Charlie the Unicorn - German Fandub

You've all heard of Charrrrlliieee (and if you haven't a) you have not yet lived, and b) go to http://dan-jon.blogspot.com/2006_11_01_archive.html)... and now he's gone GERMAN!! This one goes out to Sez (and Tamie!).

... sobering

I thought I'd take a brief break from writing an essay (why is it that I can write more in three night-time hours, than the whole of the day spent sitting in front of the computer?!) to share a bit of what it's about because ... well, it's pretty sobering stuff.

And this also should help keep me focussed on actually getting the darn thing done (ironically, I hear you say, as I'm actually actively NOT getting it done by writing this? Never mind such logical logic, at this time of the night it simply doesn't apply... Ah, sweet denial).

The question for anthropology which I've ended up doing is this:

'Analyse and discuss the impact that amputations and mutilations had on Sierra Leonean society during the war of the 1990s. To what extent was the power of the rebels literall and physically inscribed on the bodies of their victims?'

I've spent the last couple of days immersed in reading about all this stuff - in graphic, detailed descriptions about how people had arms or hands hacked off in 'short' (above the elbow) or 'long' sleeve fashion, were indiscriminately killed or abused, had to watch silently as family members were tortured or murdered, women and girls raped and sexually abused, children made to become soldiers and carry out the above with abandon, losing their childhood along the way...

Reading about all of that makes me uncomfortable. When I was little I used to think the majority of the world was like the peaceful little world that I lived in, with a couple of dusty countries in Africa having trouble finding food (but not to worry, America would soon enough fly in some supplies, or Oprah would save the day) ... But so it should make me uncomfortable - I don't want to look at the world through desensitised or purely academic eyes. In a strange way it's good to be filled with a sadness and compassion for people outside my own circumstances. It really does fill me with sadness and anger for the things these people have gone through, and the utter evil possessing the people carrying such atrocities out. It's like think of your worst nightmare, and that happened to these people. It's both mind-blowing and sobering.

But anyway, the specific and intetional way that the rebel groups used amputations and mutilations on people to send a message is clever in a very disturbing way - rather than killing a person it leaves them with a ceaseless reminder of the power relationship between themselves and the aggressor (sorry if this sounds like an essay :P). Basically they're leaving their mark on the person for life, as well as sending a political message to the government (which was what they were wanting to do) that they aren't protecting their citizens, and aren't good enough. Add to that the corruption in the government and things are pretty dire!

At the moment though things look like they're on the up and up so that's pretty hopeful :)

Makes me think of what we were looking at in the last small group on camp though, of what we can look forward to in heaven, we won't be in a stuffed up world forever:

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." Rev 21:3-5

If you got here to the end of this impassioned post, well done, when I next see you I might you a pat on the back (I was going to say I might give you chocolate, but that would be cruelly raising your hopes only to be painfully crushed... so I didn't) ;)

Night...

on the air

big news: i have a mobile again, after a month in the communication wilderness! Same number.
Yay :D

henna, moisturiser and hot cross buns...mmm!

Well well well, it has been an eventful while. I've decided this is going to be a multi-faceted post.

Facet #1 : a picture.

Here is my foot. My foot does not normally look like this (*gasp* I hear you... uh... gasp) because I got it TATOOED!! Henna tatooed that is, so it'll only last for a few days (to save Dad a freak out :P) ... but what a beautiful few days they shall be, where my foot brings a bit of life, culture, and novelty into my life, and through my wearing of thongs (no matter how cold it gets), into the lives of others as well!

Facet #2

A story.

A very bizarre story.

Last night as I lay dreaming in bed ... No scrap that beginning of the story, I got writer's block. Here's what happened - I've got NO idea WHAT the heck I was dreaming about, but some strange storyline must have been taking place under my eyelids, because a mysterious force took hold of me. You know that Body Shop body butter that comes in the big tubs and smells so good you want to taste it? Well, you can take it from me, it doesn't taste good.

I happened to have one on my bedside table last night. That's right, I half-woke up during the night, took the lid off, took a scoop out with my finger, and ATE it. I ATE my strawberry body butter IN MY SLEEP. How WIERD is that?! I vaguely remember taking the lid off, and then half waking up throughout the night thinking that moisturiser sure does have a wierd aftertaste, not registering that that's because it's abnormal to actually EAT it, regardless of how good it smells!!

When I properly woke up in the morning I could still taste it in my mouth so I knew it wasn't just a dream. It tub didn't have any large labels saying 'POISON: IMMEDIATE DEATH ON CONSUMPTION' so I'm not too worried. She'll be right! It was just SO bizarre.

Facet # 3

Some good news.

I HAVE A JOB!!!! (wow, so many capitals in this post!)

I am now officially a part-time sales assistant at the Norwood Baker's Delight. I get to wear those hot and flattering collotte/shorts, lol. Nah, it's actually good. It was such an answer to prayer to get it - it's local, the manager's got good priorities and is flexible but focussed, and the other people I've met so far are nice. The main challenge is trying to memorise the thousands (at LEAST) of buttons on the till, and learning all the money ... things. But free bread, woo!

Facet #4

A reflection ... possible whinge.

I heard someone say the other day that if you're too busy to catch up with friends, you're too busy. At the moment that qualifies me as too busy! It's crazy - all my time just seem to get slotted up, there's always something to do. We've got such a busy culture - where a lot of the time we seem more task focussed than relationship focussed, that getting all those 'things' done is the priority, and friendships lose out in the mean time. I'm finding it really frustrating that I've got good friends who I haven't seen in what seems like ages and am really missing being able to catch up with, but the weeks just keep flying by in a haze of getting stuff done, and racing from one thing to the next. Even with holidays coming up there's not going to be much down time. That's a bit of a depressing way to end, hey!

That's all for now.

Night! xo

new thing to add to the sterling things list

elderly couples holding hands


Maybe it's something to do with love that's weathered all the storms of life, and is still going strong.

By the way, I am currently mobile-less at the moment, it hasn't been found since last Sunday (the last time it was seen). So if anyone wanted to or has contacted me (or not) then ... don't. Haha, well do, just not on my mobile for another week and a bit or so! Sorry if there have been any unanswered messages (I'm sure there must be AT LEAST a hundred. If not more;), that's why.

identity crisis

We just took our cats to the vet for their annual check up (pretty funny in itself - Remy in the cat carrier doing these ultra sad meows, and me (unwisely wearing black and thus ending up completely covered in fur) carrying a quivering Charlie. They got their claws clipped (woohoo for us!).

When we got home I think Remy started having a minor identity crisis - I found him in the hallway trying to sharpen his claws on the carpet, as you do... but, there were hardly any claws left, let alone enough to be sharpened. Instead he kind of manically was clawing at the carpet looking anxious. Poor lil fellow.

To try to cheer him up I tried to dangle some string in his face, but I think this just depressed him more as he couldn't claw onto it. Oops.

Weeee! String!!!...
...that I can hardly hold onto. I am so depressed right now.
Grrrrr! *sob* (I love this one, who knew cats could frown?!

In other news, Chicks go Sticks was a fabulous success, with many hilarious moments, girly bonding, and great convo's. Go God.

Ooooh, wow, I see the sea!

Fleuro sunset, whilst chasing roo's.

Closely followed by this great adventure of a trip, was Sez's awesome emo par-tay - if you haven't already go to Sez's blog or Em's piczo for hot pics!

tomorrow night...

I will be sleeping under the stars...

After 3 yrs of failed attempts, the chicks are finally going sticks when the blokes are going bush! That's right, the youth are off to camp. Not the shelter over your head, sqeaky bunk bed, luxury of having a bathroom kind of camp. We're talking the real deal, hard yakka camping camp. 10 girls. 22 guys. (Seperate camp sites ;) 5 cars. 1 trailer. Numerous tents, bbq's, billies, gas lamps, sleeping bags, pillows, chocolate. 2 nights. 1 hike. 1 God. Much bonding. Good times are to be had!

WOOOP!!! :D

Don't wish us luck, because who knows if that exists. (Good question, thoughts anyone?)

Prayer on the other hand ... God exists ... we'll be needing him! (we always do anyway, but you know what I mean... )

let the record play ... beauty in the sunlight

Sooo... I just got back from my third official small group. I'm liking them - I was thinking as I was driving home, I'm glad that I went and did that rather than having another night at home watching tv or something (not that that's bad ;) Otherwise there would be these conversations that I'd have or hear with people that just wouldn't happen, whether I know them well or not. It's just cool to have that time set aside with a group of people to talk together, read the Bible and pray together, even if I'm feeling a bit brain dead or tired!


Second week at uni this week, and MAN has it been hectic (please note my sarcasm). I've only got 8 contact hours (plus lots of reading - it IS arts!) which is pretty nice. I'm actually really looking forward to all my subjects I think - especially anthropology ('conflict and crisis'- looking at conflict all around the world like Sierra Leone, Sudan, Rwanda, Northern Ireland, endless list really). My lecturers for classics and history are such characters, so stereotypical, which I love. The classics guy puts up random far side cartoons in lectures, and otherwise likes to illustrate his points with stick figure drawings (his own, of course). It annoyed me at first, but now I'm warming to it. The history guy we just met today, and... well, my description wouldn't be adequate. He's at the more mature end of the age spectrum (a nice way of saying he's a bit old), walks with a stoop, had this great comb over, a dry sense of humour, and is passionate about what he teaches (he likes to look at the medieval era (the topic of the course) for fun, as opposed to his specialist area!). Oh yeah, and he described his take on medieval history as more Monty Python than Dan Brown. How can that not appeal?

Here are some pics I took of my beauty of a cat Charlie yesterday arvo.

Conveniant spot in the sun, or alien abduction?

How embarrassing for her, I caught that on camera. Check out her fangs!

Isn't she gorgeous? And despite the slight blurriness, the lighting's pretty good in this shot.

Also, on a random note - I went jogging on Dan and Phili's treadmill this afternoon. Yay random efforts at improved fitness, AND being able to watch Battlestar Gallactica at the SAME TIME!!

That is all :P

poem of a possum

Here is a poem.

This is my post 200th
Which has been a long time in a cometh
My mind is now blank on what to write
Except for the possum on Saturday night
It fell into our fireplace
And logged into Myspace
(that bit's not really true,
just a bit of hullaballoo)
There it was stuck for 24 hours
While we didn't notice, watching Fawlty Towers
When we finally noticed it's existance
Notified only by Remy's insistance.
We tried to shake the chimney pipe,
Then down we poured water to make it alight
This only resulted in petrification,
And it resorted to staying-stock-still-ation
We lured it out, with lur-ishious fruit
Half a banana and an apple to boot.
Cardboard box at the ready
And a torch held steady
We waited it out till 3 (am!)
When the little guy decided to flee (amen!)
With strategic manouvering
And a distinct lack of Hoovering
We scooped him/her up
and scooted him/her out
and then we went back to sleep.

The end.

Acknowledgments: This inspiration and encouragement for this poem goes largely to Phili. Your words 'Write a poem. I'm now expecting a poem!' were invaluable :P. Thanks also to Dad, possum-catching-buddy.

no one ever really knows what lies beneath the surface...

That should really be rephrased 'only God really knows...'

Seeing as I've been lacking in blogging inspiration lately, and now sit in front of the screen unsure of what to write now I'm here, how about a brief photo summary of the past month or so? Actually, some of the photos have mysteriously disappeared, so just a couple will have to do - including which I'll show off for terribly talented members of the family.


From a wonderful day at Pt Elliot with the family (including the specially flown in VIP's Aunty Leone and Michael! Sadly Phili couldn't join us on the day though)

by Dad

by Michael
By Dad
and by Michael (G'pa, me, Dan and Jon frolicking in the waves)

AND of course this was closely followed by a couple of days down at Alex's McCracken great golf house down at Victor also (sorry about that lame joke there...) As a quote from Emma (the bk, not the person) put it eloquently in my Jane Austen diary (yay useful Christmas pressies) 'It was a delightful visit:- perfect, in being much too short' Although it was a short time that went fast (same with certain visiting relatives), that makes you appreciate the time you do have all the more I guess.

Now, time for a sterling (as in things that are good) list:

• Movies, seen in good company
• Everwood (10am, ch 9, quality)
• peanut butter and honey sandwiches
• real friends who know your good and bad parts, and care enough to butt in
• family fun times
• being able to start AND finish a book
• good tears
• sleeping in
• moments of clarity, and getting priorities in order (january always seems to be a good times for that, the whole new year thing)
• weddings (less than two weeks to go!!!)
• and that: We have small troubles for a while now, but they are helping us gain an eternal glory. That glory is much greater that the troubles. So we set our eyes on not what we can see but on what we cannot see. What we see will last only a short time. But what we cannot see will last forever.
  2 Corinthians 4: 17, 18

Thank God for that.

And un-sterling:

• itchy sunburn (at least it's not first degree burns a la Anna)

Hmm, how to end... I'll do a Sez - have FUN! haha, till next time...

apPARently I'm ...

Just to follow the crowd and do the brutally honest personality test... ouch! I guess it's hard being... Almost Perfect- INFP 33% Extraversion, 53% Intuition, 33% Thinking, 33% Judging So, you want to make the world a better place? Too bad it's never gonna happen. Of all the types, you have to be one of the hardest to find fault in. You have a selfless and caring nature. You're a good listener and someone who wants to avoid conflict. You genuinely desire to do good. Of course, these all add up to an incredibly overpowered conscience which makes you feel guilty and responsible when anything goes wrong. Of course, it MUST be your fault EVERYTIME. Though you're constantly on a mission to find the truth, you have no use for hard facts and logic, which is a source of great confusion for those of us with brains. Despite this, in a losing argument, you're not above spouting off inaccurate fact after fact in an effort to protect your precious values. You're most probably a perfectionist, which in this case, is a bad thing. Any group work is destined to fail because of your incredibly high standards. Disregard what I said before. You're just easy to find fault in as everyone else! Luckily, you're generally very hard on yourself, meaning I don't need to waste my precious time insulting you. Instead, just find all your own faults and insult yourself. ***************** If you want to learn more about your personality type in a slightly less negative way, check'>http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=INFP">check out this. *****************

Your 1950s Name is:

Betty Charlene

What's" your 1950s Name?

Your Quirk Factor: 47%

You're a pretty quirky person, but you're just normal enough to hide it.Congratulations - you've fooled other people into thinking you're just like them!

How Quirky Are You?

Your Personality Cluster is Introverted Thinking

You are: Objective, honest, and credibleIntellectually curious, with many diverse interestsMore inclined toward ideas than peopleFiercely independent and unapologetically unconventional

What's" Your Personality Cluster?

bored much?

You Are Jan Brady

Brainy and a little introverted, you tend to think life is a lot worse than it actually is.And while you may think you're a little goofy looking, most people consider you to be a major babe.

What Brady Are You?

after much anticipation

The moment has arrived, I got my speccie blood donor card in the mail today (double yay-factor whammie - I got mail, AND I found out my blood type on my new shiny card). After WEEKS of anticipation (never minding the fact I could probably have easily found out by looking on my birth certificate, I preferred to ignore that fact and savour the anticipation of waiting for my card) my blood type is...

A NEG


I was slightly disappointed - NEG sounds a little more pessimistic than POS, which has a more optimistic ring to it. But I'll get the all-knowing Anne to fill me in on the benefits of A NEG this arvo.

YAY BLOOD [donating]

doo be doo bah

Well because Emma, my wonderful friend, subtley hinted that I should update, I figured I'd better.

So what's new? Nothing much. Had my last uni exam on thursday (philosophy exams - *shudder*. I considered just drawing a giant question mark (a la Room with a View) and leaving it at that, but of course I could never bring myself to actually do it.) No alarms went off this time. And now I'm trying to find stuff to do, and get used to not feeling guilty that I'm not studying! Bliss!

Mum, Dad and Jon arrived back a bit over a week ago, and are settling back into life in Adelaide - no more ridiculously picturesque scenery greeting them everywhere they go (although the Adelaide hills aren't THAT bad) and daily trips to quaint and funky cafe's ;) There's an overall tally of 3000 photos to show for it as well!

And now there seem to be fire-engines apparently heading into the area around the church, so I think I'll go sus that one out... eep!
* Update 30 seconds later - they're not heading for the church, but for Eden Park. Apparently it's nothing big - lets hope so! There seems to be a theme running through my posts...

alarm bells

So had my first exam today- Classics. Only had one day to study for it (been working for the rest of the week on other essays - only one more to go: 2500 words in 36 hours? Easy! not.) so wasn't feeling majorly prepared. Regardless of that, it was going OK, had almost finished with half an hour to go... and the alarms went off!! That's right, the alarms. Shrieking alarms.

I half expected/hoped that those roof sprinklers would come on, but alas, no such luck. Everyone just sat there for about 5 mins not sure whether to run for their lives in a sudden frenzy or just ignore them and try and keep writing. The former won out (kind of, except it was more at a confused yet calm pace) and everyone was evacuated - that's right, the entire Wayville pavilion full of students doing their exams, in the writing zone, suddenly shuffling out onto the oval. A lot of people were pretty annoyed (especially if we have to resit it on the 18th) but personally I found it kind of exciting.

That's my story for today :P

Sleepy Cat

OK, so THIS is the final one - something cute to finish of the youtube wave...!!