get me out of this city

catty catty/muggy muggy

2009-12-13T22:59:00.003+09:00

Check out this mug I bought today - WIN!

yes, I am wearing my pyjamas. It is 39 degrees (C) today okay?!

some passive aggression

2009-11-30T21:35:00.004+09:00

1. Winding your car window 3cm down does not make it okay to leave your dog inside your car while you go shopping, you awful, awful person.

2. Merging lanes on the freeway really should not be that difficult. See that car that is already a metre in front of you? Don't try to overtake them when the lane merges! Easy.

3. Hey boys I live with, how about you pee *into* the toilet bowl as opposed to anywhere around it. Why is this so difficult for you?!

4. When you meet someone, try to act like you're not socially retarded for at least 10 seconds, maybe even make eye contact and utter some form of greeting if you're feeling generous. Fek.

5. If you feel the need to spend every waking hour of your day with someone to the point where you cannot spend half an hour alone, please, please, please can you pick someone that isn't me.

Phew!

"I'm just so tired Billy, I never thought I'd be so tired at 22"

2009-10-25T20:51:00.005+09:00

Oh, St Elmos Fire, you are so cliche I cannot help but love you.

I haven't blogged for a while, have been busy and not really motivated.

Updates:

* I am moving to my dream home in a few weeks. It is so pretty!

* I have had some pretty excellent summer nights in the past week or so

* I am continually losing my voice. I need to stop yelling (and drinking?) so as not to permanently damage karaoke skillzzz?!

* Me and the bf are no longer me and the bf

* If I have to mark one more ridiculous assignment I am going to go crazy. Note to 3rd year HR students: "hypothesisis" is not a word.

I really want to have a brat pack movie marathon soon. Maybe when I move to the new place.

Sorry this is a shitty entry, more panda pictures soon :)

This is what I woke up looking like this morning

2009-10-01T17:56:00.003+09:00

THREE PIMPLES ON MY NOSE!

THREE!

ANNNND ONE NEAR MY MOUTH. SO GROSS.

What am I, fifteen years old?

Given my splattering of freckles I LOOK LIKE A DUCK FARTED ON MY FACE!

Also I am really, really tired. Immune system, you really suck.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go nurse my self esteem.

while you wait for the others

2009-09-28T16:54:00.002+09:00

Seriously, how good are grizzly bear? The layering of vocals are so beautifully full. The lyrics are interesting and (i think) relevant. They are playing southbound in January. Hopefully I won't be too sunburnt to enjoy them.

I am currently also really enjoying this one song by carla bruni (yes, the french president's wife!) it is called Quelqu' un m'a dit. It is on the 500 days of summer soundtrack. I like her natural, laid back vocals. French pop is so much better than American. Too bad Sarkozy doesn't feature in the (boring/awkward) video.

more changes

2009-09-24T11:05:00.006+09:00

Wassup internet?

Since I quit my PhD (actually, I still haven't handed the forms in, but this is more of an admin issue) I have made two more changes:

* Last Sunday I moved out! weee! Now I live with a very nice Elvis Costello look alike NEXT DOOR TO A SEX SHOP! scandalous. My room is basically an ikea advertisement it has high ceilings and it is quite large so I am happy. My credit card is not so happy. The other day we microwaved mars bars and watched the bold and the beautiful. This is pretty close to domestic bliss (IF I HAD MY PUPPY, soooooo sad).

* I got a job doing test administration for an organisational psychology company. Basically when candidates apply for jobs with big companies they contract us to do the ability/personality testing. So my job is to administer the tests and score them. So far I am really enjoying it.

A few nights ago I saw 500 days of Summer and it scared me how much I related to both characters! I think if you haven't experienced the unrequited love deal you are quite lucky. I can also relate to summer's feelings about sparks and not knowing blah blah blah relationships are so complicated.

Anyway, I really loved this film and it has a beautiful soundtrack. Also, Zooey has been my girl crush for quite some time now. She is annoyingly perfect, she is in a sweet band and I want everything she ever wears. The end of the movie was pretty lame though - her name is autumn? seriously. Here are some cartoons which essentially sum up the entire movie.

In other news:

* I have finally sorted out southbound accommodation thanks to the lovely dj lm so that is one less thing to worry about.

* My skin appears to be allergic to moving/life. ughhhh.

* I really miss my dog

* I really hate group assignments and weekend classes.

* I am not adjusting to a 'living out of home' budget

* I want either a diana mini or a 35mm Holga - opinions?

Sorry if I have been a bad blog/real life friend lately, I am back now :)

coolest dog

2009-09-13T22:44:00.003+09:00

This dog is amazing, the owner (Heather, 20 years old) has trained Jesse to do so many awesome tricks.

It can even walk on its front legs in a hand stand!!! Jesse also has a blog!

dear pandas, you are freaking awesome and you make me happy

2009-09-09T13:04:00.013+09:00

I quit.

2009-09-04T19:09:00.004+09:00

image

Today I quit my PhD.

I never wanted to be a quitter. I am extremely driven and competitive, I wanted to be one of the 50% that finish. I won't go into all of the drama that has happened with my supervisors/topics up until now because it is boring, but I have finally decided that it is not worth the constant depression and guilt.

Living life like this was turning me into a person that scared me. Landing myself in hospital a month or so ago was a huge wake up call. There is more to life than this.

There are so many reasons that brought me to this decision and it has taken me a really long time to know that this is the right thing for me to do, and that I don't need to have this qualification because other people think it is what I should do or simply because of the prestige or need to win.

I feel like now I will finally start living out what I want to do instead of constantly waiting for everything to happen down the track and putting my life on hold.

I am still finishing my masters, so one year to go until I am a psychologist. I should start my first placement in a month or so.

This decision was more difficult because I had a scholarship for PhD, which was my main source of income. This means that I am now looking for part time work while I am finishing my masters. I still really, really want to move out because I think this is the next step to shaking things up and climbing out of my comfort zone, which funnily enough is not at all comforting. I know that it will be financially much tighter now but I will have to make it work.

Although I am clearly relieved, I also feel a sense of loss/sadness/disappointment. I know I have let myself down in some ways and some other people. But I had to do this for me and my health - it is really hard to do something you hate for so long, your body starts to let you know.

So I suppose this is a tentative beginning of a new chapter.

Schmap London Eighth Edition: Photo Inclusion

2009-09-02T23:45:00.005+09:00

I received this email tonight:

Hi Jillian,

I am delighted to let you know that your two submitted photos have been selected for inclusion in the newly released eighth edition of our Schmap London Guide:

Leicester Square
www.schmap.com/london/sights_sohoandwestend/p=352975/i=352975_8.jpg

Soho Square
www.schmap.com/london/sights_bloomsbury/p=339093/i=339093_16.jpg

...[photo links for iphone etc blah blah blah]...

Thanks so much for letting us include your photos - please enjoy the guide!

Best regards,

Emma Williams,
Managing Editor, Schmap Guides
www.schmap.me/ej.williams/

yay!

This is Perth

2009-09-01T12:18:00.001+09:00

oops...i bought more dresses

2009-08-31T00:58:00.011+09:00

I own an inordinate amount of dresses. This is mainly because I don't really feel comfortable in pants, the only pants I own are jeans.

I am in the process of going through my wardrobe and putting the dresses I haven't worn for ages or don't fit anymore on ebay. Through this process I have discovered that I am weirdly attached to my clothing, I am a hoarder!

Despite my good intentions of getting rid of clothes I have just this moment bought two more dresses... I think I am addicted. This seems to be a consistent pattern, regardless of my financial situation!

Here are the latest buys (the girl in the picture isn't me):

I *almost* bought this dress for a ridiculous amount of money, but it only came in XS. This is probably a sign. BUT LOOK HOW CUTE IT IS!

Damn my impulsivity!

When it is better not to speak: Stupid celebrity quotes

2009-08-26T20:30:00.006+09:00

"Whenever I watch TV and see those poor starving kids all over the world, I can't help but cry. I mean I'd love to be skinny like that but not with all those flies and death and stuff"

- Mariah Carey

"I think gay marriage is something that should be between a man and a woman"
- Arnold Schwarzenegger

"I've never really wanted to go to Japan. Simply because I don’t like eating fish. And I know that's very popular out there in Africa"

- Britney Spears

"Smoking kills. If you're killed, you've lost a very important part of your life."
- Brooke Shields

"I think that the film 'Clueless' was very deep. I think it was deep in the way that it was very light. I think lightness has to come from a very deep place if it's true lightness."
- Alicia Silverstone

"What's Walmart? Do they sell, like, wall stuff?"

- Paris Hilton

"So, where’s the Cannes Film Festival being held this year?”
- Christina Aguilera

"I find it a bid sad that there is no photo of me at the museum at Checkpoint Charlie."

- David Hasselfhoff. Hoff, you can't credit yourself with the fall of the Berlin wall! The video for 'Jump in my Car' is pretty ace though.

"All of a sudden you’re like the Bin Laden of America. Osama Bin Laden is the only one who knows what I’m going through."

- R.Kelly. Dude, really?

Paul Keating Insults Archive

2009-08-25T11:56:00.003+09:00

A friend just posted this on her facebook:

http://www.webcity.com.au/keating/

Fantastic.

Things I have bought in the last week that I did not need but bought anyway

2009-08-24T22:05:00.014+09:00

Picture

This week I have been in a fragile spendthrift mood (retail therapy anyone?)

This, coupled with my visit to the new Kit Cosmetics store in the city spelt instant trouble...

1. Poppy Lipstick Queen Lipstick in 'Sinner.' The best red. I have the lipliner too. Why do I keep buying shades of red lipstick that are essentially the same? Poppy lipsticks are the best.

2. Too Faced Shadow Insurance. Anti-crease eye shadow primer. This probably seems like a ridiculous waste of money but it is the besssst. You put it on before eye shadow/eyeliner and then you will have NO SMUDGES, woo!

3. Kit Cosmetics concealer brush. This picture isn't the actual brush but they look pretty similar. I don't link rubbing under my eyes with my hands. This brush blends much better than just moving concealer around with your finger. Better, more natural coverage.

4. Polka dot bow headband. Sort of like this picture except the band is thinner and the bow is floppy. Very cute but I will probably never wear this in public.

5. Bourjois So Delicate velvet finish lipcream. What can I say, I'm a sucker for lip colour! I wanted to see what the velvet finish was like. I really like it, except that it has no stayput, I thought it would because of the velvet finish but it wipes right off. I will probably buy another colour of this though, it looks really natural.

6. CDs. Paul Dempsey 'Everything is True' and Neutral Milk Hotel 'In the Aeroplane Over the Sea.' Paul Dempsey is rugged and handsome and has a 'makes me weak at the knees' voice with beautifully touching songwriting. His first solo album is lovely. The Neutral Milk Hotel cd was just a replacement for the copy I lost. I don't like having burnt cds when I'm in my car, it feels wrong.

7. Ped Egg. The advertising sucked me in, that lady's feet look so darn smooth! My sister told me I was an idiot and not to buy one but THEN I went to the shops around the corner and they were selling them at a stand for FIVE BUCKS. My feet are smoother but it's not revolutionary. Glad I didn't pay thirty.

So that is my week in retail.

MORE UNNECESSARY PURCHASES PROBABLY COMING SOON!

Things I will probably do today to avoid what I should be doing

2009-08-18T11:34:00.005+09:00

Ah, procrastination you are an old friend together with another personal favourite, laziness. Today I am not even trying to do uni work, despite my best intentions and "To Do List" writing. Here is what I will probably be doing instead:

1. Blog stalking - I like reading interesting girls' blogs. These are my new favourites:

Pretentious and Pop

Yes and Yes

The Naked Redhead

2. Checking my email/phone messages every other minute waiting for the real estate agent to tell me whether my application for the perfectly located house was accepted. It is starting to feel a bit like a dysfunctional 'waiting for him to call' relationship. Has anyone seen that episode of 30 rock where Lemon applies for the apartment and calls them repeatedly? That is essentially me right now.

3. Checking facebook too often to see if anyone has done anything remotely interesting in my news feed. This rarely happens. Facebook, you are making me boring.

4. Finding the energy to get out of my pyjamas and drop my film off to be developed. I'm not overly optimistic about this one...

5. Finding the energy to get out of my pyjamas and pick up the parcel from the post office I missed yesterday. This is a dress I ordered about a month ago. It is black, 3/4 sleeves sitting just below the knee with a sort of turtleneck. It is very librarian, I thought it would be good for prac.

6. Napping. I sleep way, way, wayyyyy too much. I get about 7-10 hours a night but I always wake up tired. A friend recently said that this was psychological. Pfft. That pissed me off.

So there you have it. My day of many accomplishments. If you work really hard, one day you too could be this successful!

Weekend Away

2009-08-17T15:05:00.005+09:00

Double click image to view full size.

This weekend just past I went down to Margaret River (about a 3.5 hour drive south of Perth) with some friends for two nights. I had a good time, wish I could have been away longer.

In other news, finding housemates and applying for rental properties is a bitch.

first lomos

2009-08-04T14:28:00.008+09:00

When I was in Amsterdam I bought the Oktomat (pictured above). I have been lusting after this for quite a while. A lot of my first role of film came out really blurry, even though the instructions say you can move the actual camera, I think it is better for focus if you get your subject to move instead and hold the camera still. The sound it makes when you take a picture is the BEST!

Here are some not entirely blurry ones...

There are some more on my flickr if you are interested.

Past the Mission

2009-07-28T19:40:00.005+09:00

I got back from Europe about a week ago. Overall it was fantastic, though a bit of an emotional rollercoaster. If you click on the photo above you can view the larger version. I plan to get my lomography film developed this week sometime.

So now I am back to reality and am not really myself, everything bad seems to be happening at once (isn't it always the way?). I guess it will get better eventually.

I am very behind with uni and still pretty demotivated, I just can't seem to make myself get up in the morning. I've never been an early morning person but this getting ridiculous. Morning people how do you do it?!

Good night, I am off to catch up study...

Pet peeve: Weak handshakes

2009-06-17T14:35:00.006+09:00

Image from here

Research shows that it takes between 3 and 90 seconds for an individual to form a first impression of someone. After that, other information presented is filtered through this initial impression. Prejudiced? Maybe. But we all do it. As the saying goes "you never get a second chance to make a first impression."

What can influence this first impression? This brings me to the subject of this post: the importance of a firm handshake. Having a firm handshake is vital to making a good first impression, and communicates professionalism and confidence as research out of the University of Alabama has shown (Chaplin, 2001, see a basic version here). Men and women with firm handshakes are evaluated more positively than those with limp handshakes and are seen to be more extroverted and open. Some may argue that emphasising handshakes as important promotes males as dominant in the business world, however, Chaplin's research demonstrated that women with firm handshakes were evaluated as positively as men.

Pet peeve: I think that this research can be generalised to a certain extent outside the business world. I cannot stand being introduced to someone, offering my hand to shake theirs and finding that they are a) surprised or even laugh and b) they offer a pathetically limp version of a shake, with no eye contact. I interpret this as being rude and occasionally arrogant.

I find this to be particularly common in late teens/twenty something hipster boys and girls, maybe trying to come across as cool or cute? It doesn't. I understand that in some situations an individual may simply be shy, but it is worth remembering that an impression is being formed and putting in the effort to make a polite greeting. Practicing is important.

Here are some tips:

1. MAKE EYE CONTACT. I cannot stress this enough, I could devote a blog to this but no-one would read it but me :)

2. Offer a firm handshake. Extend your hand and grip the other person's hand where the web of your thumbs meet for 3-4 seconds, while shaking the hand. The handshake should end before the introduction.

3. Offer a handshake whenever you:

a) Meet someone for the first time

b) Begin or end a meeting

c) Complete a business transaction

d) Leave a social or professional event

(clearly these are context dependent)

Practice makes perfect!

What is your opinion of weak handshakes? Is it rude or does it not matter?

mail!

2009-06-15T18:57:00.004+09:00

Carly from a girl and her blog sent me a pin she made herself and a lovely letter. Mail all the way from Canada, yeahhhh!

Isn't it gorgeous? There is a little birdie in the tree.

Check out Carly's blog, it's great! She is doing the 365 photos in 365 days challenge.

Thanks Carly!

Sorry I am not the greatest model, I think I am getting sick AGAIN! argh!

new camera, new photos

2009-06-10T20:08:00.006+09:00

My camera came in the mail this afternoon! So first I followed my dog around while she was doing her rounds and then I went to the beach at the bottom of my street, I am pretty lucky! It was quite grey today though, no sunsets.

Later in the evening my sister brought me some more mail from Dymocks (I didn't order anything from Dymocks) - the bf had bought me the field guide for my camera! I love unexpected mail, so exciting!

I also baked brownies today and thus my life is infinitely better. Tonight I am going to my oldest friend Kelly's house for girls tv night :)

Hobbies

2009-05-26T23:14:00.004+09:00

I think I am going to get into photography. I am going to do a short (9 week) course at tafe and am thinking of buying the Nikon D90.

I have my dad's old 35mm film slr but I haven't used it because it needs a new battery, which has actually turned out to be slightly difficult.

I particularly like Hasisi Park's work, and also some of these (the photo for this post is from here). Yesterday I found this photo blog, dancing to the beat of rain - it is fantastic.

I have had a lot of hobbies over the last few years; the most recent being jogging, sewing, glockenspiel, and hip-hop dancing.

Maybe this one will stick? I really need to do something creative that inspires me and I have some ideas for good photos, I am more interested in portrait photography than anything else.

The music stuff is going okay, I have got some more reviews, mostly they say "good vocals, bad production" which makes sense since I have no idea what I am doing. Will try to set aside some time to write more soon...

Less than a month until my europe holiday :)

eurovision highlights

2009-05-17T12:07:00.021+09:00

Last night I watched the Eurovision semi finals with some friends. Since I am the only one without European born parents I pick my favourite based essentially on how much I laughed during the performance. Ridiculous lyrics, dance movements and costumes also have an essential role to play.

My favourite this year is HUNGARY! I want to be this man's best friend.

jazz maverick

2009-05-16T20:14:00.006+09:00

This is silly. I woke up this morning and I was good at jazz. Really! All of a sudden I can write jazz songs. This is excellent, I am basically Howard Moon.

On an unrelated note, I really like Asobi Seksu.

count the stars

2009-05-11T21:20:00.006+09:00

I have been trying to record more music lately. Here is a link to one of my songs "count the stars." Excuse the poor piano and production, I just wanted to record something for now and get some feedback.

I need some pointers/tips/comments - tell me what you think!

http://www.garageband.com/artist/jilliananne

8 things

2009-05-04T19:51:00.006+09:00

Laura Cassidy over at First Three Chapters tagged me in her post 8 things (I've never been tagged before, exciting!):

8 things I look forward to:

* finishing my PhD/masters

* the return of the bf

* seeing stephanie's new puppy again (babby jack russell, soy crute)

* the weekend

* going to sleep tonight (i am exhausted)

* europe! june :)

* moving out

* finishing marking first year lab reports, ugh

8 things I did yesterday:

* slept in until 11. i love sundays!

* lunch at yacht club with dad et al

* saw dolphins playing right near the shore

* marked lab reports :(

* read a few chapters of the second book in the golden compass series

* went to jess and kynan's house for dinner and watched master chef

* facebook stalked (i know)

* missed creedon

8 things I wish I could do:

* be harry potter

* finish my phd!

* travel all the time

* see band of horses, camera obscura, ryan adams (i was overseas when he was in perth), el perro del mar and so many more

* live in london/melbourne

* make up my mind about any of my feelings

* run for longer, faster

* exercise some form of self control/motivation

8 shows I watch:

* flight of the conchords

* lie to me

* the office

* ladette to lady (i love this show, it is my guilty pleasure)

* -

i don't really watch that much tv sorry!

I tag these 8 bloggers:

* Miss J

* Petit Bourgeois

* Snappy little alligator

* Karen

* marty party

* a girl and her blog

* eat apples

* joseph likes

i know this isn't all of your thing - i won't be offended if you don't do it :)

mystery old photos

2009-05-01T12:52:00.003+09:00

The other day my sister and I found a usb in some drawers in the study that didn't belong to either of us. I checked it out today to see what was on it (I was curious okay!)

There are heaps and heaps of old photos, they look like they're from the seventies judging by the clothes. I don't recognise anyone at all in the photos, no-one is related to me. Most of them are family photos, wedding photos and holiday photos. It will take me ages to go through them all, but the are pretty great! The curious incident of the mysterious usb photos ha

in the pines

2009-04-27T13:02:00.009+09:00

Yesterday I went to 'In the Pines' which is basically a day of local bands set in one of the outdoor auditoriums at uni. One word to sum up the day? Dirt. I always forget how dirty somerville is. When I got home I was covered in brown dirt.

I started drinking too early and felt sick quite early on (I don't handle alcohol well). Then I ate more than three grown men and drank two bottles of water and I was fine, just tired. I found myself drifting around alone a lot of the time from group to group but I guess that is generally what I do. In one of my more melodramatic moments last night I decided that I like my dog better than any human. Easily. Anyway, it was still good to get out.

The photos are of me with my good friend Brett and the girl is Nat. I only have 7 more polaroid shots left! The film is ridiculously expensive so until the new stuff gets made, I'm out of the game.

Today is a public holiday. I am going shopping with my high school bff, Kelly. I find that spending money (that should be saved for europe!) is the fastest remedy for melancholy so I am going to buy underwear. I may as well splurge on something useful, and it is always nice to have matching sets, yes?

2009-04-20T13:52:00.006+09:00

* kurt halsey *

I miss you.

overly anxious

2009-04-19T23:41:00.005+09:00

Tomorrow morning I have to tell my supervisors that I am abandoning this PhD topic to be supervised by other (better?!) people.

I feel like I am going to throw up.

I am mainly worried about Dave, because I actually respect him a lot and it's not his fault that he is head of school and horrendously busy. His role is basically to babysit Elliot anyway. I don't give a crap about offending Elliot because honestly he is a fuck and is one of the main reasons I am so far behind. I could not work with him for the next 3.5 years and remain sane. I probably wouldn't even finish if I did. Still, he coordinates my masters course so I hope he doesn't take it personally and make life difficult for me.

As scary as starting again is, it is a necessary evil. I should have done this 6 months ago. I am positive about the change, I have no idea what I am doing but it still has to be better than the current situation, which was starting to get me really down.

I'm not entirely sure why I am so worked up about telling my old supervisors, I actually feel physically ill! At least it will be over by 11am tomorrow.

happy easter!

2009-04-12T11:09:00.006+09:00

*image from The Non-Consumer Advocate

Happy Easter friends!

First, I should probably point out that I am 23 years old and my sister is 20. And yet, every easter my mother continues to hide eggs in the garden. She wakes us up early and we have to go hunting around the garden while she watches excitedly calling out hints. I am pretty sure this is for her benefit more than ours. Needless to say I am feeling pretty full.

The bf is going to France tomorrow for 6 weeks. argh.

Also this week I have been having a quarter life crisis, but more on that later.

Enjoy your long weekend!

where the wild things are

2009-04-07T11:03:00.004+09:00

i can't wait!!!!!!

films i haven't seen but need to

2009-04-05T23:25:00.011+09:00

I am pretty lazy when it comes to seeing films. I never get around to it.
Here a few well known films I haven't seen yet that I would like to see in the coming months:

1. the science of sleep

2. marie antoinette

3. run lola run

4. rushmore

5. girl interrupted

6. paris je t'aime

7. howl's moving castle

8. pulp fiction

9. trainspotting

10. magnolia

Too accident prone for gym

2009-04-03T15:29:00.006+09:00

I decided today would be the perfect opportunity for a triumphant return to the gym.

I started on the X-trainer. I then moved onto one of the new treadmills. I had my towel draped over the arm of the treadmill. About 5 minutes into jogging my towel fell off, ran down the treadmill and landed at the bottom of the treadmill. So I decided I would finish jogging and get it after.

About 30 seconds later the treadmill started to make a horrible groaning noise (first group of people start to stare) so I paused the clock and got off....my towel was nowhere to be seen. I looked underneath the treadmill and still couldn't see it. I had to get one of the gym instructors to come and have a look at it...basically it was (still is?!) actually inside the machine. The guy tried lifting the machine up and shaking it around, reversing the track and pulling on the tiny bit of towel showing but to no avail. Eventually he told me he would have to call the manufacturers to get it out. This is why I shouldn't go to gym!

So I am quite sweaty by this point and decide to go downstairs to buy a new towel so I can shower. For the first time ever THE FITNESS SHOP IS CLOSED. So I showered and had to dry off with my sports shorts. Gross.

Just one of the many reasons for me to continue avoiding the gym.

pet peeve

2009-04-02T12:31:00.006+09:00

Stockings/tights/leggings in amazing colours/prints that are "one size fits all."

It is always nice to find cute looking stockings, however my heart sinks when I look for the size and see the dreaded "one size fits all" label.

NOT A LOT OF PEOPLE CAN FIT "ONE SIZE FITS ALL"!!! Especially if you are 5ft10 or however tall I am, they get to about 3/4 up your thigh, which is extremely uncomfortable and you are constantly pulling them!

So this is my pet peeve of the day. Thank goodness for brands who make lovely xtall stockings.

On a similar note, I came across an interesting blog yesterday stocking vixen, a shout out to all types of hosiery. If you love stockings and vintage photos you should check it out!

Secrets

2009-03-31T15:15:00.012+09:00

Last weekend I went to Fremantle to look around the market and do a bit of shopping. I bought a summer dress and another postsecret book, which is fantastic! It is amazing how many secrets are bound by similar themes. We all go through similar challenges, the differences are in how we manage them.

I wonder what my secret would be?

I have felt pretty down in the last few days, the sadness was engulfing. It is draining trying to play a role so people don't worry. I didn't feel like me at all. It can be frightening.

I am feeling much better today and actually got out of bed to come to uni in the morning. When I feel horrible I have to push those thoughts away and remind myself that it will get better eventually, and it does.

Chin up!

this is still great

2009-03-29T18:02:00.002+09:00

sunday collage

2009-03-29T17:48:00.006+09:00

i probably shouldn't buy this...

2009-03-16T23:02:00.006+09:00

But I really, really want it!

Greet your madness like an old friend

2009-03-15T01:04:00.006+09:00

Tonight I feel like an awful combination of Esther Greenwood and Holden Caulfield and I hate how cliche that is.

the others are your mirror

2009-03-02T22:19:00.005+09:00

I love this photo so much! I love everything about it. The girl looks so european, she has that quirky, confidant and commanding look about her that many european women are lucky enough to own.

Obviously I want that skirt :)

I can't remember where the photo is from, I think it might have been we♥it

another attempt

2009-03-01T20:45:00.012+09:00

Image from ffffound

If you never fall together you can never fall apart.

Gamble on your fortune you have an athlete's heart.

rosellas

2009-02-23T20:27:00.005+09:00

When I got home from uni today these birds were in the tree in my front yard. They were really noisy - my dog went crazy and ran around in circles ha

a brief interlude

2009-02-12T23:59:00.006+09:00

Sorry i haven't posted in a while, I have been in South Africa for my aunt's 50th birthday (I am not South African, actually my mum's family are from Kenya, my aunt/uncle/cousin moved to SA a year ago).

The photo is me with a baby rhino at a rehabilitation centre for injured animals. The baby rhino wasn't actually injured, it was orphaned. He was so adorable!

Cape Town was a pretty place, Kruger national park was amazing and Johannesburg was bizarre and a little scary. I feel very lucky to be Australian.

I am starting to get back into PhD work. I have to tutor 3rd year statistics this semester, I hate statistics! I guess at least being forced to tutor means I will know the stuff backwards which will no doubt be useful when it comes to my own data analysis.

I have started to write some more songs that are pretty horrible, but the more I write the better I will hopefully get? My lyrics are still lame. I seem to come up with really cheesy songs that make me cringe when I play them back (I am making some rough recordings using garage band). I wish I could write a tune that was as simple and pretty as "let's go bowling" by camera obscura. I love everything about that song. "let's get out of this country" is also a favourite, why can't i write like that?! i am getting so frustrated with myself!

Songwriting tips are welcome!

something about the heart

2009-01-21T22:22:00.003+09:00

Image is from loveology

Sometimes you meet someone

who will change your life forever.

You weren't really alive before.

You're not in control

you fear nothing.

They hold some strange power over you.

Your heart will break each time you meet

but you will love them with the fragments.

Resignation is not an option.

Your heavy heart will crave its next hit.

Addiction is a dangerous sport.

toy piano

2009-01-16T13:35:00.002+09:00

I forgot to post that creedon gave me this amazing toy piano for christmas. The sound is sort of similar to a harpsichord and quite loud.

I have a piano and a keyboard but this one is my favourite.

i always say too much when i'm talking to you

2009-01-15T14:21:00.001+09:00

I have been learning to play this song on piano:

It is so beautiful. I found the sheet music free online :)

i made a dress

2009-01-11T21:23:00.001+09:00

I finally finished sewing this dress, it is from an original 1954 pattern. It was pretty difficult for me being a beginner sewer and it didn't work out quite as I had planned. The bodice is not as neat as it could be, it is a bit big and the buttons/buttonholes do not line up perfectly but still, my first sewn dress! I really like the full skirt.

More sewing projects to come soon I hope!

Resolutions

2008-12-31T11:28:00.002+09:00

Since it is the 31st I suppose I feel like I should make some resolutions to start 2009 on the right track (I usually forget about my resolutions about three weeks into the year but I like making them all the same).

Exercise

Actually doing it! Getting into exercise in the latter part of this year has made me a much less moody person and gives me a sense of achievement.

Diet

I probably have the worst diet of all my friends, I survive mainly on junk and have no self control when it comes to anything chocolate. I use chocolate and other really sugary treats to maintain my mood and energy levels but in the long run it makes everything a lot worse.

PhD

I have to finish and ideally publish my first study this year, which actually involves two experiments. The first is a meta-analysis, I really need to get my shit together working out the analyses for this, I would love to have preliminary results by april, which may or may not be realistic. The second part is based on archival data of crossover stress. I have been struggling to find a data source for this for the past six months or so. I absolutely have to secure my data for this study by march or I won't have enough time to analyse.

Masters

No real resolutions here. I'm only going to be doing three units so hopefully it won't cut into my PhD work too much. I aim to get at least distinctions in all of my units.

Friends

This year I would like to make more of an effort to catch up with old friends and friends I haven't seen for a while. I tend to get very caught up life and don't really make a huge effort with my friends, some of whom I desperately miss. So this year I am going to make more of an effort to catch up.

That's it for now...

apples

2008-12-29T16:44:00.000+09:00

I actually finished a sewing project!

This is my first project I have finished myself without any help after taking up sewing a while ago. I made a lot of mistakes and didn't finish it properly but it is still wearable and I am therefore proud as punch! The fabric is really cute! I got the pattern free from burdastyle, it's a bit balloony but I like it.

I am still working on sewing a very complicated dress with my grandma, so once we get together again to finish it I will post the results.

Running up that hill

2008-12-23T23:10:00.000+09:00

I finished couch to 5k today!

Who would have thought I would stick it out for 9 weeks? Very out of character! I usually go through phases that last for a maximum of 3 weeks.

My dad bought me new running shoes for christmas, I tried them out today and they were really comfortable. I hope I will keep jogging (i am inherently lazy) because I am still really slow and not that fit, but it has really helped with keeping my mood on the positive side of the continuum.

anonymous mail!

2008-12-22T12:12:00.004+09:00

Today I checked my mail and someone has anonymously sent me the frankie magazine afternoon tea cookbook, which I have wanted for ages! I am so excited!

sleep the clock around

2008-12-21T13:47:00.004+09:00

I started sewing a few weeks ago and have made 3 sets of pillowcases to give to my grandmas/mum at christmas. It is nice to do something creative, as basic is it may be. I also spent all of Wednesday at my grandma's sewing a dress, I learnt a lot about darts, etc she was very helpful! The dress isn't finished yet, after christmas maybe!

Also this week I made an impulse purchase keyboard, it's a Yamaha E413. I have only ever had a piano but now I want to try to write some stuff and muck around in the privacy of my own room. I can't play in front of anyone, I am always really shy about playing music for anyone, I think it is because I think I am really crap because I am at the moment but hopefully I will improve over summer. I think if I start writing some stuff on the keyboard and being more creative I will feel much happier about myself.

I can't believe a year has gone by. I am one year into my masters/PhD! The scary thing is I really haven't done a lot and I have no idea what I'm doing with my first meta-analysis.

This year has been relatively uneventful compared to the last. I miss a lot of people. I miss going out with new people and seeing so many bands. But it has been great to have a sense of stability, which is not something I could comprehend in 2007. I think I will save the nostalgic writing for new year :p

I have moved back home now after living in North Perth for a while. The best thing about living in North Perth besides being close to everything was Hyde Park and the amazing Jacaranda trees. I love Jacaranda trees so much, they make me happy. I have also seen a lot of willie wagtail birds around, these remind me of my Pop who died 2 years ago. He loved birds and these were his favourite. It is nice seeing them, it is like a reminder that he is looking out for me.

I know I have a lot to do, christmas shopping, study, but I just can't bring myself to do anything even though I am incredibly bored. I have just been finishing sewing and listening to belle and sebastian all morning. I'm still in my PJs. I really want to reread the catcher in the rye and I got a really old copy out from the library but I haven't got around to reading it an it feels like too much effort to get out of bed at the moment (thank god for macbooks!)

I wish I wasn't so lethargic and lazy!

country weekend

2008-12-14T21:20:00.001+09:00

I just got back from three nights down south. It was beautiful and refreshing, and probably exactly what I needed!

On our travels we found the most amazing antique/collectables/thrift store! I bought two dresses for $10! they had beautiful old sewing machines, dinner sets, paintings, etc. My boyfriend bought some old pennies from the 40s because his dad collects coins.

I will upload photos to my flickr later in the week when I have time.

I really don't want to go back to uni/life tomorrow!

Swoon!

2008-12-07T21:40:00.000+09:00

I am watching the Sunday night tv movie which is...never been kissed! I admit it, I have had a soft spot for this movie since high school. This is mainly because of Michael Vartan!

Yes, this post is incredibly shallow. I can't be a serious academic type all the time!

lovely links

2008-12-07T12:38:00.002+09:00

1. nubbytwiglet.com - art/design blog. lots of pretty outfits, inspiring pictures and great links.

2. ffffound.com - probably my favourite photo site. i find all my favourite pictures here!

3. http://www.poladroid.net/ - this is so fun, i am addicted! much less expensive than polaroid film, here are some of mine:

4. http://www.freeindie.com/ - free downloadable indie tunes, what more could a girl want?

5. postsecret - of course!

coffee cup ring

2008-12-06T11:24:00.002+09:00

i bought this ring at a market the other day. it is a little coffee cup and saucer with a teaspoon on the side. it is so cute!

fresh air

2008-11-24T15:39:00.001+09:00

i am going down south to warpole soon for an extended weekend with my boyfriend to do something interesting on our one year anniversary. i am excited to do the tree top walk and eco cruise. i hate the australian bush, i find it really harsh and ugly but i love the forest.

Things I should do...

2008-11-21T13:48:00.000+09:00

1. Read more novels

2. Write some short pieces on my dusty glockenspiel

3. Move out!!!!