The things I love about Christmas - Day 1

Wow, my blogging has been terrible, it was never meant to be like this… but alas I have lost my touch. Sorry to anyone that was reading this regularly, because I have let you down, however, I would imagine that most of you hadn’t even noticed that I had stopped. In fact all they way back in August this is something I had written ready to publish, but never did because I never had the time...

I am not really sure how this happened, but its already August and all of a sudden July is gone… and apparently so did my ability to blog on a regular basis… sorry about that… I will try to make this month Accountability August and be a little more regular.

And now here we are 4 months later and I am still sitting in disbelif... I can’t believe that December is already here… it always seems to sneak up on me and I think that as I have gotten older I have gotten busier and I have lost all those key indicators, I suppose you could call them that remind me its Christmas time. You know like at school when you start just doing worksheets and every second has a Christmas theme, or at uni when you go on summer holidays… now that I am a fully fledged adult I don’t get them and sometimes I wonder if perhaps I could skip it altogether and not even notice? Who knows?

Anyway, in an attempt to be more regular once again with this blog, I thought I might do something a little bit different and a little bit random, which seems fitting given the title of this blog… what I would like to do… actually do you know what… its not actually random at all, in fact now that I think about it, its probably a bit cliché… anyway, what I want to do is for the next 25 days tell you something that I love about Christmas… because I do really really love Christmas.

The first thing that I love about Christmas… well the first thing purely for organisation reasons… is advent calendars, when else in the year is it ok to eat a small amount of chocolate everyday? Never… and that’s why I love Christmas!

Wordless Wednesday

Reality

Today is my first day back at work after a month off and I feel like reality has hit me hard. Its not that my patients have been mean, or that work is particularly hard today, its just that for so long I haven’t really had to do anything… and now I am just not sure if I like it all that much.
Its not really a secret, but I just really don’t think I am made for full time work. I know that at my current stage of life it is more of a necessity than anything, but sometimes I wonder why it has to be.

I guess the difference for me today is that going back to work doesn’t mean just going back to work, it also means putting all my stuff back in my car and heading back to Castlemaine and away from Dave. This is what I think sucks the most, going back to work means going back to living by myself and saying goodbye to the luxury of having my old life so close. I know that in a few days time I will be fine and it will be like I was never on holidays, but for now I am just having a whinge.

Speak a little louder next time

So I am just not sure how well this story will translate into blog world… but I will try my best, but it may turn out to be one of those had to be there moments, so bare with me and know that I had the best intentions.

Today I had lunch with Dave and Dad in the city, we went to a little resturant, which I think was called noodle world, but I am not sure, anyway Dad picked the restaurant and implied to Dave and I that he had never been there before and that this was all a new experience for him and for us, just saying ‘This will do, just sit down’. The place was quite cool with the tick box/do it yourself menus and it was, at the beginning anyway, a beautiful sunny day.

Anyway as the lunch went on it came out that Dad had been there before so I was having a bit of a go and saying quite loudly “oh this place looks nice, lets go in (and then a little louder) JUST SIT DOWN ALREADY’. Anyway, unbeknown to me just in front of us were two mean looking for a table to sit down and on hearing my exclamation decided that really did need to sit down quickly as they thought I was talking to them…. Needless to say I had put my foot in my mouth and I was very very embarrassed, I did apologise, but the damage was done. Luckily for me they too saw a least some of the humour.

So there you go, better in real life, but not bad in a blog

It's Begun

Its official, the wedding preparations have started. Today I have been gallivanting across the coast with Kitty and Brad looking at all kinds of places that Dave and I could possibly use as a reception venue. Some of the highlights of today’s expedition:

1. Brad’s Driving

2. Kitty’s commitment to the cause – despite the fact that because of my poor memory she had to take her own car

3. Picnic point and its hidden gem – the Sandringham Yacht Club

4. Brad’s voice memos

Wordless Wednesday

Jersey Boys... Again

I have seen Jersey Boys for the last time. And despite the fact that tonight was the 6th time I had seen the show I am actually really sad to see it go. 

It is seriously one of the best musicals ever and my feelings for it haven't really changed since the very fist time I saw it… but I think what makes me most sad to see it go, is that since the proposal, each time I saw the show, the ‘can’t take my eyes off you’ scene would still give me tingles as I reminisced about every thing that happened that fateful day in April (which just in case you haven’t already you can read all about here).  I guess I loved the fact that I could almost revisit that moment over and over and over again whenever I wanted, but now I will have to do it in my mind instead.


Farewell Jersey Boys... Maybe I will be lucky enough to see you in Sydney...

 

Jet Lag

Wow, I can't believe everything that has happened in the past couple of weeks... even now that I have finally stopped just for a bit I still can't believe its all happened.  And even though I can't process it in my mind I am pretty sure that my body knows exactly what is going on because of a little reminder called Jet Lag.

I don't think that I have ever really had Jet Lag before, but I don't really like it... its such a bizarre feeling to be tired and awake at all the wrong times!  But given this free time and some weird sleeping patterns, I figured it was finally time to catch up with my blog which has unfortunately fallen a little behind. So sorry about the massive amount of blogs you are about to get, or just got if I have remembered to push publish in the right order... hope you enjoyed at least two of them!  

Wordless Wednesday

Over and Out

The Final Sweden installment from Benny:

It’s done. The 2010 World Youth Convention has come to a sizzling conclusion and what an amazing conference it was for everyone involved.

I am writing this entry from Singapore Airport as we’ve just conquered the mammoth 12 hour flight from London to Singapore. Soon we’ll come back to reality and touch back down in Melbourne- something that we all have mixed emotions about.

It was such an intense week and we barely stopped during our time there. For most days we left our hotel between seven and eight in the morning and would return close to midnight. So it will be nice to rest and recuperate in the comfort of our own homes over the coming days.

However we can’t help but feel a tad sad about leaving Sweden because it was such an inspiring, uplifting and fun week to be a part of and a week that all of us will never forget.

The Big Band’s final two days in Stockholm were jam-packed full of action. The Salvation Army went public and set themselves up in the middle of a square in Stockholm to try and spread the gospel to the general public. This was a brave step for the Swedish to take because only around one per cent of the country’s population attend a church at all.

We kicked off the afternoon/evening with a 40 minute program on stage and we were received fantastically by the public. It’s probably safe to say that we saved our best performance for the most important one of the trip and we were really proud of the way we played. We were tight, focused and extremely aware of why we were there. Not to mention that there were some sensational solos from Davey George, Scotty Mangos and Cal Barry as well.

We did a lot of playing on the final day of the convention. Two 20 minute sets on the outside stage and a 25 minute program before the farewell meeting. We also led worship at the beginning of the service too. Once again the Aula Magna went nuts during ‘You Are Good’ and it was mind-blowing to stand out the front and see how excited people were to worship.

After the final song and the retirement of the WYC flags, it was as if everyone was still super hyper and that there was plenty of partying left in a few. So a few of the Big Band big boys, including yours truly, and two lovely girls from the Norwegian Dance Troup, hit the town in the early hours of the morning. And I tell you what, Stockholm found out on Monday morning just how sleek Australian males are at dancing up a storm.

A very special thank you must go to Sandra- our Swedish host for the week. It’s fair to say it took her a while to adapt to our sarcastic sense of humour, but once she did it was as if she was touring with us. Sandra was always on the ball in terms of organisation and was even able to teach a few of the boys a few flirting phrases in Swedish! She should be reading this as well as she has become a fan of us on Facebook, so tack Sandra!

Also thanks to Brian and Emma for their efforts before and during the trip because without them this trip wouldn’t have been possible.

From a personal perspective, the past week has been one of – if not the – best experience of my life so far. To be with close to 1000 young Salvationists from across the world really put into perspective how big this church really is and how much potential the Army has to grow.

So the question on everyone’s lips is what next for the Australian Southern Territory Big Band?

To be honest, not even we know. We will take a break over the next few weeks to let the enormity of what we’ve just been a part of soak in. Then we’ll sit down and talk about the possibilities that this Band has to offer.

One thing for certain is that we have incredible potential to witness if we continue on.
I hope you’ve enjoyed the first-class Nine News-style coverage over the past few weeks. We have had an absolute ball together as a group and it was a privilege updating you all about our adventure.

But for now- Hej Da!

P.S. Just a quick shout out to Tyler Webb. Some very fine work was done by him on the flight from London to Singapore as he exchanged conversation with a beautiful, young, Norwegian girl whose name I cannot pronounce or remember.

P.P.S. Check out the Facebook photos of everyone in the Band wearing newspaper hats - especially made by Scott Mangos - in the coming days. The word is that there is only a limited edition of 17, so unfortunately none will be for sale.

Hej Hej from Em

Wow, so sorry there hasn't been a post before now, but life here in Sweden is full on.  We have been up and out of the hotel by 8am each day and we have just got back from the after glow worship about 5minutes ago, so very very full and long days, but definitely worth it.

This is an amazing experience for all of us... we have met so many amazing people, heard and learnt from some incredible teaching, and we are getting out praise on like no ones business!

So while Ben has given you a bit more of a comprehensive run down... I have come up with some highlights of my own....

1. The african's spontaneous singing and dancing, anywhere, anytime...

2. Scott Mangos and his Carrot chopping...

3. Fisky... and his fishing... what out Ladies of Latvia.

4. The Jason Jelly Fish (dance move) being incorporated by the Jesus Gang... a dance crew of Brasil... and a little more subtly by the Korean Mission Singers

5. Miriam and Emma's badge collecting

6. Fun Dave getting his dance on for the screen... and the world to see

7. Praising, worshiping and praying literally with every nation, every tribe and in every tongue... the International Salvation Army

8. Seeing a fraction of the potential for the army's future... you better hold on to your hats!

9. Learning and leaning and leaning

10. Being able to lead 1000+ delegates from every corner of the globe in worship!

So there you go... Em's Highlights so far...

Oh and make sure you check out the website... http://www.raisedup.org/  and watch some of the videos so that you can tap into this amazing convention too.

Hej Hej fran Sverige (Hello from Sweden)!

Here is another update from Ben:

Wow! That is all I can say.

What an incredible past few days it has been here at the WYC in Stockholm. So much has happened in such little time- but it has all been truly memorable.

The Big Band have done a couple of outside concerts in 'Tent Town' and we have gained a great following because of those. Some even wanted an encore at one stage- but there was a Q&A session with the General starting in a few minutes. I know where I'd rather be!

Probably the most amazing experience for us though was when the we led worship on Thursday night. Personally, I've never had so much fun and never felt so empowered during a praise and worship segment. To be leading hundreds of passionate people through song was simply spectacular and a memory that I will certainly take to my grave.

We to were received really well and numerous people came up to us afterwards and asked when we were going to play next. In fact two blonde girls from Sweden have officially become out biggest fans- but don't ask me to repeat their names!

What has been the most overwhelming thing here in Stockholm has been the positive vibe around the convention. Everyone is happy to be here, everyone wants to make friends and everyone is there for the same purpose.

The Big Band is fitting in really well with the other delegates. We have mixed with Salvationists from all around the world and it makes you realise how big our movement is!

We have a great bond especially with the 'Jesus Gang'- a group of fit and attractive Brazilian boys who put our dancing to real shame.

We are getting in amongst all the cultural dancing too. Whether it's with the Indians, Brazilians or even the folk from Ghana, everyone is more than happy for us to join in and dance the night away- even though we look like total tools. But it's all in good fun!

The days are long though. We leave the hotel at around 7.30 in the morning and return home at 11.30 at night. So by the time we all arrive back at the hotel, everyone just wants to sleep because we're all stuffed!

Tomorrow, we head out to the city squares in Stockholm for some outside concerts. We have a big 40 minute set, so hopefully we will get a good crowd and give our Territory a good name.

I really must get some sleep now though. It's 12.30am and we all have to leave the hotel by 7.30 tomorrow morning.

Remember you can follow us on Facebook as well- there are heaps more photos for you to look at. You can also watch replays of some of our playing at the offical Raised Up website!

Tack for lasning! Hej da!

P.S. A few boys are on the prowl for a few female specimens. There are plenty to choose from here too. But the word going around is that one has landed one. More details to come... 

http://astsalvobigband.blogspot.com/2010/07/hej-hej-hello.html 

Wordless Wednesday

Välkommen till Stockholm!

So we have finally made it to Sweden... and its Ben's turn to give us an update on what's been happening:

We’re here! We’ve finally made it to the beautiful city of Stockholm after close to 23 hours of flying. But it was all worth it in the end!

 Surprisingly we’ve settled into the European time zone pretty well. However we are all extremely tired and very slow to move. It’s probably due to the unexpected heat here in Sweden. The temperature hovers around 30 degrees for the majority of the day and the sun sets for a short amount of time. So it’s completely different to Melbourne weather at the moment.

Our trip began on Sunday night where we all arrived at Melbourne Airport for a 10.50pm departure. We had a slight scare early on when we were checking in our luggage due to an excess baggage problem, but we got there in the end.

We arrived in Hong Kong for a quick re fuel and then flew to London. The two trips added up to around 21 hours, so you can understand that we were already very tired by the time we hit Heathrow.

After waiting in London for a few hours we flew over to Stockholm and were greeted by Sandra, our blonde Swedish tour guide. And it’s fair to say that a few of the big boys were more than happy to be greeted by her.

After a good night’s rest, the band undertook a day of sightseeing. Stockholm is a beautiful city surrounded by attractive rivers and, more importantly, attractive people. The combination of old style buildings along with modern-day shopping precincts is just incredible. A lot of the band went on boat tours and explored the royal palace.

Then a few of the big boys spotted up the gym in our hotel for an iron pumping session. And as you can tell by the photos, we were in fine form!

We’ve just come back from a meet and greet dinner with all the other creative arts groups for the World Youth Convention (WYC). There are people here from every continent and a few of us have already made friends with members of Brazil’s own ‘Jesus Gang’. They don’t speak a word of English, but it’s like we’re family already.

Tomorrow we have a full day of sound checks and then the four day conference starts on Thursday.

Will keep you posted. Be good.

http://astsalvobigband.blogspot.com/2010/07/valkommen-till-stockholm.html

Round the Band with Em - Part 4

Another installment of the big band saga:


So here we are in transit at Heathrow Airport... all a little worse for the wear, but still excited about finally getting to Sweden in just a few short hours.


So while we sit and wait... I thought it was time to introduce the last instrumental section of the band... the rhythm section...

On Keys we have Nathan Glenn... aka Biff


What could you not live without?Tuna


How Long have you been playing?
Since I was 4

What are you most looking forward to about Sweden?
Going overseas and going to the country of my ancestors.

On Bass... Radspank,,, aka Nath Radford


What could you not live without?My Car


How Long have you been playing?
13 Years


What are you most looking forward to about Sweden?
Getting to play music in a foreign country instead of going to work




And keeping us all together on the Drums is Benni Knop


What could you not live without?My Mac


How Long have you been playing?
Probably 15 years

What are you most looking forward to about Sweden?
Seeing if the rumours are true




 So there you go... as we are about to board the next flight... the rhythm section

http://astsalvobigband.blogspot.com/2010/07/round-band-with-em-part-4.html

Round the Band with Em - Part 3

Ok so I don't really have any more pleasantries other than here's the next instalment:


Well it's time to meet the next section of the band... the saxophones... and might I just say that this particular section is my favourite... but of course I may be just a little bit biased.

Anyway, our first saxophonist, on lead alto is none other than David George


What could you not live without?
My fiancé, I am watching you Waterworth!


How long have you been playing?
16 years


What are you most looking forward to about Sweden?
A pre-wedding holiday with Em


On second alto we have Miriam Pho

What could you not live without? 
Family and friends 

How long have you been playing? 
10 years 

What are you most looking forward to about Sweden? 
Pretty much what Perri said (see below)... and meeting the in-laws



On first tenor is Cal Barry 

What could you not live without?
Music 

How long have you been playing? 
Flute since grade 1 and sax since year 7 

What are you most looking forward to about Sweden? 
All of it


Then we have Perri Winter 

What could you not live without? 
Relationships 

How long have you been playing? 
12 years 

What are you most looking forward to about Sweden? 
Experiencing the international Salvation Army




And last but not least on the big band bari is Tyler Webb 

What could you not live without? 
Caffeine

How long have you been playing? 
9yrs 

What are you most looking forward to about Sweden? 
Being the world's most annoying tourist


So there you have it... the Saxophone Section....

http://astsalvobigband.blogspot.com/2010/07/round-band-with-em-part-3.html

TCAC - Day 5

Wow, already day 5 of TCAC... what have we been doing... well perhaps I will let Ben fill you in:

TCAC - Day 5

As they say in the classics, we’ve hit the home straight!


We’re coming towards the end of what has been a hectic, tiring, but fun-filled week here at TCAC. And everyone here is stuffed!


A big highlight – as it always is – was the ‘Date Night’ dinner which occurred on Wednesday night. All females were beautifully attired while all the big boys did their best to look – and act – as sharp as possible.


We did ourselves no harm by the way!


An aspect of the camp which has been particularly uplifting has been the bible study groups and the early morning praise and worship sessions led by Phil Laeger. The messages and themes discussed have certainly challenged many at the camp and I’m sure some lifelong messages have been learnt.


As for the Big Band, we’ve been extremely active over the past few days. Not only have we done close to 19 hours of rehearsing, but we were also given the privilege of leading all delegates in a time of praise and worship on Tuesday night.


But what has really stood out to me personally is how everyone in the band has bonded together with such ease. It’s no secret that before this camp the majority of us would’ve had little to no idea about of each other. But four days on and it’s almost like we’ve become a close netted family and we know each other back-to-front.


I could tell you that Nathan Glenn has a diet consisting of pumpkin seeds, protein powder and tuna. I could also tell you that Scott Mangos can tear up a dance floor like very few men I know. I could also tell you that Jason Sandercock is a veteran when it comes to the ladies and that any man struggling to catch a girl’s eye should seek advice from him.


Another pleasing aspect about the band over the past few days has been their willingness to participate in all activities. Not only have we achieved so much during the strenuous rehearsal time, but we have also mixed with delegates of all ages and got involved in as much as possible.


It’s now only two days until we fly to Stockholm and the excitement is certainly starting to build amongst the group. To be honest, it’s kind of surreal that our first rehearsal together was back in January because it really does feel like it was only yesterday.


The concert for TCAC is tonight so make sure you get down to Ivanhoe Girls Grammar at 7.30pm for an entertaining evening. We’ll play three numbers at the concert and with the amount of rehearsal we’ve done this week, we should be in some decent form!


Hopefully.

or... there is always... http://astsalvobigband.blogspot.com/2010/07/tcac-day-5.html

Round the Band with Em - Part 2

Well it was my turn to right on the blog again... so here it is:

Em here again!


Well you met the trumpet section, but now it's time to meet the extremely attractive trombone section...

On 1st Trombone we have Ben Waterworth:


What could you not live without?
Emma Lewis


How long have you been playing for?
Over six years


What are you most looking forward to about Sweden?
The blonde bombshells!




Up next- Caleb Webb


What could you not live without?
Trombone and my Mrs.


How long have you been playing for?
Six years

What are you most looking forward to about Sweden?
The experiences (Jesus) and meeting other people in uniform


On 3rd Trombone- Clinton 'Clunk/Frisky' Fisk


What could you not live without?
Caleb Webb's Trombone Sound


How long have you been playing for?
11 years

What are you most looking forward to about Sweden?
Frequent Flyer Points

And with the low tones on Bass Trombone- Werribee's own Jon Marsh


What could you not live without?
My PC


How long have you been playing for?
Nine years


What are you most looking forward to about Sweden?
My trip to Germany afterwards!  


So there you go... here is one more look at Benny Waterworth and his manly troms...

http://astsalvobigband.blogspot.com/2010/07/round-band-with-em-round-2.html

Wordless Wednesday

Round the Band with Em - Part 1

Okay so here is our first direct feed... except the blog has lots of pictures so it really is better if you go and check it out over there...

http://astsalvobigband.blogspot.com/2010/07/round-band-with-em-part-1.html

Seriously look already!

Ok... well if you can't be bothered, here it is:

Ok, so our next post comes from the administrative member of the band.  I'm that person that gets to go on the trip, but doesn't actually play an instrument.  Mind you, without me... well its best not to think about what would have happened!

Unfortunately for all you blog readers out there I am not quite as funny as one Ben Waterworth, but I will do my best.  This week, while the band have 20 hours of rehearsals, I have 20 hours of tying up lose ends, enjoying the music and keeping the world informed of our movements...so to speak.

So I thought that perhaps it might be nice to get some introductions going... you know, give you a bit of info about the band so you know a little more about us and hopefully some of the humorous stories will be a little more humorous.  So over the next few days I will be going around section by section asking the same 3 questions and taking some pictures in order to introduce them to you completely and fully... so hold on to your hats because here we go...

So section number one is the Trumpets... 

The Trumpet section is a little bit special for a lot of reasons, but one of the reasons they are so super special is that they hold all of our interstate members...

 On 1st Trumpet we have Jason
1. What could you not live without?
Chocolate
2. How long have you been playing for?
Since I was 7, so like 23-7.
3. What are you most looking forward to about Sweden?
The good looking people of Sweden

 

Next we have Scott

1. What could you not live without?
Coke
2. How long have you been playing for?
11 years
3. What are you most looking forward to about Sweden?
Going to IKEA

On 3rd Trumpet... Nick
1. What could you not live without?
My iPod
2. How long have you been playing for?
Since I was 4
3. What are you most looking forward to about Sweden?
Food

And last, but certainly not least, we have Sarah
1. What could you not live without?
Music and Jesus
2. How long have you been playing for?
20 years
3. What are you most looking forward to about Sweden?
Mixing with different cultures

So there you go the trumpets... what a good looking backrow we have in the band!

The Big Adventure Begins

This afternoon I am heading off to somewhere near Daylesford to attend my very first TCAC.  For those of you that aren't down with the acronym TCAC it stands for Territorial Creative Arts Camp, and it should be a lot of fun, well thats what I have heard anyway.  TCAC, though, is the first step in my big adventure to Sweden with the Australian Southern Territory Big Band and even though I am not actually playing an instrument in the band as general paperwork sorter and group organiser I still get to go.  TCAC is a time for the band to do some intensive practice before we fly over to Sweden to represent the country at the World Youth Convention Raised Up. 

But because its all very exciting and a big deal, we have actually made the band its very own blog, twitter and facebook fan page.  Which means that over the next little while my blog may be unattended, however this doesn't mean you won't be informed... coz as a speacial little treat I will post those blogs and the link if you want to see it in all its glory on here.  Although I am not the only writer... my good mate Benny is helping out too...

So stay tuned... there will be blogs... it might just be different

Oh and here is the first introductory blog...

G'day,

Welcome to the official blog of the 'Australian Southern Territory's Salvation Army Big Band'.

First off, you're probably wondering why we have such a long title. Well we wonder that too and can't answer that- sorry to disappoint.

Secondly, who are we? We're a group of Salvationists who have come from all over Australia to form a big band. And we don't sound too bad either!

We play a variety of music including swing, shuffle and rock. Basically everything except for the typical music you'll see David George (leading alto sax player) dancing to every Saturday night!

We leave to go to the Salvation Army's Territorial Creative Arts Camp in Blampied, Victoria this Sunday (4th July). We will do approximately 20 hours of rehearsal before finishing off our week with a concert at Ivanhoe Girls Grammar School on Friday (9th July). More information to come.

Two days later (Sunday 11th July), we head off to Stockholm, Sweden for the Salvation Army's World Youth Convention, which will be held from Thursday 15th July to Sunday 18th July. We have been asked by the General of the Salvation Army to be special guests for the convention, so we are understandably thrilled and excited about being apart of this exciting occasion.

Over the next few weeks, Emma Lewis (the band's manager) and myself (Ben Waterworth- trombone player and the most attractive specimen of the band) will keep you well informed of our movements.

You can follow us on Twitter or on Facebook as well by clicking on those two links. Our email address is astsalvobigband@hotmail.com!

Look forward to bringing you much more news, views and humorous material in the coming weeks.

Many blessings,

BW

Or if you want to see it at the blog check out http://astsalvobigband.blogspot.com/

Massive...

Normally I try and steer away from the grade 5 style blog giving a run down of my day... but... What a massive day I have had today...seriously massive.  So even though I hate doing it, here is a run down of my day:

1. Amongst other morning errends this morning Dave and I have been on the hunt for the perfect wedding gift and thank heavens for gift registries and just between you and me... mission massively successful

2. This afternoon I have been at Pheeb's kitchen tea.  I had never been to a kitchen tea before and I didn't really know what to expect, but it has been a more than pleasent afternoon.  Although I really wish pheebs had have listened... well read my instructions AND followed them when it came to gift time.

3. And just to top it all off this evening I have been getting my Disney on in a massive way at Disney on Ice.  Seriously the best.  Great company thanks to Jess, Great food thanks to snow cones, fairy floss and popcorn and great Disney fun.  A particular highlight was Buzz's song... a monotone "to infinety and beyond" over and over again... classic!

Wordless Wednesday

Tracy

So if you remeber back a little while ago now, I told you all about my audtion for the role of Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray... well what I didn't tell you was this... there were some really annoying girls there that day, and while I knew I wasn't as talented as most of them, I really could bare the thought of having one of them be then next Tracy... simply because they were soooooooo annoying.  However, the good news is this... remember back even further... well actually before you do that head other to my Project365 blog and then remember all the way back to april when I went and saw the musical Fame.  Well that night at fame, I saw something amazing, the lady playing the role of Mabel blew my mine.  Despite not reallying being one of the main characters, this girl stole the show when she sang her song "Mabel's Prayer".  Seriously the crowd was amazed and for me she was hands down the best part of the night.  Anyway, she (her real name is Jaz Flowers) is going to be the new Tracy I just found out and I am very very very please with their choice.  If I was going to 'lose', so to speak, to anyone it would happily be her. 

Oh and on a side note... I think that the chorus of Mabel's Prayer will soon become my mantra as I start looking at wedding dresses etc as the lyrics say:

Oh Lord give me a sign
Give me a call on your heavenly line
Tell me, oh Lord, what it is that you want of me
Keep me from eatin' whatever's in front of me

appropriate much?

Toy Story 3

Now most of you will know that I am super super massive Disney fan... And tonight I feel like my life is a little closer to being complete! If you haven't already, you should most definitely go and see Toy Story 3, it is seriously the best movie I have seen in a really really long time. I laughed, I cried, I got scared and I enjoyed some good old Disney Magic.

There is something about Disney and I know I have often talked about this before but I just wanted to tell the world one more time...

Seriously everyone.... do yourselves a favour and get on to it.

Wordless Wednesday

Whirlies

The purpose of this blog is to simply share with you the coolest percussion instruments I have ever seen... a whirly...

Yep its that big bit of pipe they are swinging around their heads... I had never seen these before and I probably won't see one again for a while, but I tell you what they are pretty cool.  It does make me wonder though what other household items could become amazing percussion instruments.

Also worth mentioning is the guy that was playing the glasses very impressive.

Bridal Expo

Today Dave and I have been out at the Melbourne Bridal Expo.  Yes, Dave came with me and just for the record, he was not dragged, forced of even bribed, he came on his own free will.

Anyway, I wasn't really sure what to expect, in my mind I pictured this bridezilla fest with people and salespeople going everywhere.  But it turns out it was all a bit civilised.  There was only one lady that looked a little bridezilla, but we managed to avoid her for most of the morning.  I think it was a good chance for Dave and I just to work out what we needed to start thinking about when it comes to our turn once we get back from Sweden.  So I don't really have that much exciting news to tell you... I was hoping that our morning here would bring great stories by the handful, but no nothing really, it was all a bit normal.  So sorry its all a bit of a let down.

Wordless Wednesday

SYG

SYG is seriously the coldest, wettest, muddiest and most ridiculous weekend ever... its crazy and after 10years of state youth games, I am still not sure why I continue to go back... but let me give you a quick run down of the weekend:

Friday Night: Swag inside the Girls Marquee... Best. Idea. Ever!  Seriously, I am not really sure why it has taken me this long to think of, but I am pretty sure because of this ingenious idea on night one I will have the warmest and best nights sleeps at SYG ever. 

Saturday: Netball - have a look at this team... does it get much better?

Oh and I played indoor soccer in the afternoon, but its not really worth talking about given that I contributed very very little to my team....     

Sunday: Under 18s netball - yep I know I am 23, but they were desperate.  Badminton - I really thought that this was my year... but once again... no.  So I guess that I need to come back to next year to try again, one day I will be SYG Badminton Champion... one day, just not this day.  Oh but in the afternoon I played Volleyball and we won, so at least I got one victory for the weekend.

Monday: The results were in and we came 6th overall - pretty impressive if you ask me... especially considering we didn't really win that much...

So there you go SYG over for another year.