a number of things

1. In advocacy of Rachel, I demand Litigation in place of Mitigation.
2. Inure yourselves for the manure.
3. Apparant aberrants are apprehensible.
4. Abstemious behavior does result in great abs!
5. The irascible man is an irresistable rascal, until the chair goes across the room.
6. Stay away from noisome people. Some noisy people are just plain toxic.

That's all today, in the case of litigation against mitigation. Being a mere mortal, mitigation would be the wiser option, unless you are a lawyer.

Word of the day: Zugzwang
Where a player is forced to make a disadvantageous move, losing either way.

Midnight at the oasis
Send your camel to bed
Shadows paintin' our faces
Traces of romance in our heads

The jazz festival was absolutely fantabulous. I had no idea they would display wooden boats too? One day, maybe I'll get a boat lisence, buy a boat and live on it for the rest of my life. Always been a sailboat and anchor sort of girl... More pictures and rapt salivation about that later, because I've got 3 things due on friday and I am trying to choo-choo-train my way through this 15 page essay. I'm on page 3. I have a feeling it's not working out because I'm back to working on modularity and I daresay I'm not a modular being to begin with. Never mind, I started with modularity and I've worked my way through before. Just because I've been pampered this semester with purpose and understanding doesn't mean that I've forgotten those good ol' rote learning days. Got Clinic prep later.. shivers, better go for that! Scary to think I'll be in clinic next year!

Things aren't looking good. I don't know why I can't handle myself better and sometimes I think I should never have come.

pricklepoker

Alison and I made friends with prickles. She named them sponge and his mate Junior. Then we returned them to the ground to rot. Haha.

After one night of proper rest, my body is slowly recouperating but I still find myself constantly rejecting my food. I'm sure it's just stress, I can feel the usual stresses physically, but psychologically I'm coping fine. I just finished one assignment, and am going to start on another. Happy 8 am classes tomorrow. Tsk. I can't wait for exams to be over. Re and I were talking about mindlessness, and how we'd implement it after exams.. Sitting in front of the TV the whole day, doing absolutely nothing but drink coffee and coke and surfing the net in our pajamas. Bring it on, baby! I can't wait! Whooooo!

Yanni's gig is tomorrow, and I reckon I don't want to be embarrassed. I consented to this for Yanni's birthday, and I hope not too many people will come because I really don't like being heard.. It just sounds terrible to me. Won't know where to put my head. I don't mean to be rude or ungrateful, but I just don't do these things well.

oh well, tomorrow it will all be over.. I've got to finish my assignments real quick.. S&HS needs to be done soon, because Clinical is pressing! And I havent even DLed my notes for the exams. Got this telethon speech and hearing centre thing to go to tomorrow. Gah, so far away, and I dont even know what its all about. And I'm driving as well. Waste of petrol. Hurhur.

Tired. I am just so Tired. So so out of it. More sleep, me. More please. More ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.

We've done it all before, Alfie.

Verdict.

The jury has reached a peaceful, unanimous, simple verdict. The jury has fought, long, hard and with a great deal of hair-pulling and teeth-gnashing. Blood on the dance floor and the jurybox is a wrestling match gone wrong at midnight. The answer to the question is yes. The question? Quite obvious from previous introduction: Could you look me in the eye and tell me that you're happy now?

Yes. Yes yes yes. yesyesyes. I am completely satisfied, and with great fervor I admit that I would rather be relieved like this than hung and stung between two poles: the short end of the stick.

The aftermath is sweet, after all. They didn't tell me about this at 911. No one told me that life would sweeten itself, that I would sleep in pain, in sadness that wanted to overshadow me but was no match for the sweet love I've found in my savior, and in the beautiful persons he has brought around me. They didn't tell me that I would find the sweet joy of remembering how much my best friends mean to me. And certainly no one warned me of the sweet calm that comes with stability. The cool midnight wind that is dark rushes past me like a sweeping presence, and it pleases me to know He reaches out to me in His creation. I love the dimness of the light, the secure darkness that surrounds it. I revel in the dancing shadows, the flickering hopes and firelights that flit by, reminding me of Christmases past, where He has revealed much in His whisperings. But it is not these things that I notice that make life suddenly sweet. It is the fragrance of the broken alabaster jar. And that pint of pure nard. It is the brokeness that is so very sweet to me. I learnt this in my first year in Perth, and when the sweetness and aroma overpowered me, I realised that to be broken is a priveledge. A broken spirit He will not despise. What a strange joy it is, loving Him in my brokeness, and He loving me in His perfection and wholeness. To my Jesus be all glory.

It's beautiful to wake up late in your own house.

Nonetheless, it will be a hot day with a top of 32 deg and a low of 13. Funny how a couple of months back 13 would have been the highest to hope for. I'm glad, though. Heat reminds me of Singapore, and so does sweltering in the sun.

The general consensus around the table was that papa should not be wearing his thin cotton black shirt because it was black. He is an engineer, he didnt need telling. But he went and looked for a thinner black shirt and i couldnt help but laugh and remember that Vince used to wear black chesty bonds in the skating rink. Oh, Ying and I have had a little laugh about that, but there is no doubt that his wry, crooked smile did have the last laugh. The jury voted unanimously about Vince. He was a tip-top hands down nice guy.

I think today will be a nice slow day, and I'm looking forward to getting yet another assignment done. Congratulate me! One's been handed in and another presentation is over. I feel quite homey today, but maybe that is because I don't feel like shopping and there really isnt anywhere to go except the skating rink. I'm tempted. Oh, poor booties, so underacknowledged and neglected. I do feel very badly about that. And my feet will feel very bad when i do get back into them boots. owww. So will my hands, for that matter. Ow.. shopping list! Boot lacer.

I am definitely more subdued and contrite. I am definitely coming to the end of 'operation damage control'. And I am definitely satisfied.

You are who you are, no matter where I am.

Gesture

Ok so i'm manic... I was so down just.. and Jen Jen came over.. I thought it was such a fantastically sweet gesture, and now i feel a little warmer.. and a lot smilier inside. Of course I still feel the rest of it.. and of course that kind of thing takes time. But to know that an old friend of almost war veteran quality is still so present and so loving, I know I am truly blest.

Thank you my dearie duck, you don't know how much it means to me and I know how much you gave up and how conscious a decision it was. It's people like you that make life so much easier and I think you've given me a lot more support than you think or know tonight. love u, schmuckers!

Restless

The happy-sad balance has be delicately tipped over, resulting in a horrendous mess. If we played see-saw, Rachel, I think you will find that i am now on the down end and you sitting somewhere between the sky of cloud nine and the height of potential energy from the seat to the ground. I should never have gotten on and I know u feel the same way. Wanna drop at the next stop even though we don't know what it is? (I hope it's Simei; it has a comfortable home feeling). I would rather do that and get on with it. Than this. This squeaking, ee-orr-ing of life, of pathetic existance when it could be exuberant happiness and contented life just by getting off this ridiculous see-saw.

I don't wanna play your games anymore; it's my party and I'll cry if i wanna.

Zhu

I feel so bad for having committed the same crime I pointed out a while before. Given, it is not immoral, not sinful; merely foolish- merely silly, merely embarrassing, but that is the worst part of it, isn't it? That I haven't done anything wrong but made myself look silly. I suppose it should be made a crime; I shouldnt be allowed to look foolish and vulnerable. Dignity?

I guess I'm back going past 'go' and I'm taking another $200 on this deja vu journey, wondering why I allow myself to go past the same old sold houses on the block again. I don't feel like playing monopoly anymore.

Dignity. Dignity. Dignity. GRRRRRRRRR.

Nutella is a low GI food.

So what? Doesnt mean you should eat it. I think I must have put on 2 kg eating it a couple of months back. Hurhur.

Today, two incidents came to attention from the same person and I am beginning to see a couple of situations from a purely passerby point of view. In doing so, I recognize how dependant and how desperate we humans can be. I hate it, knowing that my friends don't find sufficiency, contentment, acceptance, fufillment. If I said these could only be found in Him, how many will take up that offer? Paul determined to live nothing but Jesus Christ and Him crucified; this was the secret to life itself: it revolves around Him, not me. I know that I don't always remember to implement that sort of thing in my own life; and i know my life would be better off for it- more contented, more in love with Him, for what better Kind of life than to be in love with the one that loves me enough to die? Just let me be content in you, that's all I ask. One day in your courts.

Yes, I am swamped with work. I am partially incoherent. I am going to sleep soon, and I am supposed to be jaded but I'm not. I know He has preserved me in an amazing way. How many near misses have I had?

more workie workie tomorrow. More reports, more proofing, more printing and stapling and listening and reading and typing and thinking. Argh, the THINKING! Why isn't it more... automatic?

Forget not all His benefits.

Pop

I had a productive day, while my body continues to refuse to produce stress hormones. Or lose more weight. I think it's on strike.

I woke at 7 and had class at 8 all the way till 12. Worked with my group in a tremendously commendable group effort from 12 till 3.30. Posted a letter on my way home, reached at 4, and worked till 6.20. Then i went out for dinner up till now! And I'm back. To do more work. Heh heh.

There's something now about life that has pushed the happy-sad thresholds a lot higher and a lot deeper. Suddenly, everything balances a little more delicately, suddenly over the moon isn't too far away, but neither is the dumps. It's a careful balance one must strike, walking on this tightrope, tipping one way and then another.

Puns abound and the height of dizzy madness was reached and it's peak celebrated when ger found a book called "words fail me". Oh such brilliance in so few words. I was really taken by it; not to mention the other articulatory brilliances along the evening. Pebbling. Stoning. Bouldering. Never a dull moment with Ger. ;)

Nonetheless, no shopping done. Will have to go again tomorrow. Tee hee. ah me, when have i ever been blessed with such fun. It's the first time in a long time I'm finally beginning to re-enjoy life's combination of stress and laughter (one s short of slaughter), just like sec school days.

Which reminds me. I think I've come to the point where i am finally beginning to accept Curtin as my uni. I know i'm a bit late in doing so, but the acknowledgement finally came when I realised how familiar i was with the place, and how chummy i could be with it if i wanted.

Cheers. To friends.

One of us is big and brave, one of us is tenderhearted, one of us is tempting fate and the last but not least of us has faith enough for each of us.

Rachie Rach, I will Love you Long time.

Yeah, I may not be Fergie Ferg, but this is for you (Fergie, london bridge, 2006).
You are like my favourite pair of jeans: Worn in just right, we've come to fit into each other's contours.
You are like my hi-fi set: Who else entertains me musically?
You are the dot on my curtain pole: Company on my long journey to the other end.
You are the knob on my door: Without you, where would i be?
You are my shoebox: You've hidden things in yourself that are me that now belong to you.
You are like a nightlight: Comfortable and bright.
You are like pottery: Every piece I made was funny, not centred, and unique.
You are like my earrings: You make me look good.
You are like lindt chocolate: Just can't get enough.
You are like soda: Sassy and sweet.

I could go on and on and on, but then I'd have to cover everything in the world, and do you know how many things there are in this world?! 'Thing' is a very broad term. Well I hope you have a good day, Darling, and remember to keep da chin up.

LampLight

With no agenda other than the completion of one very annoying draft, I crumpled myself onto my bed, completely wearied by the previous day's events. That's when I looked at things upside down, or rather downside up. There it was, staring me in the face; my life story on a curtain pole. I stared and stared some more. I took a picture but you won't get the fee-ling ah. It's different when you look at it for real (as it is with all other pictures).

Two Light-Holders, one old fashioned, reeking of comfortable tradition and home-comforts. The other sits pristine, new, trendy, alluring. Both hang on the same curtain pole and it is the gap that is between them that induces awe. One speaks of past, of home, of love, of comfort, of immense satisfaction in the click-clock shops around the corner and their lipstick-red buckets and fly-swats. The other speaks of tomorrow, and of today. It shouts possibility, it shouts better, it screams more, and it calls into question beauty and achievement. It makes me remember with aching the Christmases I had as a child, so beautiful and so serene I know our Lord's hand was upon me long before I grew to know him well. It reminds me of the 5.35 pm sunsets in our St. 11 house, the jigsaw we did at Christmas and the smell of fresh rain. Sometimes I ask Him why he brought me here, when so much of yesterday I see in today yet in a less comfortable way. He never tires of explaining his now-plan to me, reminding me that his later-plan will never be compromised. He delights me with His love. And as I sit in this lonely curtain gap, waiting to bridge my life to the other end where the grass looks greener, I catch a glimpse of the similarities. Both lamplights have green, red and gold; both don them with different attitudes and with a different agenda. One is home, one is hope. Yet they are reconciled with the fact that they hold my life in their flickering tealights. One birth, one departure (which is yet another birth, really- a reconcilliation with eternity). And I cannot help but remember that on the tightrope of tonight's one-step-forward, He is here with me. For always. I know that it will all end with His glory and my soul is content with that.

What can I give that is not already yours? My poor wasted heart will marry you, knowing you will carry me to the last door and leave me at Narnia's lamplight to finally see you face to face.

Scandal.

I am ashamed that universities cannot spell. It's even worse that it's my faculty. But better my faculty than the english or journalism faculties. heh heh. We have no reputable image to speak of.

Oh well. Note the little warning in the corner not to use the microwave when nothing is placed inside. I kinda figured that one out a little early.

Light me a Lantern.

I got home today at 1. Noting that it is a Thursday, one would deduce that I had either been playing hooky again, or that I had actually listened through the full lecture. Actually, I did both. I went to Garbo before heading home to get Yennifer's present and I'm actually very impressed by the quality xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx I shall say no more. Heh.

I walked straight into my room and completely missed the sofa. But when i rerouted, I saw a white package with my name on it. It's true, I haven't lost that childish enthusiasm for receiving packages (well neither has julie andrews or diane lane). Diane would have told me to open it spherically.

I nearly nearly cried when I saw a pack of lanterns inside with a note from Mandia-dear! My dear, I thank you for remembering me in the middle of the year. I'm so so gan dong. And yes you are never far from my heart either. I only wish the planetshaker partying could continue! There's always the year after! I already bought my tix for 07.. hehe.

Bring on the candles and chopsticks. It's party time.

And so I said there was no storm. Well.

I was born a couple of decades too late. Check Monroe: she was my size! Miss universe in the day was plumpish you know. you know you know? Oh well.

DLed limewire and got a heap of songs i love. Caedmon's call, switchfoot, casting crowns, and Joe Hisaishi. How awesome is that? They actually have Joe Hisaishi! Current addictions that resulted:

Praise you in the storm- Casting Crowns
nausicaa's theme song- Joe Hisaishi
I Will believe- Nichole Nordeman
Howl's moving castle theme- Joe Hisaishi
River God- Nichole Nordeman

aaaah. There's too many. sigh.

Today seems to be Dr. Pepper's lonely hearts club. I wish it wasn't this way. It's ridiculous. And there's too much work to do! GRRR. But yes, I love you Rachel, because 1 + 1 is indeed 56. The sum is greater than the parts.

And i’ll praise you in this storm
and i will lift my hands
that you are who you are
no matter where I am
and every tear I’ve cried
you hold in your hand
you never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise you in this storm

When did you fall in love with me?

It's 1.23 am and I am in Tash's place, listening to Cliffy's newly downloaded songs! Ger and I are in love with Chris rice's song (see title). So dreamy. (or is that cos I am sleepy?)

CHRIS RICE! CHRIS RICE!

Oh yes. Aie-pearl, pier, piatches, and be-a-nanna. They are all healthy fruits (albeit, the yellow one is a little expensive). Sign spotted in BB said, " Due to the rising prices of bananas, banana smoothies are 50c more expensive and everything else with banana and fruit will be increased by 30c. Right.

Pour the champagne! P!ATD has finished downloading! I love their emo, amateur style. *eyeballs two particularly critical people*. One more on the way. schmuckers. The video was gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous.

"I will follow you into the dark". Awesome sweet song, painfully sad, heart-wrenching and beautifully bittersweet. Death Cab for Cutie. rock on. Evil- just opened red rock deli.. And Now I Cannot Stop Myself. STOP ME! STOP ME!

song after song rolls in, courtesy of Ting-Ge, CRifford Lam. The internet has slowed, and death cab plays on. munch munch; the sound is only in my head as the chips reverberate in rebellion to enzyme action. Essy is a good girl, she's studying.. wattyl on, australia! Ger and Tash are looking at CLOTHES. TP, TP!!!!!!!! Auntie mummie, princess tan... TP!!!!!!!!! Ok so what am I talking about.. I'm blogging instead of looking at Chronic Supprative Otitis Media. Brilliant. Tsk.

Okok. ting-ge. du-shu! hahahah. Not forgetting dear old arts: shude.

I was thinkin' the other day,"What if cartoons got saved?
They'd start singing praiseIn a whole new way..."
Yeah, I was thinkin' the other day,"What if cartoons got saved?
They'd start singing praiseIn a whole new way..."

Fred and Wilma Flintstone
Sing "Yabba-dabba-do-lu-yah"
Scooby-doo and Shaggy:"Scooby-dooby-doo-loo-yah"
And the Jetsons' dog named Astro:"Rough-ray-roo-loo-yah"

Teenage Mutant Ninga Turtles:"Cowabunga-loo-yah, Dude!"
Then there's, "Kermit the Frog here, singing,High-ho-le-loo-yah"
And that little bald guy, Elmer Fudd:"How-ay-woo-yah"

Oh that big old moose and his friend Rocky,"Bullwinkle-loo-yah"
And our favourite bear named Yogi,"Hey, Boo-Boo-loo-ya"
Then there's all those little blue guys
And they'd sing, "Hah-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-lay-loo-yah"
How about Beavis and that other guy?"Nah!!"
Now, there's a point to this looney-tune
I'm not an Anamaniac
But there's a lot of praisin' to do
And cartoons weren't made for that
It's our job
So, let's sing hallelujah