February 27, 2010

I call NZ home

Dunedin to be precise. St Clair to be even more exact. And I think NZ is truly beautiful. But I can appreciate the beauty of other places. And look at this beach in England.

Have you ever seen snow on the beach? Absolutely incredible.

I don't like winter. But I do like snow. And I love snow boarding. And sometimes when its cold and windy but the sun is out, theres that crisp feeling in the air and you can wear woolly hats...winter really feels quite lovely. Especially when you can go inside by the fire with a hot drink. Maybe I do like winter after all?

February 19, 2010

what a mighty good man!

Nelson Mandela-what a man!!!
I went to Invictus during the week. Was horrible to relive the Rugby World Cup loss to South Africa in 2005! But I feel it is always a good thing to be reminded of people that have done awe inspiring things, in spite of all odds against them, to make life better for others.

Im not sure how much of what the movie depicted was true but im certain that Mandelas character was based on the qualities he represents. And what a man!

To have had such hardship imposed on him for believing and fighting for a free society in which people of all races and colours live together peacefully... And from what I saw, I believe that his plan to bring the issues of white domination to light did not involve hurting or killing other people...rather as a last resort because the non-violent protests he had been involved in had not brung about any change, I think he probably saw no other way than to lead the sabotage of military and government policies which eventually led to his imprisonment (I know that whilst Mandela was in prison,the party he was involved in did take part in events which unfortunately did involve civilian casualties, however Mandela did criticize these events).

In fear of getting too deep here....the purpose for this post was to bring to light these words from a poem which in the movie Mandela read during his prison stint (of 27 years) and passed onto the captain of the SA rugby team. (not sure how much truth in this) Point is-the words are true. Thats all there is too it.

I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

It gets me thinking....what I am doing to push my life forward in the direction I want it. Or more importantly, is there something I am doing which is either pulling me backwards on enforcing me to swim against the current?

I met with a very wise friend of mine yesterday and he spoke of the importance of the hamster wheel-or rather the importance of getting off that hamster wheel. We run run run and dont always take the time to pause. I was pleased when he mentioned this as this is something I have been privy to in recent months and am now actually making an effort to do this-to pause.

So how am I captaining my life?!
I am trying to be the best I can be-as a person.
Im trying to see the good in every person I come in to contact with.

And Im letting myself off the hamster wheel....

at least every once in a while.

February 13, 2010

good friends and blob days

What shall I blog about?

"Good friends and blob days," was Leahs instant reply.

Its what we have been doing all day. Apart from going to the gym this morning, throwing my washing on, and racing through the cleaning....

Then we parked up in front of the tv. Two games of rugby later, Wales v Scotland, Ireland v France, 2 fat people programmes later, one movie later, one birthday cake later, 2 coffees, breakfast (which was my lunch!) and dinner later, many yarns later, talks of what we are going to give up for lent later, and laughs later, and a little snow that even fluttered by later ... and now a bit later, another movie....
with my flatmates and my good buddy Charles.

I feel completely satisfied.

It has been the perfect lazy Sunday.

Except I have just realised its Saturday. And I still have a week of school holidays ahead of me.

And after the stress, pressure and tension of the past few weeks at school. Its even more perfect than I ever thought.

February 2, 2010

home sweet home

My flights are booked home!!!!!!!

Even though I was only just at home about 8-9 months ago, I will never ever doubt any decision to return home-whether it be for a holiday or to live. I love home, I love sitting in my house in St Clair and just that feeling of knowing I am in Dunedin, knowing I can drive around the road to see friends, knowing I can text my sisters and see them within 10 minutes and knowing I can just laze by the fire, be with my family, enjoy home cooked dinners and baking....and feel completely at peace.

But this time I am returning to all that, and more.

My Belinda is getting married!!



Along with Sars, Mish and Hails, I have been asked to be bridesmaid. And I know we all agree, it is going to be one very special day.