we began, there is now a tree in his lounge room. Not bad for a first effort. In fact, I'd say pretty good.
P.S. O Tannenbaum = O Christmas Tree (German)
Finding the tree-topping star was the hardest part. We couldn't find anything that didn't look really tacky (there were nice glass ones at Aldi though), but finally found one in Safeway of all places. This was another LED decoration which does this cool fade between colours, retro fiberoptic tree style!
We got all the stuff back to Stoz's house and managed to set it up - a feat of several hours. The tree happens to have a 'bald spot' which is at least not so noticeable with the decorations on it. We didn't have enough lights to fit around it, and we hung the lanterns in the back room near the dining table (they look great there). So five hours from when we began, there is now a tree in his lounge room. Not bad for a first effort. In fact, I'd say pretty good.
P.S. O Tannenbaum = O Christmas Tree (German)
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