Off to the Islands we go

I have a glorious ten days off work, starting tomorrow. I am home for the long Easter weekend and then on Tuesday Mum and I are heading up north to the Bay of Islands. Then we are coming home on Thursday and heading to Palmerston North on Friday until Sunday.

Photos of my beautiful country to come.

Day 20 - Your views on drugs and alcohol

If something is illegal it is generally illegal for a reason. Drugs are bad, but it is an each to your own decision. You just have to remember than when chemicals react with each other things change. Think about your brain and your body.

Drinking alcohol is a personal decision. I do drink but I do not force and impose alcohol on others. Some of my best friends do not drink and when I am around them I do not drink. I do not have a constant want to drink it is just a social thing. I was brought up around alcohol, my parents taught me that you do not need to get drunk, let alone drink, and that alcohol can effect people in bad ways.

The biggest thing I like to remember is that you don’t have to do something just because others are. Just because your peers do something they consider cool does not mean it is and does not mean you will be un-cool if you do not participate.

Day 19 - What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?

Religion and Politics are both driven or,in some way,used through the other. Some political leaders use religious view or reasons to gain power and respect. Some religious leaders use politics for reasoning. Most religions were highly politically charged up until the recent few centuries and in some cases decades.


I am a Roman Catholic. One of the most corrupt religions in the world. The religion was brought in, after having to hide for thousands of years, because Emperor Constantine (political) knew it would be easier to rule his empire under one religion instead of under several. The Church has learnt from its mistakes and has gotten better over the last couple of centuries. I have my reasons for being a Catholic. I will always stand up for Catholicism and I can because I was taught and I have learnt it’s history and it’s ways.

Religion is something that I think is beautiful. When a person is able to explain to you their beliefs, no matter what they be, and you can see the spark when they talk about them and you can feel the conviction in their voice. You can feel that they know what they are talking about to be the truth, it is amazing.

Without politics we would be nowhere. There have and will always be politics. Politics help enforce laws and help countries to grow and help people to be able to grow.

Neither are perfect and they most likely never will be. All that both systems can do is learn from the past and present and focus on what the future will bring about and how they will make it happen in the future.

Nothing But A Few Knobs To Start

This weekend I started my number unknown craft project. The cabinet knob coat hanger. I purchased the plank of wood and cabinet knobs last weekend, this weekend I purchased the paint and started the painting.

Tonight or one night this week I will get my brother to drill the holes in the plank of wood so that I can do the main colour of paint on it. Then hopefully by the end of the week I will have it finished and hanging on my wall ready to use, hopefully in use.

It is going to be very plain. However, I hope it does the job that I am intending it to. The knobs will be a trial, if they are not as successful at hanging coats and various other items off, I will replace them with hooks in a few weeks time. I am very excited!

Day 18 - Your views on gay marriage

Firstly, please note I was very weary about posting what I had written on this topic. I do know it is touchy for many people. However, I did promise to be as honest and truthful as possible.

Secondly, I want to ask, what are your views on same sex partners being married to each other?

My views aren’t always based on what I believe, as my biggest belief is that everyone is entitled to be happy and live a happy life as long as they do not murder others (forcefully and intentionally take another person’s life from them, with the exemption of self defence and Human Rights abiding war). I like to have hope that letting everyone live in a world where they are allowed to be happy will over power their want to commit means acts on others.

I, also, have a very each to their own view on life. If a person chooses to do something that is not something I personally would do, all that matters is that they are happy and they are not forcing what they are doing on me.

“…a person’s a person, no matter how small.” – Horton Hears a Who! by Theodor Seuss Geisel

Two of my friends that I have known since high school are gay. They don’t forcefully push it into my face, but I have no problem with them being gay.

In terms of the age old debate of marriage, which has and still has many different definitions based on ethnicity, religion and culture, it is nice to believe that such a big commitment is taken by two people who love each other and are committing themselves to withstand the test of time.

My views on gay marriage are the same as my view on marriage between two people of opposite sexes. As long as two people are happy, in love and willing to be together forever they should be allowed to spend forever together.

This is an each to their own debate that will continue for many years to come, if not decades and centuries. However, free speech is a human right and it is a very lucky thing to have. It also brings some great debates with it. Let’s keep them friendly and lets keep them happy. I love to hear all different opinions and views.

Day 17 - A book you’ve read that changed your views on something

N.B. These guiding phrase that are given in these "30 day challenges" are very vauge. This could be has been fustrating in some cases. Anywho, enjoy!

There have been many books that I have read, many of these which I love to this day, but they have all taken a part in shaping my veiw of certain things. At this very moment I can not think of an exact book, of an exact moment when my veiws changed and of an exact view that changed. All I can think is that J.K. Rowling made me want to be a wizard, F. Scott Fitzgerald made me want to move to Long Island in the 20's, but just to enjoy the summer parties, and Janet Evanovich made me want to become a bounty hunter.

Everyday I am so grateful for the chances I have been given in life. One of the many things that I am grateful for is that I was taught how to read and that I can read any book that I want to. I have no restrictions over the written words that I choose to read. All the books that I have ever read have changed my views on many things, but they have at least made me grateful for the factor that they are able to change my views.

Day 16 - Someone or something you definitely could live without

This was so hard to think of and as I came up with nothing I have decided that something I could definitely live without is devastation.

It really hurts when you see the news and it features crazy regimes that countries have where children are fighting a war that no body can really even remember why they are at war. When you watch the news and hear stories about children being neglected or abused, or of any one being abused. The news stories you get about murder and death.

I definitely could live without devastation. I know it’s not a reality and it is all just the cycle of life and, in cases, the cycle of the world, but it is something I could live without.

This will make you smile.

Ouch

One thing that I know for certain is that I would not like to have this apple thrown at me. It is as hard as a really hard rock, making it hard to eat.

That person that said eating healthy isn’t easy was right.

Day 15 - Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it

It has come to my attention that these statements I have to respond to are not easy. They are not easy in the slightest. They are, at times, extremely hard and brain racking can only account for a certain amount of greatness.

If I had to pick something that I could not live without, and I do believe there was a time that I tried my hardest not to do it, is complaining about certain things. These “things” could be anything from a stupid email somebody at work sends me to a friend buying a cat when they are only just making ends meats to a friend being ten minutes late in meeting me somewhere.

It is extremely easy to complain about anything. I do try my hardest not to complain about everything and just move on with it. However, there are certain times where I know if I do not get it out I will explode eventually and, trust me, it is not pretty.

This particular “thing” of complaining seems like such a small, miniscule, thing that the majority of people do participate in. Finding other ways to get the reasons that you are complaining off your chest is not as simple as going for a walk to loose weight. Being able to find a way is an achievement especially if you are shy or a person who avoids conflict like the plague.

Well, its seems that all I wanted to inform you off it that whole spiel of information is that the one thing that I have tried living without that I couldn’t live with out is the act of complaining. Maybe I will make it a goal next year, possibly this year, to find an outlet or learn to be more confident and less scared of conflict.

Procrastination is my favourite thing

Dealing with ABCs

A= Available – Sadly, Yes 
B= Best Friend – Rach and Nid.
C= Cake or pie - Cake. Chocolate with icing.  
D= Drink of choice – Wierdly, I love water. But other than that I love the taste of Mountain Dew and L&P, and the best Raspberry and Lemonade is comprised of Schweppes Dry Lemonade and Raspberry cordial.
E= Essential item you use everyday – Toilet paper.
F= Favorite color - Purple.
G= Gummy bears or worms – Sour Gummy Bears, they’re just so cute that you have to eat them. 
H= Hometown – North Shore City, Auckland, New Zealand.
I= Indulgences – Guylian Chocolate Seashells.
J= January or February – January.
K= Kids and Names – Girl, Hadley. Boy, Can’t remember the name right now. 
L= Life is incomplete without? – Someone to w-h-ine with.
M= Marriage date – Refer to “A”.
N= Number of siblings – One older brother, one half older brother.
O= Oranges or apples - Feijoas
P= Phobias or Fears – I am scared of the dark. 
Q= Favorite Quote - “…tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther…” — The Great Gatsby by F.Scott Fitzgerald.
R= Reason to smile - Life.
S= Season - Autumn.
T= Tag 3 or 4 people – That’s a bit unfair, normally you only have to tag one person and then it is there turn to chase you or someone else.
U= Unknown fact about me – It is so unknown that not even I am aware of it.
V= Vegetable you don't like – Brussel sprouts.
W= Worst habit - Procrastination.
X= X-rays – My wrist, my humorous, my thumb.
Y= Your favorite food – Steak, lamb, KFC chicken skin (crazy and gross, I know), Time Out chocolate bars, and many more.
Z= Zodiac Sign – I am a Virgo and for more procrastination I am going to see how much of a Virgo I am.

A Virgo is a:

I have highlighted the similarities by bolding and underlining them.

THE Zodiacal Sign of Virgo commences on August 21st, but for seven days it does not come into its full power until on or about August 29th. From this date onwards it is in full strength until September 20th, and is then for seven days gradually losing its strength on account of becoming overlapped by the "cusp" of the incoming sign - Libra.
The emblem of Virgo, a virgin holding sheaves of wheat in her hands symbolizes wisdom, garnered in the fields of experience. Like the true virgin, most Virgos are shy and Virgo is also idealistic.
With a Mercury as the ruling planet, people born under this sign are quick thinking and observant. They define pure modesty; they can't bear to be taken care of, they prefer to take care of others.
People who were born in this period are as a rule generally successful in life. They have keen, good intellects, are very discriminating about those with whom they associate, and in all business matters they have good judgment, and are not easily imposed upon or deceived.
They are usually materialistic in their views of life, and analyze and reason everything from their own way of thinking outwards. These people are and attracted to only that knowledge that can be applied usefully. They will happily share this information with anyone, if it confirms their own usefulness in the world, and brings them eagerly out of there shells.
These people can become good literary critics, being quick to see the weak points. They are extremely fond of harmony in their surroundings, have excellent taste about their house and dress, and always want things in good taste, and elegant.
Virgos are usually fastidious about their personal appearance, have a great respect for rank and position, and are great supporters of the law and the law's decisions. They usually develop this skill to improve themselves and their surroundings as they place great pride in tangible achievements. These people may spend part of their lives heading off on detours and then suddenly emerge as someone with a remarkable sense of direction. They can adjust easily to change once they find a way of fitting the new situation into their routine.
They are inclined to become wrapped up in themselves and their own ideas, and often become selfish in the close pursuit of their aims.
These people are more capable of going to extremes in good and evil than any other type.
If they develop a love for money they will stick at nothing to acquire it, and this type is often considered cunning and crafty at the expense of others.
In love they are the most difficult to understand, the very best and the very worst of men and women being born in this part of the year. To people born under this sign love is not dramatic, emotional, or sentimental. Love for them is devotion and will include love of family, friends, and those less fortunate than he or she. There is no pretense involved in how they act or what they say. Marriage is a major commitment; they value their union as both a love relationship and a working partnership. A warm relationship brings out the best in anyone born under this sign because basically they are kind, devoted and very loyal.
Disappointment, however, can harden them into a cynic and a skeptic. Virgos consequently become quite critical with themselves as well as with circumstances, due to the effect of such disappointments on a sensitive and discriminating nature.

Virgo - The Sign of the Harvest Goddess

The people who were born under the sign of Virgo have the strongly advanced analytical mind and all the time trying to glue labels on everything they see. They have sharp feelings of taste, time, hearing and sense of smell. The symbol of this sign is Virgo. It does not mean, that they are pure and sinless . It means that heir amazing abilities to observe allow them to see all the human lacks. Usually they do not like everything that they see, and they withdraw like Virgo.

Friends

People born under this sign have difficulty making friends. They won't make the first step until they feel absolutely comfortable with this people. Yet when they do make the effort, these people are capable of achieving extraordinary things. They can find their most lasting friendships with those born in their own Sign, also from April 20 to May 20-27.

Health

In health, as a rule, they are less liable to diseases than persons born in any other part of the year, yet the strange thing about them is that they are always imagining themselves to have every illness that they may happen to read about. They are very refined in their tastes as far as food is concerned, and must have things nicely put before them or they will lose their appetites. Health-conscious Virgo makes an effort to stay physically fit and they don't mind repetitive exercise routines, if they can see achievable outcomes. You enjoy tennis, racquetball, swimming, sailing, fishing, and biking, even though athletically they are not overly competitive. They are extremely sensitive to their surroundings; the least disharmony or annoyance affects their nervous system and upsets their digestive organs. These people have a tendency to have chest trouble, and to suffer from neuritis in the shoulder and arms. If badly mated, or living under inharmonious marriage conditions, they easily fall into ill health or get extremely despondent. They should never drink alcohol, as it seems to be more a poison to them than to any ether class.

Colour

Their most suitable colours are all very pale shades and silvery, shimmering materials.

Stones

The birth stones, for this period are emeralds, diamonds and pearls. – TAKE NOTE, my birthday is coming up you know!

Day 14 - A hero that has let you down.

Dear Hero that has let me down,

Not to sure who you are, but clearly you suck for letting me down. Can you please reveal yourself and inform me what you did to let me down.

I plan to kick your behind to mars and back.

Much Love,

Cheryl

Whoa… this is so cool…

Lately I have been reading load of different blogs, clicking all the links they suggest and finding some real awesome stuff.

I have come across this website:

It features some really awesome, like on a scale of one to ten I would choose 10, stuff.

I have already started working on one of the ideas I got from the site, although I can not find the link to it now – typical, lucky I have a good memory. It is a coat rack, but instead of having hooks to hang your coats on it uses knobs off dressers, wardrobes, etc.

Now I know that I have started so many projects that are yet to be finished, but I figured this will help me organize my bedroom floor which will lead to more organization and time to work on my projects.

Now this, right here, is super cool. I would love to make so many. Have my wall covered in the alphabet – use up all the power that is available to New Zealand.

On the subject of projects: I started sewing some of my squares together for my quilt the other week. It is going to be a very long process to finish this quilt. I am not going to rush it, and I have a feeling I may not be finished with sewing the squares together any time soon. And, by some squares I mean about eight of the 2in x 2in squares. Yea.. I've only got about one hundred more to go.

Baby’s gone away

A few weeks ago I wrote about my baby getting bad news about being terminal, so I had to get a new car.

This is my baby. A 1992 Mitsubishi RVR. I had her for just over two years. She got taken away on Saturday morning.

I am missing her a little bit. However, I am so happy with my new baby. I have named my new baby Charlie and will have a naming party soon to christen her.

Day 13 - A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough as days.

Paul, John, George and Ringo,

Thank you so much for having created such amazing songs. Thank you for being so amazing that my father listened to you, and completely adored you – so much in fact he basically had a shrine to you. Thank you so much for making such great music that my father introduced me to you.

You guys where the HELP! I got from the iPod on my first visit alone to visit my Dad’s grave. You are the Yellow Submarine’s that are needed for any good sing along. When I’ve had a Hard Days Night I know that you will always be there for me.

I do not listen to you as much as I should, so I just want to thank you for being there whenever I need you. Your music is in my blood, thank you.

Love & Submarines,

Cheryl

Just push it in…

So, I work as a receptionist/accounts girl/administration girl/doing the tasks that people, who get paid a whole lot more than me, don’t want to do – even though it’s actually their job. One of the many tasks I have is keeping the meeting rooms and board room tidy and ready to go when the need arises.

ALERT: This is a rant!

I do not understand why people can not push their chairs in.

Pushing my chair in is something that was drilled into me since I could get myself off of a chair. It requires very few steps.

1. Stand up from chair.
2. Move behind chair.
3. Push chair under table/desk/etc.

How easy is that?! But then I guess when I am talking about the same people who I had to send out instructions on how to use a dishwasher (see below) I am not going to win, ever!

Rant over, for now.

Happy 150th

This post. This post right here. This post right here is my 150th blog post. This post right here is my 150th blog post, ever.

This is my first blog. This is the first time I have written a blog. This is such an awesome time, being able to say I have a blog and I have posted on it one hundred and fifty times.

Happy 150th Post! I am so glad and grateful to keep this blog.

I am so glad and grateful that the best neighbour, anyone could ask for, introduced me to blogger.com.

I am so glad and grateful I made a pledge to myself to actually post.

I am so glad and grateful I have the ability to look back and see my past.

Here’s to the next 150 and many more after that!

Day 12 - Something you never get compliments on

Again, this will sound as vain as it possibly could. But, I never get compliments on my manners. I always say please and always say thank you. I am always patient. I always wait for everyone to be at the table. I always follow the general guidelines when it comes to manners.

Now, I do understand that manners should just be an etiquette that each person adheres by and should not expect compliments on. So really, I was just trying to find something that people never compliment me on. (See how vain does that sound.)

Typically, I couldn’t think of something that I never get compliments on. Not for the fact that I get hundreds of compliments. The reason is I don’t like to think negatively. As easy as it is, and as much as I do. I think that negative thinking just brings negativity to life. So, I am not even pondering on what people don’t compliment me on. For the first time in a long long time I am genuinely happy.

I am at peace with myself and trying to think of something that people don’t compliment me on is not worth it. It is not worth the self criticising it will bring. It is not worth the constant floating back and forth thoughts it will bring. It is not worth the whys? and the what ifs? It is not worth it.

Day 11 - Something people seem to compliment you the most on

This is really hard to answer. I have been raking my brain for the last hour or so and can’t think of anything. Well, of course I can but at the same time I hate sounding vain and I just can’t pick one or think of the exact thing the compliment’s have been about.

My boss – female – told me the other week that I should become a nurse as I have such a great respect for humans and am very compassionate.

My friends – female – always tell me that they want my breasts. I tell them they can have them, along with the cost of buying a decent bra in the size needed. (I did not want to include this, but I promised I would be as honest as possible with this 30 day challenge.)

My aunty – always tells me how lovely my hair is.

Most people – always tell me how lovely my hair is.

So, I would have to take a ,wild, guess here and go with my hair. My hair is something people seem to compliment me on the most. Cheryl, your hair is so shiny! Cheryl, I am jealous that your hair curls so nicely, and jealous that it does that naturally! Cheryl, hair hair hair hair hair hair hair hair hair hair hair hair!

Vain enough?

It’s coming

Summer is an awesome season. Why? The sun shines. It is generally hot all hours of the day, even though this becomes an annoyance when you can’t sleep due to heat. But you don’t have to worry about wearing tonnes of layers of clothing.

Summer has come to an end.

When I got home from work yesterday the first thing I did was:

Put the jug on so I could have a hot drink as…

…it was pouring with rain outside. Not a nice summer rain,it was freezing winter rain.

While waiting for the jug to boil I got into my “PJs”. I don’t really wear PJs so I just have lots of PJ pants and shorts and just wear men's sweaters with them.

I sat inside my house all night, doing course work and watching TV, before going to bed at 9.30 pm. This last weekend we changed the clocks back an hour for day light savings. It has messed my body clock up completely.

Sure, I can sleep until my normal 6.20ish am, but as soon as I look outside and see pitch black my brain goes “Oh, it must be about 9 pm now, time to start getting tired so you can go to bed in an hour in a half.”

Hopefully, after this weekend, my clock will be back to normal and let me have my extra hour in the evening.

I am welcoming winter with open arms. Not that I really have a choice, Winter is coming.

Family love

Me talking to my brothers partner.

She has a cold. She has been told to suck on hard candy because she is not allowed cold medicine. The joys of pregnancy.

Day 10 - Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know

At this point in time, as far as I am aware, there is nobody I need to let go of or wish I didn’t know. Sure, there are times I would like to whack some people.

There has been a case or two where there has been a person or two that I had to get out of my life, and I do have no problem doing that. But, not just to anyone. The person would have to do something really terrible that I did not agree with or act in a way that I just couldn’t put up with.

Really, I just hope that I have learnt enough from past situations and I don’t manage to allow those sorts of people into my life again.

Day 09 - Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted

This is going to sound very selfish, but the “someone” that I didn’t want to let go of but just drifted from is myself 15 years ago. I was such an independent child. I could go up to anyone and talk to them without needing to build up courage. We would go out for dinner, we would be sitting at our table waiting for our food and I would turn around and talk to the people sitting behind us or to the side of us.

I didn’t have a worry in the world that was related to friends, money, petrol, work, self image. I was worried about whether the sun would shine or not. I was worried about what sport or game we would be playing at lunch time. I was worried that my Barbie's would have to be put away by a certain time because I hadn’t done as I was asked and I lost play time.

Why is it that children tell the truth and can point out the blatant honest points of problems? Why is it that adults take twice as long, if not longer, to do this? Why do we get our innocence taken from us the minute we realise there is more to life than mud pies and trading cards?

I do not know exactly when I lost my innocence, but I can tell you it was a long time ago. I didn’t choose to, or want to. I just drifted from it.

Sometimes…

There are certain things that make different people happy, that make them smile an uncontrollable smile.

For me it is music. Hearing a really awesome song. I used to have a set style of music that I listened to. Not any more. I will listen to everything now. Rock used to be my one and only, then it turned to pop rock, now everything. As long as the song has a great beat, awesome music and nice lyrics I will listen to it.

This song: The Show Goes On by Lupe Fiasco, is what is currently making me smile so big that the people at my work are going to start asking me questions soon.

I have also decided that I need to go back to my roots, so I have created a CD I am going to listen to on the way home with Paramore, Escape the Fate, The Academy Is, Story of the Year, Gym Class Heroes, and a few others on so I can relive being 16 again.

Day 08 - Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit

Meh… I can not think of an answer to this. Sure, there have been people who I have wanted to throw over a bridge because of their actions towards me but never any one who has made that much of a significance in my life that I remember it to this day.

As sad as it is, we are always going to have bullies. Bullies at school. Bullies at home. Bullies in the work place. Bullies in your friend groups. We all just have to make a conscience effort to treat these bullies the way we would like to be treated and hope that “killing them with kindness” will make the bully realise that there is a different way to treat people and still get what you want. And, when killing them with kindness doesn’t work eliminating them from your life will.

I always like to remember the saying I was brought up with.

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”

Day 07 - Someone who has made your life worth living for

My Mother. She made me and she has looked after me ever since then. She is the best Mother I could have ever wished for. Everyday I am thankful to have her and am thankful for everything she does for me.