Just Add One Scoop of Randomness

The things I love about Christmas - Day 1

2010-12-01T17:49:00.001+11:00

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

2010-08-04T10:03:00.006+10:00

Reality

2010-08-03T09:53:00.001+10:00

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

2010-07-30T14:39:00.005+10:00

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

2010-07-29T15:41:00.008+10:00

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

2010-07-28T10:02:00.003+10:00

Jersey Boys... Again

2010-07-24T23:27:00.006+10:00

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

2010-07-23T13:14:00.002+10:00

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

2010-07-21T10:02:00.005+10:00

Over and Out

2010-07-20T23:17:00.003+10:00

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

2010-07-16T14:15:00.000+10:00

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)!

2010-07-16T14:10:00.000+10:00

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

2010-07-14T10:02:00.002+10:00

Välkommen till Stockholm!

2010-07-13T10:07:00.003+10:00

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

2010-07-12T10:05:00.003+10:00

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

Phoebe and Steve's Wedding

2010-07-10T23:30:00.022+10:00

This afternoon amongst the hustle bustle of getting ready to go to Sweden tomorrow, I was able to witness something super special.

This afternoon I watched as one of my best friends in the whole world walked down the aisle and was married to the man of her dreams.

Man I can't tell you how excited I am for these guys, or really express the emotion and happiness that the day held. It was just beautiful and I wish them every happiness as the step forward together. In fact not much as changed in terms of my emotions from when they announced their engagement....

Pheebs is the first of my super close friends to get married, I think that the wedding today made the fact that I would be next so much more real. In fact several times I had to stop myself from analysing the wedding so that I could just enjoy it. They both looked super happy and pheebs you just looked amazing.

Congratulations Mr and Mrs Mellody!

Round the Band with Em - Part 3

2010-07-10T09:57:00.003+10:00

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

2010-07-08T16:46:00.001+10:00

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

2010-07-08T14:54:00.001+10:00

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

2010-07-07T20:01:00.001+10:00

Round the Band with Em - Part 1

2010-07-05T21:42:00.007+10:00

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

2010-07-04T13:07:00.014+10:00

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...

2010-07-03T21:32:00.004+10:00

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

2010-06-30T16:24:00.001+10:00

Tracy

2010-06-27T16:15:00.022+10:00

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

2010-06-25T14:15:00.009+10:00

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

2010-06-24T14:14:00.002+10:00

Whirlies

2010-06-21T09:14:00.006+10:00

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

2010-06-20T19:13:00.000+10:00

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

2010-06-17T02:12:00.001+10:00

SYG

2010-06-15T14:11:00.001+10:00

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.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-09T14:02:00.000+10:00

I am a soldier

2010-06-07T08:13:00.000+10:00

Wow, what a day! Today I am proud as punch to be a soldier in the Salvation Army... seriously proud as punch!

This morning I got to take Russ on his first trip to the country so that I could support so of my awesome Bendigo buddies, Dee and Gus as they were enrolled as soldiers. Just like when my friend Renee was enrolled, the formalities made me think about the things I have promised to do... and whether or not I am still doing it... But the crazy thing is at almost the exact same time I as I was witnessing this very cool step by Dee and Gus, Dave was at Box Hill watching Benny get enrolled!

Sometimes I think I forget how much of as step this is, and I am just so proud of these guys as they take the plunge and declare their decision to stand as a soldier in the army of Christ.

Of course, just because this day can't get salvo enough, this afternoon I am heading into the city to a big salvo service to watch the big band play and to farewell the TCs... should be fun....

Russell The Rio

2010-06-04T21:02:00.000+10:00

It's Here! It's finally here... my Rio is here! Can you hear my excitement? Seriously can you here it? No... well maybe you better see it...

Can you see it? Do you want to feel it... Ok well now you can watch it... and just pretend....

Wow... it was almost like you were there I know.

Man I don't know if you can tell but I am super excited... Oh and the reason for Russell... well my number plate is XTH... its a little lisp like, so if you say it with a lisp... well just try it...

Yep that's what I was after...

Ok thats all.

Cutting My Bridal Magazines

2010-06-03T18:27:00.000+10:00

I have had an idea... I know surprising... it doesn't happen often so strap yourselves in. The thing is though, my idea has been met with very mixed and even quite polarised responses and so now I am a little torn.

So... I am putting it out into the blogosphere... So in a second I am going to share this idea and then below in the comment section, or alternatively, if you are at my actual blog rather than just the facebook version, in the poll on the sidebar... I would like you to vote, it doesn't take long just a yea or a nay and that's it. Of course you can elaborate and say more if you want, however all that's actually required is a response.

So here it is:

I want to cut up my bridal magazines to scrapbook my ideas.

Is it really that bad to cut them up? Is it magazine massacre? Or is it a really good idea? Let me know what you think....

Oh and of course I will let you know what I decide!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-03T16:22:00.000+10:00

The Grim Reaper

2010-06-01T20:22:00.000+10:00

I am the grim reaper of cars... Seriously, yesterday morning I killed my second car in a month and this one didn't even belong to me.

Luckily, unlike Saabie, it will run again and it's just a bit of old age, but I tell you what I am feeling like every car I touch dies! I am even starting to get a little worried about driving my new car, which ironically arrived at the dealer this yesterday afternoon, because at the rate I am going it will either never make it or some one will hit it as I drive out!

I do perhaps thinks maybe I should get a spot in the next RACV TV ad, I mean who else has had them out 6 times in 6 months? They probably start to panic every time I tell them who is calling, maybe they even roll their eyes and think what now?

Its seriously getting so bad that even now as the tow truck picks up the pintara, the battery on the truck has died and is getting jump started... it really is getting ridiculous!

I guess have I have just been making the most of my bronze membership to the RACV... and the do say... we're there for you!

But because its a bit depressing and my new car is pretty much hear... I just want to remind you of the things that my new car has that these last two have been missing at one stage or another...

1. Heating

2. Radio

3. Windows

4. Central Locking

5. probably something else that I can't think of right now.

So rio.... I am super excited about meeting you... very very very very soon.

Is the door knock dead?

2010-06-01T10:12:00.000+10:00

It's red shield weekend... A weekend in May that usually brings out feelings of both frustration and appreciation in salvos, I think all across the world. The thing about red shield is that the idea is great, the cause is great, sometimes the response is great... But when you are out knocking on doors in a freezing cold winters morning, it doesn't feel so great!

This morning I was out collecting for somewhere between an hour and a half and an hour, knocking on door after door in quite an affluent area of Melbourne. The thing is despite the wealth of this area, I am pretty sure my collection bag only totalled about $60... Dismal! Sure there were some people that collected a whole stack more than this, but no where near the amounts in the collection buckets from the intersections...

So today I want to pose a bit of a controversial question... Is the door-knock dead?

Seriously... Think about it? Is there something else we could be doing? More intersections? A radiothon? Maybe even a telethon? What is it that keeps us going back to the door-knock? Is it because of the tradition? Is it for the little old man or women that tells us the have been waiting for us to come all weekend? Is it just so we can all go back to the hall for a pie and our big mac voucher? Or am I just in a bad area?

The thing is, I am all for raising money and don't get me wrong I am a salvo through and through... I am just wondering if we could be doing it better... That's all!

Oh and for all of those that haven't donated yet... Please dig deep and thank God for the salvos!

The DAA Conference

2010-05-30T12:03:00.000+10:00

The last three days have seen me attend my very first DAA conference. As it was my first one I had no idea what to expect, I had heard all kinds of things, that it would be awesome, that it would be boring, that I wouldn't be hungry, but I still didn't really know, but as Darryl Summers used to say 'you never never know if you never never go!'

Anyway, because most of you reading this aren't dieitians, I wouldn't bore you with all the details and instead I would do a bit of a top 5 highlights/ things I learnt... Ready? Ok here we go:

1. Dietitians come in all sizes, big, small and in between. This was a very comforting reminder that the stereotype of the 'skinny blonde dietitian' was simply that... A stereotype!

2. All dieitians love chocolate! This was confirmed by the mad rush for the ferrero stand once word got out that they were giving out show bags filled with chocolatey goodness!

3. I love free things, throughout the three days I managed to get my self quite a collection of things, including chocolate, massagers, sample food products, a little chocolate grater and of course lots of pens!

4. It doesn't matter how long it's been since you have seen someone, it's always nice to catch up!

5. And on a more serious note, dietitians have a very important and unique role to play the future of this country's health and if I don't keep more up to date I will get left behind... So bring on the proactivity!

So there you go... The conference, I was really glad that I went coz I learnt a heap of stuff and I think it has inspired me to be a better dietitian... At least for the next little while anyway!

But now I am off to party at Ness' 21st... Woo hoo!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-27T12:00:00.000+10:00

Engagement Party

2010-05-23T13:29:00.000+10:00

So this afternoon Dave and I had our engagement party. Leading up to it I have been a bit stressed... Had I done everything? was it going to go ok? would everyone come? Would everyone get along? Had I forgotten anyone? Was I ready for this? All these questions were going over and over, but now it's been and gone and it was all good! In fact I can't believe how well it went, or how spoilt Dave and I were... Seriously two car loads of awesome pressies is crazy!

Anyway what I really want to say is that I feel like this party gas made everything so much more official. I mean I know Dave and I were officially getting married as soon as I said yes back in April after the most extravagant proposal ever, but something about having everyone there today made it even more real. So guess what??? I am getting married! Seriously... Married, it's all official it's happening!

So thanks everyone for helping Dave and I celebrate, oh and thanks so much for all our beautiful presents. And coz I couldn't decide which pictures to put in the blog, I have decided to make a slide show of some of the good ones... Enjoy!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-20T14:26:00.000+10:00

Dead

2010-05-15T11:06:00.000+10:00

It's happened, it's actually happened! My beloved Saabie is dead!

This has been a long time coming, in fact there is lots and lots of blogs all about it, but I guess I never I still didn't actually expect it to happen, well not just yet anyway.... But back to the story... I knew that today was going to be a sad day with Saabie this morning as I drove to work, because as I drove up the hill next to the hospital, which I will admit is pretty steep, Saabie struggled. Feeling that perhaps I could no longer wait for my new car i did a bit of a ring around and managed to score myself pa's pintara for the next month. All I had to do now was get Saabie back to Melbourne.

Later that morning, when Jana and I went out to get the lunch we were supposed to be providing for the speechies, Saabie putted along, kinda like a boat and then eventually stopped about 100meters from where we wanted to be. After a short rest while Jana and I walked the rest of the way, Saabie rose again and got us home, but not confidently! So fearing the worst I called my friends at the RACV and got them to come and take a look. My RACV friend told me I needed motor oil and I needed it now. Now before you all start saying nasty things about the fact that I am such a girl and that I should have checked the motor oil... Let me just say... I had been, my oil light was faulty so I had been checking my oil, but it was always fine, so I was just checking it less regularly than I should have been... And my car had, unbeknown to me, developed an oil leak! So I was out! So as per the instructions of the RACV man after work I drove straight to the servo and got myself some new motor oil.

Saabie was once again up and running and sounding great so I took him home and filled him up with all my stuff, clothes, DVDs, even my sheets and donna as I was worried that the mouse had been on them! Then I headed home, back to Melbourne. Everything was going swimmingly until I got about 10minutes down the Calder... Which was about 30minutes from home. All of a sudden everything died, lots of warning lights went on and all I could do was break and steer over to the shoulder where I eventually stopped. After a few minutes a gave the Saabie another try and nothing... Just lights! So for the second time I called the RACV.

After a bit if working out where I was exactly, Kyneton RACV came to get me. After playing my my car for a bit, I was informed that my engine had seized up and Saabie would be towed back to the Kyneton depo. So I grabbed as much of my stuff as I could carry and got the RACV man to take me to station so that I could eventually get home.

So tonight after being dropped home by mum, I have some mixed feelings... I can't really believe that the Saab is actually dead. I feel a little bit like a neglective parent, even though I had no idea! This wasn't how I had imagined it would end with Saabie... I am kinda glad that he is dead dead, because it will make it easier for me to enjoy the Rio guilt free... But I am still sad that he is actually gone. Now I have to work out what to do with the Saab... If anyone will want it for spare parts... And what I am going to tell the people at Kia about what happened to my trade in!

So Saabie, I am sorry this is how you went! I will miss you more than I probably should, given that you are just a car. Thanks for getting me around for the last 5 and a bit years, you were the best!

Wordless Wednesday - Happy Birthday Dad

2010-05-12T17:05:00.000+10:00

Not Fat Enough

2010-05-10T14:39:00.000+10:00

Today is Mother's Day, but thats not what I am going to blog about, I have been there and done that and nothing has changed I still love my mum, but this year a blog is not my method of appreciation expression... but happy mothers day anyway Mum!

No, today I want to blog about those moments in your life when things aren't quite the way you expected. Today I took a step outside my comfort zone... well out side it. Most of you would probably know just how much I love musicals, and some of you may know how much I have always wanted to be in one. Well a little while ago while I was surfing the net, as you do and I came across and article about the musical Hairspray, which is due to open in Melbourne in October later this year. The article talked about the fact that they would be holding open auditions for a few of the parts in particular the role of Tracy Trunblad and that those who may be interested should check out the website for more details. Being more than interested I went to the website and had a look at the casting brief and this is what it said:

Tracy Turnblad
5'3"or shorter, 17yrs – 25yrs old. Must be heavyset. Outgoing, unstoppable, goodhearted with a vibrant, lovable, spirited personality. Loves to sing and dance.

Which is pretty much me... in everyway. So as this offer, no matter how far fetched it seemed, was too good to refuse, I decided that I would bite the bullet and give it a go.

So that's what I have been doing today, lineing up and wait with a least 100 other tracey hopefulls to see if maybe, just maybe we could be the next Tracy. So with my trusty sidekick Davo, we headed into Brunswick with a chance to shine. I got through the first round, in that they wanted to hear me sing... but that was the where my Tracy dreams ended. I did get to sing, but it wasn't as good as I had hoped and with all these other amazing girls waiting, there is no time for a second shot. I did get to sing in front of Jason Colemen through.

I guess the day wasn't all bad, because while I was there I did get a bit of a confidence booster. As there were a number of times through out the day when I thought to my self that perhaps I was not fat enough to be Tracy. I don't think I have ever thought I wasn't fat enough in my whole life, and I am probably unlikely to again... but none the less, it made me feel a little better about the whole thing! Oh and just coz I am not the next Tracy... I am still going to go and see the show... Oh and now I can focus on the gym and my wedding dress.

Nessa's 21

2010-05-09T02:35:00.000+10:00

One of the cool things that happens when I get married, soon... is I get a sister. I only have brothers of my own, and while sometimes they act like girls, its just not the same. But Dave has a sister a very cool one at that and soon she will be mine too.

Today is her 21st birthday, so I thought it seems right and proper to have a celebratory blog to say Happy Birthday!

So Ness, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Hope you have a ripper day and that you get spoilt rotten. Thanks so much for sharing your brother with me! I love you stacks!

Train Trauma

2010-05-08T15:04:00.000+10:00

For those of you that haven't been paying much attention recently, my car is dying... slowly but very very surely dying. So much so that I am trying to drive it as little as possible because my new car is not due to come until the end of May or maybe even early June. Anyway, as a result, I have been trying to catch the train back and forth from Castlemaine and Melbourne to give it a little rest on the weekends. This has actually been quite an enjoyable experience as it gives me an extra hour and a half to sit and just chilax, without too much to worry about, the only thing is the trains run to their times not yours. Tonight's trip was probably the most traumatic experience of my little life... and I never never never want to do it again.

Tonight I caught the latest train to Melbourne so that Davo could go to the footy with Dustin. The train was due to leave at 9:03pm, long after the final train people had left their little office and locked the doors. When I got to the station I noticed that the office was shut and thought that it didn't matter too much, because I always catch the train to Melbourne from platform 2 and you can buy a ticket on the train. So having successfully made it to platform 2 with all my belongings (which were quite large in number tonight as I have a big weekend ahead of me, including my purple carry on size suitcase, a full to the brim of books and computer stuff country road bag, a jumper and my handbag) and a couple of minutes to spare. However, once I was at the station I noticed that there were actually a lot more people on platform 1, so, as you do, I called out and asked only to be informed that I was in the wrong spot and I now had about 2 minutes to get to the other side. This wouldn't have been such a big problem if I had found out a couple of minutes earlier or even if I had less stuff. But at that moment panic set it and I started to run to wards the above ground crossing (1. so I could see/hear the train and 2. It seemed like the quickest way).

As I finally made it to the crossing and made it out onto the tracks I heard the crossing sounds and the gates in front to me to get off the tracks shut. As I began to panic a little bit more I fumbled around until I found the emergency exit and then continued to run up the ramp towards the train, which seemed like a impossible task. In a lot of pain I continued to run and made it on... just and then collapsed into an empty seat.

I am not really sure what I found more traumatic, the fact that I almost missed the train, or the moment those gates in front of me closed leaving me with just the train... it was dark and cold and I was really really frightened. It turns out that even though I always catch the train from platform 2, there are only really 2 or 3 Melbourne trains that leave from there, they just all happen to be the ones that I have caught in the past. I guess I will know for next time... although next time I might also leave my self a good 10minutes at the station, just in case.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-06T11:03:00.000+10:00

Creatures of the Night

2010-05-05T10:38:00.000+10:00

So I am not good with small animals and insects... at all, in fact I hate them... all of them! Its not often that I blog about them though, in fact I have only done it once before and this is for a number of reasons:

1. I hate them... so why should they get any of my time?
2. I like to appear strong and independent and confessing the shear fear that takes over my body when I have an encounter with such creatures shows my weak and very girlie side.
3. The just aren't good reading!

Anyway, the time has come for me to vent again... This week has been a rollercoster of emotion. It started last Wednesday, when I had the pleasure of having Flic come and visit. While we watched High School Musical 3 we indulged in a little chocolate. Not getting through all of it, some remained in the bowl at then end of the night and I forgot about it. The next day when I got home from work I noticed the chocolate still out, although there was a lot less left than I had remember. On closer inspection I noticed one sizable chuck of chocolate that had been removed from the bowl sitting underneath the lamp. This little bit of chocolate had nice little teeth marks all around the edges. The teeth marks were much too small to have been made by a human, and so I decided that perhaps I had a mouse. As Dave was on his way for a visit I put the chocolate aside so that I could show him and tried to go on with my night until he got there.

Once Dave arrived he confirmed it was a mouse and told me he would take care of it tomorrow, which he did, he cleaned my house while I was at work, set a trap and eventually caught the mouse in the rubbish bin and got rid of it. Feeling safe in my new mouse free house I didn't think to much more of it. Everything was packed up and away, the house was clean and the trap was set... just in case. So back to Melbourne I went, not really thinking that much of it.

However, when Monday came around, as I drove back to my house to get ready for work I started to wonder about the trap and if there would be anything in it. I told myself that Dave had dealt with the mouse and that he was gone so there would be nothing in the trap. But as I opened my door on Monday morning I was surprised to find a mouse, dead in the trap... and all the peanut butter used to trap it gone. Knowing that the trap had caught the mouse right on its nose, I knew that this dead mouse could not have eaten that peanut butter and so as I tried (and succeeded eventually) to remove the dead mouse I started to panic about where this other mouse was.

The thing is I can't find any mouse poo... so I don't think the mouse lives in the house, but I still feel like I can hear it. In fact, its not very often but every time I convince myself that all the mice are gone... I hear something else, which makes me believe that they are not. I know when I moved up to the country that mice would probably happen, but I thought that after a year maybe I was safe, but it turns out no... I hope the mouse is gone. I am not really sure why it frightens me so much, I think its just that they surprise me when I am not ready for it. Anyway, I guess all I can do is keep the food locked away and hope for the best...I do just wish they would leave though!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-29T14:25:00.000+10:00

List Update

2010-04-27T11:07:00.000+10:00

So even though the blog has a new home, the list has come too... and even though I haven't said anything about it for a while, I have been secretly working away and knocking things off left right and centre... So here's what I haven't told you:

25. Set up my salary packaging

It's done and I am on my way to saving myself a small fortune, although this will all most likely end up going towards my car and wedding...

44. Buy a new handbag

I have two hand bags, one I was given which is super cool and one I brought which is super practical.

51. Visit Pez in Kilmore

I have done this twice in fact, and I will continue to do it... I love visiting pez, and her little cottage gives me hope that one day when my house grows up, it could be that big!

63. Make a fire ready pack for my car

Although the fire season is now over, the pack is still there ready to go if needed, although its not currently in my car... because I am trying to keep it empty as its on its last legs!

71. Paint my toenails

Silver to be exact... and while it is done, I would like to do it again, this time while I am sitting still and am not distracted, as it turns out painting your toenails in a moving car, along the windy road in Chewton... not such a good idea!

76. Win something

Now if you are a salvo, please tune out for this section... I am a member of the social club at work, which has a special effort raffle once a month, and this month... in the Easter raffle... I won $50! Sweet I know

87. Investigate MobileMe

Well I have a one year subscription, so I think that counts for thorough investigation, although I am still not sure if I like it.

95. Bake some cookies

These cookies are actually featured as my first project365 photo, and they were delicious.

So there you go, I told you I had been busy busy busy, its not super exciting stuff but its getting crossed off the list! Only 80 to go.... Oh and sorry there is no pictures...

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-22T11:05:00.000+10:00

I'M GETTING MARRIED!

2010-04-18T16:59:00.000+10:00

Ok so here is probably the most exciting blog of the whole year... maybe even my whole life I am not sure... but I AM ENGAGED! Yep that's right, Dave and I are getting married! WOO HOO! But not only did I get engaged, I think I received the most extravagant proposal of all time... but because I don't know any other way to explain it and give Dave all the credit he deserves, I need to explain it story book style... coz its pretty much a fairytale... so here we go!

Once upon a time, there was a princess named Emma. Emma wasn't a real princess, as she was not born into any kind of royalty, she just liked to be treated like one. Luckily for her she was in Love with a very very handsome prince, and they had been in love for almost 6 years. Both the Prince and the Princess loved each other very much and often thought of getting married and living happily ever after, however despite Emma's pushing and hinting, her left ring finger remained naked. That was until one special day in April.

The day was always going to be special, as it was a 'date day' for Emma and her prince. A day set aside so that they could just hang out together, because life was so busy, as Emma lived far away in the country and Dave lived in the city. As the prince had made little effort for the past two date days, he had already had promised that this date day would be extra special. Being very smug and little nasty, Emma decided that this was fair enough and prepared herself to lap up the extravagant day without much thought. However, little did she know the plans her prince had made started taking place the Thursday before when Emma's prince rang her with some bad news.

He had called to tell her that he was desperately needed to play saxophone in Jersey Boys on Saturday Night and that unfortunately Date day would just have to be cut short. However, he told Emma that as this was ruining their plans he had only accepted the gig because he had managed to get her a free ticket to make up for the fact that she would spend the evening of Date Day alone. More than Happy to go and see Jersey Boys for the fourth time, Emma was quick to accept the predicament and thought nothing more of it.

Date Day started with photos, a fund raiser for the Kids Church, and as to make the pictures nice, Emma and Dave had both taken the time to scrub up for the event. Both were looking dashing, but even in this small step of getting dressed, the prince had begun to leave clues for his princess as the shirt he had chosen for the day was very special. It was the shirt that he had worn to Emma's year 12 formal almost 6years ago. After a hot photo shoot they went out for some breakfast at a little cafe in Doncaster called Cafe 250 Black, which they had wanted to try for a little while. As there was a some time left before Dave's next plan, the two headed to Eastland in search for a little milk jug for Emma's little country cottage. At Eastland they got more than they bargained for, leaving with the milk jug as well as two types of perfume. But this is really not super relevant to the story and therefore we must press on.

From the the little shopping detour they headed to Jells Park, an old family favourite of Emma's, for a picnic. On the way to the picnic, Dave received a call from the Musical Director of Jersey Boys, Luke ,who asked if Dave could come into the show earlier as there was a technical rehearsal that he needed to attend. After confirming with his princess he agreed and completed another piece of his extravagant puzzle. For lunch, Dave had prepared a delicious array of sandwiches, strawberries, grapes, hundreds and thousands biscuits and crispy creams. After sampling all on display Dave and Emma were a little full and had a little nap in the park. And while they lay there, just before she fell asleep in the beautiful sunshine, Emma thought to herself that 'today would be a great day to get engaged', however not wanting to ruin any surprises she said nothing, although she did have a quick look in the picnic bag while Dave was in the toilet.

The afternoon rolled on and soon they were off to the movies, but not just the normal movies, as part of the prince's extravagant plans Gold Class was the only option. So despite the fact that they were seeing a short chick flick, off to gold class they went and it was lovely. At the end of the movie, when her prince had not asked, Emma considered the day done. She was thankful for such a beautiful day and was a little excited about seeing Jersey Boys and any thoughts of proposals and engagement left her mind as they raced to the prince's castle to get his instruments for the show.

Once all the instruments had been carried to the theatre, Luke greeted Emma and Dave in the pit and invited Emma to stay and watch the rehearsal. Overwhelmed by this exciting invitation Emma eagerly accepted, although before the rehearsal she did check with Dave that it was ok, as she didn't want to be one of those annoying girlfriends that constantly follow their boyfriends around, but Dave said it was fine and that she would really like it so she should stay and watch. Not long after that, Luke asked Emma to follow him into the main auditorium where they sat down in the second front row. While they made small talk Emma observed everyone on the stage, she watched as the actors interacted with each other and the producers told people what to do. She felt really lucky to be in the theatre with just her, Luke, the producers and some of the artists. The producers asked Luke if he would need stair access to the stage during the rehearsal to which he said he would and the stairs were brought to the side of the stage, but not suspecting anything Emma just continued to enjoy the moment.

Soon the rehearsal began, and the first thing Emma noticed was that "Frankie Valli" began to sing 'Can't take my eyes off you', this made her very very happy as this was her favourite song in the musical, as it was her and Dave's "song" and had always been listed in her iPod as "I love you Davie" because she could never remember it by any other name. She made a mental notes about how far out into the Audience Frankie sang, she then shifted he gaze to "Bob Gaudio" who she couldn't help but notice was extremely good looking. But then, she was distracted by Dave as the horn section entered the stage for their part of the song. Suddenly Emma's attention was back on Frankie as she thought she noticed a mistake with his words. Listening all the more intently she was surprised to discover that Frankie was actually singing her name... In fact he was now looking right at her and singing Dave and Emma in place of the "I" and "baby" in the chorus, so that instead the song went a little like this:

"Dave Loves you Emma, and if it's quite alright,
Dave needs you Emma, to warm his lonely nights,
Dave loves you Emma trust in him when he says,
Oh pretty Emma don't bring him down he prays,
Oh pretty Emma now that he's found you stay
and let him love you Emma,
let him love you!

Feeling very overwhelmed and suddenly realising this wasn't a technically rehearsal at all, Emma was over come with emotion. She was shocked, surprised, excited, amazed and a little embarrassed. She turned to Luke to check that she hadn't started dreaming, but he just sat there beaming at her. She then looked back at the stage and watched as Dave unhooked himself from his Bari Sax and started walking down from the bridge he was playing on, to the stage. Once on the stage he motioned for her to join him, where he held her hands and told her just how much he loved her. Emma's prince then got down on one knee and pulled out the most amazing diamond ring Emma could ever imagine and asked "Emma Jayne Lewis, Will you marry me" With tears in her eyes she said yes and they kissed. With that, applause broke out in the auditorium and Emma turned around to see who else was here to see this, she discovered that the rest of the cast and crew were standing the dress circle of the theatre watching and cheering her and her new fiancé.

And they lived happily ever after...

So there you go, that's the story... he is pretty impressive ey? I was impressed! Oh and I really really really love Dave!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-15T13:58:00.000+10:00

The Begining

2010-04-13T22:06:00.000+10:00

So here we are again, the beginning of yet another blog... who knows what will happen, what crazy shenanigans we will experiences will be shared, or whether anyone will keep reading?

Anyway, I guess I need to say sorry for not kicking this off earlier, I have been a little unwell and had a moment of doubt in my blogging and through the mountains of tissues I just couldn't see the point. But its okay, because now I am back and its all good...

So this blog is going to be exactly what it says, one scoop of randomness at a time, coz lets face it, that's me! And because its all me, one thing that there will be is be lots and lots photos, but as well as just your regular wordless wednesday, I also want to bring your attention to something that I started a little while ago, its called Project365... something that I actually stole from someone else's blog... basically the idea is I take a photo everyday for 365 days... a whole year. Anyway, its got its own page linked to this one...its just listed right there in the left hand side, so do yourself a favor and go and check it out.

Oh year and welcome to the new blog!