tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53814093569821536482024-02-07T13:40:16.832+10:00Forever SpringtimeBlogging about life, my walk with Christ, my family, food, books, other blogs of interest and anything else that catches my eye! Please join me in my journey!Nellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00385287777104777041noreply@blogger.comBlogger195125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381409356982153648.post-18577326991802990012015-05-09T17:40:00.002+10:002015-05-09T17:41:12.556+10:00No Bake Clinkers SliceEarlier this week, via Facebook, I discovered a very dangerous blog called <a href="http://www.bakeplaysmile.com/" target="_blank">Bake Play Smile</a>. The particular link was for Lucy's (the author's) "Easy No-Bake Bars & Slices". The name says it all, really. Dangerous, I say... dangerous! Her blog should come with a warning label... a big flashing neon warning label!<br />
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I had to (yes, <i>had </i>to!) print off all the slice recipes attached to the link so that I can attempt them all myself. I will not be weighing myself before, and definitely not after, making all the slices.<br />
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I loved Clinkers growing up, and still do, so of all the slices, the <a href="http://www.bakeplaysmile.com/clinkers-slice/" target="_blank">Clinkers Slice</a> stood out and became the obvious pick for the first slice to attempt and here it is:<br />
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I'm pretty proud of myself, seeing as I only realised as I went to make the slice that I didn't have the right equipment for the second step. Most of our stuff is in storage at the moment, while we wait to move into our new house at the beginning of next month. My food processer is included in the items in storage! Not to be discouraged, I decided to (no)bake on and do it by hand. Unfortunately I didn't even have a rolling pin I could use to crush the biscuits, so it did take a little more time and energy, but I got there in the end, albeit with more chunks of biscuit than is probably ideal! Then the clinkers... thankfully I had put my good <a href="http://www.globalknives.com.au/" target="_blank">Global knife</a> set aside to be with me at this temporary accommodation, or else I would have been in all sorts of pain. As it was, my hand was sore hand chopping all the required Clinkers (they are hard little lollies when you start chopping them... I guess that goes with the name ('clinker' has a number of meanings, including cement!). I finally managed to finish them and it was very satisfying tipping them into the bowl, ready for the next step!<br />
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The rest of the steps were a piece of cake, thankfully!<br />
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In addition to Step 7, I also added coconut oil to the chocolate, as Lucy suggests in her "<a href="http://www.bakeplaysmile.com/how-to-cut-perfect-slices/" target="_blank">How to Cut Perfect Slices</a>" post on her blog. Boy, that coconut oil smelt delicious! And it worked a treat, so I'm very glad I took the time to buy and add it to the slice.<br />
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After I left the slice in the fridge overnight, plus much of today as I was out and about all day, I let it sit for 20 minutes before attempting to cut the slice (I'm very good at following directions exactly!). I don't think I did too badly, but need a bit of practice to get it even prettier. Having said that, it's the best looking slices I've ever cut!<br />
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In regards to taste, it's very yummy, but I'm disappointed that I can't taste the Clinkers as much as I thought I would. That could be because of the disbursement not being as thorough as it would have been, had I crushed them in a food processor like I was suppose to. I look forward to making them again once we're in the new house and I have my food processor back. In the meantime, this slice will not be left uneaten!!<br />
<br />Nellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00385287777104777041noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381409356982153648.post-40240568280880730562015-04-24T20:04:00.000+10:002015-04-24T20:04:53.403+10:00Grandma Ellie's LegacyA long time ago (3 years ago, almost to the day!), <a href="http://foreverspringtime.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/life-in-alphabet-s.html" target="_blank">I received a precious parcel from my aunty in the USA</a>. Having never really knowing my grandma (she died when I was very young, and lived in the States, while I lived in Australia before she died), it was a <a href="http://foreverspringtime.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/who-are-you-influenced-by.html" target="_blank">wonderful connection</a> to her and I felt closer to her. Previous to receiving the package, my aunty had also given me Grandma Ellie's recipe tin. One of my favourite recipes in the tin was her brownie recipe, which is so easy to make and everyone who tries it, falls in love with it.<br />
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Included in the list of people falling in love with it, is a dear friend of mine. She is a chef by trade and has recently started a new job at a cafe attached to a nursery in Cairns (beautiful cafe; if you're in Cairns, go and check it out: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vines-at-Limberlost/379855798843442?fref=ts" target="_blank">Vines at Limberlost</a>!). So, you might be wondering what this has to do with Grandma Ellie's brownies... well, my friend loved the brownies so much, she asked me for the recipe (which she won't share with anyone else in the cafe - they are her special items!), so that she could make them at the cafe. Unfortunately I wasn't able to go in there on a day that she had made them, before we moved away from Cairns, but she did forward me a picture of them in the display cabinet, as she promised she would!<br />
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Although I call them Grandma Ellie's brownies, she insisted on calling them Nelle's Brownies. In any case, I know what they are, and where they have come from, so this is very special to me. I am so excited that Grandma's legacy shines through in these yummy brownies and it means so much to me that my friend insisted on having them in the cafe.<br />
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Apparently the brownies are "getting quite a reputation" at the cafe. So, if you are in Cairns and can pop into the cafe, hopefully the brownies will be there in the display cabinet. Order one, and know that you actually know the beautiful story behind the delicious dessert you definitely <u>won't</u> regret trying!<br />
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<br />Nellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00385287777104777041noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381409356982153648.post-76972876533535384822015-04-24T09:55:00.000+10:002015-04-24T09:55:56.623+10:00I'm Back, Baby!So, it's been almost one year since I've posted on my blog. And I stopped feeling guilty about it. When I was blogging regularly, I had a lot more time on my hands. But working 4 days a week, and a full time mum, wife and many other things, I realised that blogging just wasn't a priority, so I didn't even keep thinking about it, let alone feel guilty for not writing.<br />
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However, circumstances have changed and I'm hoping to start up my blogging again.<br />
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When I last wrote, I was living in Cairns, working for <a href="http://foreverspringtime.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/big-changes.html" target="_blank">MAF</a>. My family and I are now living in Melbourne and I'm not working at all! Big Spring took a call (he's a Lutheran Pastor) to a new position within the Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA). He's no longer a pastor of a particular parish, but a pastor involved in families, children and youth ministry Australia and NZ wide. He was able to choose to be based out of Adelaide or Melbourne and with all of our families located in Victoria, it made sense that we chose to be based in Melbourne. We moved down two weeks ago, today! We are currently in temporary accommodation while the LCA go through the process of purchasing a manse (house) for us. It's a little frustrating not having all our things (currently in storage), but we did get about 10 boxes of extra personal items to use while we are in this place (a fully furnished house), so it feels a little more like 'home'.<br />
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At this stage, I'm not looking to get back into a paid job. I'm actually looking forward to being at home a lot more; I'll have more time for baking and experimental cooking, which I absolutely love doing, but wasn't able to as there just wasn't enough time or energy. It also means that Little Spring will get the best of me, instead of a tired, busy, grumpy mummy after school. I never felt that she got any quality time out of me. I'd be getting home from work (picking her up from after school care on the way home) and just when she wanted to play with me, I'd more often than not have to decline as I needed to clean, cook dinner or collapse on the couch and just relax for a minute. It wasn't ideal and I felt horrible. But now, I can get a lot of that done during the day, ensuring that when she gets home from school, we can have quality time together. And I just LOVE that and our relationship is blossoming more and more!<br />
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Basically, this means that, although I might not be blogging on a daily basis, I do hope I can blog more regularly than I have in this past year.<br />
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So, welcome back to me and more importantly, welcome back to my regular readers... however many or few that may be!Nellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00385287777104777041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381409356982153648.post-14019678208366317252014-05-11T16:52:00.000+10:002014-05-11T16:52:26.057+10:00Perhaps a not-so-happy Mother's DayMother's Day isn't as easy for some as it is for others. For many years I struggled with it, while we struggled to get pregnant. Now that I'm a mum, it doesn't fill me with such dread, but I am acutely aware that this day will not be quite the celebration for everyone.<br />
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<i>To the woman whose deepest desire is to be a mother, but can not fall pregnant;</i><br />
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<i>To the mother who has a child who she had to say goodbye to too early;</i><br />
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<i>To the child who has lost their mother;</i><br />
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<i>To the mother who is separated from their child;</i><br />
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I know that there are no words to comfort you during this time, but I pray that you do find the peace you need today.<br />
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To the woman whose deepest desire is to be a mother, but can not fall pregnant, I pray that God grants you the desires of your heart and fills your womb with a baby. If this is not God's will for your life, I pray that God gives you peace and comforts your heart.<br />
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To the mother who has a child who she had to say goodbye to too early, I pray that you are surrounded by people who understand your pain, who know that your beautiful child will always be in your heart and that your child can never be replaced.<br />
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To the child who has lost their mother, I pray that you find peace in your heart. I pray especially to the child who's dealing with their first Mother's Day without their mother.<br />
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To the mother who is separated from their child I pray that whatever it is that is keeping you from your child, that God would work a miracle so you can see your child or at least be able to be in contact with them.<br />
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I know that I have not covered all scenarios that cause Mother's Day to be not so joyous for people, but you are still in my prayers. I can not fully know how you must be feeling, and will not pretend to understand. But I can and do pray for you; for those of you who I know, and for those of you who I do not know.<br />
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+23&version=NIV" target="_blank"><span class="text Ps-23-1" id="en-NIV-14237">Psalm 23</span></a></h4>
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<span class="text Ps-23-1">The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is my shepherd, I lack nothing.</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-23-2" id="en-NIV-14238"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-23-2" id="en-NIV-14238">He makes me lie down in green pastures,</span></span> <span class="text Ps-23-2">he leads me beside quiet waters,</span> <span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-23-3" id="en-NIV-14239"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span>he refreshes my soul.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-23-3">He guides me along the right paths </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-23-3">for his name’s sake.</span></span><span class="text Ps-23-4" id="en-NIV-14240"> </span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-23-4" id="en-NIV-14240">Even though I walk</span> <span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-23-4">through the darkest valley,<sup> </sup></span></span><span class="text Ps-23-4">I will fear no evil,</span> <span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-23-4">for you are with me;</span></span> <span class="text Ps-23-4">your rod and your staff, </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-23-4">they comfort me.</span></span><span class="text Ps-23-5" id="en-NIV-14241"> </span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-23-5" id="en-NIV-14241">You prepare a table before me</span> <span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-23-5">in the presence of my enemies.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-23-5">You anoint my head with oil;</span> <span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-23-5">my cup overflows.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-23-6" id="en-NIV-14242">Surely your goodness and love will follow me</span> <span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-23-6">all the days of my life,</span></span> <span class="text Ps-23-6">and I will dwell in the house of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord </span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-23-6">forever.</span></span></div>
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<br />Nellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00385287777104777041noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381409356982153648.post-80628997703899573892014-05-05T20:33:00.000+10:002014-05-05T20:33:02.279+10:002014 Girls' Weekend in Sydney Day 2We all woke up on Day 2 with an adventure in mind... we were heading up to Channel 7 to look in on Sunrise being filmed live, with a hope to meeting the crew like we did last year. We even had brought some gifts for them... a couple of souveniers from Cairns and framed limericks for each of them. And we did get to meet them and present them with their gifts...<br />
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After Sunrise, we were then able to meet the lovely hosts of the Morning Show. Larry and Kylie are always so friendly, but Kylie really made such a big fuss over the gifts and it just made us fall in love with her just that little bit more! Don't worry, Larry was still his very charming self!<br />
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We then took advantage of our time in the city and did some shopping and lots of walking. It was then time to get back to the hotel and prepare for the start of Colour 2014. We had something very special organised for the first night! Last year, we allocated colours to ourselves and used that as a bit of a theme and we decided to continue that again this year, but taking it up a notch! One of our rooms became a hairdressing salon as we set up a process for colouring our hair! The effect was pretty good, although I think my hair turned out more yellow than green! <br />
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These were our allocated seats for the night. Unfortunately a little disappointing, being so very high up and right to the side, but we tried to make the most of it and decided to try our luck at the 'public' seating at the next session. <br />
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Nellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00385287777104777041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381409356982153648.post-36063287762733042292014-05-04T21:44:00.000+10:002014-05-04T21:44:34.986+10:002014 Girls' Weekend in Sydney Day 1Last year 4 friends and I headed down to Sydney for the Hillsong Colour Conference, plus other adventures on a girls' weekend. We had so much fun, that we decided to do it again, adding one more lady to our group!<br />
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Once again it was an amazing trip, which I can't wait to share with you here. So, without further ado...<br />
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We excitedly set off on our big city adventure and were greeted by this limo for our transfer to the hotel:<br />
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We got dressed up for a lovely dinner out:<br />
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Following dinner was the highlight of the evening... off to see The Lion King stage show. Here's what I wrote on FaceBook regarding that amazing evening...<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Oh.
My. Goodness! How am I ever going to get to sleep tonight? I'm on such a
buzz from the Lion King. A-maz-ing. Like a childhood dream come true.
Crying at the beginning in awe of the costumes and squealing with
delight that where we were sitting (box seats!), is where the show
started... One of the characters stood right beside us while the
spotlight shone on him/us while they sang the opening 'credits'! A truly
wonderful night that I will never ever forget. </span></blockquote>
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"> An inundation of photos to follow, but I can't help it! It was a magical night that I will never forget!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">An unexpected surprise as part of the Box Seat seat experience!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">An amazing view from our Box Seats!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I can't believe that one of my friends was actually able to capture this moment. A little naughty, but I'm so grateful she got this picture! This shows the very beginning of the show, with the character right there beside us (that's my head to the right!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Some fun after the show... the Rafiki character is from the Madame Tussauds exhibit, not the real thing!</span></div>
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And that was the end of Day One in Sydney. To start off on such a high, it was going to be hard to top that!<br />
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Stay tuned for further posts on our adventures in Sydney! Nellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00385287777104777041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381409356982153648.post-81585010209705777742014-05-04T08:30:00.000+10:002014-05-04T08:30:20.694+10:00Scammer Warning 01When I get scam emails, I get so angry. Firstly, because they're actually trying to get my information illegally, to rip me off. Secondly, and this is the worst, because someone innocent is going to fall for the scheme and have their identity and/or money stolen and that really gets me mad. So, I thought I would do something new on my blog and start to update you on scams I get, and point out why they are scams, to try and educate people and stop these scammers from succeeding in their shady business.<br />
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I have to say, these scammers are getting clever in their schemes. Yesterday I received the following email (click on it to enlarge):<br />
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It looks pretty legitimate and I had to do a double-take when I first looked at it. However, there were a number of things about this email that started to ring alarm bells in my head:<br />
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1. I never ordered either of these products.<br />
2. The price for these products was too high to seem to be actual purchases.<br />
3. I've never noticed the line on iTunes receipt before, talking about my account being hijacked.<br />
4. No legitimate business ever asks you for financial data in an email.<br />
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So, instead of clicking on any of their links, I went to my online bank statement to see if any money had been taken from my account, supposedly to buy these products under my iTunes account. The receipt date was 28th April, so there should have been an amount on my online statement within 2-3 days of this transaction. There was none, so I was able to breathe easy knowing that no one had hacked into my iTunes account.<br />
<br />
My next train of thought was getting angry with these people trying to scam innocent people. This receipt looked like the real thing and it would be easy and understandable for people to fall for this. I want to protect people from getting scammed, so please spread this post to everyone, to ensure they are aware. Below is a legitimate email receipt from iTunes, with a "spot the difference" explanation underneath (again, click on it to enlarge it).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlF85AZWQIGZvsQBR4SNNhAEOLzU7_3brqUEhcdprSO_b1ZcUajByjuDNgf8XUOSQjAjFfGCZI0nuiG9WkYseUH3c5P3y5_MfpFA_knr1puUcqc84x2DFSnx6UrhfL4o5psA_ZybROdM/s1600/iTunes+legit+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlF85AZWQIGZvsQBR4SNNhAEOLzU7_3brqUEhcdprSO_b1ZcUajByjuDNgf8XUOSQjAjFfGCZI0nuiG9WkYseUH3c5P3y5_MfpFA_knr1puUcqc84x2DFSnx6UrhfL4o5psA_ZybROdM/s1600/iTunes+legit+01.jpg" height="400" width="337" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>i. = iTunes</i><br />
<i>s. = scammer email</i><br />
<br />
1. (not shown here). The email address that sent the email:<br />
<ul>
<li>i. was sent from an 'iTunes.com' email address</li>
<li>s. was sent from a random email address (which I didn't think to get a copy of as an example before permanently deleting the email like I do for all scam emails)</li>
</ul>
2. Order number:<br />
<ul>
<li>i. is different from the receipt number (in the subject line) and contains numbers and letters</li>
<li>s. is the same as the receipt number and does not contain letters</li>
</ul>
3. Billed To (1) (Address):<br />
<ul>
<li>i. states my email address and current postal address</li>
<li>s. only states my email address</li>
</ul>
4. Date:<br />
<ul>
<li>i. Titled: "Issue Date" and only has the date stated DD/MM/YY</li>
<li>s. Titled: "Receipt Date" and has the date stated MM/DD/YYYY and the time</li>
</ul>
5. Billed To (2) (Payment Type):<br />
<ul>
<li>i. States the type of card used (i.e. MasterCard, Visa, AMEX) etc. with the last four digits of the card</li>
<li>s. States my email address </li>
</ul>
6. Heading:<br />
<ul>
<li>i. "Tax Invoice"</li>
<li>s. "Receipt"</li>
</ul>
7. Headings of items purchased:<br />
<ul>
<li>i. "Item" "Seller" "Type" "Unit Price"</li>
<li>s. "Item Number" Description" "Unit Price"</li>
</ul>
8. End notes:<br />
<ul>
<li>i. Does not not mention if your account has been hijacked and <b>does not</b> ask for personal/financial information</li>
<li>s. Gives a link to go to if you suspect your account has been hijacked and advises "you will be asked some specific questions about you and your financial data to prove you actually owned the account". <b>This line out of everything should set off the BIGGEST alarm bells</b>.</li>
</ul>
There are some other differences at the bottom of the email, but the ones stated above are the major ones to look out for. <br />
<br />
NB: Regarding number 4. and 6. The differences could be partly to do with whether you purchase in Australia or the USA. The scammers will have used an American email to make up the receipt, so the title "Receipt" might be legitimate there and the date format used by them is in the American format.<br />
<br />
Please pass this information around, especially to friends and family who are more vulnerable to these sorts of scams, who aren't very internet savvy. Stop the scammers from succeeding!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Unfortunately this post is showing the scammers how to improve their emails in future, which I am sorry about doing. However, if it stunts their success even a little in the meantime, then I feel I've done my job educating everyone on these scams. Each time I get a scam email, I will be posting an update here on my blog.</span></div>
Nellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00385287777104777041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381409356982153648.post-46737280203349789552014-04-25T16:48:00.001+10:002014-04-27T15:10:41.576+10:00History Lesson<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Today is ANZAC day** in Australia. A tradition for Australians is to make ANZAC for/on ANZAC Day. So far as I remember (correct me if I'm wrong, Mum), I've never made ANZAC biscuits on ANZAC Day. I've made plenty of the biscuits, but just never for or on the special day. Today I decided to change all that. I thought it would be lovely to start making these each year with Little Spring. She's always loved helping me in the kitchen and I thought this would be a perfect opportunity, seeing as how easy the biscuits are to make.<br />
<br />
As I hadn't planned to make them, I hoped that I would have all of the ingredients in the house. I was pretty sure I would as the ingredients are all basic/common ones in Australian households. My heart soared each time I found the next ingredient, until I'd found them all!<br />
<br />
While the butter softened, I decided to research the history behind the biscuit. All I knew of the biscuit is that it was name after our Australian and New Zealand soldiers from WWI. But why? I was curious and I love my history! <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(side note: I hated history in high school; I was never any good at it and it just didn't grab my attention. I'm sad that I didn't like it because now I just love learning about history!)</i></span><br />
<br />
Thanks to the trusty internet, I was able to discover the story behind the ANZAC biscuit...<br />
<br />
So, apparently the army issued the soldiers of WWI with biscuits called ANZAC tiles or ANZAC wafers. They were a version of "hard tack" which is a bread substitute that has a long shelf life, and as the name suggests, very hard. These are not to be confused with the ANZAC biscuits that have become a household name in Australia!<br />
<br />
These hard tack biscuits were so hard and durable, that the soldiers found uses for them aside from actually eating them (I don't blame them... they sound pretty unappetising!). The soldiers wrote messages on the biscuits and sent them to family and friends! They were also known to use them as a paint canvas, creatively decorated to become photo frames and even became Christmas cards!<br />
<br />
So, with a not-so-appealing- option for the soldiers, the wives back home came up with the ANZAC biscuit. The ingredients were chosen as they don't spoil easy (hence why there are no eggs in the biscuit) and therefore travelled well on the Naval transport, which was long and had only limited refrigeration.<br />
<br />
In typical Australian/New Zealand style, the Aussies and Kiwis (New Zealanders) still disagree as to who actually came up with the recipe. It joins all good arguments between the countries (for example: who invented pavlova, who can claim Phar Lap and Russell Crowe (although, depending on who you talk to about the latter, I don't think either want to claim him!). At the end of the day, who cares? It's a delicious treat and whether the recipe came from Australia or NZ, I don't think the soldiers eating them cared too much either!<br />
<br />
And that is the history of the ANZAC biscuit. As Little Spring and I made them today, I felt a connection with history. I'm glad to know the story and will always remember this whenever I am making them.<br />
<br />
(sources: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anzac_biscuit" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>, <a href="http://www.awm.gov.au/blog/2008/04/22/anzac-biscuits/" target="_blank">Australia War Memorial</a>)<br />
<br />
For those of you who are keen to make them, here is my Nana's recipe, which appears to be the most common/popular version (today's ones turned out chewy... another big Australian debate - do you prefer your ANZAC biscuits chewy or hard?!):<br />
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<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Ingredients</span></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3e5xPkmEslTqIIvBBOSLYbJ7L8vv-O7-JFec-K5Icxr9LFRSuCHtbSdcZrwcssEG4ih1WDwiwK4FB1xMMugEImwDVc1UctCnQ1Ub6ShZs1f4JNxQsf5cCO32wdMggPCZkv0fm5kYc3NQ/s1600/DSCN1608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3e5xPkmEslTqIIvBBOSLYbJ7L8vv-O7-JFec-K5Icxr9LFRSuCHtbSdcZrwcssEG4ih1WDwiwK4FB1xMMugEImwDVc1UctCnQ1Ub6ShZs1f4JNxQsf5cCO32wdMggPCZkv0fm5kYc3NQ/s1600/DSCN1608.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-AU">1 cup plain flour</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-AU">1 cup raw sugar</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-AU">1 cup rolled oats</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-AU">¾ cup coconut</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-AU">½ cup butter/margarine</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-AU">2 Tbsp golden syrup</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-AU">1 tsp baking soda</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-AU">2 Tbsp water</span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Directions</span></h2>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 21.3pt; text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Centaur; mso-fareast-font-family: Centaur;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-AU">Mix together flour, sugar, oats
and coconut</span></div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJeL_3YJAy2lw0f0AGOogdWZLgqxj74lZp7Oh1VC6DC6cYbR9uHJoEvTbDJRegW5lrLrha53u_v0CScpJxI_sxhqKbMVyoqONNj_1sIM3jxmOvgce28a5avaZyGg27O7EbVZ5nUv2gGVo/s1600/DSCN1615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJeL_3YJAy2lw0f0AGOogdWZLgqxj74lZp7Oh1VC6DC6cYbR9uHJoEvTbDJRegW5lrLrha53u_v0CScpJxI_sxhqKbMVyoqONNj_1sIM3jxmOvgce28a5avaZyGg27O7EbVZ5nUv2gGVo/s1600/DSCN1615.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 21.3pt; text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Centaur; mso-fareast-font-family: Centaur;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-AU">Melt in saucepan butter and
syrup</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 21.3pt; text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Centaur; mso-fareast-font-family: Centaur;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-AU">Mix together soda and
water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add to saucepan.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEM0_9GFz2MG7zJMWV2OeFF-loKGHMA3GOM7q5RUIzETU7l7OCsYLS2h45Djycol33U7Xtk7FHkAPDHQ-c1tK2vWTW3Ib9gJ3-fgpbvUrLyZrOl0kR99L9QNU-bkygylAPDKc_yZsJ4KQ/s1600/DSCN1622.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEM0_9GFz2MG7zJMWV2OeFF-loKGHMA3GOM7q5RUIzETU7l7OCsYLS2h45Djycol33U7Xtk7FHkAPDHQ-c1tK2vWTW3Ib9gJ3-fgpbvUrLyZrOl0kR99L9QNU-bkygylAPDKc_yZsJ4KQ/s1600/DSCN1622.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(The baking soda must have been a bit old... it didn't all fizz up like it normally does (my favourite part!) </span></i></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 21.3pt; text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Centaur; mso-fareast-font-family: Centaur;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-AU">Pour saucepan contents into dry
ingredients and mix together.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX2bF_YYsslJM6QXjy5FW3INkZSXUZX7PPTtt6SQUfdkiTWtvDd6Tj7DXQB0O8ocS-88el2ASOWw27GviBNzaEqFw1wptiHcWjlW5hxGaD-rkBXi7TwoDG_P9ftmEZ63cZ-YK2TzQ5HkI/s1600/DSCN1624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX2bF_YYsslJM6QXjy5FW3INkZSXUZX7PPTtt6SQUfdkiTWtvDd6Tj7DXQB0O8ocS-88el2ASOWw27GviBNzaEqFw1wptiHcWjlW5hxGaD-rkBXi7TwoDG_P9ftmEZ63cZ-YK2TzQ5HkI/s1600/DSCN1624.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-AU">5. Drop teaspoons of mixture on to greased tray, allowing room to spread. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90SFVX6aE1_OdRJr6hjbsywQMyLRAnAYyxAEQiWkPbFy5bVjDOyv_jgUWRvvxnueu-9JHx_QdOQqY9Yap5l5QDa-_34xJWJmMYAy4E1uiSxwfvlWRK1Zhz2HloK_Y8Ab9N7BpT8h0K0U/s1600/DSCN1625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90SFVX6aE1_OdRJr6hjbsywQMyLRAnAYyxAEQiWkPbFy5bVjDOyv_jgUWRvvxnueu-9JHx_QdOQqY9Yap5l5QDa-_34xJWJmMYAy4E1uiSxwfvlWRK1Zhz2HloK_Y8Ab9N7BpT8h0K0U/s1600/DSCN1625.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>(I actually rolled the mixture into balls as the consistency wasn't right for 'dropping')</i></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 21.3pt; text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Centaur; mso-fareast-font-family: Centaur;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-AU">Bake in 180<sup>o</sup>C oven
until firm.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZPsRqc9-7COTlrWM5btdvi-dod5Olpv72MU8DOmaDm3lQ-Rkv6HM0dGtkbykQsdMDtJo7XCr4fXsEYXUJVzAA5Cf7CGxEWldWgxAgvhQQhocW7AYAcTXiEAAAkqi51NLvhMZ_i7hkoE/s1600/DSCN1628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZPsRqc9-7COTlrWM5btdvi-dod5Olpv72MU8DOmaDm3lQ-Rkv6HM0dGtkbykQsdMDtJo7XCr4fXsEYXUJVzAA5Cf7CGxEWldWgxAgvhQQhocW7AYAcTXiEAAAkqi51NLvhMZ_i7hkoE/s1600/DSCN1628.JPG" height="150" width="200" /> </a></div>
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** If you were interested in continuing the history lesson, read on to find out what ANZAC day is (I put this information in here for any non-Australians/New Zealanders reading this as I would hope that the Aussies and Kiwis will already know this important part of our history!). </div>
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ANZAC stands for <b>A</b>ustralian and <b>N</b>ew <b>Z</b>ealand <b>A</b>rmy <b>C</b>orps. ANZAC day commemorates the 25th April 1915, when the Australian and NZ forces landed on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gallipoli" target="_blank">Gallipoli</a> during WWI. They were there for months and many lives were lost and 25th April became an important date in history, being remembered each year from 1916. ANZAC day has since come to mark a day for remembering all of our soldiers who have fought/are fighting, not just for the ANZACs in 1915. If you would like to read further, I suggest heading over the the <a href="http://www.awm.gov.au/commemoration/anzac/anzac-tradition/" target="_blank">Australian War Memorial website</a>. Even I discovered some things I didn't know!<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i> </i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4u63SemjwHgNMwWg2B6TXFAvBVVrw88xgrJ5-x8DZN-vpHhGSrOJPh7Y0jcTxNH5de6NUflC-MftGBiB3VV04uBcTClH0-D0Ke2dMgnzr-szap6UE2P23imRJfMLMvc5NUaD-glzaFs/s1600/ANZACDAYHAT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4u63SemjwHgNMwWg2B6TXFAvBVVrw88xgrJ5-x8DZN-vpHhGSrOJPh7Y0jcTxNH5de6NUflC-MftGBiB3VV04uBcTClH0-D0Ke2dMgnzr-szap6UE2P23imRJfMLMvc5NUaD-glzaFs/s1600/ANZACDAYHAT.jpg" height="201" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i> (Source: unknown)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">At the going down of the sun and in the morning,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We will remember them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Lest we forget. </b></span></h3>
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Nellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00385287777104777041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381409356982153648.post-45122207621268099422014-02-16T22:32:00.000+10:002014-02-16T22:33:11.460+10:00Coming Up This Year...I'm always trying to cut back on what I'm doing, but always manage to find new and exciting things to cram into my life! This year I'll be (in no particular order):<br />
<br />
1. Obtaining a Certificate IV in Business Administration via an online course.<br />
<br />
2. Completing the Old Testament Syllabus of <a href="http://www.bethelseries.com/home.aspx" target="_blank">The Bethel Series</a>.<br />
<br />
3. Losing approximately 10kg so I can get my hands on my new Nikon Coolpix P520.<br />
<br />
4. Getting my hearing back in my right ear. <span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: there's no guarantee that this will happen, but I'm being optimistic!*</span><br />
<br />
5. Heading down to Sydney for <a href="http://foreverspringtime.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/colour-conference.html" target="_blank">Hillsong's Colour Conference</a> and girl's weekend once again (<a href="http://foreverspringtime.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/girls-weekend-in-sydney-day-1.html" target="_blank">Day 1</a>, <a href="http://foreverspringtime.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/girls-weekend-in-sydney-day-2.html" target="_blank">Day 2</a>, <a href="http://foreverspringtime.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/girls-weekend-in-sydney-days-3-4-5.html" target="_blank">Days 3-5</a>). We had a blast last year, and I can't wait to do it all over again. This year we are heading to The Lion King and it feels like a childhood/teenager dream come true!<br />
<br />
6. Break in our new (secondhand) Prado along the Bloomfield track (north of Cape Tribulation - the northern most point of Far North QLD you can drive, before needing a 4WD to go further) during the July school holidays.<br />
<br />
7. At the end of the year, organising a school uniform for my little girl who will be entering Prep next year! I can't believe Little Spring will be going to school next year! Being in pre-school this year, she's one of the older kids and absolutely loving it!<br />
<br />
Hopefully I'll be able to spare a little time to keep you posted here on how things are going!<br />
<br />
<i>*regarding my ear, I had operation in January to fix another perforation of my eardrum... however, my specialist up here, sent me down to a specialist in Brisbane (apparently the best in Australia - yay!), who was able to perform a bone reconstruction as well as fix the perforation in the hopes that will fix my hearing. You can now call me the bionic woman... I now have a titanium bone in my ear!</i>Nellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00385287777104777041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381409356982153648.post-61222213518074557732014-02-15T11:51:00.001+10:002014-02-15T11:55:59.657+10:00Hey! Hey you!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk7GSJAOi2CDR_T_oXGn8xbUJ8Fscte5ns4dCY0qJkqRH88ChOfXBRS4SNdsEshUeAa2HUdnagDc868u27iKIIiZUka9IEJQFrCgufPwDl8YJ7UAoCAo8FCa5BGf0juupMy3rXfeNvB88/s1600/update-your-blog-cartoon1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk7GSJAOi2CDR_T_oXGn8xbUJ8Fscte5ns4dCY0qJkqRH88ChOfXBRS4SNdsEshUeAa2HUdnagDc868u27iKIIiZUka9IEJQFrCgufPwDl8YJ7UAoCAo8FCa5BGf0juupMy3rXfeNvB88/s1600/update-your-blog-cartoon1.jpg" height="253" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(<a href="http://socialsonya.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/update-your-blog-cartoon1.jpg" target="_blank">image credit</a>)</span></div>
<br />
Yep, I know... it's been quite a while, indeed. It will be a year at the end of next month! I'm making no promises to post regularly, but I do hope to start blogging again! There's so much to catch up on!Nellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00385287777104777041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381409356982153648.post-75808320451192751202013-03-31T22:23:00.000+10:002013-03-31T22:23:02.810+10:00Girls' Weekend in Sydney: Days 3, 4 & 5Days 3 and 4 were basically spent at <a href="http://foreverspringtime.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/colour-conference.html" target="_blank">Colour Conference</a>, as these were the main 2 days of the Conference, that went from morning until night, with a 3 hour break between the last session and the evening event.<br />
<br />
Going through my photos, I found these two which I took from the bedroom window of the room I was sharing with a friend. I took the night one on our first night there, just to show the view from the window. I took the second photo during the day, to show just how close we were to the venue for the Conference (a 5 minute walk!):<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtefQBBBSE3WtwA4OJ-Hb66WSdW2kxYza4xbfyDAkrRkMcKp48bDezcP22GSz9gLJRmd92b10E9-lh576Se2FGVSEXFjIaKlyH2c-VM9XGRkdMDHQTz37sdeL4MG9Xl_MsiLhmuYJLyk4/s1600/IMG_1800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtefQBBBSE3WtwA4OJ-Hb66WSdW2kxYza4xbfyDAkrRkMcKp48bDezcP22GSz9gLJRmd92b10E9-lh576Se2FGVSEXFjIaKlyH2c-VM9XGRkdMDHQTz37sdeL4MG9Xl_MsiLhmuYJLyk4/s200/IMG_1800.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARIxDMy6etF7OcDsQdGAZChytCOvJAG9YXm6plPnNI1EeuNXfoxtbnYSLIArf4vHeItirVuquwt1cLSWs9TJH9aqO_r8saERlT5kNndbQGD8ikWmjzQrPFpEinExf-wEScPKqVPRz5r4/s1600/IMG_1916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARIxDMy6etF7OcDsQdGAZChytCOvJAG9YXm6plPnNI1EeuNXfoxtbnYSLIArf4vHeItirVuquwt1cLSWs9TJH9aqO_r8saERlT5kNndbQGD8ikWmjzQrPFpEinExf-wEScPKqVPRz5r4/s200/IMG_1916.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">T<span style="font-size: x-small;">he Sydney E<span style="font-size: x-small;">ntertainment Centre <span style="font-size: x-small;">can be seen between the 2 big bui<span style="font-size: x-small;">ldings - it has an orange 'tower' in front of a circ<span style="font-size: x-small;">ular looking building - really close and extr<span style="font-size: x-small;">emely convenient!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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Our last day in Sydney got pretty full...<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Sunday</h2>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Sisterhood</h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">While we were at Colour Conference, we were given a "brunch" bag which contained a few things to tie us over until lunch. At the end of the Conference, we'd collected a few of those bags and had a lot of food left over, both from the bags, and from what we had bought while in the apartment. So, we decided to make up care packages to give out to the homeless people we had seen along the streets of Sydney. As we were heading to Circular Quay to catch a ferry, we thought we'd walk
around there. I've never done anything like this before and as I
walked around and gave out a couple of the bags, I got so emotional. The two men that I gave the bags to, were so grateful and had put their hand out to accept the bag, before I'd even said a word. And they were so thankful. As I write this, I'm the verge of tears, remembering the look in their eyes as they accepted the bags. As I walked away from each man, I was crying. I could write so much more, but that's worthy of a post on its own.</span></span></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Manly Beach</h3>
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To finish our time in Sydney, we decided to take a ferry to Manly Beach, to enjoy fish and chips for lunch. It was certainly a beautiful day for it... just like every other day Sydney had put on for us!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">En<span style="font-size: x-small;">joying the Sydney Opera <span style="font-size: x-small;">Hou<span style="font-size: x-small;">se<span style="font-size: x-small;">'s view in all it<span style="font-size: x-small;">s unique beaut<span style="font-size: x-small;">y</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Centrepoint Tower, where we enjoyed dinner <span style="font-size: x-small;">on our <a href="http://foreverspringtime.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/girls-weekend-in-sydney-day-1.html" target="_blank">first <span style="font-size: x-small;">night in S<span style="font-size: x-small;">ydney</span></span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The <span style="font-size: x-small;">Heads on S<span style="font-size: x-small;">ydney <span style="font-size: x-small;">Harbour - pass through there, and you<span style="font-size: x-small;">'re on your way out to sea, and the Pacific Ocean!</span></span></span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">More celebrity spotting of the sporting and inanimate object type - "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wild_Oats_XI" target="_blank">Wild Oats</a>" - winner of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race (<span style="font-size: x-small;">I wou<span style="font-size: x-small;">ldn't have know<span style="font-size: x-small;">n, except for a friend pointing it out!)</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Lunch on the beach</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Heading back to Sydney on th<span style="font-size: x-small;">e return fe<span style="font-size: x-small;">rry... <span style="font-size: x-small;">our last glipse of the Sydney Harbour Bridge<span style="font-size: x-small;"> and <span style="font-size: x-small;">Opera<span style="font-size: x-small;"> House, before f<span style="font-size: x-small;">lying home</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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After that very long day, we returned to our hotel, checked out some accommodation for next year and ended up booking a lovely place, even closer to where we had been. We then caught our ride to the airport, hung out playing cards and had dinner, waiting for our flight, then gratefully boarded the plane back home!<br />
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Needless to say, we were all exhausted disembarking!<br />
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Those few days were some of the most amazing days of my life. It truly was so wonderful hanging out in the city, with the women who traveled with me. As impatient and tired as we were all getting with each other by the end of it, I look forward to next year, when we can have further adventures in the big city!Nellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00385287777104777041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381409356982153648.post-56371716331588584372013-03-25T22:20:00.000+10:002013-03-25T22:20:45.492+10:00Girls' Weekend in Sydney: Day 2<div style="text-align: left;">
Day 2 was full on! </div>
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Thursday:</h2>
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"Sunrise" </h3>
We started the day by heading up to Martin Place to watch "<a href="http://au.tv.yahoo.com/sunrise/" target="_blank">Sunrise</a>" live. The security that were there, were really lovely and kept us up to date with what was happening next and when to expect the hosts to come out for the end of the show. We managed to get on TV heaps in the background, and then at the end when they closed the show from out on the street. We even got a plug for Colour Conference from the main host! It was such a fun morning!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Watching the live taping of "Sunrise" in the studio</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Getting on camera often (click on th<span style="font-size: x-small;">e picture to enlarge it!)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Catching up with the friendly hosts after the show had finished.</span></div>
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"Lindt Chocolate Cafe" </h3>
The security guards were extra lovely in telling us about the movements of "<a href="http://au.tv.yahoo.com/the-morning-show/" target="_blank">The Morning Show</a>" hosts, so we could meet them after the show (which was taped straight after "Sunrise", so conveniently, we headed across the road to the Lindt Chocolate Cafe, where we were in heaven while we killed time until the end of "The Morning Show".<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
"The Morning Show"</h3>
At the allocated time, we headed back to the studios to await the end of "The Morning Show" so we could meet the hosts. The security guards (now our friends!) had told us that if the hosts didn't come outside to end the show, they would arrange access to the foyer for us, and have the hosts come out and meet us. The hosts didn't come outside, so we felt quite special being allowed in to the foyer to meet Larry and Kylie.<br />
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Lunch</h3>
After all the excitement of watching the TV programs, we headed up to Circular Quay. One of the girls had already split to meet up with her friend for lunch and the other 3 decided to have lunch at the Quay. For lunch, I also split away from the girls and met up with an old friend. I used to work with Matt over 10 years ago and haven't really seen him since! He works in North Sydney, so I took a taxi across the Sydney Harbour Bridge and met up with him for lunch. We had about an hour and a half together and it was so wonderful catching up with him after all these years! A pity we only had a limited amount of time, but I'm grateful that it worked out for us to meet!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Enj<span style="font-size: x-small;">oying the <span style="font-size: x-small;">beautiful weather at Circular Quay!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Catching a taxi over <span style="font-size: x-small;">Sydney Harbour Bridg<span style="font-size: x-small;">e</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(note the pylons in the second photo - we climbed ones similar to this later in the day... see below)</span> </span></span></span></div>
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Unfortunately, I was so focused on catching up with Matt, that I didn't even think to take a picture together, so I don't have a record of our wonderful catch up. :o( <br />
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Walking the Bridge</h3>
During lunch, a couple of the girls from my group said they were walking the bridge and said they'd meet me half way. By the time I finished lunch (we went way over, catching up!) and found my way to the bridge on foot, the girls had made it all the way across! They were keen, so we all walked back together and climbed a pylon at the other end.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Meeting up with a couple of the girls to start our bridge walk back into the CBD</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Crossing the bridge on a<span style="font-size: x-small;"> windy, but <span style="font-size: x-small;">beautiful day</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Climbing the pylon <span style="font-size: x-small;">on the other side of the bridge. <span style="font-size: x-small;">Gorgeou<span style="font-size: x-small;">s 360 degree views of the O<span style="font-size: x-small;">per<span style="font-size: x-small;">a<span style="font-size: x-small;"> House, CBD, North Sydney and the Queen Mary <span style="font-size: x-small;">II docked at Circular Quay.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">T<span style="font-size: x-small;">he <span style="font-size: x-small;">pylon on the opposit<span style="font-size: x-small;">e side of the road/bri<span style="font-size: x-small;">dge, to give an ex<span style="font-size: x-small;">ample of what we climbed (by climbing, I mean climbing stairs!)</span></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Walking back into the CBD <span style="font-size: x-small;">via The Rocks and stopped for a well<span style="font-size: x-small;">-earned drink (Midori & lemonade). Yum!</span></span></span></div>
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After the very big day we'd had, we got back to the apartment and met up with the other girls and had a quick relax, before heading off to the opening of <a href="http://foreverspringtime.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/colour-conference.html" target="_blank">Colour Conference</a>. You can imagine how tired we were after the opening ceremony, which only started at 7:30pm!<br />
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After it finished, we stopped in China Town (which we walked through to get back to our apartment) to get a light meal for a late dinner. Just as we were about to leave, I heard someone call my name out from another table. It was a lady I knew from Diamond Valley Baptist Church (where Big Spring and I were married), who I hadn't seen in probably over 12 years!<br />
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Whilst on the topic of random run-ins, on the Wednesday night as we were heading through the reception of the apartments we were staying in, to have dinner and a show, I bumped into the president of the Lutheran Church of Australia, who was in Sydney for a completely unrelated meeting. It was totally random!Nellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00385287777104777041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381409356982153648.post-43140894671464534332013-03-24T20:23:00.000+10:002013-03-24T20:23:24.225+10:00Girls' Weekend in Sydney: Day 1As per my previous post regarding <a href="http://foreverspringtime.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/colour-conference.html" target="_blank">Colour Conference</a>, I headed down to Sydney with 4 other precious women from my life. Our main reason for going, was to attend the Conference, but we had a couple of extra days before and after to spend investigating the city. And here is what we got up to:<br />
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Wednesday:</h2>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">At the <span style="font-size: x-small;">airport, waiting to start our adventure!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Passi<span style="font-size: x-small;">ng the time on the flight</span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Af<span style="font-size: x-small;">ter arriving in S<span style="font-size: x-small;">ydney, we did some exploring, which included shopping (buyi<span style="font-size: x-small;">ng my first <a href="http://www.pandora.net/en-au" target="_blank">Pandora </a>brac<span style="font-size: x-small;">elet!!<span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Have <span style="font-size: x-small;">wanted one for<span style="font-size: x-small;"> a few years now!) and <span style="font-size: x-small;">some <span style="font-size: x-small;">inadvertent</span> celebr<span style="font-size: x-small;">ity spo<span style="font-size: x-small;">tting - P<span style="font-size: x-small;">sy - famous for <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bZkp7q19f0" target="_blank">Gang</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bZkp7q19f0" target="_blank">nam Style</a>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">All dressed up and ready for <span style="font-size: x-small;">a night on the town!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We started with d<span style="font-size: x-small;">rinks and dinner at Centre<span style="font-size: x-small;">point Tow<span style="font-size: x-small;">er<span style="font-size: x-small;">'s Rev<span style="font-size: x-small;">olving Buffet Restaurant, w<span style="font-size: x-small;">he<span style="font-size: x-small;">re we were about to v<span style="font-size: x-small;">iew 360 degree<span style="font-size: x-small;"> views of S<span style="font-size: x-small;">ydney,<span style="font-size: x-small;"> without <span style="font-size: x-small;">leaving our table, including a beaut<span style="font-size: x-small;">iful suns<span style="font-size: x-small;">et!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Then it was time to see a show - "Driving Miss Daisy" starring Angela Lansbury and James Earl Jones. Unfortunately I didn't enjoy the show as much as I'd hoped, but it was fun going out with the girls!</span></div>
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We took the monorail to dinner and then walked back to our apartment after the show. The location of our accommodation was great - walking distance to everything and right near the free bus, when it ran during the day. Wednesday was a fantastic start to our weekend away!Nellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00385287777104777041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381409356982153648.post-52185272564501687892013-03-23T20:19:00.001+10:002013-03-23T20:19:16.741+10:00Colour ConferenceI attended my first Hillsong's Colour Conference 10 years this month. Ever since then, I'd wanted to go back, but just never got around to it.<br />
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However, it finally happened again, and I made my way to Sydney for this wonderful event a couple weeks ago! Some beautiful women from church came with me and we had a fantastic time. More details about our adventure outside of the Conference will be available in another post.<br />
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What an amazing time we had at Colour. The event was held in the Sydney Entertainment Centre, which seats 13,250. This was filled to capacity with women attending the conference and on the first night, as I looked around me, I was awestruck to think that all the women around me were praising Jesus. It was lovely to know that there are so many women who are following Christ... and that was only small portion of all women in Australia, and the world!<br />
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Here are panorama shots of where we sat each session... we moved around each time, depending on the availability, and with one session, priority seating on the floor seats near the front. Also included are other photos highlighting the session. <br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Thursday Night - Opening Celebration</span></h2>
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Friday Morning and Aftern<span style="font-size: x-small;">o<span style="font-size: x-small;">on Sessions</span></span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Wend<span style="font-size: x-small;">y Treat &<a href="http://www.drleaf.com/" target="_blank"> Dr Caroline L</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.drleaf.com/" target="_blank">eaf</a> | Sisterhood Session</span></span></span></span></span></h3>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Dr Caroline Leaf</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Some <span style="font-size: x-small;">entertainment!</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sist<span style="font-size: x-small;">erhood Session</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(which was sadly just Brian Houston defending women in Ministry - whether I am for or against it, I just fel<span style="font-size: xx-small;">t like this session was just him pushing an agenda onto <span style="font-size: xx-small;">us, rather t<span style="font-size: xx-small;">han it being a discussion on something that I could take away and apply to m<span style="font-size: xx-small;">y l<span style="font-size: xx-small;">i<span style="font-size: xx-small;">fe</span></span></span></span></span></span>) </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">My <span style="font-size: x-small;">S<span style="font-size: x-small;">isters <span style="font-size: x-small;">in Christ who I s<span style="font-size: x-small;">pent a wonderful time with. We decided to dress the same for Colour!</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Friday Night</span></h2>
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<h3>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Evening Celebration - F<span style="font-size: x-small;">loor Seats!</span> </span> </h3>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Worship<span style="font-size: x-small;"> |</span> Bobby Houston <span style="font-size: x-small;">ta<span style="font-size: x-small;">lking</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Can't be serious all of th<span style="font-size: x-small;">e time!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Saturday Morning</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wend<span style="font-size: x-small;">y Treat &<a href="http://www.drleaf.com/" target="_blank"> Dr Caroline L</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.drleaf.com/" target="_blank">eaf</a> | Sisterhood Session</span></span></span></span></span> </span> </h3>
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Saturday Night</span></h2>
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<h3>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Closing Celebration </span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Slipper Party!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Free slippers when you registered for Colour 2014!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">A beautiful performance while they sang "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbJ3vacGOhw" target="_blank">Lanterns</a>" </span><br />
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All those women praising God together... amazing! Hillsong really know how to party! We can't wait to do it all again next year!!<br />
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Praise God for a wonderfully uplifting and inspiring 2+ days!</div>
<br />Nellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00385287777104777041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381409356982153648.post-89432514924110248592013-03-23T10:11:00.000+10:002013-03-23T10:12:09.015+10:004 Legged Family MembersThis cute little guy:<br />
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is about to hop on a truck and make his way up to his new home... with us! We are so excited, of course! He'll be arriving in Cairns on Monday afternoon or Tuesday morning.<br />
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We hadn't fully decided on a name... I'd had a list of suggestions, and Big Spring was drawn to one, "Mack", but he wanted it without the 'k'. I still wasn't sure, so didn't want to make any final decisions. However, the decision was made by default when I was walking home from day care the other day, and Little Spring and I passed a lady walking her dog. Little Spring looked up at me and said "Mac is going to be my puppy", or something to that effect. So, I discovered from my 3 year old, that our puppy would be called Mac! I questioned her further, asking if there were any other good names for the puppy and she, after some thought, said "Doggy". Mac is then! She's so literal when she names her toys, so I wasn't surprised by her suggested name! A blue koala we bought at the zoo was "Blue" for awhile, but has since become "Koala". Her baby is "Baby", her dolls are "Dolly" and a plush toy that she got from her name sake (my Aunty in the States) that we can't work out if it's a bear or a cat is called "Bearcat". As I said, very literal! The only toys she has with 'proper' names are those that came with names... Humpty and Jemima from playschool & Gabbie and Frankie who came with name tags. Hopefully by the time she has kids of her own (a LONG way down the track!!!), she'll have master the art of naming so her first child isn't called "excruciating pain and then came out screaming" (Epatcos for short!!). Hmm... maybe she has Indian genes in her (will have to do more research on my mum's side of the family!). But I majorly digress, as I tend to do!<br />
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I was meant to be talking about this gorgeous little guy!<br />
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For those of you who know Big Spring well, he will insist on telling you that Mac is NOT named after the Apple product he so dearly loves, but in fact, after Mac Powell, lead singer of <a href="https://thirdday.com/" target="_blank">Third Day</a> (his absolute favourite (Christian) band of all time!<br />
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Having taken so long to write this post, Mac should now be on a truck, or waiting to hop on it very shortly. The count down is on! Nellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00385287777104777041noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381409356982153648.post-11256290558899180072013-03-23T09:46:00.000+10:002013-03-23T09:46:38.989+10:00Hello?Hello? Hello? Is anyone out there? Just so you know, I am actually alive and well! I think this last period of 'radio silence' has been my longest yet.<br />
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So, whatcha been up to since I was last here?<br />
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Me? Well, I'm hoping to post on a few things that I've been up to... watch this space for updates. Well, not this space exactly, but my blog in general!Nellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00385287777104777041noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381409356982153648.post-16344731787080925572012-12-10T19:35:00.001+10:002012-12-10T19:35:51.077+10:00MICI MagazineA friend just sent me a link to an oh-so-pretty magazine. It's apparently been around for a little while, but next year, they are launching a printed edition. I'm in love and planning on taking up a subscription.<br />
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Did I mention that it's pretty? And Christian? And they give away free things? And it has interesting articles? And there's a really cute craft idea? And, oh, I'm not sure if already said that it's pretty?<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.micimagazine.com/" target="_blank">Mici Magazine</a></span></div>
<br />Nellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00385287777104777041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381409356982153648.post-84156109431024227452012-12-03T05:30:00.000+10:002012-12-03T05:30:25.477+10:00Sorry!Just a quick post to say that I'm sorry I haven't posted for a long time. I've been busy spending a lot of wonderful quality time with this beautiful angel, working and attempting to keep this household in order!<br />
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<br />Nellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00385287777104777041noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381409356982153648.post-50479499987133581612012-10-11T17:56:00.000+10:002012-10-11T17:56:37.161+10:00#1 (36 to 36)<span style="font-size: small;">Number One on my list is now complete! Very excited to tick this one off:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span>Get the <a href="http://foreverspringtime.blogspot.com.au/2011/09/finally.html" target="_blank">cross stitch I did for Little Spring</a> (that I started before she was even born) finally framed.</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span> On the way home from work, I picked this up from the framers:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span>The framers did an absolutely amazing job. I am so, so pleased with the result! It's such a good feeling to FINALLY get it completely finished and hanging up on the wall!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span>While I was getting the Pooh cross stitch done, I decided to finally get the gorgeous little picture below framed as well, which has also been patiently waiting to be framed.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span>I got this quaint little cross stitch from my beautiful cousin, Tammy (from the States). The framers were wonderful in helping find the perfect frame, being an off-white, distressed one to make it appear like you were looking out of a country cottage window. We were both totally on the same page and I'm very happy with it.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-size: x-small;">The framer ended up using "museum" glass in this piece - he had an off cut left over from another project so put it in this frame... so, Tammy, your cross stitch is fit for a museum... ready to showcase your talent!</span></span></span></div>
Nellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00385287777104777041noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381409356982153648.post-67327732671588188392012-10-02T19:41:00.000+10:002012-10-02T19:41:58.094+10:00Update on 36 to 36<span style="font-size: small;">I've been fairly quiet on my blog. Even so, I have been busy completing a few of my 36 to 36 tasks...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: small;">Number One...</span></h2>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span>Get the <a href="http://foreverspringtime.blogspot.com.au/2011/09/finally.html" target="_blank">cross stitch I did for Little Spring</a> (that I started before she was even born) finally framed.</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span>This is currently at the framers... finally! I should hopefully have it by the end of the week, so I'll let you see the final result!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span></span></span><br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span>Number Five...</span></span></h2>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>Enroll Little Spring in 3 year old Kindy for next year.</span> </span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span>Well, I haven't actually completed this one. Due to the fact that I got a <a href="http://foreverspringtime.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/big-changes.html" target="_blank">new job</a> very unexpectedly, Little Spring is now attending day care. Instead of enrolling her into 3 year old Kindy next year, we'll keep her at day care. So, in some ways I did complete this task, enrolling her in Kindy-Day Care this year, but in other ways, this task has become irrelevant.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span></span></span><br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span>Number Ten...</span></span></h2>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span>Increase my Avon client base (I was
going to put a number of how many clients to reach, but I can't control
that entirely, so won't put a number. I'm currently at 46, so will
update you on how many I have this time next year!).</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span>Hmm... another task that has kind of become irrelevant. Instead of increasing my client base, I'm actually in the process of reducing it. Even though it isn't hard to run my Avon business, and doesn't take up lots of time, it does take up <i>some </i>time. Time that is taken away from spending it with my family, or time I could be spending on housekeeping, or preparing meals. For this reason, I've decided to make my Avon business a completely 'online' affair. I'll no longer be giving out brochures, but any client who wishes to do so, can view the brochure online and email me with their order each campaign. This isn't suitable for a lot of clients, which is fair enough, but it means my client base will be reduced significantly. I definitely won't be increasing my client base!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span></span></span><br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span>Number Twenty-Three</span></span></h2>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span>Go through Little Spring's clothes and send some to a dear friend who's just had a little girl.</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-size: small;">I recently sent off my 2 final bags of clothes to my friend and her gorgeous little girl. It's lovely knowing that many of Little Spring's clothes can continue to be loved by close friends!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span></span></span><br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-size: small;">Number Twenty-Four</span></span></span></h2>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>With the rest of Little Spring's clothes, either sell through a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/allthingsnice.prelovedclothing" target="_blank">pre-loved sale on FB</a> or give to charity.</span></span><span><br /></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-size: small;">Many of the clothes were sold on Facebook. And they were all bought by friends or family, so I'm very happy that strangers won't be wearing Little Spring's clothes! Not that it really matters, but it does help when 'saying goodbye' to them.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-size: small;">So, 36 tasks, 8 crossed off, a few in progress and still many to complete! We'll get there! :)</span> </span></span>Nellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00385287777104777041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381409356982153648.post-26541699929116697652012-10-01T21:30:00.000+10:002012-10-01T21:31:25.228+10:00April 2012 DateSadly, the "April" part of the title of this post is not a mistake. This is, in fact, the update on what was meant to be our April Date, that we only got around to doing in September. Big disappointment about that, but this is what happens when life gets in the way of, well, life! For any new readers, or to remind some old readers, check out my <a href="http://foreverspringtime.blogspot.com.au/2011/12/christmas-gift-with-twist.html" target="_blank">Christmas Gift Box</a> for Big Spring that gives some background to this date...<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">The Date Envelope:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3pdXxzXXf1ZYUdR-gNfEROVfLMk1VUffnpxQIuGogoIeMy3TWCI7qC8vC3XadvBPKnoNqIcHi03TqIQyrGZNvth024z5CvadvAbNbPa-AKhbUsYgcIZSGdAwV47xHHJzJ5_yTiVd8ZF0/s1600/04+April.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3pdXxzXXf1ZYUdR-gNfEROVfLMk1VUffnpxQIuGogoIeMy3TWCI7qC8vC3XadvBPKnoNqIcHi03TqIQyrGZNvth024z5CvadvAbNbPa-AKhbUsYgcIZSGdAwV47xHHJzJ5_yTiVd8ZF0/s320/04+April.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Contents:</span><br />
Gift Voucher to Sizzlers<br />
Gift Vouchers to the movies<br />
Coupons for popcorn and drinks combo<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">The Plan:</span><br />
The problem with planning dates well in advance is that things can go wrong/change. For almost all of our dates so far, there's been some sort of hiccup! Our April date was no exception!<br />
<br />
<br />
We started off our date having dinner at Sizzlers. One small hiccup there was that we'd both ordered steak with mash potatoes. As soon as I ordered it, I was hanging out for that yummy mash. When our meals were brought out, the steak came with fries instead. When I asked about the mash, the waitress said that she could get a replacement, but it would take about 5 minutes. We had a movie to get to, so I didn't want to risk running late, so decided to forgo the mash. Never mind!<br />
<br />
<br />
We got to the movies in plenty of time and went up to redeem our vouchers... sadly, the movie tickets I bought had expired at the end of July and were no longer valid. My plan to pre purchase cheaper tickets and therefore having a cheaper date, fell by the way-side when I had to hand over money for 2 full priced tickets, not to mention the cost of the original tickets which were now useless! *sigh*!<br />
<br />
We decided to look passed this, were grateful that the popcorn and drinks coupons were still valid and headed into the theatre to watch "The Bourne Legacy". We've watched the first 3 "Bourne" movies many times (own them on DVD) and had been eagerly awaiting this next one. We weren't too sure how it would go without Matt Damon and Jason Bourne no longer being the main focus of the storyline, but we quite enjoyed it and look forward to the next installment, whenever that may be.<br />
<br />
So, despite the hiccups along the way, we enjoyed our Date Night and the time that gave us for some one-on-one quiet time was lovely!<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">The Memory:</span><br />
Unfortunately I forgot to grab my phone off the kitchen bench before running out the door, so the photos below are a little low res as they were taken with an iPhone 3s, instead of my iPhone 4s!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bH6iebWTQLpotlppXxncyPxzZtKRVX88I-FNfulTgOxXODH8O0C8I6681YH-1-4UCGCIJgM7x3iZ8Bk7iKJZZHStzfyYXul3ukVDBmrAd0qRAXhA_PG9hBHRmLGD9ninu6yKTA9epyc/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bH6iebWTQLpotlppXxncyPxzZtKRVX88I-FNfulTgOxXODH8O0C8I6681YH-1-4UCGCIJgM7x3iZ8Bk7iKJZZHStzfyYXul3ukVDBmrAd0qRAXhA_PG9hBHRmLGD9ninu6yKTA9epyc/s320/photo+5.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQuiZkiDdqVpdPMY58PyMPPN-dEG91k0M93u1kzOltNzhJtrmsBNZciHi3wM_6u9suhFavqUtE91kQeMX2TmxLfITToZsBfUIAGtI72fC_YdoiGTFdH2su2_gu0E4gKFhlk2L1Xjlc58/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQuiZkiDdqVpdPMY58PyMPPN-dEG91k0M93u1kzOltNzhJtrmsBNZciHi3wM_6u9suhFavqUtE91kQeMX2TmxLfITToZsBfUIAGtI72fC_YdoiGTFdH2su2_gu0E4gKFhlk2L1Xjlc58/s320/photo+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Dinner at Sizzlers</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photos without a flash, sorry! The happy couple above and below... popcorn and drink - what trip to the movies is complete without that? Some people may argue that it wouldn't be complete without a choctop, but I've never really gotten that. Icecream in a movie theatre just doesn't seem appealing to me! Chocolate, for sure, but icecream? Each to their own, I guess!</span></div>
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<br />
So, we have just entered the month of October, and I reluctantly report that we still have June and July's dates to complete... and for that reason, haven't even opened August or September's envelopes... nor Octobers come to think of it. :o(Nellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00385287777104777041noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381409356982153648.post-44686738133836623082012-09-02T17:15:00.000+10:002012-09-02T17:15:42.016+10:00RetreatRetreat: Yes, I went on a women's retreat last weekend, but I'm not talking about that retreat in this post (I hope to post about that another time though).<br />
<br />
I'm talking about a personal retreat. I'm longing for one. I need one. I'm desperate for one. This <a href="http://foreverspringtime.blogspot.com.au/2012/09/not-recommended.html" target="_blank">past week</a> has got me thinking about many, many things. Assessing my life and realising how ridiculously busy it is. Realising the unrealistic expectations I've placed on myself. And realising that I don't think I actually know who I am anymore. I have no doubt about my role as a wife and a mother, but beyond that, I've been thinking a lot about who I actually am as a person. Who I<span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><b> really am</b></i></span> and assessing why I do the things I do.<br />
<br />
I want to go away for at least 24 hours and spend time in prayer, meditation, devotion and answer some tough questions I've asked myself. This morning when I woke up (well, when I got woken up by darling Little Spring - no sleep in for me!), I started to write down all the questions I want to answer... 4 A4 pages worth of questions. I'm now in the process of trying to track down some sort of resource that will help guide me through all these thoughts swirling around in my head. If you've ever come across any sort of 'personal retreat' resource that you can recommend, I would really appreciate you passing this information on to me. My focus really is "who am I". I need God's guidance through this, but if you have any suggestions for resources, specific bible readings for me to mediate through, etc. that would be super helpful!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(image credit: taken by my Aunty Ellen)</span></div>
Nellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00385287777104777041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381409356982153648.post-57508956326428237482012-09-02T11:54:00.000+10:002012-09-02T16:59:27.098+10:00Not RecommendedI don't recommend attempting the following:<br />
<br />
In one same week:<br />
<ul>
<li>starting a major diet/exercise regime (<a href="http://foreverspringtime.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/i-am-committed.html" target="_blank">12WBT</a>) AND</li>
<li>having your husband overseas AND</li>
<li>having a job that is new in itself, so getting ready in the morning is still 'interesting' AND</li>
<li>having to get your daughter ready for day care for the first time (when your husband normally does that) each morning, whilst trying to get yourself ready, and deal with her separation anxiety AND</li>
<li>starting that week with a weekend away at a women's retreat, so you're already behind before you've even started your week</li>
</ul>
Nope, totally don't recommend it!<br />
<br />
Yep, totally experienced it! How did I 'survive' (I've put that in inverted commas, because because I don't feel I really survived it, but I'm here on the other side, still breathing, so there is some element of survival):<br />
<ul>
<li>being kind to myself, first by stopping the exercises. I forced myself to do exercises on Monday, even though, after a very long day, I really didn't want to. I decided on Tuesday that exercise wasn't going to actually help me this week: just stress me out, make me feel guilty if I didn't do it and take up precious time that I didn't have much spare of. I'm not saying that exercise isn't important, but I am saying you have to realistic. Even Michelle Bridges acknowledges in her preseason tasks - "external excuses outside of your control". While sticking to just the diet aspect of the program, from the Monday morning weigh to the Wednesday morning weigh in, I'd lost an amazing 1.3kg! By the end of the week, however, even trying to stick to the menu plan was stressing me. With so many extra factors lumped on my life this passed week, not having flexibility with what I was eating was having me stressed. Where possible, I tried to move the menu items around to fit how energetic I was, therefore, what meal preparation would suit. A kind friend that I debriefed with yesterday had wonderful words of wisdom to share with me. Be kind to myself. It's okay if I don't stick to the program. My expectations of myself were too high and I needed to drop them. As long as I make sensible food choices, it doesn't matter if I don't stick to the plan. What a weight off (pun not intended!).</li>
<li>there's not much I could do about Big Spring being overseas, but obviously if we'd realised everything that was going to happen this week and how it all fell together (or fell apart!), then a few months ago, we might have reconsidered agreeing he should go to the States for a conference (the 20-20 vision of hindsight is amazingly clear!). However, having WiFi/internet available, has been a blessing to talk to him for free and the invention of Skype is so amazing. Every night Little Spring and I chatted with Big Spring and we had our nightly bedtime routine, including blessings and prayers together. Such commitment from Big Spring to do this though: he had to get up at 5am to match Little Spring's bedtime. And he's not a morning person!</li>
<li>again, there's not really a lot I could have done about my new job. If we'd realised how big a week this was going to be, perhaps we would have reconsidered me accepting the position, but for just such a short period, it doesn't seem a very realistic way of making that decision. We maybe could have deferred my start date for a further few weeks, but I don't think that would have been very realistic for my employers.</li>
<li>in regards to getting Little Spring ready in the morning, it was a matter of getting as much ready the night before, which was quite difficult at the end of an already long day! I had teed up with work, however, that I'd be getting into work late while Big Spring is overseas, so it took the pressure off getting out the door on time. Addressing Little Spring's separation anxiety has been stressful and emotional. It's unfortunate that we were dealing with it in this particular week, but no matter when she started day care, we'd have to deal with this and push through.</li>
<li>I could have cancelled the retreat, but it was something I was really looking forward to and, although it had me starting my week on the back foot, I was SO glad to have gone... I really appreciated the bible study and it was wonderful to bond more deeply with some beautiful women from the church. I had so much fun!</li>
</ul>
Nellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00385287777104777041noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381409356982153648.post-49708429930039040642012-08-11T08:54:00.001+10:002012-08-11T08:54:51.894+10:00MiraclesDo you believe in them? Miracles? I'd like to think I do, but always get shocked when they happen, especially to me.<br />
<br />
My latest miracle happened yesterday. For those long time readers/friends/family, you will probably recall that just over 5 years ago, I had surgery on my ear for a perforated eardrum. It was a successful surgery in that the perforation healed, but I never got full hearing back in my ear.<br />
<br />
A few months ago (a week from the 5th anniversary of my surgery), through an ear infection I had, my doctor diagnosed another perforation. I was devastated. The idea of having to have surgery again filled me with dread, not because of the surgery itself, but because of the post-op condition. The first time I had surgery wasn't all roses, but it was easy for me just to lie in bed and rest and not have to worry about too much. Now, as a mum, post-op isn't quite as simple as lying in bed, getting the rest I need! Little Spring doesn't really understand, even though she's very caring and sensitive (when I rolled my ankle at basketball, she knew that "Mummy's foot hurts" and when I had my ear infection, she understood that "Mummy's ear hurts" and would often give me kisses to make it better), but trying to help a child understand that they can't climb all over you, or get up and run around and play, that is a difficult thing!<br />
<br />
And then, when I discovered I been offered my new <a href="http://foreverspringtime.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/big-changes.html" target="_blank">job</a>, I was dreading the idea of having to tell them that I'd need time off for a surgery, plus recovery time... not a good way to start a job!<br />
<br />
So, I headed off to the specialist (ENT) after my GP discovered the perforation. The ENT told me to keep it dry and come back in 3 weeks after the infection was gone. When I went back, he saw that the perforation was still there and said that we could either proceed with surgery now, or try again in 6 weeks and see if it had healed itself (50/50 chance). I didn't hold high hopes, but said to wait and see what happened to try and avoid surgery.<br />
<br />
Yesterday was my 6 week check up and I went with a heavy heart. I start my new on Monday and really didn't want to go in with bad news. I said a quick prayer to God as I was driving there, feeling guilty that this one prayer was meant to fix everything, when I hadn't really been praying about it at all since the last appointment. My desperate plea not for surgery, but not really believing that what I was praying for could possibly be answered, especially when this was the only, almost token, prayer I'd offered on the matter.<br />
<br />
When my name was called in the waiting room, my heart sunk (both because of the bad news I was about to hear and because I was enjoying reading a book in silence, uninterrupted - book reading doesn't happen very often for me anymore!). I gave a big sigh and got up.<br />
<br />
I sat in the usual chair and waited while the ENT read my file. I was just thinking, get on with it, check my ear and give me the bad news already! He finally grabbed his instruments and had a look. Yep, bad news... the perforation was still there. I didn't think it could, but my heart sunk that little bit more.<br />
<br />
The ENT then asked me to blow air through it. When that request was met with silence and a questioning glance, he said to hold my nose, take a deep breath and blow through my nose. I've never liked doing that for the popping sensation and with my perforation, was even more scared to do so, so gave it a half-hearted effort. He asked if I could feel the air and when I said, no, he said that it was possible that there was a small patch over the perforation and it might be healing itself.<br />
<br />
So, he wanted to have a look at it through the microscope to see. At this point I was a little embarrassed. He was going to see that there wasn't a patch and it was just my pathetic attempt at blowing air that caused me not to actually feel anything.<br />
<br />
We walked into the next room and I hopped up on the special chair. It reclined like a dentist's chair and then it was time. Time to get busted and humiliated for not blowing properly. He stuck his microscope in my ear and had a look around.<br />
<br />
After he pulled it out he said something I couldn't possibly believe. There was, in fact, a small patch over the perforation and my wonderful body was healing itself! A <b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><i>miracle </i></span></b>indeed! No surgery required! I could feel tears stinging my eyes I was so happy and relieved!<br />
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He said that I should continue to keep the ear dry (yes, sir!) and not to blow it too hard (okay, I have a cold at the moment, but gentle nose blowing it is!) and it will hopefully continue to heal itself. Now I just need to wait 6 weeks until I go back to him and have it checked again.<br />
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I practically skipped back to the car, holding back tears of joy. I was in absolute shock. My ear was healing itself. God answered my prayer. A <b><i style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;">miracle </span></i></b>had occurred. I felt unworthy of the miracle because of my doubt, but so, so happy!<br />
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Thank you, LORD, for answering my prayer. The prayer of a woman with much faith in God, but little faith in her prayers. Thank goodness prayers aren't answered, and people aren't healed, based on the level of faith a person has.<br />
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<b style="color: #351c75;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">God </span></i></b>be praised for <span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #351c75;"><i>God </i></b></span>is Good!<br />
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I think Mary sums up my feels quite well:<br />
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<span class="text Luke-1-46">And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord </span>a<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Luke-1-47" id="en-NIV-24941">nd my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, </span></span><span class="text Luke-1-48" id="en-NIV-24942"><sup class="versenum"></sup>for he has been mindful</span> <span class="indent-1"><span class="text Luke-1-48">of the humble state of his servant. </span></span><span class="text Luke-1-48">From now on all generations will call me blessed, </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Luke-1-49" id="en-NIV-24943"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span>for the Mighty One has done great things for me - </span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Luke-1-49">holy is his name. </span></span><span class="text Luke-1-50" id="en-NIV-24944"><sup class="versenum"></sup>His mercy extends to those who fear him,</span> <span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Luke-1-50">from generation to generation. </span></span><span class="text Luke-1-51" id="en-NIV-24945"><sup class="versenum"></sup>He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Luke-1-51">he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. </span></span><span class="text Luke-1-52" id="en-NIV-24946"><sup class="versenum"></sup>He has brought down rulers from their thrones</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Luke-1-52">but has lifted up the humble. </span></span><span class="text Luke-1-53" id="en-NIV-24947"><sup class="versenum"></sup>He has filled the hungry with good things </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Luke-1-53">but has sent the rich away empty.</span></span> <span class="text Luke-1-54" id="en-NIV-24948"><sup class="versenum"></sup>He has helped his servant Israel,</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Luke-1-54">remembering to be merciful </span></span><span class="text Luke-1-55" id="en-NIV-24949"><sup class="versenum"></sup>to Abraham and his descendants forever,</span> <span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Luke-1-55">just as he promised our ancestors.” (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%201:46-55&version=NIV" target="_blank">Luke 1:46-55</a>)</span></span></div>
</blockquote>Nellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00385287777104777041noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381409356982153648.post-20311897912202160732012-08-09T19:35:00.000+10:002012-08-09T19:35:41.175+10:00I Am Committed<h2 style="color: #38761d; text-align: center;">
<b>"My commitment is to lose 10 kg ... and I am committed to do the work to get me there."</b></h2>
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<a href="http://www.12wbt.com/"><img alt="12WBT Progress Tracker" src="http://www.12wbt.com/system/weight_trackers/64975/tracker.png" /></a> </div>
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Just yesterday, I signed up for Michelle Bridge's <a href="http://www.12wbt.com/" target="_blank">12 Week Body Transformation (12WBT)</a>. Round 3 starts on 27th August and I am currently in "Pre-Season". At certain stages she unlocks tasks for us to do and today's task is to "Say It Out Loud" and making a commitment to myself and others, so that's what I'm doing - stepping it up and putting my journery here on my blog.</div>
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I won't be constantly posting about 12WBT, but I will give you updates every once in a while to let you know how I'm going. I hope that in 12 weeks I'll be able to give you a wonderful success story!</div>
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And so it begins... </div>Nellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00385287777104777041noreply@blogger.com2