ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Help Needed!

2012-02-07T18:45:00.000+11:00

If you're reading this and you're a teenager could you pretty please 'with a cherry on top' take this survey for me? It won't take much of your time and you don't have to answer every question. It's for a major assessment task I have to hand in for school, worth about 40% of the final course marks. It's mainly on 'is there a decline in reading among teenagers?' I'll need the results as soon as possible so if you could please complete it as soon as you read this I'll love you forever.

Here's the link: http://kwiksurveys.com?s=LKEKLJ_fcbb6045

A million thanks in advance!

Books I've Read This Year

2011-12-31T10:36:00.001+11:00

It has been a bit of a tradition for me to write down the names of all the books I have read each year. It's actually a pretty great idea to keep a record of every book you've read, as any bookworm would be interested in looking at that list and reminiscing. There weren't many good books released this year, and my local library seems to despise YA, but I did read (in order):

I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Have To Kill You – Ally Carter
Cross My Heart And Hope To Spy – Ally Carter
Don't Judge A Girl By Her Cover – Ally Carter
Only The Good Spy Young – Ally Carter
Torment – Lauren Kate
Illusions – Aprilynne Pike
Night Star – Alyson Noël
Ever Lasting – Alyson Noël
Dracula – Bram Stoker
Tales Of Beedle The Bard – J.K. Rowling
Jasper Jones – Craig Silvey
Fade – Lisa McMann
Hades – Alexandra Adornetto
Frankenstein – Mary Shelley
Jar City – Arnaldur Indridason
Skulduggery Pleasant – Derek Landy
Playing with Fire – Derek Landy
The Faceless Ones – Derek Landy
Dark Days – Derek Landy
Mortal Coil – Derek Landy
Death Bringer – Derek Landy
Hush Hush – Becca Fitzpatrick
The Rosie Black Chronicles: Genesis – Lara Morgan
Heist Society – Ally Carter
Passion – Lauren Kate

Next year I plan to beat this record, even though senior year is supposed to entirely be spent studying.
I'll see you hopefully in the New Year. Have a great one!

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

7 Best Ways to Waste Time on the Web (Guest Post by Sara McDowell)

2011-11-22T21:43:00.000+11:00

Coming up with a Best Of list on Tumblr can be fun if nothing else. However, it made us think of the best ways to waste some time on the web that are almost completely useless. Below is the resulting list.

1. Pogo – Even if you don’t love video games, Pogo has loads of past times for anyone interested in killing a few minutes or hours. Play old arcade favorites, new games, and even board games online with friends or strangers. Visit now and thank us way, way later when you’re finally done playing.

2. Cute Overload – No matter what your poison from kittens to babies, there is something incredibly cute for all. Images come several times a day and include hilarious quotes to come with. There is even a special section to send in your pics.

3. Bluntcard – If the above is too cute for you, stop here for a comic strip/adult humor that will have you saying, “I should have said that.” Norman Rockwell and images from the 50s
are often accompanied by fitting quotes.

4. Runescape – Wish you were into WoW but don’t feel like spending the monthly fee? There’s a site for that. This is the world’s most popular free MMORPG and features the same sword in the stone adventures as its paid competitors at no charge.

5. The Onion – Sick of all that real news? Then stop here to get the best in fake headlines. Politics, sports, entertainment, and more are all taken on by the stories you wish that were or are glad never happened.

6. Woot – No matter what you are looking for, Woot probably has it on sale on the site. Whether looking for a Snuggie or the latest piece of tech, the site can have you digging around for hours checking out the best deals.

7. Quidbids – If the above doesn’t cut it, visit here at your own peril. One of the leaders in micro-bidding, participating or even looking at auctions can be engrossing. Bids themselves cost a couple cents each, and those who bid smartly can walk off with big ticket items at microscopic prices.

This article was submitted by Sara McDowell. She owns the site Video Game Design and is an avid Gamer.

Pottermore

2011-10-27T08:47:00.001+11:00

I'm sure we all know what Pottermore is by now. I know a lot of you have read the Harry Potter books or at least seen the movie, but if you don't know what that site is, you should click that link. Simply put, Pottermore is awesome. It's like the books have come to life and we can see what every scene is supposed to look like. I was one of the lucky few (well, a million people got in, but still…) to get early entry and be a beta tester. It was incredibly nerve-racking. What if I get into Hufflepuff? Or even worse, Gryffindor? But when the time came for me to do the sorting hat quiz, I was filled with relief. Welcome to Slytherin. You cannot believe how happy I was to find I wouldn't have to face an identity crisis. Although, of one thing I wasn't happy about: my wand. Brittle. My wand is brittle. What is this? But I guess the fact that it's Redwood with dragon core makes up for it.

If you have an account on Pottermore, I think you should add me. I'm CrimsonSilver14 :-)

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Seventeen And Reflecting

2011-07-27T08:55:00.002+10:00

Almost a week ago it was my seventeenth. I didn't blog as I was in Sydney for an over-night Ancient History excursion, which turned out to be better than expected. When I was little, I expected to have a glamorously fabulous life at the age of seventeen. I thought I'd have a boyfriend, be popular, and acing every subject. I'd have a job as a receptionist at a vet, where I'll someday work once I got a university degree. I saw myself driving, being materialistic, and saying 'totally' all the time. Just like in the movies; I got my influence from the media. But gosh things change after time. I'm seventeen and have never had any sort of relationship with a boy other than being just friends. I don't have my license, let alone know how to start the car engine. I'm really unpopular and would much rather study in the library during lunch break than hang with friends. I'm not materialistic at all, and don't even know how to use any type of 'touch' devices [phones, iPods...]. The thought of becoming a vet makes my head hurt, as I'm no where near smart enough to become one. Things change so much over time, and this recent realization has made me question my future. I see myself going to the best university in NSW, doing a Masters of Creative Writing, getting a job as an editor at HarperCollins, and living in the beautiful Sydney city. What if this doesn't happen? What if, just like how I saw myself at seventeen, the complete opposite happens? I know we shouldn't live a life based on 'what ifs' but this realization really scares me.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Review: Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part Two

2011-07-15T22:38:00.004+10:00

I set high expectations for the final movie in the Harry Potter series. I wasn't going to accept anything that didn't stick close to the book's storyline. This final instalment was under considerable pressure, being the movie that will finalize everything, but you know what? It was wonderful. It was amazing. It was purely awesome.
There were many highly charged emotional scenes, the emotional weight being put mainly on Harry's shoulders. I don't think anyone who would call themselves a fan of the Harry Potter franchise could watch the entire film without crying. The scenes and the speeches, knowing what will come next; leaves us to reflect with great infatuation. The scenes that brought on the most tears were towards the end. Snape. That is all I can say: Snape. I cannot go into detail how emotional I felt after seeing that scene; it was sadder in the movie than the books although not as much was explained. The scene before Harry enters the Forbidden Forest was just as bad [in the sense that I could have created a tsunami].
When the long-anticipated Battle of Hogwarts erupts, we were somewhat greeted with an anticlimax of sorts. Instead of getting stuck into the action, our attention was being frequently diverted away. I expected a lot more from that scene, albeit I can't deny that my favourite line from the entire movie took place there. "Not my daughter you bitch." Oh, I was thrilled that they put that line in the movie. Still, the action was what held my attention throughout. It was sleek, fast and exciting, especially when the trio were escaping the Room of Requirement that was being engulfed with fiendfyre. I even held my breath as I wondered if they'd make it out safely, even though I'd read Deathly Hallows a few times.
Some scenes appeared odd on the widescreen, such as the one containing Dumbledore [trying to avoid spoilers here]. It followed J.K. Rowling's description, yet I couldn't stop thinking about how… out of place it looked. The most disappointing scene was certainly the aftermath of the Battle. There was no great bang to the end of it. There was no time for viewers to ponder over it, as the movie immediately cut to a happy-looking Harry. The outcome to the Battle just didn't look significant.
I couldn't believe how much Hogwarts had changed since the first movie, before childish rivalries were replaced with unforgivable curses. It has definitely become a much darker movie. The colours red and black appeared all over the castle, as Voldemort's followers tore it apart. It was like a part of me was being broken into pieces, and I couldn't stop it. It was heartbreaking to see what was happening to this magnificent castle.
There was little room for comedy this time around. It is a bleak and serious atmosphere. It was too hard to laugh after seeing so many beloved characters die. The two hour movie was full of death, love and sacrifice. It is definitely the best movie out of the eight, and even though a lot was left out, fans shouldn't be disappointed.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

The Best...

2011-07-12T11:21:00.002+10:00

I saw this on Tumblr and felt like doing it. I know it's a rather pointless post, but it's better than going long periods of time without blogging, right?

Best Show: Heroes
Best Band: The Ting Tings
Best Single Artist: Taylor Swift
Best Book: All the books in the Harry Potter series.
Best Character: Sylar from Heroes.
Best Actor: Johnny Depp
Best Actress: Angelina Jolie
Best Movie: Bolt
Best Smell: Hot chips and the smell of rain.
Best Color: Royal blue
Best Food: Anything from KFC
Best Beverage: Diet Cola. I must sound really unhealthy...
Best Sound: The sound made when Spyro [from the Sypro the Dragon video games] walks across a bridge :-P
Best Weather: Stormy: lightning, rain, wind
Best Concept/Idea/Object/Person: A dream. It's so interesting and so weird how our minds can come up with these images, without our truly knowing, once we've fallen asleep. How they can make us spend the next day pondering over them, and the fact that we can't really prove their existence.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

ЯANdOM ЯAWR Turns Two

2011-06-12T18:50:00.002+10:00

Today is my second blogoversary, and I can tell you that I honestly can't believe it's been that long. I remember starting a blog; thinking of what I should write about and how to get readers. Back then I blogged everyday, and sometimes twice a day, about silly, boring things that make me shake my head in disbelief when I flip through the archives. Nowadays I don't have the time to blog mainly due to school-related things, but I hope to get back to regular posting soon. I'm so thankful that you've stuck with me for this long. It really means a lot.
In the meantime, I created this video as I wanted to do something different for my blogoversary this year. It's not very good though, being my first solo vlog.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Vintage

2011-06-06T15:57:00.002+10:00

Madalyn is currently hosting a photo competition over at her blog, and the theme is vintage. The photo below is my entry. Hope you like it Liz.

I think you should go over there and enter too, unless you already have. Be quick though, it closes on the 18th. And while you're over there make sure you follow her blog, because it's that great.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Kreativ Blogger Award

2011-06-04T17:00:00.002+10:00

The amazing Mackenzie has given me the Kreativ Blogger Award, merci! Everyone should go visit her blog as it's one of my favourites. I've received this award three or four times now, yet I still don't see what's so creative about my blog. I have to tell ten facts about myself:

• I actually kind of like Friday by Rebecca Black, but then again, I like almost every song [that doesn't include Justin Bieber.]
• You don't know the meaning of 'fussy eater' until you've met me. No seriously, and you thought you were bad.
• For my birthday I want a Unicorn vs. Narwhal playset.
• I have minor dextrophobia. It's a fear of objects being placed to the right of the body. Don't laugh at me.
• My most overused phrases are: 'therein lies the paradox', 'curiouser and curiouser' and 'two birds, one stone'.
• Lately I've been really into indie music, like, stuff by Paloma Faith, Darwin Deez and Passion Pit. Several years ago I would never go near indie music.
• I have never had a boyfriend.
• For the past two years I've been doing all my assignments at the last minute.
• My subjects are: extension + advanced English, ancient history, French, legal studies, math, and society and culture. In case you were curious. Also, next year I'll have eight classes altogether.
• To me, sleep is a presage of horror. I have nightmares so often that I longer know the difference between a nightmare and a dream, so I sleep as little as possible.
Now I must pick ten bloggers to give this to. This is always my least favourite part as I don't know who to pick as it's unfair to others. So. I'm giving this award to the last ten bloggers who commented on my blog. Alex, Ashikinz, Be, Cait, Hannah, Isabella, Jennoelle, Liz, Sally and Shelley. Congrats guys!

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Things I'm Currently Loving

2011-05-22T08:56:00.007+10:00

• My new school

• The fact I don't have to wear a uniform anymore
• New season of Vampire Diaries
• Big, fluffy ugg boots
• How my hair feels after washing it
• This wintery weather
• Receiving long emails
• Hats with animal ears
• Highways [the band, not the road]
• Staying up late, tweeting
• Entering competitions
• Going home three hours early from school
• Orange flavoured Tic-Tacs
• My new blue iPod
• Having teased hair
• Downloading new music
• Online shopping

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

The End Is Near

2011-05-20T16:01:00.006+10:00

Apparently the world is ending this Saturday at 6pm local time for everyone. I don't think I believe it, but there's a part of me that does. I'm half terrified and half excited. I have a huge fear of death, I'd even go to the extent of creating horcruxes and would even drink the blood of my pet unicorn if it means I get an extended life. I really hope it doesn't end tomorrow, as I've spent ages studying for my Ancient History exam which is next week. So much wasted time! At least let me sit this exam first.
I have the biggest urge to walk down the main street in town tomorrow with a sign that says "The End Is Near", and tell everyone that the world will end at sundown. Hah.
I'm getting dressed up in my best clothes still, even if it's just a silly hoax. You can all laugh at me on Sunday morning for my gullibility. I'm doing it in case it does happen. I mean, I don't want to stand in front of Jesus on Judgment Day in my pajamas.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Homesick For My Home

2011-05-19T08:16:00.001+10:00

I've had enough of this town. I hate living here and I hate the fact that I'll still be living here for another year and a half, until I can finally move back to Sydney. The years spent here have been the worst years of my life, though unfortunately, they're the only years I can recall. I don't belong here. I feel like a wild bird captured and placed within a prison of metal wiring. This isn't my home, nor has it ever been or ever will be. My home is in Sydney, and every day I'm not there I feel more and more homesick. I miss it! I miss happiness, I miss belonging, and most of all, I miss myself. This town has made me into someone I'm not, which obviously isn't a good thing. I feel as though the person I am in this town isn't the real me. I feel like I'm in another's body. I really want to leave, now, please. I want to forget that I ever lived here. I want to erase all the memories I've accumulated in this hell. Nothing good has happened to me here. Nothing. If anyone from my future home asks me where I went to school, I won't tell them. I'll tell them the name but not the location. I'll keep in contact with my closest friends, but no one else. I'll block all the memories out. Except for when the high school reunion invite reaches my mail; I'll go there just to laugh at all the poor souls still stuck in limbo. Yes, I really hate this town.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Own It!

2011-05-14T15:51:00.003+10:00

This is a short story I wrote for a creative writing competition. I wrote it at eleven o'clock at night, and was supposed to be based on the words 'own it', which is why it happens to be one of my least favourite stories I've ever written. I hope you like it anyway. [Note: Hasn't been proofread. May contain lots of errors.]

After being held captive in this house for almost four months, I've found that the best time to make an escape is at night. The house has no security cameras, no locks and no guards. You'd think it's the easiest escape. Well, it is, I just hadn't found the right reason behind my escape until now. The thing about being captured like a rock in a sock is that you have no life outside of your confinement. They give you a place to live and provide things for you, because without any food or care, you'd be of no use to them. I needed food, or else they couldn't use my healing powers. They kept me as an object they could use whenever they wanted, and I've finally had enough. Actually, I've always had enough of being their instrument, but tonight I've found a way out. A way to claim back my life.
The other night I was wandering about the west wing of the building, where all the stolen artefacts are kept, when I overheard the house keeper conversing with my capturer. I stepped back into the shadows and remained as silent as possible, listening. In this world I've learnt to accept that the impossible most usually is possible. So when I overheard them talking about a magical waterfall located at the end of the forest that surrounded the house, I wasn't in disbelief. Not even the knowledge that it contained magical properties that would grant the greatest wish of whoever drank its contents ― not even that ― triggered my scepticism. Actually, it caused me to put my plan into action and leave this house, hopefully forever.
This was the thing I'd been searching for since I was told I'll never leave this prison again, and I decided right there and then that I'd leave the house the following Sunday night. I chose to sneak out after everyone had fallen asleep, at two in the morning, out the back door using the key hidden precociously beneath the mat.
That's how I find myself standing in front of a forest in the middle of the night. Alone. In darkness. Trying not to worry about the fact that a wild animal could and would eat me, I take in a deep breath and trudge forward.
The murky woods encase me immediately, and I dare myself to continue onwards into the unknown. Nature falls heavily around me when I enter the mouth of the beast. The chilly breeze whips the long strands of hair into my flesh, whilst it attempts to push me off balance and take me with it. It dances with the moist leaves in the treetops and disappears into nothing. For a moment everything is calm. All I hear is the sound of my feet stepping lightly on the litter, breaking twigs here and there, and everything is ominously peaceful. Looking up I see the full moon cast its glory onto the bleak earth, showing me that there's nothing to be afraid of. I push my hair out of my face and beckon my heart rate to slow down, when I hear the distinct howl of a dog coming from somewhere in the distance. The winds pick up again and I wrap my arms around me. Am I terrified? Absolutely. Am I turning back? Absolutely not. I am determined to find this waterfall and use its magical water, even if it turns out to be a scam. Though I have no idea where I'm headed and what direction to follow, I know I'm on the right track. I'm on the path that'll lead me to what I've wanted for a long time: sovereignty over my life. Besides, it was already too late to turn back.
After what I think was half an hour of walking, every last trace of fear has left my body. When the velvety leaves kiss my arms and call me to join them, I shake my head and refuse to go insane. Not even the hooting of a barn owl will make my heart collapse, nor can the well-built spider webs that I continuously have to unclutter myself from discourage me. In fact, I'm planning on taking a quick breather when it dawns on me that I am there. The waterfall. I’ve reached it.
Through the gaps in the trees is what I can make out as a cascade. I hear the beautiful sound of the slow stream of water gushing from its mouth, and suddenly the environment begins to lighten slightly. It takes me about fifty-six seconds to realise what’s happening and where I am. That’s when an odd feeling fills my stomach and I feel like I’m floating through air, when really I’m just trying my hardest to clomp through the mud without falling. I push stray branches out of the way in my quest to make it to the waterfall before it evaporates.
I stand before the water, mesmerised by the thought of it being magical. There is a mist of water coming from the pool and the floor looks like it’s made of diamonds. The water smells, uh, a lot like water, and I don’t want to go any further in case it turns out to be a figment of my imagination. However, there’s only one way of finding out if the house keeper was telling the truth. I reach my hand deep into the right-hand pocket of my pants, and retrieve the small plastic container I took from the dinner table. Feebly I dip the container into the water and capture the liquid gold. Do I dare drink it? Am I willing to accept the consequence of doing so? I think I am. If drinking this unidentified magical substance will give me back what is mine, then there is no fear or regret in me. I want to swallow victory and have possession of my own life.
I close my eyes and slowly bring the container towards my ready lips.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

To-Do List 2011

2011-04-29T19:43:00.001+10:00

• ~~Have a successful start at my new school~~
• ~~Get hair permanently straightened~~
• ~~See one of my favourite bands live~~
• Travel overseas
• Buy all the Spyro games on PlayStation
• Go to Big Exo Day
• Learn a song on guitar
• ~~Dye hair black, permanently~~
• Get a top-five ranking in all my classes, not necessarily all at the same time
• Watch every episode of Vampire Diaries
• See old friends more often
• Write a 45000-word narrative
• ~~Enter at least one writing competition~~
• Lose my tan
• Finally finish watch a Very Potter Sequel
• Get my Learner’s and buy a car
• Smile more often

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

So I Caved

2011-04-16T20:51:00.003+10:00

After a boring start to the Easter holidays, I decided to get a Tumblr. I've always wanted one, but tried to put it off since I knew I'll end up wasting all my time on it. The same thing happened with Twitter, Facebook and then Formspring. I have no self-control when it comes to the internet and creating new accounts. I felt like I was missing out on something awesome, and I tend to want to be 'in the know'. It's more of an online journal. I liked the idea of posting about silly things I've done during the day, but I didn't think it was worthy of being on this blog. That's where Tumblr comes in handy. I don't really reblog anything on there, and it's mostly just a place where I can be myself, and hopefully not sound too self-centred. A place to upload doodles and scribbles I did in class, to state an opinion. To share things, even though I don't expect to have any followers or readers. If you want the link, here it is. I must warn you though, I don't think you'd find it very interesting. That is, unless you're a stalker or have no life. If you are, then you'll love it ― you'll know more things about me than any of my real life friends do, and it'd pass the time.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Life After Death

2011-04-11T21:18:00.002+10:00

This is a short story I wrote for class. It's longer than my usual ones, so I understand if you don't want to read it all.

I died two months ago in June. I remember it as a cheerless day, where the clouds hung low in the sky, dropping cold liquid particles onto the pavement as we wrapped our cloaks tighter around us, the wind encouraging our hair to slice into our faces. It was an average day in Drabville. The town was holding its annual Brussels Sprout Harvesting Festival along the main street, and everyone was invited. It's hard recalling the details of your past life once you've died, but from what I found whilst scouring the memories in the back of my head, it happened on the way home. Not the festival, but the accident that took the lives of my parents and I. The sky was turning dark and sinister shadows were creeping onto the road, as I listened to my dad share an amusing story. What happened next, I can't properly recall. The car ― the screaming ― the tree ― the blood ― the darkness. It came to me in flashes. What happened in between the crash and my demise; was a mystery to us all. Death is indescribable. It's like trying to give the scientific explanation of a thought. I soon found myself in a beautiful place I liked to call 'Summerland', which was the world between life and death. It was a wonderful dream where all thoughts and fears and memories of your past life were departed. It was abundant with nature: glowing in the sunlight were the golden leaves of the twisting vines, hanging just above the straw coloured dirt, connecting each tree to each other, forever permitting vivid butterflies to rest on its pink blossoming flowers. I heard the sound of water streaming out the mouth of a lush, green hill, and the only sounds I could hear was that of the nature all around me. Then darkness fell over, and I realised something was happening. My family was ahead of me, following a track through the rainforest which led to a bridge. The atmosphere had changed and I no longer felt safe. I couldn't see the end of the bridge for a heavy fog had just made its presence known. I knew where that bridge led, but I wasn't ready. I wasn't ready to cross over it, to leave my world behind. I had so much more to learn and experience. I wasn't ready. I stood still and watched as my parents stepped onto the bridge, not once looking back. They smiled at each other, looking towards the end, and walked down its length together. Summerland shook and I grabbed the trunk of a nearby palm tree to keep myself grounded. All its beautiful colours were being washed away, and all I could think was that I was being left behind. The next moment found me lying in a hospital bed with needles and I-don't-know-whats sticking out of my body. I had no heartbeat. I wasn't dead but I wasn't alive either. It was worse. Like death, I still cannot describe it. I'd lost a lot of my senses and could feel no physical pain. Memories of what occurred slowly came back to me after that, and I realised I'd made a huge mistake. Two weeks onwards and I was wandering the streets, looking for food though I could never eat again, and searching for a secluded alleyway where I could spend the night. I was searching and searching, but alas, I found nothing. I was alone. On my own. And it was the biggest regret of my past life. That's when they found me. At eight-fifty-six exactly, they took me away to their 'Research and Recruitment Centre'. I still don't know what this place is or what they do here. I feel terrified whenever they call my name or yell out an order, but there are people here like me. People who didn't cross the bridge were collected from all over the world and forced to live here, just like animals, to be used for future purposes. The sad part is, they don't care what happens to them. They too regret their decision to stay, and are too afraid to change it. Still, I thought this― I throw my journal aside and discard my pen into the nearest bin. I can't believe it has taken me this long to find the way out. I've made up my mind, and I'm going to act on it now. I rip off the white uniform we’re obligated to wear here, revealing the clothes I died in. I take my dark hair out of its ponytail and walk towards the front gates. I've noticed how the security measures here are poor because they never thought that we'd try to escape. We are so stuck in this constant depressed stupor that we don't try to do anything to change it. I was determined to leave ― not only this place, but also this world. The answer was always there. Maybe it was the fact that once you've died you're harder to spot, or that the guards were having a heart-to-heart conversation, but I managed to squeeze through the tiny gap in the gate without any trouble. I step out unspotted and double-check my surroundings to convince myself this is true. “Oi, you, get back here!” I spoke too soon. Over my shoulder I see a guard speak into his comms unit, pointing in my direction. Run. My feet move without me, through the bushland, down the quiet streets and onto the crowded main street of a city I've never seen before in my life. If I had a heart I know it would be beating so hard it would’ve fallen onto the street and washed away with the stormwater. My lungs would’ve burst ten kilometres ago and my legs wouldn’t be part of my body anymore. One of the very few advantages of being un-dead. I watch a pregnant woman walk a toddler into a supermarket, and remember what it is that I’m supposed to be doing. I turn and look down the street, my non-existent heart skipping a beat when I see a draw bridge arched over a river. My feet set off again when I sense a black SUV following me. I make it onto the bridge and push pass slow walkers, dodging cyclers and trying not to trip over leashes. The salty breeze pushes my hair out of my face as I look back and see the guard from the Recruitment Centre. I have no time to lose. I throw my legs over the side of the bridge ― and jump.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Short Stack Concert

2011-04-04T16:11:00.011+10:00

Last night I went to my first actual concert. With an actual band. Who played actual songs. Which are on the actual Top 40. It was a Short Stack, and if I had to pick any band to see for my first real concert it would have been them [or Paramore]. When I saw a poster saying they were coming here, I thought I was seeing things. Internationally famous bands don't come to my town. Well, Coldplay came last year but I hate them so it doesn't count. Of course I had to go, even if no-one wanted to go with me. Thankfully though, I have friends who like that band and have a car. You probably don't know who Short Stack are, unless you live in Australia. They've toured overseas but they're not exactly as well-known as Justin Bieber. You should go Youtube them, or maybe just watch the video below.

The singer, Shaun Diviney, is starting to look a lot like Zac Efron in my opinion. Especially in person. Wow, they look so different in person. I never noticed how squinty Andy's [the bass player] eyes were or that Bradie [drummer] isn't actually that ugly. They also sound better live and have great performances. I'd rather see a rock band live than someone like Ellie Goulding ― it's just so much more fun, and you can't head bang to an Ellie Goulding song.

This is the band that supported Short Stack. They're called Because We Can and are reminiscent of Letters And Lights. They're really great and I can't believe I hadn't heard of them before last night

I took way too many videos of Short Stack for my own good. It was an hour long concert and I think I spent about thirty minutes filming. My camera decided to murder itself just before Short Stack came on so I filmed it all on my cell phone, which isn't known for its video quality. In all of them you either see strange colours or it's blurry, or you can't hear the music due to screaming teenies or you can't hear anything at all.

All I can think was they were right there, and I was like, right there. I tried getting to the front and failed. The good thing about being short is that tall people sometimes try not to stand in front of you. These people didn't care about height, or the fact that I accidentally stabbed several people with my studded cuff multiple times throughout the night. I wanted the set list or at least a guitar pick since I managed to lose all six of mine. Lo, the misfortunates of being short. At least I still got to see them, and it was an epic concert. I wish we could've stayed for the meet-and-greet, that would have topped my night. Still, it was the best night of my life so far.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Best Quoting Blog Award

2011-03-30T18:22:00.009+11:00

Maddy gave me this award for the quotes I post on here. Thank you sweetie!

"Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself." - George Bernard Shaw

I always thought it was about finding who you are and what you're meant to do in this life. I thought we were all born a certain way and we just had to find out what that was. Then when I came to my new school, I realised that we have to invent ourselves. You are who you are because of the life you live and people you know. My friends are the nicest people in the world, and that's rubbed off on me. I guess I could always change that, and become an evil villain bound on world domination. There's nothing really stopping me. At the moment I'm just going to be who I am right now, and as soon as I'm out of this small town and in the big city, I'll be who I want to be. It's not that hard to reinvent yourself.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Everything From Goth To The Pokémon Theme Song

2011-03-27T17:11:00.005+11:00

I’m not one of those persons who limit themselves to just one genre of music. For me, the thought of doing that is unbearable. I like to listen to every genre of music, and as anyone who’s ever had access to my iPod would know, I listen to everything from Lisa Mitchell to Tokio Hotel. Classical music to heavy rock songs, and everything in between. It doesn’t matter what genre it is as long as the song is good. I can’t stand most of Rihanna’s songs, but there are a few from her older albums I still play on repeat. I think rap songs are pretty awesome and the Jonas Brothers have good lyrics. The only artist I don’t like at all is Justin Beiber. I can’t stand him, and even the though of his former helmet hair makes me regurgitate in the pit of my throat. His music scares me almost as much as the Biology Song does, except in an entirely different way. At the moment I’m addicted to Taylor Swift’s new album, and screamo songs. I really don’t see what’s so bad about screamo music. It’s actually kind of funny at times, and sounds rather cool. How can they scream like that?! My favourites are Bring Me The Horizon and Asking Alexandria. People never expect me to like that type of music, seeing as my favourite genres are country and French folk/pop. They’re even surprised to find that I like hip-hop! I take pride in the fact I like every genre. There’s really no difference between all ‘good’ songs.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Mini Hiatus

2011-03-18T17:01:00.003+11:00

I know I haven’t blogged in about four years, and I’m sorry about that. There are a number of things that contributed my lack of postage, including blogger’s block, shortage of inspiration, and school work. I procrastinated with my homework so much that I ended up spending every night for the last two weeks catching up. And I have so many assessments coming up that I hardly have free time these days. I’m in grade eleven so I’m sure that soon enough I’ll be getting even more homework, and blogging will be even less regular. I think the big, and perhaps main, reason I haven’t blogged is because I have so many ideas on what to write about that I don’t know what to write about. Therein lies the paradox. Most of the time I don’t think my ideas are good enough to be published on here. I look at other people’s blogs and they come up with such great ideas, and mine are just bluegh. But now I’ve decided that I’ll just blog about what I want to blog about; who cares if I think it’s boring? I reckon it’s better to blog than to not, though you shouldn’t write lots of little filler posts. I’m not good when it comes to writing lengthy things. It’s hard putting thoughts into words sometimes. Take this post for example, there’s so much I want to say yet I don’t know how to say it. So I’ll just leave it here.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

More On Making Choices

2011-03-10T16:02:00.001+11:00

Ever since my English teacher started the class on a unit called ‘Making Choices’ I’ve begun to analyse every choice I make, thinking about why I made that choice and what the consequences of it are. If you know me, you’d know that I love over-analysing things. I made a big choice this year to get braces when I don’t need them at all ― I don’t have fillings, my teeth are in good condition, and I don’t think they’ll fall out anytime soon. But I did want them ― I’m one of those persons who have rather unattractive teeth sitting in weird positions. That was a huge decision for me because it meant getting two of my teeth extracted. I could have almost nearly cried when I got my teeth pulled out. It’s like having waist-length hair and getting it cut extremely short, except it leaves a bigger impact, because you can’t change your mind about getting braces after having teeth extracted. With hair you could grow it out or get extensions. With teeth you’re left with huge gaps. That was the scariest/biggest decision I’ve made so far.
I got braces today instead of going to school. It’s only on the top row for now, and to say I was excited is a minor understatement. Everyone I know who had/has braces hate them, but I can see so many opportunities they can provide me with, such as going to school dressed as a nerd. I will have to do that sometime.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Things That Are Getting On My Nerves

2011-03-06T21:42:00.002+11:00

I really wanted to write a list today so I sat here for about ten minutes thinking of a good one I could write. I wanted to write a list different to some of the ones I’ve written before. You know, lists of what songs I’m listening to at the moment, things I’m loving, stuff you don’t know about me. I thought about what was on my mind at the moment, and that’s when I came up with this list.

Things That Are Getting On My Nerves

• Hour-long bus trips every morning and afternoon. It used to take me fifteen minutes to get to school every morning, and now I’m forced to sit next to someone I don’t know for an hour in a traffic jam everyday.
• Rap, Ke$ha and hip-hop constantly being replayed on mainstream radio stations.
• The weather. One minute the whole town is at the beach, the next we’re sitting on the duct heating wrapped in thick wool clothing. Make up your mind already.
• The Simpsons not being on Channel Ten at six o’clock anymore. I now have to watch the news whilst eating dinner.
• People getting upset and complaining about their life. I really don’t know what to say back to them to make them feel better.
• Work and having to wake up at an unforgiveable time for work.
• Friends who won’t make up their minds. Don’t tell me to buy you a milkshake if you don’t actually want one. And no, we’re going to the movies this weekend, not the next. Stop changing the dates.
• Running out of different shirts to wear to school.
• How every time I’m on the internet, my father likes to stand behind me and watch everything I do. When I catch him looking he then pretends he’s doing something else.
• Not being able to drive.
• Being asked dumb questions. Also, when people I’ve never meant in my life ask me how I am. I don’t know you so why do you care? I don’t even tell my mum how I feel so why would I tell you?
• When people I don’t like ask me the above question just to make small talk.
• “How are you?” “Good. You?” “Good.” *awkward silence* I just really don’t like being asked that question.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

ЯAWR QUOtE

2011-03-02T19:47:00.007+11:00

"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great."
- Mark Twain

"Read, read, read. Read everything ― trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it. Just like a carpenter who works as an apprentice and studies the most. Read! You'll absorb it. Then write. If it is good, you'll find out. If it's not, throw it out the window."
- William Faulkner

"Start early and work hard. A writer's apprenticeship usually involves writing a million words (which are then discarded) before he's almost ready to begin. That takes a while."
- David Eddings

"No, it's not a very good story — its author was too busy listening to other voices to listen as closely as he should have to the one coming from inside."
- Stephen King

"To imagine yourself inside another person ... is what a story writer does in every piece of work; it is his first step, and his last too, I suppose."
- Eudora Welty

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

These Are My Confessions

2011-02-27T18:53:00.006+11:00

Confession: Though I can’t stand the Jonas Brothers I’m quite obsessed with their song, Introducing Me, and S.O.S. was my favourite song in 2007.
Confession: When I see someone I don’t like very much or someone who easily annoys me, I put in my earphones and pretend I’m listening to music. That way they might not talk to me.
Confession: I don’t shave my legs. There’s really no point in doing so. These days it’s like a sin not to shave your legs.
Confession: Whenever I can’t find shoes that go with my outfit I steal my sister’s shoes.
Confession: If I wear a dress, which is incredibly rarely, I wear short shorts underneath. Because it just doesn’t feel comfortable to me.
Confession: I love stalking people on Facebook, Twitter, Formspring, and any other social networking site.
Confession: I think it’d be pretty cool to have been born in Antarctica. Whenever someone asks you where you’re from you can say, “Oh, just Antarctica,” and they wouldn’t believe you. Since it’s not a country.
Confession: I have a feeling people think I’m weird in a bad way.
Confession: I’ll copy all your music onto my iTunes if your iPod/MP3 player is connected to my computer.
Confession: I like Satanists more than Atheists because in order to believe in Satan, you have to believe in God.
Confession: My mini water gun is always with me wherever I go. In case of life-threatening emergencies, of course *shifty eyes*.
Confession: Because I think it’s cool, I’m only doing one class next year that isn’t a humanity or English.
Confession: On that note, I’ll have nine classes next year. I want to do everything, just like Hermione. Will I survive?
Confession: I can relate everything in my life back to Harry Potter.
Confession: There are nearly four hundred different pictures of The Ting Tings on my laptop.
Confession: I can’t think of many confessions about myself.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

This Happens Every Month

2011-02-24T18:41:00.001+11:00

I’m sorry about my lack of postage, I haven’t had much free time on my hands [which is why I rarely leave comments on your blogs anymore], besides I’m lacking inspiration. I don’t know what to blog about. The only ideas I have are ones consisting of school, my life, and so forth, which I don’t think you’d find interesting unless you like reading rants on homework, or finding out I have blisters on my feet. Do you have any suggestions on what I could blog about?

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

The Long Tag

2011-02-19T20:32:00.006+11:00

The amazing miss Shelley has tagged me. Thank you!

You Favourite:
Color? Blue.
Candy? Probably every type of candy.
Main Dish? For me it has to be something from a fast-food restaurant such as KFC.
Dessert? Pavlova.
Drink? Diet Cola, or something unhealthy like that.
Go to Starbucks Coffee? If I lived near one then I definitely would.
Veggie? I don’t eat vegetables often, but it’s got to be lettuce.

Do You:
Talk on the phone everyday to someone who is not family? I rarely talk on the phone.
Read your Bible everyday? I try to.
Do lots of reading? Absolutely. I’m currently reading three books.
See your grandparents everyday? No, all my grandparents are either dead or live overseas. Bake a lot? No, I’m a terrible cook.
Clean your room everyday? There’s no need.
Have to say you're sorry to someone everyday? Nope.

A Certain Thing You Dislike Of Each Category:
Veggie? Onions.
Color? Pink.
Animal? Spiders, spiders, and spiders.
Drink? Anything foreign or contains vegetables.

Random:
Go shopping? I like shopping at cheap places like K-Mart or JayJays.
Eat out? Does KFC count?
Go visit? The city at night.
Read a good book at? My school library. Aircon and lounges for the win.
What color is your room? Light sky blue.

Do You Have A:
Pet? Yes, a lot.
Gift card at the moment? I wish.
Sewing machine? I have a huge ancient one in the spare room.
Big mess under your bed? My shoes are scattered beneath my bed.
Pack of gum in your bag or purse? Nope.
Computer in your room? Two, a laptop and a desktop.

Have You Ever:
Been on a plane? A few times.
Been out of state? Yes, at least twice a year.
Been in a eighteen wheeler? What’s that? A train?
Been in a car accident? Nope.
Read about a hundred and fifty page book in about an hour? I’m not that fast of a reader.

More Random:
Do you share a room with anyone? Unfortunately, yes.
Have you ever gone swimming in a pond? Don’t think so.
How old are you? Turning seventeen in a few months.
What year were you born? The year of the dog.
Are you related to anyone important or famous? Not that I know of.
Have you ever met a vice president? No.
Are you getting bored yet? Not really …
What are you thinking? About how weird my mouth feels. Got two of my teeth extracted yesterday.

I know a lot of bloggers have blogger’s block at the moment, so I’m tagging everyone who’s suffering from that terrible illness.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Making Choices

2011-02-16T15:56:00.003+11:00

As I sit here at one of the computers in the school library, I wonder if I made the right choice. I'm not talking about regretting writing this post, or choosing this computer to sit at, I'm talking about the bigger things in life. The big choices you make that will impact your life greatly the second you make them. At the moment in English we're completing a unit on 'making choices', which I find excruciatingly boring, but some of the things I've learnt so far have made me stop and think. Did I make the right decision in coming to this school? If I was still at my old school, I'd be a little bit of a loner, someone who doesn't talk much in class, and someone who has to wear a uniform. At this school I get a lot more freedom, including being able to blog during my free periods. But here I finish school at six o'clock sometimes, and my bus leaves at eight in the mornings, which is really early for me. I wouldn't have met the people I have if I didn't come here. But if I stayed at my old school I would've been comfortable, even though I hardly fit in, because I'd known the place for years. I could've become friends with one of the exchange students, gone to Italy with my ancient history class, and still have the best English teacher in the world. It's been a story-like adventure, coming here.
I think the one choice I've made so far that has impactedly my life the most, was when I was about two years old. My mother wasn't happy with living with my father, and wanted a divorce. It was my choice whether or not they stayed married. I didn't want them to split up, and now look where I am. I'm not upset, but I can't help thinking that my life would be better now if I had a step-father. My little sister would be born into a different family, and I might even have a younger sibliing I actually like. Maybe I'd be happy, or rich, or liked. I'd still be living in Sydney, of course, instead of this little town in which I now reside. I think life would've been amazing if I'd have said 'yes'.
Remember that episode of The Simpsons where Homer looks into a pot of sauce to see what his life would be like if he became school captain [or whatever it was. I can't remember]? I wish that was real. I wish I could look into the sauce and see the life I could have led. But I think I would end up regretting my entire life ...

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Here I Am, Over-Analysing

2011-02-13T20:26:00.005+11:00

I study existence everyday. I watch how people interact with each other, how they like to carry bags around their arms, and think that having lots of hair around their eyes makes them beautiful. I look at the way they drive huge metal objects everywhere, how they don’t like walking anymore, and the way they think their goal in life is to have a good job. They think school is one of the most important things in life, and like to make starving people pay for food. I often wonder what God thinks when He looks down at us. When He sees people building houses in trees, or when He sees people trying to add as many people on MySpace as possible. Does He think it’s all a waste of time, or is He proud of what His creation has turned itself into? I over-analyse things, including life. Sometimes I deconstruct it so much that everything seems funny to me, like when you repeat a certain word until it doesn’t look like real anymore. Why do we have laws that make our lives limited? Why do we need to find out how gravity works? And it’s strange how we watch other humans on the television pretending to be someone else. I can be quite existentialistic sometimes, wondering if this is actually all a dream. Maybe I’m the protagonist in this story, and everyone else is just a pigment of my imagination. Perhaps they’re just there to make my story more interesting. I wonder if other people do this too. If they actually look at life, rather than think about if they’ll be one of the ‘popular’ kids in high school. Analysing life isn’t just making a mental note that life is tough, or that it has its ups and downs, and that love conquers all. It’s similar to the internet — nobody knows how it got here, how to find it [the internet isn’t just a solid thing, like a Playstation3 console], and there’s so much to discover from it. C’est la vie.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

They Made This For Kids?!

2011-02-10T20:28:00.002+11:00

My biology teacher showed this video to the class today. It’s one of the scariest things I’ve ever seen. Seriously it’s scarier than Yo Gabba Gabba, and that’s a pretty freaky show. The end of the video is the scariest, and the song/words/rhyme gets stuck in my head so easily.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

It's A Lot Like Freshman Year

2011-02-07T18:38:00.004+11:00

I was so nervous on the first day at my new school because I didn't have friends there. I thought that I might meet someone on the day, but it was unlikely. Why? Because everyone else there would be new too. It's a senior high, so there're only grades eleven and twelve. Everyone in my grade will have come there with friends, or at least know someone they could hang out with. I didn't really have either. There were a few people whom I sat next to during class last year, and people who hung out with the same people as me, but I wouldn't consider them friends. It takes quite a while for me to consider someone a friend. That's another reason why I had a small feeling I'll be the school loner.
Then I met a lovely girl named Renee. She came to the school for the same reason as me: to meet new people and make new friends. We didn't have too much in common, though we got along well. At lunch I hung out with a few people I knew at my old school, as well as some other kids I've met. At the moment our group is tiny, so we're trying to 'recruit' as many 'loners' to it as possible. The classes aren't too bad. They all go for two hours, which I thought was crazy and I might end up dying because it'd be that boring; turns out two-hour classes aren't that bad. I remember at my old school when I thought seventy-five minutes lessons were as long as a year. My favourite classes are ancient history and francais, and my least is definitely advanced English. It's strange that I hate English and like maths, when last year it was the complete opposite. I'm guessing the teachers are what makes a lesson good or bad.
The school is huge. By 'huge' I mean it's a lot like a maze. If I was to describe the school I would have to write a whole new blog post. There's an elevator. There are vending machines everywhere. There are security guards. And fountains. And ponds with live ducks in them. You can log onto Facebook on the library computers. The library is two stories high. Most of the time it doesn't feel like I'm at a real school, my old one was so different, and here there are university and TAFE students all over the place, I can't tell who's a school student and who's an adult, because for the first time I don't have a uniform. One of the coolest things about this place is that there aren't any bullies. Everyone is a lot more mature and friendly, and there are loads of different stereotypes around. Like there are Goths, preps, indies, hipsters, jocks, and scene kids.
I'm just glad I didn't spend my first day eating lunch in the bathroom a la Mean Girls.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

The Blogger Handwriting Tag

2011-02-03T18:36:00.008+11:00

The very amazing Lily gave me this tag. She has an awesome blog, so make sure you check it out sometime. With this tag you write down your answer to each question on a sheet of paper, and then either scan or take a photo of the paper.

1. What is your name/your Blogger name?
2. What is your blog name/URL?
3. Write "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog"
4. Favourite quote
5. Your favourite song
6. Your favourite bands/singers.
7. Anything else you want to say?
8. Tag 3-5 other people.

I'm tagging Be, Brookie and Mizz Ali. If you ever want to be tagged just tell me, because I don't know if some people exactly like getting them. I know one blogger who hates most tags and awards. So if you want to be tagged, just say so!

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Pretty Little Butterflies

2011-01-31T08:00:00.000+11:00

It’s the morning of your very first day. I’m about to head off to my new school for the first time, and to say I’m nervous is an understatement. There’s a little bit of excitement in my stomach somewhere, but right now it feels like the butterflies are doing somersaults. Take a deep breath girl. What if I become the school loner? That’d defy the purpose I enrolled at this school. I don’t want to spend my one-hour lunch breaks hiding in the library, or worse, a toilet cubicle. I’ll make it through the day, I hope. But what if I don’t? Take a deep breath as you walk through the doors.
I’ll tell you all about my day when I next get a chance.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

The Social Network Disaster

2011-01-28T23:59:00.002+11:00

I found a raison d'être behind the sadness I felt last year — Facebook. Last November marked a one-year anniversary of my account on that website. It’s strange, but every time I logged on it’s like a part of me dies. No, actually, it’s more like a pin has been stuck into my heart but instead of causing me pain and sorrow, it causes me to feel hatred towards the attacker and the victim is left injured. I’m clearly not good at putting thoughts and feelings into words, that’s about as close as I can get. I think it’s the people on there who make me hate Facebook so much. I’m only ‘friends’ with most of the people on the basis that they’re in the same year level as me, or that they went to my school. There is just a handful of people from my old school that I genuinely like. One of the reasons I hate Facebook: the people I’m ‘friends’ with. I know, I could just delete them or hide them from my feed, but I can’t bring myself to do that. I tried banning myself from the site, since I only used it to contact friends, plus I’m still on Team Myspace and use Twitter a lot. That lasted a month. It’s also what they write on there which causes unhappiness. I’m ashamed to say I’m from Generation Y. Some people update their status every five seconds just to say, ‘Got hammered like <insert swearword of choice here>.’ It’s not only statuses like that, but pretty much my whole newsfeed shows me how potentially sad I can be.
That’s why I deactivated my account. I have no need in using the site, and there are zero benefits from using it. Sometimes I get withdrawals, but that’s because I think I might’ve missed a big news or my friends might be trying to contact me. I know I can always log on again, but it’s like I’ve tricked my brain into thinking I can’t. And since doing this I’ve felt like I can breathe again, the black cloud above my head is now several shades lighter.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Aussie Day

2011-01-25T23:59:00.004+11:00

It’s Australia Day, and for those of you know don’t know this already, I’m from that country. Sometimes I don’t feel Australian, and while pretty much everyone loves to celebrate the day the British invaded the country, I don’t feel that excited. Yeah, there are floods in nearly every state and spiders are everywhere, but at least there’re no wars and I can’t remember the last time we had a terrorist attack. I know we’ve had them, I just can’t remember where and when they took place. Last year I wrote a post on why Oz is a cool country, so this year I’ll list what people think Australia’s like and clear up a few stereotypes.

• We don’t all live in a bush, bathe in a billabong and play the didgeridoo. In fact, most people live in cities.

• I live in a coastal town where a huge percentage of the population is over sixty, but I’ve only heard people use ‘g’day’ and ‘mate’. Those accents people like Crocodile Dundee have don’t exist anymore. I think. Well, I’ve never heard some who wasn’t on TV with a similar accent.

• We don’t wear cowboy hats all the time, but we do wear flip-flops often — to school, shopping, church, bushwalking, at other people’s homes, and sometimes even to restaurants.

• We don’t pronounce words like ‘advance’ correctly and call ‘flip-flops’ ‘thongs’. “I’m wearing bright pink thongs!”

• People don’t own kangaroos and ride them to school. All the cool kids ride emus.

• On that note, kangaroos don’t just walk up to your house and sprawl all over your backyard. Unless you live next to a forest or field and don’t have a fence.

• In my sixteen and a half years on Earth, I’ve only seen two snakes in the wild. Dingos are rarely seen and certainly don’t eat babies, and a car is more likely to kill you than a wild animal.

Happy Australia Day to all Aussies!

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

We Fear The Unknown

2011-01-22T16:30:00.005+11:00

Your greatest fear isn’t something you’re afraid of sometimes, it’s something you’ll always be afraid of. I have friends who say they’re scared of heights but like plane rides and going on huge rollercoasters. It looks like they aren’t really afraid of heights. Whilst I was pondering over what my greatest fear is, I made list of everything I’m very slightly afraid of:
Death, darkness, losing a sense, not being able to see clearly, spiders, open spaces, things that go on forever, the deep sea, silence, the future, being last, empty spaces, tunnels, forests, scrolling over oceans or deserts on Google Maps/Earth, the past, waiting, untruths, doing something alone, the universe, things I’m not familiar with.
When I put these things together, I realised that they’re all linked to one common phobia — a fear of not knowing. It’s like what Dumbledore says in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince on page 529: ‘It is the unknown we fear when we look upon death and darkness, nothing more,’ which is incredibly true. I want to know everything I possibly can although I can’t, and I plan my whole future — from what I’m wearing to school on the 1st of February, to my grandchildren’s career paths. I know fear is just in our heads, but I can’t push it out. I can’t stop myself from thinking there’s a demon in the bedroom and the only way I’m safe from it is by going under the bedcovers. As Amy Lee sings in Sweet Sacrifice, ‘Fear is only in our minds, taking over all the time.’

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

ЯAWR MUSiC

2011-01-19T16:00:00.003+11:00

I’ve recently discovered with this French singer, Joyce Jonathan. Her music sounds a bit indie, but that’s probably because it’s French. I think almost anybody can enjoy her music, even if they only understand ten percent of it.

I want to get some new music for my iPod, so any recommendations will be great!

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Though I Hate Their Music

2011-01-16T16:10:00.000+11:00

Here’s the Jonas Brothers vlog Ellen and I made. It was recorded two weeks ago but it took us a while to edit it. We don’t obsess over them in the video, but I think we would have if I actually liked the Jonas Brothers. Ellen is a massive fan of them whereas I’m pretty much a hater, but in the video I pretend to like them. I hope you like the video, even if you’re a fellow hater.

What should we vlog about next? We’re not good at it obviously, and we want some suggestions, so please tell us what we can do to improve the videos, and what we should talk about. :-)

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Life Is Boring

2011-01-13T16:00:00.003+11:00

As you probably all know by now, there are floods all over the mid-east coast of Australia, mainly in Queensland near the state border and in Brisbane. My silly father thought it’d be a good idea to take the whole family on a holiday to Brisbane on Monday. You must be incredibly dumb to do that, especially if you know how bad the floods were getting. We stayed in a place called Darra, which is west of Brisbane. But because my life is so boring, so uneventful, and so safe, nothing happened to us. We arrived in the town, did stuff in the towns around it, then left two days early on Wednesday so we wouldn’t get caught in the floods. And now here I am, sitting at the computer, bored and sweating. I knew nothing ‘bad’ would happen to me. A great part of me hoped all the highways and roads would be closed and that we’d be stranded. Instead, we had such a quick and safe trip home that we managed to go shopping for a little bit. Why is life so boring?
You don’t realize how bad the conditions in Queensland are until you’re in the midst of it. It was raining horribly on Monday and Tuesday, and some of the towns we drove through are now inundated like woah. Most of the people at the motel we stayed at had fled the floods, and the only programs on some television channels were the news, talking about the floods. It seems a bit overrated now that I’m home, but when I was in Brisbane they were all I could think about.
My thoughts are with all the poor people affected by these inland tsunamis. And pets and wildlife too. I hope all the animals are okay, the RSPCA was flooded in yesterday. Have you seen the videos on the news? There’s going to be a lot of cleaning up to do in a few months time.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Je Ne Sais Pas

2011-01-10T21:00:00.005+11:00

Thank you Lily for tagging me! I love doing these types of tags; the answers are always random and hilarious. I’ve done this before, but I’ll do it again anyway because it’s fun. I'm not going to tag people so whoever wants to do this too, can.
The rules say that you have to put your entire MP3 player/iPod on shuffle and answer the questions. No skipping a song either.

Are you Male or Female?
Out Of Control – Dash And Will

What do people feel when they're around you?
Earthquake – Little Boots

Describe your current relationship?
Caught In The Crowd – Kate Miller-Heidke

Where would you like to be right now?
White Sky – Vampire Weekend

How do you feel about love?
Dark Twisted Fantasy – Kanye West

What's your life like?
Forever And Always – Taylor Swift

What would you wish for if you only had one wish?
Sweet Sacrifice – Evanescence

Say something wise:
What The Hell – Avril Lavigne (Haha.)

How would you describe yourself?
The Sadness Will Never End – Bring Me The Horizon (Story of my life.)

What is your life's purpose?
Draco And Harry – The Whomping Willows

What is your motto?
Neopolitan Dreams – Lisa Mitchell

What do your friends think of you?
Fall At Your Feet – Boy And Bear (So would that mean that my friends worship me?)

What do you think of your parents?
Before He Cheats – Carrie Underwood

Who do you think of very often?
Hairdo – Little Birdy

What is 2+2?
Mine – Taylor Swift

What do you think of your best friend?
Revenge Is Sweeter – The Veronicas

What is your life story?
Hello – Martin Solveig & Dragonette

What do you want to be when you grow up?
Circles – All Time Low

What will you dance to at your wedding?
Cannonball – The McClymonts

What will they play at your funeral?
Make Me Wanna Die – The Pretty Reckless (Ironic much?)

What is your hobby/interest?
Rockin’ Round The Christmas Tree – PureNRG (Yeah, I have Christmas songs on my iPod. Shoot me.)

What is your biggest fear?
Something In The Water – Brooke Fraser

What is your biggest secret?
Burning In The Skies – Linkin Park

What do you think of your friends?
Decode – Paramore

What will you repost this as?
Je Ne Sais Pas – Joyce Jonathan

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

End Of A Decade

2011-01-07T17:00:00.001+11:00

It’s been a whole decade already. A whole decade since I started school, and a whole decade since I’ve moved here from Sydney. So many life changing things had happened last decade, and last year. Finally I’ve discovered who I am, and less importantly, my sense of style and what interests me. It’s been a tough ten years. I’ve made a few wonderful friends and lost a heap of great ones. I have friends whom I used to visit almost everyday but now I hardly talk to. I’ve gone from a shy kindergartener to a bolder newly- eleventh grader. School has been the most challenging thing I’ve ever gone through. Learning things I wasn’t interested in, not attending the right school for me, and not finding life fun anymore. In primary school I hung out with all the wrong people, only because I wanted to have friends and fit in. The group of people I hung out with are now ‘plastics’ and are clearly not Christians. I can’t believe I considered people like that my friends! This year I discovered who my true friends are, which was great but also sad. I’d only consider five of my friends as true friends. Because of that, and of course other things, it’s been quite a depressing year and decade. I’ve had more downs than ups, and times when I think to myself, I’m only alive because I’m terrified of death. But it was also the year I truly discovered God, and He’s helped me a lot along the way.
I have a feeling that this year will be a great one. I can sense it. Maybe it has something to do with the fact I’m going to a new school, or maybe because I’m going to try my hardest to achieve my dream goals. I hope it will be a lucky one.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Nobody's Home

2011-01-04T01:00:00.002+11:00

Songs like this are the reason why I love Avril Lavigne’s music so much. Some of her songs are so inspiring and a lot of them describe me, in a way. Obviously Girlfriend doesn't describe me at all, but it’s ones like this that do. It’s like she’s describing my feelings and emotions in it. I’ve heard she’s releasing a new album this year, so I hope she’s going to keep that promise!

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Plans For The New Year

2011-01-01T00:00:00.000+11:00

Can you believe it’s been another whole year already? Gosh time flies when you’re getting older. This year is going to be very busy and eventful. Not only am I starting my first year of HSC, which means weeks of exams, but I’m also starting at a new school. It’s going to be really different being around strangers, having to make new school friends, and not having a uniform. Sometimes change is for the best. Halfway through this year, probably during my winter break in July, my family and I are going to Vietnam. I haven’t been there since I was twelve, so that should be exciting. The last time I went there it was for a wedding so we hardly went anywhere, but this time we’ll hopefully travel through both South and North Vietnam.
Happy New Year everyone, and I hope you all stick around for another wonderful year in the blogosphere =]

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Books I’ve Read This Year

2010-12-28T23:56:00.001+11:00

This is just a list of all the books I’ve read this year. It’s a very depressing list since I haven’t had the time to read much. It’s strange how all the books below are written by female authors.

Halo – Alexandra Adornetto
Wuthering Heights – Emily Brontë
Stolen – Lucy Christopher
Fallen – Lauren Kate
The Divide – Elizabeth Kay
Wake – Lisa McMann
Evermore – Alyson Noël
Blue Moon – Alyson Noël
Shadowland – Alyson Noël
Dark Flame – Alyson Noël
Night Star – Alyson Noël
Spells – Aprilynne Pike
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone – J. K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets – J. K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban – J. K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire – J. K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix – J. K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince – J. K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – J. K. Rowling

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

The Day Is Here

2010-12-25T12:26:00.000+11:00

Merry Christmas to you all, hope you’re day is great, that you get lots of presents, blah blah blah, and all that other clichéd stuff we say to people at this time of the year. But honestly, I hope you have a great day, and not stay on the computer for too long. It still doesn’t feel like Christmas. I mean, it does, I just went to church and have said ‘happy birthday’ to Jesus, so that part of the day feels like Christmas, but the rest doesn’t. It’s too humid and rainy right now, and even though Santa just drove past my house on a fire truck chucking lollies everywhere, today feels like any other day. Excluding the fact I got presents. I’ll try to spread the Christmas spirit around next year, hopefully. This reminds me of the movie, Elf, which was on TV for three nights in a row.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

New Video

2010-12-23T01:21:00.000+11:00

I’m going to post another vlog Ellen and I made on our Youtube show, The Bluey And Blaize Show. This is our first video where we don’t explain anything about ourselves, so it’s a little less boring.

Our next video is going to be about the Jonas Brothers. If you’re a fan of them then you’ll probably like it, but if you’re like me and don’t like them at all, you’ll hate it. There won’t be any Jonas bashing from me in video however, I pretend I like them as well. I’m good at pretending.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Santa Claus Has Superpowers

2010-12-20T16:15:00.002+11:00

I wish I could be a kid again just to sit on Santa’s lap and ask him smart-alecky questions. “If you give us what ever we want for Christmas, then would that mean that this year I’m getting a mansion, an Aston Martin, two castles and a country?” “You must have a lot of money to make toys. Where do you get the money from? You’re a thief, aren’t you?” “I saw you at [insert name of mall] just an hour ago. I didn’t know you could teleport!”
If Santa was real he’d be a stalker. Who else watches kids while they’re sleeping and knows if they’ve been bad or good? And doesn’t that song warn you, “You’d better watch out ... Santa Claus is coming to town”? So he’s either a stalker or has superpowers: He can be in every mall in the world at once. He can enter people’s houses without their knowing. He can read minds to know what kids want for Christmas. He’s stopped aging. He owns a sleigh and magical reindeers that can fly. Actually, he reminds me of God quite a bit. So what would that make him?

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Into The Holiday Spirit

2010-12-17T17:00:00.001+11:00

Christmas is just one week away, yet to me, it doesn’t feel like we’re anywhere near it. Although Christmas in Australia takes place during our summer break, it feels odd. It feels like we’re supposed to have only one week off, and snow should be all around. It’s scorching hot right now and all I can hear are the cicadas. They sound like rattlesnakes. For some reason, Christmas this year doesn’t feel like Christmas. We almost didn’t put a Christmas tree up and I bought my own presents. In fact, everyone in my family bought their own presents. This time of the year was a lot more fun when I was younger. We used to buy our tree from the small Christmas tree farm a town away, then spray it with fake snow and cover it with lights. Our house was covered in decorations ― the interior had tinsel, cards, and all those other Christmas-related decorations I’ve forgotten the name of hanging on the walls and ceilings; the exterior was clothed in lights. The presents were always the best part of the holiday, and I would always try to trick my parents in telling me what I’ve got.
As I’ve gotten older I’ve stopped doing all that traditional Christmas stuff. It’s just one day yet people put so much time and effort into decorating their houses. Our tree is made of plastic and has five presents beneath it. We’ve had the same Christmas ornament hanging on the front door for the past few years. It’s been on there for over three years because we’re too lazy to take it off. The only thing I’m looking forward to is going to church and getting a French beret in the mail.
Oh yeah, and Christmas is about Jesus. It isn’t about giving, Santa, or being with family. It’s about celebrating the birth of our saviour. Everyone should remember that. That’s another reason why Christmas isn’t so big anymore.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Two More

2010-12-15T16:10:00.006+11:00

Ally gave me this award because I met all the requirements for it. Go check out her blog, she's an amazing artist.
This one is from the very lovely Cassidy, whose blog you must also visit.
I'm going to pass this second award to Lily and Rose, congratulations!

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Bluey And Blaize

2010-12-12T16:00:00.003+11:00

Months ago Ellen and I created a Youtube channel, although we haven’t uploaded any videos until recently. She wants the vlogs to be scripted and only have us feature in them, whereas I prefer to make it up as we go and include lots of other people. Even though she’s the one who’s always saying, “Let’s make a vlog!”, Ellen keeps deleting all of our videos because she doesn’t like them. It’s a miracle that we even made one. The first one’s pretty much an introduction to us, which is really terrible since we didn’t know what to say. It’s also boring. And has been edited a lot.

As you can see, we clearly suck at vlogs. Also, Ellen is Bluey and I’m Blaize, which you find out in the video anyway. So guys, check out our videos and subscribe to our channel [even though it sucks thus far], and please, if you have any suggestions on what we should vlog about, you can tell us by commenting on this post right now.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Lessons Learned

2010-12-09T16:00:00.002+11:00

Since my parents sell food for a living, we have six fridges which we keep outside because there’s no room left in the house. They contain meat and the types of things you’d find inside a large pantry. [You’re probably wondering where I’m going with this, haha.] One of the fridges contain soft drinks and early this morning I snuck out there to steal a few cans [the parents don’t let me take any of the supplies], when I almost had a heart attack. Laying on the floor of the fridge was a possum. I started because I thought it was dead, but it was actually just asleep. The first thing you think when you find a possum resting in such a bizarre place, which is usually kept locked, is how the heck did it get there?

My mum and I told my father to call WIRES or RSPCA. He refused to, saying it’d find its way back to its home in no time [we live near the bush]. There’s a lesson learned in this: Always call the wildlife control people if a wild animal finds its way into your house. Why? Because the possum was found dead the next morning.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

One Lovely Blog Award

2010-12-06T16:30:00.002+11:00

I love getting awards, they encourage me to blog because they show that people actually like reading what I write, which is quite unbelievable. Thank you so much Rose and Lily for awarding me, you guys are wonderful.
I don’t know who to give this to, I mean, I want to give this to everybody but the rule is that I have to someone, not everyone. So, I’m going to randomly pick three bloggers I love, hmm... Ally-cat, Brookie and Reyna. I’m awarding you guys because you deserve it!

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Formal Night

2010-12-03T17:05:00.007+11:00

So last night was the night of my tenth-grade formal. At first I didn’t want to go, since I thought it would be boring. Like come on, the formal was taking place at a bowling club, and that place is known for its horrible food. I don’t dance; that would be four hours spent sitting around, bored. And I didn’t want to wear a dress either, [“Why do guys get to wear comfortable clothes?”]. It was one of those nights that you think will be bad, but turns out to be all right. If anything, four hours wasn’t long enough.

Ellen towers over Grace and I.

The highlight of my night was probably popping every balloon in the room, much to the teachers’ disapproval. I didn’t dance, or jump up and down like some people were doing. The DJ sucked, as did the food, but at least I wasn’t voted for any awards.Pretty much every girl had an amazing dress. One person was wearing a purple dress that could have been seen in the Love Story music video. According to the teachers it was only a graduation dinner, but some people spent hundreds of dollars on their outfits. It’s a good thing my wonderful auntie made mine :-).
I got thoroughly drenched walking out to my car. If you didn’t know better you’d have thought I was wasted. It felt so good afterwards to be wearing my t-shirt and cargo pants again. Dresses. Are. Uncomfortable.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

ЯAWR MUSiC

2010-11-30T02:04:00.001+11:00

I’m too lazy to write a proper blog post right now, so I’ll leave you with my current playlists:

Songs I have on repeat:
We’re Not The Same – The Ting Tings
Diamonds Aren’t Forever – Bring Me The Horizon
Out Of Control – Dash And Will
Weight Of The World – Evanescence
Intro – Deerhunter
Speak Now – Taylor Swift
Teenage Dream – Katy Perry
Jonathan Low – Vampire Weekend

Inspirational songs:
Alice – Avril Lavigne
The Climb – Miley Cyrus
Change – Taylor Swift
Turn Right – Jonas Brothers
Believe In Me – Demi Lovato
Some Hearts – Carrie Underwood

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

In Which I Talk About School. Again.

2010-11-28T02:00:00.002+11:00

After doing two week’s worth of work experience at the elementary school I went to, I’ve realised how much I miss high school. That’s strange to say, considering I’d rather slit my wrists than attend school on my last week of being a sophomore. High school is way better than elementary, hands down. Or maybe I should say junior high, since I’m going to senior high next year, and that would be a whole new story. I really hated primary school. Being back there brought up so many bad memories. Having to spend your lunch breaks in the staff room is even more scary when your least favourite teachers are in there with you. One of the third-grade teachers kept glaring at me from the corner of his eye. If I was Harry Potter, he would surely be my Snape. Here’s a list reasons of why I prefer high school to elementary:

• Teachers don’t treat you like you’re dumb. Well, some do, but still.
• You get a bit more freedom in what you do.
• You’re more likely to find people just like you.
• Teachers don’t talk to you like you’re a five year old.
• There isn’t one permanent class; you have different teachers and kids in all your classes.
• If your artwork sucks, teachers won’t lie and say it’s brilliant.
• For some people, going to high school means no more uniforms.
• People are less immature. Though that doesn’t necessarily mean that they are mature.
• There are better opportunities, and you can choose what subjects you want to take [in later years].
Simply, I just prefer high school. In the sixth grade teenagers always told me that I’d love high school. That it’s better. That it’s fun. And I was always sceptical of this. But there were so right. If this is your last year in elementary/middle school, let me tell you that you will simply love next year, and that there’s nothing to be afraid of :-).

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

ЯAWR ARt

2010-11-25T01:59:00.001+11:00

This is what I’ve been spending my spare time doing:
I love dooling, sketching, scribbling, whatever!

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Review: Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 1

2010-11-22T16:08:00.007+11:00

You must admit, though they are no where near as great as Disney, Warner Brothers does put together some very neat films when they want to. The plot, the characters, the camera techniques and the soundtrack all fit together perfectly, creating a movie full to the brim with magic. Like you all know, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part One is the first half of the book, although, it seemed that most of the storyline has been crammed into the first film, which certainly creates a fast-paced movie — one that may be hard to keep up with if you haven’t read the book — and so leaves little room for explanation. There’s little exploration into Dumbledore’s background, which shows that more justice would’ve been done if the final book was made into three movies instead. It’s one of those films that make me glad that I don’t cry too easily, as Dobby’s and Hedwig’s deaths aren’t the only things that’ll bring on the tears — the start of the movie when Hermione leaves her parents is also very emotional.
Unlike the preceding films, more heavily relies on the trio, which really lends itself into the movie, as we watch Harry, Ron and Hermione leave the comforts of Hogwarts and head off on their Horcrux hunt. When I first discovered this, my immediate thought was that the book/movie will be rather tedious, but boy was I wrong! The film still offers plenty of spectacle and adventure, as the trio are on the run not only from Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters, but the Ministry of Magic as well. The central characters spend a lot of their time camping, where their feelings of frustration and despair are shown for quite sometime. I can see why that’s not everyone’s cup of tea. But seeing how much the characters — and actors — have developed makes up for this.
I think the one thing we can all agree on is that the movies aren’t fun anymore. The low-key lighting and whimsy soundtrack keep the mood sullen and morbid, telling its viewers that this is a solemn film. It’s a lot darker than the previous films, in the sense that not only is it Tim Burton-esque, but at times I had trouble seeing what was going on. Some scenes, like the torture scene with Hermione and Bellatrix, were almost scary. The fast motion tracking scene when the trio were being chased through the woods would’ve been much better if the camera wasn’t moving so jerkily. Of course this was done on purpose, but it reminded me of a scene in one of the Twilight films, which is never a good thing. The sets are amazing and more realistic is a way, making a metaphor for the characters. Keep an eye out for the Malfoy’s manor and the vast countryside.
On the downside, there’s no denying that the film lacks a true ending. It was too abrupt. Again, this was done on purpose to make us anxious to see the final half of the movie, but a different ending would have been better.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is one of those films that will make you obsessed with the Harry Potter franchise all over again. The film certainly lived up to my expectations. If you’ve never read the books in your life, the chances are you’ll love it. And if you have read the books, you’ll want to see the movie again. And again. And again. It’s a magnificent first instalment which will leave you hungry for the second part. I’d give it a four out of five.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Here No One Sleeps

2010-11-20T03:59:00.007+11:00

I've recently taken a great liking to the Canadian indie rock band, Metric. I wouldn't have discovered them if it wasn't for Emma, who accidentally changed the radio station to Triple J. Their sound is very unique ─ although they sound a bit like Lisa Mitchell ─ and have released so many songs in their time. They release at least one hit single a year, unlike Avril Lavigne and all those other artists who've gone missing. Have a listen and tell me what you think!

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Ten Reasons Why

2010-11-17T17:18:00.002+11:00

I’m supposed to be doing work experience as a librarian, to see what it’s like being one. The reason I wanted to do this is because my mother and my friend, Ellen’s, mother work in the school library, so we thought it’d be fun. Bludging, basically. We weren’t exactly gussying up to work in any of the classrooms, but alas, we were put on a kindergarten class. All I can say is that I’d rather be a suicide bomber than an elementary school teacher. So, ten reasons why I don’t ever want to become a teacher:

• You have to work at a school.
• The kids. Hours spent with kids.
• It’s up to you to teach the students how to read and write.
• Once retired, you’d realise that you wasted your entire life at school.
• It’s incredibly hard to control the class.
• Unlike being an author, you can’t wear pyjamas and eat chocolate all day at work.
• It’s tough, especially trying to teach stubborn children how to count to ten.
• While you do get loads of vacation days, there’re still hundreds of papers to be marked and tests to be set during your breaks.
• You have to pretend to be interested in what the kids tell you [“I drew a butterfly!” *shows a piece of paper covered in scribbles*].
• And once again, I must bring up the fact that you work at a school.

When I was an elementary school student, I never realised how hard it is to be a teacher. It looked too easy. Now, I’m starting realise that I’m more likely to be the sort of person who’ll end up working in an office, somewhere relaxed, air-conditioned and not as hectic, a place where a small noise, such as a pin hitting the floor, will sound like a banshee’s scream. It doesn’t matter where I end up, as long as it’s not at a school.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Memories Revisited

2010-11-15T17:01:00.002+11:00

I've been quite busy lately which explains my absence from the blogosphere. However, expect to see more blog posts coming your way this week and next as I start work experience for the first time. I'm doing it at my old elementary school, in the library not the classroom, as I can't handle looking after young children for longer than an hour. I think it'll be fun; two weeks spent reminiscing over the fond memories I'd created at my elementary school.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Speak Now

2010-11-12T17:15:00.000+11:00

I am kind of a bit in love with Taylor Swift’s new album, Speak Now. I’d have to say it’s her best one yet, although the songs don’t sound very country. I think that’s why I like it so much. My favourite song on Fearless is Change, mainly because of the electric guitars and lack of country instruments [fiddle, banjo, mandolin etc.], and some of the songs on Speak Now are like that. I also really like the lyrics and the way she sings them, ‘Someday I’ll be living in the big old city and all you’re going to be is mean’. My favourite songs on the album are Enchanted, Speak Now and Better Than Revenge, and for the first time ever I can actually relate to a few!

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Exam Period

2010-11-10T03:00:00.001+11:00

Sorry, I’ve just been doing exams and plaiting hair.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

What’s Important

2010-11-07T23:00:00.000+11:00

Many people don’t stop to think of what’s important. While there are millions of homeless persons out there, deprived of food, shelter and an education, many people living in First World countries only care about having the latest, most expensive, cell phone. While children in less developed countries only want a good education, kids in Australia are throwing theirs’ away. They take advantage of everything they have, from affording to eat vegetables for dinner to living a safe life. They have everything, and still they want more. We should learn to share, and appreciate how lucky we are.
I think what’s important is being happy with what you’ve got. If you’ve got a family, a roof over your head and food in a fridge, you are much better off than huge amount of people in the world. Who cares if you only have four working televisions in your house? Who cares if you only get thirty-six presents for your birthday? What’s important is making the most of what you’ve got and sharing it with those who are less fortunate. Because if you were in their position, wouldn’t you want them to do the same?

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Last Day. Wow.

2010-11-05T16:10:00.000+11:00

Today was my last day of classes at junior high. It’s such a big relief, like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. It feels like I have weeks and weeks of endless vacations ahead of me. The best thing about this, is that I’ll no longer have to sit in maths class for sixty minutes with my least favourite people in the world. The last time I’ll see the said persons is next week, during exams. It’s such an amazing feeling. All I can think is, no more PE. No more PE. No more PE for the rest of my life. And no more geography. Or home ec. Or chemistry. It’s sad I can’t say the same about maths. I still cannot fathom why I decided to do it next year, given that I hate the subject, and nothing makes me more angry than explaining why ‘x’ equals four. Gosh, grow up and solve your own problems.
I feel like I can breathe again, like the pollution has been sucked from my lungs. Even though it’s raining outside, it’s like the sun’s come out from behind the clouds. I just want to get up and dance in the rain in my best dress. I never really liked my school, never felt like I belonged, and knew it wasn’t the right place for me. It’s not the school itself I don’t favour, it’s the people there. A lot of them aren’t the nicest people you’ll ever meet. In fact, at times I like maths more than them. It’s just so good to be leaving that environment once and for all.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

ЯAWR QUOtE

2010-11-03T23:01:00.000+11:00

"What is a soul? It’s like electricity – we don’t really know what it is, but it’s a force that can light a room."

- Ray Charles
–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Just Another Day

2010-11-01T15:58:00.001+11:00

I wish Halloween was bigger in Australia. I’ve seen videos where people living on the other side of the world cover almost their entire house with Halloween decorations. Most people in the neighbourhood do it. Everybody dresses up in cool costumes, goes to parties during the day, and then goes trick-or-treating at night. While I did get three rounds of trick-or-treaters, I noticed their bags where hardly full. The only people who’ve put up decorations here are shop owners. People only dress up if they’re going to a party. Because who wants to waste their money on Halloween things when no-one celebrates it. My day was spent reading and my night was spent watching Harry Potter. It was just another average Sunday for me. Halloween here is much like Thanksgiving; nobody celebrates it. If only they did.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

It’s Gotten Worst

2010-10-29T20:37:00.003+11:00

My Harry Potter obsession has reached a new level. I’ve begun calling my school Hogwarts, call teachers ‘Professor’ instead of ‘Mr.’ or ‘Mrs.’, and started labelling people [e.g. She’s such a Ravenclaw, and, filthy mudblood]. It’s really bad, and I’ve now gotten one of my friends obsessed with Harry Potter even though she’s only ever seen the movies. We pretend to be having Quidditch practise every weekend, which is odd because Slytherin and Hufflepuff don’t normally train together. And we also have Defence Against the Dark Arts together. Yes that’s right, I’ve in addition given each of my classes a Hogwarts class name. I have my own timetable that states that I have Transfiguration every Monday morning and Divination every Thursday afternoon. This confuses a few people. Once Annita left her timetable at home so she asked if she could borrow mine for the day, since I’ve memorised my entire timetable. Of course, we both have completely different classes, so I don’t know why she asked in the first place, and she was also confused by the fact that I have Astronomy, Study of Ancient Runes, Charms, Transfiguration and Herbology on Tuesdays. I wonder how long I’ll be obsessed with Harry Potter for?

Have you ever been extremely obsessed with something?

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Just One More Week

2010-10-27T18:15:00.001+11:00

Today I realised that next week is my last real week of school for the year, my last real week as a tenth grader, and my last real week at my current school. After next week I have a week of exams then three weeks of work experience. Then they’ll be another week of school — but not many people will come to school during that week, so I probably won’t either — and then I’ll be graduating. Time was flown by so fast. Feels as though only a month ago I was a seventh-grader, excited to be spending the next six years at this high school. Now I can’t wait to get out of here. The reality of it all hasn’t sunk in yet. They’ll be many things I’ll miss, like having both recess and lunch; waking up at eight o’clock and finishing school at three o’clock; my school friends; being in houses and taking part in sports carnivals [well, I actually don’t take part in them, but still ...]; the school itself. But there’s also a large amount of things I won’t miss, and those things heavily outnumber the things I will miss.
Going to a new school will be an entirely new experience, especially since none of my friends are going there as well. My only comfort is remembering that everyone else in my grade will be in the same shoes as me — leaving their old school for a new one. And at that school I’ll reinvent myself. This time I’ll be me. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of people from my current school going there next year. Looks like I’ll have to pretend I don’t know them ...

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Winning Isn’t Everything

2010-10-25T16:44:00.002+11:00

I didn’t win the Archie Who. I knew I wouldn’t win, not because my entry wasn’t any good, but because I’m not the type of person who would win such a competition. If you know what I mean. As I’ve mentioned previously, in each section [photography, pottery, painting etc.] there are two categories you can win in: Judge’s Choice and People’s Choice. For both of these there’s one winner and three runner-ups called ‘highly commended’. I didn’t win either. I didn’t win anything. And I expected that, so I’m not upset or surprised in the least. It’s strange because if I don’t win, I say that winning isn’t everything and at least I had fun trying, but if I win, all I want to do is dance around singing, “I’m better than you, I’m better than you,” and let the entire world know that I won. I hope I’m not the only one like that.
Not winning this art competition has made me realised that maybe I shouldn’t have a part-time career in photography. The only reason I want to become a photographer is because it’s fun, plus I know that you can’t pay your bills on an author’s salary. I should just stick to want I’m good at [writing] and try to improve on it to be even better. I think my friends were right when they said, “If that was a creative writing contest you would have won, no competition.”

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

ЯAWR QUOtE

2010-10-24T19:31:00.005+11:00

"Dreaming is easy. Making your dream come true is the tough part."
- Gritty Philosopher
–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Untitled Short Story

2010-10-22T17:03:00.002+11:00

A high wall and an iron gate protected the house. It was haunted, kids believed. Its walls were made of decaying wood, dark with mud and algae. The curtains in the windows were forever drawn, and although it was abandoned, though it was scheduled to be demolished five months ago, the light in the upstairs window always flicked on during the night.
I stood at the front gate, hand on the spot where the padlock should be, listening to the voices of my friends as they continued to exhort me into entering the courtyard. Normally I don’t give in to peer pressure, but their incessant shouting and pushing was more than I could handle.
So I pushed the gate open, and entered.
The voices of my friends were suddenly hushed, as the wind blew the gate shut and the sky turned an angry grey. I took a quick breath and stepped forward.
“I’ll see you tomorrow! Don’t get eaten or murdered!” I heard my friend call from a distance.
I kept walking, slowly, keeping my head forward while scanning the area with my eyes. I saw something flash in the corner of my eye. I turned around, heart palpitating, to investigate what that fast-moving creature must have been, when I found myself all of a sudden teleported into the house’s dining room.
I gasped. What? Did I subconsciously move myself into the house? And isn’t — or wasn’t — the front door supposed to be locked? The dining room was large, similar to the Great Hall in Harry Potter, but with one table in the place of four. The room was marvellously decorated, with candles suspended from the multiple candelabras.
I gasped once again as I noticed a plate of freshly roasted chicken on the table — and I sensed a presence behind me.

I wrote this short story during an in-class English practise test. The narrative had to be about a certain topic, of course, and I managed to claim a very cool 100 percent mark. Notice my mention of Harry Potter. I always find a way to incorporate it into everything.
I was just thinking, if I held a writing competition on my blog would you enter it? The contest would have to be about a certain topic/thing, and the prize could be having your story published on my blog, a mention on my blog, and I’ll put you on my blog list/roll. What do you think?

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Archie Who?

2010-10-20T21:42:00.015+11:00

Remember a few months ago when I took those photos for a photography assignment? In case you can’t, allow me to refresh your memory. I had an assignment to complete for photography class, and the photos had to be mainly portraits. I decided to take photos of my little sister, and everyone’s photographs weren’t only marked by the teacher, but they also went into a school-based art competition called ‘Archie Who’. The Archie Who art competition has now started and my entry is up there with the others. And my chances of winning are slim.
The entries aren’t only photographs; there are paintings, drawings, potteries and sculptures there too. Of course, each section is judged individually. There are two categories in which the artworks can win: People’s Choice or Judge’s Choice. Mine’s most likely to win the Judge’s Choice, that is, if they even like it enough to vote for it. Here’s a picture of my entry:
It’s not a very good photo. I don’t really care if I win or not as long as I get an A from my teacher, and at least I’m not bribing people to vote for me like some people are doing ...

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

The Ting Tings New Single

2010-10-18T16:28:00.018+11:00

Last weekend when I logged onto Twitter I was welcomed by a message from my friend telling me that The Ting Tings have released a new song. Oh. Em. Gee. And what's more is that the song can be downloaded for free. It's called We're Not The Same and is by far the best song they've release this year. Their sophomore album is going to sound quite different to their debut, We Started Nothing. They sound a lot more electro-y and disco-y now [see: Hands]. Here's The Ting Tings' new song, We're Not The Same:

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

A Proud Representative Of The Slytherin House

2010-10-16T18:44:00.003+11:00

I used to want to be a Gryffindor. It was back when I was about ten or so, and I thought it was the best house. I thought that if I was a wizard I’d be in it — not because I’m courageous or loyal, but because it’s Harry Potter’s house, and he’s the main character. The main character is supposed to be the best character in the book/movie/TV show. Plus, they were the good guys, and I used to root for the good guys. Note the use of the words ‘used to’. But as I got older my favourite characters were always the bad guys. In fact, Draco and Snape are two of my favourites in the series. Lord Voldemort would also be one of my favourites if he didn’t annoy me so much. Like come on, if I was an evil wizard/criminal mastermind/angry I would have taken over the world already.
When Grace started reading the series early this year, she had a much-loved hobby of asking people what Hogwarts house they thought she was in. Yeah, she was a Gryffindor all right. After a while she got tired of this hobby thus creating a new one, which was still the same but involved me instead of her. Most people said I belonged in Slytherin, though I couldn’t see how that was possible since I wasn’t — and I’m still not — mean or a bully. I didn’t really like Slytherin back then, so I took a heap of online quizzes to prove these people wrong. Argh, ninety percent of the time my answer was Slytherin.
Just two weeks ago I accepted this. The books made being a Slytherin sound so cool. Like, we’ve won the House Cup and Quidditch Cup consecutively for years, and the greatest sorcerer of all time was from our house. After reading the first book I realised that I do belong in that house [did anyone else notice that there’s a person in it named Blaise? And MY nickname is Blaize :-P]. I’m proud to say I’m a Slytherin.

What house are you in?

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Pot-Head

2010-10-14T14:17:00.001+11:00

I have been obsessed with a wide amount of things lately, including fanfiction, BMTH, religion, Twitter, fashion, eBay shopping and manga. But above all these, the thing I am most obsessed with is Harry Potter. Forget the label ‘twi-hard’, I’m a ‘pot-head’. Lots of people I’ve met are reading the books, and although I promised myself I’ll read them after The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 comes out, I caved and purchased the first book. In the beginning I didn’t like it. It was over-descriptive, in third person, and didn’t obey the writing rule that ‘less is more’. Then as the book progressed it started to become interesting. Now it’s safe to say that I am obsessed. Sure I’ve only read the first two books, but I didn’t start reading the series until the last week of my spring break. Besides, if I had the money to buy all seven of the Harry Potter books, I’d have finished reading the whole series in a fortnight. They’re that good. It’s no wonder my friends haven’t been hanging out with me much lately — I always find a way to bring Harry Potter into every conversation, for example:
Ellen: “I can’t wait to go to the Big Exo Day to see the Jonas Brothers.”
Me: “Same, I can’t wait to go to the cinemas to see Harry Potter.”
Another example:
Grace: “This is so hard, I don’t see how anyone can do it!”
Me: “Don’t you wish you were as smart as Hermione?”
I’m sure I’ll get over this obsession as soon as I finish reading then re-reading the series. Hopefully I won’t become so obsessed that I’ll start thinking I’m Harry Potter and call my school Hogwarts *glances at a group of seventh graders*. And I don’t think I’ll ever jump off the edge of a cliff with a broomstick.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

I’m No Fashionista

2010-10-12T19:54:00.003+11:00

When it comes to fashion, I’m about five years behind everyone else. I’m not the most fashionable person you’d ever meet, and I have the most limited wardrobe [how am I expected to attend a non-uniform school next year when all I own are pyjamas and school uniforms?]. So I have no clue why I decided to create my own Lookbook. Yes that’s right, me, abuser of black skinny jeans and plain shirts, has a Lookbook. I think I signed up because I thought it’d be fun to dress up and take part in amateur photo shoots. Or to be envious of everyone else’s awesome outfits. Or to be inspired to stop wearing pyjamas all the time. Either ways, check out my Lookbook and tell me how bad you think my outfits are. Not only are they bad, but they also show you what items of clothing you can buy for under $10.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Ten-Ten-O-Ten

2010-10-10T16:14:00.001+11:00

Are you thinking it’s just another day? Well, it isn’t. It takes people a while to realise the significance of today. They don’t realise it until someone brings it up in class, though, today isn’t a school day. We all know it’s rare to have one number line up for the month, day and year. You’ll never experience another 10/10/10 in your lifetime. Still feeling like it’s just another day? Well then, change that.
I thought of a nice game we could play. I want all of you to either comment with ten random facts about yourself, ten places you’d like to visit, or ten things you’d do right now if you had a million dollars. Come on, it’d be fun!

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

ЯAWR QUOtE

2010-10-09T16:00:00.002+11:00

"Lower your expectations of Earth. This isn't Heaven, so don't expect it to be."
- Max Lucado
–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Back To My Old Habits

2010-10-07T23:56:00.002+11:00

I must sadly admit that my health kick wasn’t very successful. Two weeks in, and I immediately fell back into my old eating habits. I stopped by the 7Eleven and bought a tonne of lollies and paddle pops. Oh, and not to mention the hot chips ... the Diet Cola ... or the fact I had KFC for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It looks like eating healthy just isn’t my thing.
But I know what is.
I love exercising, as long as it’s fun and tough at the same time. I did Cross-Fit for two months last year and really enjoyed it. Cross-Fit is like boot camp except it’s run by my PE teacher, which is why I quit. Lately I’ve been trying to go for a jog every morning, walk my dog during the afternoons, and ride my bike everyday along the beach. I used the word ‘trying’ in that last sentence because it’s been raining non-stop for weeks. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I really want the rain and cold to go away and be replaced by heat and sunshine.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Misguided Ghosts by Paramore

2010-10-05T16:17:00.015+11:00

I can really relate to this song right now ... I'm going away for a while, But I'll be back, Don't try to follow me 'Cause I'll return as soon as possible.
See, I'm trying to find my place, But it might not be here where I feel safe,
We all learn to make mistakes And run from them, from them With no direction,
We'll run from them, from them With no conviction,

'Cause I'm just one of those ghosts Travelin' endlessly. Don't need no roads, In fact, they follow me,
And we just go in circles.

And now I'm told that this is life, That pain is just a simple compromise, So we can get what we want out of it
Would someone care to classify? A broken heart and some twisted minds,
So I can find someone to rely on And run to them, to them, Full speed ahead.
Oh, you are not useless, We are just:

Misguided ghosts Travelin' endlessly. The ones we trusted the most Pushed us far away,
And there's no one road, We should not be the same, But I'm just a ghost,
And still they echo me, They echo me in circles.
–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Four Wasted Hours

2010-10-03T16:00:00.000+11:00

One of my goals when I was in Sydney was to buy as many clothes as possible. I’m not normally girly, but all I truly wanted to do there was go on a huge shopping spree. I’d tried doing that at home, but compared to the clothing stores in Sydney, all my town has are op shops. However I was disappointed when I looked at the price tags of various clothes: SALE $399 Now $250. I can’t even afford to buy a CD for only thirty dollars, so how am I supposed to pay for this? Looks like the only thing I can afford doing is going to all the op shops in my town. Argh.
The reason I want tons of clothes is for school next year. It’ll be the first time I’ll ever be going to a school with no uniform. The only non-uniform school in the state. I really don’t want to wear the same shirt everyday, or always wear a blue shirt on Mondays and a white shirt on Tuesdays. I don’t care if I look trendy or not, don’t care if I look out of place. All I care about is not having to stand in front of my wardrobe for an hour every morning. How do you Americans do this?

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Adieu, Sydney

2010-10-01T15:32:00.011+10:00

Well I’m back from Sydney. The trip was fun, and I gave myself a horrible haircut in an attempt to rid myself of split ends. Unfortunately I didn’t read your comments until yesterday, so I hardly took any photos at all. Staying in Sydney to me isn’t a holiday, because it’s my home. It’s like driving past your old house — you like to look at it but not take any photos, because you know it so well. When I was walking down George Street it was like I was just walking through my house; it’s so familiar. Although, I did take these two photos below [the fluffy thing in the second photo is a dog]:
I’ve found that I fit in a lot better at Sydney than I do in this small coastal town where I now live. I feel more confident in the city, as unlike in small towns, people don’t seem to judge others that much. And the people there are also a lot more friendly. The fashion in cities is amazing. The people there look like they’ve jumped out of the pages of a fashion magazine. If I was a fashion blogger, I would have taken a photograph of just about everyone.
I think it’s a good thing I didn’t take hundreds of photos of my trip, since blogs with posts full of photos from their family holidays never fail to bore me.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Huzzah, It’s The Holidays

2010-09-29T23:30:00.000+10:00

My oh my has this year gone fast. It feels like this [school] year has zoomed by at the speed of a train. Since I’m heading into HSC next year [last two years of high school], my teachers have buried me under a substantial heap of HSC prep work. Not only will I be studying for the exams coming up after the holidays, but I’ll also be prepping up for next year’s major exams. Argh. And I’ve just realised that on the second last day of my spring break I’ll have exactly two months left at my current school. It doesn’t honestly feel like I’m going to a senior high next year. Wow. It hasn’t really been absorbed into my head yet. This year has passed by much too quickly.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Sydnicity

2010-09-27T06:00:00.000+10:00

I’m off to Sydney in an hour. My bags are packed, and this time I’m bringing clothes that don’t shout ‘poor country hick!’ and actually fit in with the current Sydney street style trend. Sort of. I’ll be staying in my most favourite city in the world from today to Thursday night, and I’ll try not to waste my days walking around the suburbs. Albeit, do any of you know a good store in Sydney that sells cheap berets?
I think I fit in more at Sydney than I do here. From what I’ve seen, city folk are a lot more mature, as well as smarter, than those who live in small towns. I really miss that beautiful city and cannot wait to move back there after I graduate from high school.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Award

2010-09-25T16:07:00.001+10:00

1. Thank the blogger who gave you the award...
Thank you so much for the award, Tywo! Please everyone, go check out her blog immediately, it’s the most inspiring thing you’ll ever read.
2. Sum up your blogging philosophy, motivation, and experience using five words...
Life, observations, thoughts, God, me.
3. Pass this on to 10 other bloggers that you feel have a substance in their blogs.
Amy, Christine, Emily, Gina, Kirsty, Laura, Lisa, Maddy, MikMik and Selina.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

‘Cause There’s No Comfort In The Waiting Room

2010-09-23T18:04:00.001+10:00

This week I had my first taste of a real exam. No, I’ve sat exams before but none of them were important. I mean, if I failed one of the exams I’d done in the past it wouldn’t matter, but if I fail this exam I could possibly repeat the tenth grade. That’s what I mean by real.
Going into the real examination room could be compared to getting on a rollercoaster for the first time. You’re nervous, excited, curious at the same time. You feel a dose of adrenaline blast through as you prepare for the ride to begin, and you’re terrified that you won’t make it to the end. But you do get there, and all of a sudden you want to get onto some more rollercoasters, different rollercoasters, and never get off them. Or maybe that extended metaphor only applies for me. I think I’m one of the rare people out there who really enjoy sitting exams. I spent all of lunch, which was two hours long, listening to my friends talk about how much they hate exams. According to them exams are boring, but I’d have to disagree. No classes and longer breaks ... what’s not to love? Though when it comes to math exams, I know exactly how they feel. Math is perhaps my worst subject, and I really don’t care about how well I do in it. I care more about what mark I get in a PE test than a half-yearly math exam. Maybe I just hate it that much.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR ◊

ЯAWR QUOtE

2010-09-21T16:00:00.002+10:00

"Maybe we accept the dream has become a nightmare. We tell ourselves that reality is better. We convince ourselves it’s better that we never dream at all. But, the strongest of us, the most determined of us, holds on to the dream or we find ourselves faced with a fresh dream we never considered. We wake to find ourselves, against all odds, feeling hopeful. And, if we’re lucky, we realise in the face of everything, in the face of life the true dream is being able to dream at all."
- Meredith Grey, Grey’s Anatomy

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR ◊

I Want A Béret

2010-09-19T16:00:00.002+10:00

When I was ten, if you tried to get me to read a book without pictures, I’d throw a tantrum. When I was twelve, if you banned me from purchasing more novels, I’d throw something at you. When I was fourteen, I hated poems more than maths, but now I love them.
It’s strange how much we change over time. One year ago I hated it when my English teacher made us read a Shakespeare play, but right now I can’t wait to start deconstructing a play such as Waiting For Godot by Samuel Beckett. I’ve even compiled a list of all my favourite poets, like Keats, Shelley and Byron, to name a few. I never thought I’d turn into such an artsy* kid. If I remember correctly, I didn’t hate all poems when I was younger. I remember watching an episode of The Simpsons when I was still in primary school, it was one of those Halloween episodes, and in it Bart and Lisa were telling each other scary stories. When it was Lisa’s turn, she read The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe. I fell in love with that poem so much that last week when I discovered a book of Edgar Allan Poe literary works for sale, I bought it. I’d say he’s my favourite poet of all-time. Shakespeare would probably be my favourite if I could understand those Elizabethan words.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Simplicity Is Too Overlooked

2010-09-17T16:00:00.005+10:00

Surrounded by my favourite flower, today was a good day and I realised that life changes too fast for any of us to comprehend. One day we think we know how everything will turn out, but then something changes, and suddenly we open our eyes to a new world where nothing is the same. And because of this constant cycle of change, we need to appreciate the consistency of simplicity. The way the sun is always behind the clouds, the sound of leaves as they ripple on a gust of wind, and the smell of summer, or earth, or rain. All that's simple; all that's constant like the ground beneath your feet.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

What Happens After Death

2010-09-15T16:00:00.004+10:00

I’m no longer afraid of death. Death to me is a peaceful, painless relief; dying is painful part. Dying is when your soul is sucked out of your body, ready to make the transition to the afterlife. The afterlife is in another dimension, and where you go from there is a whole other story. Will you go to Heaven, will you go to Hell, or will you be trapped in Limbo for a thousand years? It’s a scary thought not going to Heaven, though non-believers don’t seem to mind it. Some of them think that you become completely and totally nothing once you die. Now who would want to think that? That’s scarier than the thought of going to Hell. Sometimes I wish I could die, just so I’d know what it is like. If it’s what I think it’s like, it would be full of white light, and full of love, harmony, freedom, and you’d be existing there for all of eternity. You wouldn’t be a physical being; you’d be a non-visible [not invisible, but not visible either] buzz of energy, which is your soul, moving about as freely as you’d like. Death would be superior to birth. Once you’ve left Earth, you’d never want to go back. And in the afterlife, you wouldn’t be confined by time. One day could be a million years on Earth. Of course however, this is what I imagine Heaven to be like. My impression of Hell is the complete opposite. –— ЯANdOM ЯAWR

Procrastination 101

2010-09-13T18:34:00.002+10:00

Sometimes I think I am the biggest procrastinator in the country. I hardly ever study. In fact, now that I’ve come to think of it, I don’t study period. The consequence of this is usually a terrible test result. For example, in maths I didn’t study at all thus failed most tests, so my teacher decided to move me down to the second highest maths class. I feel so dumb not being in the top class anymore. And in history we had a half-yearly assessment which I didn’t study for, so I ended up coming 30th out of 170 people in tenth grade history. But the results aren’t always bad — I never paid attention in science class, didn’t study for the test, and got the second highest mark in the grade. I really don’t deserve to get great marks when my friends study all week and get horrible ones. The same thing applies for assignments. At school I may be a sanctimonious girl who does all her class work in ten seconds, but when it comes to assignments and homework, I’m a sinner. I don’t do homework. If I do it, it’s most likely to have been copied from the answers at the back of a text book. I complete whole assignments either the night before it’s due, or during homeroom on the date it’s due. I don’t know why I procrastinate so much.
My trial School Certificate exam starts in eight days. The exam go for three days and I haven’t started studying yet. Sure they’re only trial exams, but they’re also worth twenty-five percent of my final School Certificate score, ~~plus I want to get better marks than my friends~~. So I’ve made a pact to study every spare minute I’ve got. I’ll stay home on the Monday before the exam starts to do revision, and I’ll leave school straight after my theory test to study for tomorrow’s. Let’s hope this goes according to plan!

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR ◊

ЯAWR MUSiC: Playlist Of My Mood

2010-09-11T16:13:00.006+10:00

Outside Looking In – Jordan Pruitt
Tourniquet – Evanescence
Nightminds – Missy Higgins
Misguided Ghosts – Paramore
Big Black Cloud – Felicity Urquhart
Leave Out All The Rest – Linkin Park
White Horse – Taylor Swift
Be The One – The Ting Tings
Irvine – Kelly Clarkson
The Last Day On Earth – Kate Miller-Heidke
Lithium – Evanescence
Ghost – Little Boots

What songs describe your current mood? I’m looking for some new music, so please feel free to send some recommendations my way :-D.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR ◊

Clap Your Hands If You’re Working Too Hard

2010-09-09T16:06:00.005+10:00

I’ve been waiting for this since last year — The Ting Tings will be releasing their sophomore album sometime next year. I can’t wait to hear it! They also just released the music video for their new single, Hands, which is really good although there’s a subtle difference to their sound.
While you’re here, watch Taylor Swift’s new music video for Mine, if you haven’t already. It’s so sweet, so clichéd and so Taylor Swift. And yeah, she’s wearing a white dress in the video, how surprising /sarcasm. Does she wear a white dress in all her music videos?

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR ◊

Health Kick And Happiness Booster In One Go

2010-09-07T17:36:00.002+10:00

Since early this morning, I’ve been making an effort to make myself happy. I am so sick of friends and their complications, petty fights with family, etc. Today was a great day. It didn’t hurt that the sun was shining, birds were singing and I had watermelon for breakfast instead of my usual sticky date pudding. So how did I put this happiness into action? Well, it was simple. The little sister was trying to get me into a fight with her this morning, teasing me and just not leaving me alone. Instead of having a go at her and yelling, I took my dog for a walk, which also contributed to my health kick. Then at school, we were having a discussion about the big bang theory, a topic which gets a lot of religious people [like me] fired up. While I still got involved, I made sure there was no shouting or anything like that and I actually listened to the opinions of others before commenting on them. Another awesome thing about today is that Top Gear is on. You should watch it, it’s not entirely about car engines etc. and is quite entertaining.
I am feeling a lot happier, more relaxed [and healthier of course] than I have in a very long time. And all because I ignored my problems and enjoyed the simple things!
Hope you guys had a great Tuesday too =].

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR ◊

God Is Everywhere

2010-09-06T20:03:00.000+10:00

Silver and gold are tested by flames of fire; our thoughts are tested by the Lord. Proverbs 17:3
When you cross deep rivers, I will be with you, and you won’t drown. Isaiah 43:2
Where there is no fuel a fire goes out; where there is no gossip arguments come to an end. Proverbs 26:20
My words are a powerful fire; they are a hammer that shatters rocks. Jeremiah 23:29
You, the Lord God, keep my lamp burning and turn darkness to light. Psalm 18:28

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR ◊

Everything Was Beautiful, And Nothing Hurt

2010-09-04T19:34:00.001+10:00

As I sit here writing this, I’m eating a huge bag of potato chips and drinking Diet Cola. I am probably the most unhealthy person you’ll ever meet. The only vegetable I eat is butterhead lettuce, which I eat about once a week, and I only eat about two pieces of fruit a week. My breakfast usually consists of either pizza, hash browns and fries, KFC or cake. During class, you’d find me getting away with eating chocolate or lollies. I feel so bad for being this unhealthy all the time. It’s disgusting.
So as of tomorrow morning I’m determined to stray from my bad eating habits for at least a month. Whilst on this health kick, I’m going to stop eating any type of cow meat. That means the only meats I’ll eat are chicken and seafood — an okay start to vegetarianism! Also, I’m aiming to carry out regular physical activities, such as running, cycling, skipping and using those weight machine things. I realised just how unfit I was yesterday when I ran only four metres and felt like I was dying, then woke the next morning to find my body was aching as though I’d been working out at the gym for eight straight hours. I’m not doing this because I think I’m fat [I know I’m not, though sometimes I think I am], I’m doing this because I don’t want to have a heart attack at the age of eighteen. ‘Cause that could happen if I keep this up any longer.
Wish me luck!

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR ◊

Summer, How I Despise Thou

2010-09-02T16:33:00.007+10:00

It’s only the second day of spring and I’m already beginning to miss winter. I miss its frosty feeling, its way of making people hate it, and the clothes — fashion — that comes with it. I hate summer. I hate how sweaty, tired, horrible it makes you feel. I hate the clothes you have to wear in summer — tank tops, dresses, skirts, and shorts. I’d prefer skinny jeans and ugg boots, merci beaucoup. Right now it’s 30ºC in my town, when only three days ago it was 21ºC. You can tell it’s going to be a hot, miserable summer. I don’t see how people can like it so much. Spring and summer in Australia is crazy.
I envy you people who live on the northern hemisphere. You’ll soon be entering the awesomeness of winter. Despite what you may think, it is awesome, and you should make the most of it.
My spring + summer holidays will consist of another trip to Sydney, lots of work, maybe a trip to Melbourne and maybe Adelaide as well, more work, and getting ready to start at my new school. Fun.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR ◊

Animals Aren’t Possessions

2010-08-31T17:33:00.001+10:00

I hate to think of animals as pets — I mean the animals you own [I also hate saying I own them]. They’re living beings, not materialistic possessions. It’s like a mother saying she owns her child, and if she gets sick of that child, she’ll sell it. Or give it away for free. I don’t think of my dog as a pet. It feels absurd calling him that. He’s more like family, and sometimes I forget he isn’t human. It reminds me of something I came across online several months ago: ‘Pets aren’t possessions, they’re not accessories you discard when you decide you no longer want them. They’re living creatures that share our lives’.
Why do we treat animals any different? Because they can’t speak a human language? Jeez, how would we react if aliens came to Earth and treated us like animals, like we’re their pets? We’d think it’s wrong and unjust. So wouldn’t animals feel the same way too? Or do you think they don’t care? I often wonder how a horse feels after having a person on their back for two hours. I’d hate to be a horse. I know, these animals can’t just come into the house, stay there for a few years then be on their way; we like to keep them here almost as a hostage, sort of like when a person cages a wild bird and refuses to let it go. Some parents do the same thing, but I’ve never heard someone a kid a pet.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR ◊

ЯAWR QUOtE

2010-08-30T20:36:00.002+10:00

"We’ve removed the ceiling above our dreams. There are no more impossible dreams."
- Jesse Jackson

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR ◊

Gifted Child

2010-08-28T17:34:00.004+10:00

A: “So what are you good at?”
G: “I’m good at everything.”
The next day ...
G: “I’m not smart and I’m good at nothing. How am I smart? Why do you think I’m smart?”
Me: “Uh ...”

My friend spent one day boasting about how great she was at everything, saying she would win the Archi Who? [a school-based art competition], and that she was incredibly bright and a ‘gifted child’. The next, she seemed to be feeling depressed and was going on about how she thought she wasn’t smart. Of course, I told her she was the most intelligent person I knew, despite my wanting not to. She asked me how and why I thought she was smart. She kept refuting every word I said, so eventually I told her, “You’re good at pretty much everything.” This irritated me because I expected this to happen. A tiny part of me thought she was just doing this to hear me pronounce how much of a ‘gifted child’ she was. People like this annoy me. They make others appear dumb and useless, and seem to be pushing the idealism that we can be perfect at everything. Every time someone does this, I have the urge to pull a sad face and tell them I suck at everything. But I wouldn’t enjoy sinking down to their sad, sad level below the dirt.

–— ЯANdOM ЯAWR ◊