Just wanted to take a minute to think about something else besides these essays I've been writing forever. At least it feels like forever...
Here are my top-ten favorite songs today:
"Melt Your Heart" by Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins
"You're Learning" by Paul Kelly with Kasey Chambers
"Did I Step On Your Trumpet" by Danielson
"Middle Distance Runner" by Sea Wolf
"Energy" by The Apples in Stereo
"You're a Wolf" by Sea Wolf
"Your Love Alone is Not Enough" by Manic Street Preachers
"Fall on My Knees" by Abigail Washburn
"Our Life is Not a Movie or Maybe" by Okkervil River
"Peacebone" by Animal Collective
I have written five songs in New Zealand, plus co-wrote two others. Hopefully you'll get to hear them someday...
Ok, back to work. These essays are due tomorrow at 4pm, and then I am DONE!
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Saturday, September 29, 2007
A Few More Pictures...
Auckland is known as The City of Sails because of the numerous sailboats in the harbor. Here's one:
What do they actually do at the Department of Doing? When I passed by they were closed, so it did not appear that much was being done at the moment...
More pics from children's church:
September is almost over! This means:
---the start of post-season baseball. Unbelievably, my White Sox are out and the Cubs are in!
---the final rounds of the Rugby World Cup are starting. New Zealand has been dominating all of their opponents! It's fun to watch.
---spring in Auckland!
---my final assignments will be due soon!
I only have a month and a half left here. But before I go I will be trekking down to Wellington to see the sites, jumping off cliffs with my friend Preet, and finishing up my proposal for my MA thesis next year. Lots to be done!
What do they actually do at the Department of Doing? When I passed by they were closed, so it did not appear that much was being done at the moment...
More pics from children's church:
September is almost over! This means:
---the start of post-season baseball. Unbelievably, my White Sox are out and the Cubs are in!
---the final rounds of the Rugby World Cup are starting. New Zealand has been dominating all of their opponents! It's fun to watch.
---spring in Auckland!
---my final assignments will be due soon!
I only have a month and a half left here. But before I go I will be trekking down to Wellington to see the sites, jumping off cliffs with my friend Preet, and finishing up my proposal for my MA thesis next year. Lots to be done!
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
A Few Pictures
Here are some pictures from my daily life in Auckland:
This is a view of the harbor from the ferry.
These are all pictures from children's church.
Here some little guys enjoying snacks during a party we had.
The kids are doing a scavengar hunt here.
I'm planning taking more pictures of normal, everyday stuff in the next couple of weeks. I can't believe I have less than two months left here! But before I can even think of going home I have to write three massive essays, and a proposal for my MA thesis next year. Scary...
Ok, that's all for now!
This is a view of the harbor from the ferry.
These are all pictures from children's church.
Here some little guys enjoying snacks during a party we had.
The kids are doing a scavengar hunt here.
I'm planning taking more pictures of normal, everyday stuff in the next couple of weeks. I can't believe I have less than two months left here! But before I can even think of going home I have to write three massive essays, and a proposal for my MA thesis next year. Scary...
Ok, that's all for now!
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
No Show, Just Tell
I tried to add some pictures to this blog, but for some reason it didn't work. Use your imagination.
I just finished reading a wonderful book called The City of Ember. It is already a new favorite. It's about a decaying city in a world where there is no sun, or moon , or stars, and the only light that exists comes from electric lamps. Intrigued??
Right now I am on spring break. We get two weeks off, but it's not a total vacation because I have essays and things due right when we are back in session. Pretty soon I will have to buckle down and read a book about the use of blackface in old musicals, write an essay proposal about the movie High Fidelity, and catch up on some other reading.
The last few weeks in children's church, I have taken up my guitar for one song during the singing time. It's been pretty fun and I think the kids really like it. Sometimes kids do the funniest stuff:
---I went over to a group of boys to wrangle them back to the group, and when I was close enough I realized they were playing Harry Potter and using coffee stirrers as wands.
---One little girl was quite wriggly during story time, but not really disrupting anyone, or so I thought. No one noticed until it was too late that she had taken of her shoes, stockings and underwear.
---One of the other leaders asked the kids to raise their hands if they like my American accent. Most of the kids raised their hands, but it made me wonder about the kids who didn't...
Current Playlist:
Sugarcane by Missy Higgins (Listen here: http://www.missyhiggins.com/)
Lies by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova
Stations by Denison Witmer
Rag and Bone by The White Stripes
The Park by Feist
The Funeral by Band of Horses
Yankee Go Home by Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
I'm Sorry, But I'm Beginning to Hate Your Face by Eagle Seagull
I just finished reading a wonderful book called The City of Ember. It is already a new favorite. It's about a decaying city in a world where there is no sun, or moon , or stars, and the only light that exists comes from electric lamps. Intrigued??
Right now I am on spring break. We get two weeks off, but it's not a total vacation because I have essays and things due right when we are back in session. Pretty soon I will have to buckle down and read a book about the use of blackface in old musicals, write an essay proposal about the movie High Fidelity, and catch up on some other reading.
The last few weeks in children's church, I have taken up my guitar for one song during the singing time. It's been pretty fun and I think the kids really like it. Sometimes kids do the funniest stuff:
---I went over to a group of boys to wrangle them back to the group, and when I was close enough I realized they were playing Harry Potter and using coffee stirrers as wands.
---One little girl was quite wriggly during story time, but not really disrupting anyone, or so I thought. No one noticed until it was too late that she had taken of her shoes, stockings and underwear.
---One of the other leaders asked the kids to raise their hands if they like my American accent. Most of the kids raised their hands, but it made me wonder about the kids who didn't...
Current Playlist:
Sugarcane by Missy Higgins (Listen here: http://www.missyhiggins.com/)
Lies by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova
Stations by Denison Witmer
Rag and Bone by The White Stripes
The Park by Feist
The Funeral by Band of Horses
Yankee Go Home by Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
I'm Sorry, But I'm Beginning to Hate Your Face by Eagle Seagull
Monday, August 6, 2007
24...
...is the age I just reached on my recent birthday. I feel old and young at the same time. Last year for my birthday I was in California: Kimi and Mike took me to see "Lady in the Water"; the rest of the gang surprised me with Red Lobster and ice skating; and the next day was Hawaiian Shirt Day in the Financial Aid Office. This year in New Zealand, I went out for lunch with some friends from church for Mongolian BBQ--it was a really fun day, and it was nice to celebrate with my new pals. I have decided that my birthday is the best holiday, except for Christmas.
I have a new batch of flatmates for this semester. We have representatives from the New Hampshire, France, Kazakhstan (no Borat jokes, please!), and New Zealand.
Here are my classes this semester:
Research Methods---not really exciting, but necessary
Documentary History and Theory---really interesting! I have a group presentation this week about Holocaust documentaries...
NZ Media Studies---good background info
Music, Sound and Media---the best class ever! I think I have found my calling in life---or at least an area to focus on for my thesis next year...
Next time: more stories from children's church, spring break plans, and more!
I have a new batch of flatmates for this semester. We have representatives from the New Hampshire, France, Kazakhstan (no Borat jokes, please!), and New Zealand.
Here are my classes this semester:
Research Methods---not really exciting, but necessary
Documentary History and Theory---really interesting! I have a group presentation this week about Holocaust documentaries...
NZ Media Studies---good background info
Music, Sound and Media---the best class ever! I think I have found my calling in life---or at least an area to focus on for my thesis next year...
Next time: more stories from children's church, spring break plans, and more!
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Fiji Stories
Bula!
That's 'hello' in Fijian. There is also a dance called the Bula Dance, but I think is just made up for tourists. Why do I think this? Well, parts of the dance are oddly reminiscent of the Macarena...
So here are some fun stories from my trip:
One afternoon we were told that there was going to be rugby match between two of the villages, and we were free to go watch. Nathan, Fiona, and I thought it would be fun to walk since we heard there was a path from the beach to the other side of the island where the match was being held. We asked for directions to start off, but basically we headed off without a clue as to where we were going... Right. So the first "path" we took led us nowhere but into the woods. On the second try was also wrong, but we did find a pig. The third path seemed promising enough but it led us into a hillside garden. Eventually we did find our way, and we had a fun adventure, but we felt pretty silly about all our wandering around... But it was worth it in the end, because the rugby match was great and the team from the village where we were staying won!
We went to a local church on Sunday which was a real treat. I didn't understand what they were saying at all, but it was so amazing to hear the Fijians voices lifted in song--really beautiful--without instruments or a band, just singing to God. Afterwards, each tourist that attended the service was invited to someone's home for lunch. Nathan and I ended up at the home of one of the church's pastors. They were really friendly and generous, and we asked a lot of (probably stupid) questions which they were kind enough to answer. Personally, I was really proud of myself for eating everything they offered--even the fish with the heads still attached!
We noticed a guitar in the corner of one of the offices of the resort on the second island we visited. I asked to borrow it a couple of nights, and my friends and I sat on the beach with a box of cookies and looked at the stars while I played and sang. You can't beat that.
One afternoon on the mainland we were able to go surfing! It was a beautiful afternoon, and not crowded at all, although the waves were a little flat. But it does not matter, because I can now officially say that I have surfed in Fiji. The surf shop had a friend of theirs named Rakesh who drives a taxi take us to and from our surfing beach. We love Rakesh! He was really open and entertaining and let us ask him all about Fiji and his life. He told us some really great stories, and I could not believe the amazing life he has had. He told us to look him up again if we needed a taxi again, so we got to see him again when we did some site-seeing. If you are ever in Nadi in Fiji, let me know because I know a really cool guy who drives a cab and he'll probably give you a really good rate.
Anyway, it was nice just now to remember my nice, warm holiday because now I am back in cold Auckland, with all new flatmates and classes...
More about that some other time I guess...
That's 'hello' in Fijian. There is also a dance called the Bula Dance, but I think is just made up for tourists. Why do I think this? Well, parts of the dance are oddly reminiscent of the Macarena...
So here are some fun stories from my trip:
One afternoon we were told that there was going to be rugby match between two of the villages, and we were free to go watch. Nathan, Fiona, and I thought it would be fun to walk since we heard there was a path from the beach to the other side of the island where the match was being held. We asked for directions to start off, but basically we headed off without a clue as to where we were going... Right. So the first "path" we took led us nowhere but into the woods. On the second try was also wrong, but we did find a pig. The third path seemed promising enough but it led us into a hillside garden. Eventually we did find our way, and we had a fun adventure, but we felt pretty silly about all our wandering around... But it was worth it in the end, because the rugby match was great and the team from the village where we were staying won!
We went to a local church on Sunday which was a real treat. I didn't understand what they were saying at all, but it was so amazing to hear the Fijians voices lifted in song--really beautiful--without instruments or a band, just singing to God. Afterwards, each tourist that attended the service was invited to someone's home for lunch. Nathan and I ended up at the home of one of the church's pastors. They were really friendly and generous, and we asked a lot of (probably stupid) questions which they were kind enough to answer. Personally, I was really proud of myself for eating everything they offered--even the fish with the heads still attached!
We noticed a guitar in the corner of one of the offices of the resort on the second island we visited. I asked to borrow it a couple of nights, and my friends and I sat on the beach with a box of cookies and looked at the stars while I played and sang. You can't beat that.
One afternoon on the mainland we were able to go surfing! It was a beautiful afternoon, and not crowded at all, although the waves were a little flat. But it does not matter, because I can now officially say that I have surfed in Fiji. The surf shop had a friend of theirs named Rakesh who drives a taxi take us to and from our surfing beach. We love Rakesh! He was really open and entertaining and let us ask him all about Fiji and his life. He told us some really great stories, and I could not believe the amazing life he has had. He told us to look him up again if we needed a taxi again, so we got to see him again when we did some site-seeing. If you are ever in Nadi in Fiji, let me know because I know a really cool guy who drives a cab and he'll probably give you a really good rate.
Anyway, it was nice just now to remember my nice, warm holiday because now I am back in cold Auckland, with all new flatmates and classes...
More about that some other time I guess...
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Pictures From Fiji
Too many pictures! I've tried to limit myself to a few good ones...
During high tide, this strip of sand is completely covered in water. During low tide, you can walk from one island to another....This is Nathan and Fiona, by the way.
One afternoon we climbed a mountain---I'm standing on the edge, laughing in the face of danger.
And here's the view from the top.
Here are some Fijians doing some spear-fishing...
You take a boat to get to the smaller islands from the mainland.
Some of the islands are incredibly small like this one we passed.
This was taken from the small boat as we approached the first island we visited.
This is where we stayed on the first island.
This is the center of Nadi, the largest city on the mainland. We spent a few days in Nadi walking around and finding new places to eat.
We ate here three times (they always gave us free drinks!) This is me with Fiona and Jen.
We spent a lot of time trying to take good pictures of the sunset. This one is my favorite...
There might be some more Fiji pictures and stories coming soon...
During high tide, this strip of sand is completely covered in water. During low tide, you can walk from one island to another....This is Nathan and Fiona, by the way.
One afternoon we climbed a mountain---I'm standing on the edge, laughing in the face of danger.
And here's the view from the top.
Here are some Fijians doing some spear-fishing...
You take a boat to get to the smaller islands from the mainland.
Some of the islands are incredibly small like this one we passed.
This was taken from the small boat as we approached the first island we visited.
This is where we stayed on the first island.
This is the center of Nadi, the largest city on the mainland. We spent a few days in Nadi walking around and finding new places to eat.
We ate here three times (they always gave us free drinks!) This is me with Fiona and Jen.
We spent a lot of time trying to take good pictures of the sunset. This one is my favorite...
There might be some more Fiji pictures and stories coming soon...
Monday, June 18, 2007
From the Mountains to the Sea
I turned in my last essay, and then skipped town with some buddies. We went to the Coromandel Peninsula where we hiked the Pinnacles:
We also spent some time at Hot Water Beach.. You dig a hole and hot water bubbles up, and it's like a homemade hot tub. Except when we went it was raining and cold, and therefore, not that fun...
We also checked out Cathedral Cove which is this huge tunnel carved into the side of hill basically...It's right on the beach and quite lovely...
Other things that happened on this trip:
--We met the current MVP of the NBA, Dirk Nowitzky.
--We ran over a possum with the car.
--I had some really good food at the local establishments.
Next up, Fiji!
We also spent some time at Hot Water Beach.. You dig a hole and hot water bubbles up, and it's like a homemade hot tub. Except when we went it was raining and cold, and therefore, not that fun...
We also checked out Cathedral Cove which is this huge tunnel carved into the side of hill basically...It's right on the beach and quite lovely...
Other things that happened on this trip:
--We met the current MVP of the NBA, Dirk Nowitzky.
--We ran over a possum with the car.
--I had some really good food at the local establishments.
Next up, Fiji!
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Waking Life...
I've been absent from my blog for a while--sorry! In my defense, I have been writing essays for the past month. I only have one essay left which means have completed 1/4 of my Masters. Sweet as!
This Wednesday will be the start of my winter break. Here are my plans:
---sleep!
---finish reading The Ground Beneath Her Feet by Salman Rushdie
---bake ginger snaps
---watch some movies (just for fun!)
---clean the flat before new flatmates come
---check out a thrift store I found
---write a new song
---see the new Harry Potter as soon as humanly possible
---and go to FIJI! I'm heading off for 10 days with some friends, and I'm really excited. It will be a lot warmer there than it is here, and I'm hoping to work in some surfing...I promise to take some sweet pictures.
I am just now recovering from a case of insomnia. The last two nights in a row have been good, but for the past two weeks I could not fall asleep for anything. And when I did, I had the strangest dreams (time travel, mops, homework, flying like a bird over Pangaea).
This past weekend I went with some friends to see Warren Miller's Off the Grid. It was about skiing, which I know nothing about, but I was told that it was one of the better ski movies out there.
Did you know that in Japan they have snowball fight championships? Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZU1BLotGpU&mode=related&search=
A few more Kiwi words:
choice = cool, sweet, or awesome
batch = a summer home, or second house
flash = fancy, dressed up, expensive looking
"dob in" = tattle on (At church, what happens is if you know that someone had something good happen to them in the past week, you dob them in by standing up and telling everyone during sharing time. Then you both get a kit-kat bar. From what I understand, it's an Australian phrase...)
Random Rules:
http://www.avclub.com/content/randomrulesI love this game! Since I have been writing this blog, here's what came up randomly on my iTunes (no skips!):
Cold Truth by The Guggenheim Grotto
The Times They Are A-Changin' by Bob Dylan
50 Ways to Leave Your Lover by Paul Simon
Punkrocker by Teddybears featuring Iggy Pop
Wise Up by Aimee Mann
Lesson Learned by Ray LaMontagne
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Surviving Life in a Movie
Just in case you wake up one morning to the discovery that you are living in a movie, here are some tips to surviving:
--When traveling through time, DO NOT touch anything or talk to anyone, especially your future or past self. Doing so will destroy life as we know it and you will spend the two hours fixing it.
---Don't worry about bombs. Any bomb can be diffused by cutting the correctly colored wire, and you will always be able to guess which one.
---Don't pay a cab driver, unless you fling the cash at him without counting it beforehand--you always have just the right amount.
---If you are driving, don't pay attention to the road. Just concentrate the conversation you are having with the other passengers.
---Remember to save your best secrets for your dying words.
---Never trust anyone who has a big scar on their face.
---Don't worry about children--they never die. But they may be much smarter than you or evil.
---Don't tell anyone if you are dying from an incurable disease. Let them find out after you have already been admitted to the hospital. They will have no clue you were even sick because your disease will not have any symptoms, except maybe extreme paleness.
---Don't try to retire from your life of fighting crime. Something will happen on your last day (probably during your goodbye party) to prevent it.
Good luck! And remember, sequels are nice, but trilogies are best.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Discoveries
Discovery #1: Snorkeling
We drove about an hour north to Goat Island where we were able to snorkel. It was amazing! If you ever get the chance to snorkel, make sure you do it. I got to swim with schools of fish, and see the bottom of the ocean--I just wish I had a camera with me since words can not describe the beauty of it...
Discovery #2: Children's Church
I went to check it out, and see if I would like to become a regular helper on Sunday mornings during church. I had a great time, and they really need helpers. The age group is about 5-10 years old, so there is a wide range of ages. And kids are just funny. I try not to laugh in their faces though...
Discovery #3: Music is a Hobby
Last week I played an open mic at Forde's Pub which is just down the road. It was really fun, and everyone seemed to enjoy my playing. I played two cover songs ("The Other End of the Telescope" by Aimee Mann and "Till the Sun Turns Black" by Ray Lamontagne), and of my own songs I played "Wander My Way Home," a new song called "Strength to Try," and another newer song that still doesn't have a title. I was very pleased with how the night went.
Then, last night I went to the worship team practice at church to check it out and see if I would like to join up there. Unlike children's church, the worship team is overflowing with talented singers and musicians. It was a fun time, but I realized that while I love to sing and play my guitar in worship, joining a team would really suck the fun out of it for me. Music is my hobby--I pick it up when I feel like it, or when I just need to clear my head. So I decided to keep worshiping from the seats instead of from the stage.
Discovery #4: Kiwi Pies
Kiwi's love pies! But a pie here is not like a pie at home. Pies at home are fruity and sweet and they are eaten for dessert. Here, pies are made with meats, cheese, veggies, or eggs. And they are small, like a Hot Pocket. You can get them everywhere and they are always served really hot. They are the perfect little snack.
Discovery #5: New Tunes
Here are some of my new favorites:
"1234" by Feist
"Not Dark Yet" by Bob Dylan
"Save Yourself" by The Colour
"Worried Shoes" performed by Daniel Smith and Sufjan Stevens
"Here (In Your Arms)" by Hellogoodbye
"Philosophia" by The Guggenheim Grotto
"Violins" by Joey Cape
"These Friends of Mine" by Rosie Thomas
We drove about an hour north to Goat Island where we were able to snorkel. It was amazing! If you ever get the chance to snorkel, make sure you do it. I got to swim with schools of fish, and see the bottom of the ocean--I just wish I had a camera with me since words can not describe the beauty of it...
Discovery #2: Children's Church
I went to check it out, and see if I would like to become a regular helper on Sunday mornings during church. I had a great time, and they really need helpers. The age group is about 5-10 years old, so there is a wide range of ages. And kids are just funny. I try not to laugh in their faces though...
Discovery #3: Music is a Hobby
Last week I played an open mic at Forde's Pub which is just down the road. It was really fun, and everyone seemed to enjoy my playing. I played two cover songs ("The Other End of the Telescope" by Aimee Mann and "Till the Sun Turns Black" by Ray Lamontagne), and of my own songs I played "Wander My Way Home," a new song called "Strength to Try," and another newer song that still doesn't have a title. I was very pleased with how the night went.
Then, last night I went to the worship team practice at church to check it out and see if I would like to join up there. Unlike children's church, the worship team is overflowing with talented singers and musicians. It was a fun time, but I realized that while I love to sing and play my guitar in worship, joining a team would really suck the fun out of it for me. Music is my hobby--I pick it up when I feel like it, or when I just need to clear my head. So I decided to keep worshiping from the seats instead of from the stage.
Discovery #4: Kiwi Pies
Kiwi's love pies! But a pie here is not like a pie at home. Pies at home are fruity and sweet and they are eaten for dessert. Here, pies are made with meats, cheese, veggies, or eggs. And they are small, like a Hot Pocket. You can get them everywhere and they are always served really hot. They are the perfect little snack.
Discovery #5: New Tunes
Here are some of my new favorites:
"1234" by Feist
"Not Dark Yet" by Bob Dylan
"Save Yourself" by The Colour
"Worried Shoes" performed by Daniel Smith and Sufjan Stevens
"Here (In Your Arms)" by Hellogoodbye
"Philosophia" by The Guggenheim Grotto
"Violins" by Joey Cape
"These Friends of Mine" by Rosie Thomas
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Books Are Friends
In an effort to stuff my brain full of knowledge until it explodes, I've been reading many books of all types...
Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis
This is one of my favorite books ever. It is arguably Lewis' best work of fiction, and contains one of the most well-written female characters ever. In it he retells the myth of Cupid and Psyche, but it ends up being a allegory about how humans need to relate to God. We wear so many masks, and are often completely unaware of who and what we truly are. The books asks, how can we come to God until we have faces, until we own up to our true selves?
Miracles by C.S. Lewis
Definitely harder to read and understand but a great book that provides logical reasons to believe in the possibility of miracles. To me, the best chapter deals with the miracle of the Incarnation. If you don't think you can wade through the other chapters of philosophy, I would suggest just reading the Incarnation chapter--it's brilliant!
Emma by Jane Austen
I never read it before, and I'm about halfway through. So far, I don't like it as much as P&P or Mansfield Park, but it's still a fun read. I have to have something relatively light to read before bed.
Reaching Out by Henri Nouwen
I just started this one as well, but already I am really enjoying it. It's good soul reading. So far it has been talking about loneliness a chance for spiritual solitude and communion with God...
The Dance of Life: Spiritual Direction with Henri Nouwen edited by Michael Ford
This is basically a categorized book of quotes by Nouwen from a whole bunch of his books, so it's a super fast read, except that the ideas makes such an impact, I have to stop just to digest them.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows by J.K. Rowling
Ok, I know it's not out yet, but I'm really looking forward to it! Only 82 days left!
Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis
This is one of my favorite books ever. It is arguably Lewis' best work of fiction, and contains one of the most well-written female characters ever. In it he retells the myth of Cupid and Psyche, but it ends up being a allegory about how humans need to relate to God. We wear so many masks, and are often completely unaware of who and what we truly are. The books asks, how can we come to God until we have faces, until we own up to our true selves?
Miracles by C.S. Lewis
Definitely harder to read and understand but a great book that provides logical reasons to believe in the possibility of miracles. To me, the best chapter deals with the miracle of the Incarnation. If you don't think you can wade through the other chapters of philosophy, I would suggest just reading the Incarnation chapter--it's brilliant!
Emma by Jane Austen
I never read it before, and I'm about halfway through. So far, I don't like it as much as P&P or Mansfield Park, but it's still a fun read. I have to have something relatively light to read before bed.
Reaching Out by Henri Nouwen
I just started this one as well, but already I am really enjoying it. It's good soul reading. So far it has been talking about loneliness a chance for spiritual solitude and communion with God...
The Dance of Life: Spiritual Direction with Henri Nouwen edited by Michael Ford
This is basically a categorized book of quotes by Nouwen from a whole bunch of his books, so it's a super fast read, except that the ideas makes such an impact, I have to stop just to digest them.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows by J.K. Rowling
Ok, I know it's not out yet, but I'm really looking forward to it! Only 82 days left!
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Creatures, Caves, and Hobbit Holes
I thought it was about time I showed some pictures from my trip to Hobbiton a few weeks ago... I was a proud geek and took a lot of pictures, but I won't bore you with all of them here. Just sticking to the highlights:
The Hobbiton set was built on a farm in Matamata, near Hamilton. It is still an active sheep farm today, but the owners kindly let the city host tours to the remaining sets.
Much of the set has been removed but the actual hobbit holes still exist.
This is me in front of Bilbo's house.
Bilbo's house (aka Bag End) was the only one big enough to go inside. They needed it to be large enough to get a camera in to shoot Gandalf coming to visit.
Much of the sets are gone due to 1) the filmmakers were required to return all the landscapes back to their original state; 2) copyright issues; 3) they were only made to last for a short time; 4) sheep are stupid, and would kill themselves by eating any bit of set design left over.
The large tree and lake behind me are both featured at the beginning of the first movie during Bilbo's birthday party. I think the Party Tree was my favorite part of Hobbiton...
See how dorky I can be?
Now go watch Lord of the Rings.
This trip to Hobbiton was the same weekend as a few other adventures with my Biola friend Rebekah. We stayed with her relatives, so it was great to be in an actual Kiwi home.
Besides Hobbiton, we also went to the Waitomo Caves. You put on wetsuits and golashes (!) and they lead you underground to crawl, walk, swim, and tube in a whole network of caves. The ceilings are covered with real glowworms! And I saw an eel and a weta, which is a hideous and large NZ bug that gives Weta Workshop--Peter Jackson's special effects company--its name.
This is me just after caving. Hidden underneath the hills behind me are miles of caves and tunnels--you would never guess it just by looking at the surface!
Rebekah and I also saw an ostrich while driving. We stopped to take a few pictures and I snapped this just at the same moment the bird decided to...well, just take a look...
We also went to the Otorohanga Kiwi House which is a habitat for Kiwi birds and other local plants and animals. By the way, a kiwi is 1) a flightless bird that is a national symbol of NZ; 2) a fruit; 3) a New Zealander.
The Kiwi House also had tuataras, a lizard native to NZ. I was told it is related to the dinosaurs!
In other news:
My Easter turned out be pretty nice. I went to church and then I came home and made dinner for four friends. I told them I would be cooking to celebrate Easter and they could eat even if they don't celebrate Easter. The food turned out pretty well, although I had a very close call with the garlic at one point. Do not, my friends, mistake a "clove" for an entire head of garlic.
Right now, I am enjoying the last days of my Easter break. I've just been relaxing, working on homework, playing guitar, watching movies and YouTube, sleeping, and reading. Yesterday I went to the Auckland Museum with some friends from church which was quite fun...
God continues to teach me a lot--I'll fill you in another time--but I really feel like I am being transformed and prepared for whatever is next. I'll let you know what that is as soon as I know it myself...
The Hobbiton set was built on a farm in Matamata, near Hamilton. It is still an active sheep farm today, but the owners kindly let the city host tours to the remaining sets.
Much of the set has been removed but the actual hobbit holes still exist.
This is me in front of Bilbo's house.
Bilbo's house (aka Bag End) was the only one big enough to go inside. They needed it to be large enough to get a camera in to shoot Gandalf coming to visit.
Much of the sets are gone due to 1) the filmmakers were required to return all the landscapes back to their original state; 2) copyright issues; 3) they were only made to last for a short time; 4) sheep are stupid, and would kill themselves by eating any bit of set design left over.
The large tree and lake behind me are both featured at the beginning of the first movie during Bilbo's birthday party. I think the Party Tree was my favorite part of Hobbiton...
See how dorky I can be?
Now go watch Lord of the Rings.
This trip to Hobbiton was the same weekend as a few other adventures with my Biola friend Rebekah. We stayed with her relatives, so it was great to be in an actual Kiwi home.
Besides Hobbiton, we also went to the Waitomo Caves. You put on wetsuits and golashes (!) and they lead you underground to crawl, walk, swim, and tube in a whole network of caves. The ceilings are covered with real glowworms! And I saw an eel and a weta, which is a hideous and large NZ bug that gives Weta Workshop--Peter Jackson's special effects company--its name.
This is me just after caving. Hidden underneath the hills behind me are miles of caves and tunnels--you would never guess it just by looking at the surface!
Rebekah and I also saw an ostrich while driving. We stopped to take a few pictures and I snapped this just at the same moment the bird decided to...well, just take a look...
We also went to the Otorohanga Kiwi House which is a habitat for Kiwi birds and other local plants and animals. By the way, a kiwi is 1) a flightless bird that is a national symbol of NZ; 2) a fruit; 3) a New Zealander.
The Kiwi House also had tuataras, a lizard native to NZ. I was told it is related to the dinosaurs!
In other news:
My Easter turned out be pretty nice. I went to church and then I came home and made dinner for four friends. I told them I would be cooking to celebrate Easter and they could eat even if they don't celebrate Easter. The food turned out pretty well, although I had a very close call with the garlic at one point. Do not, my friends, mistake a "clove" for an entire head of garlic.
Right now, I am enjoying the last days of my Easter break. I've just been relaxing, working on homework, playing guitar, watching movies and YouTube, sleeping, and reading. Yesterday I went to the Auckland Museum with some friends from church which was quite fun...
God continues to teach me a lot--I'll fill you in another time--but I really feel like I am being transformed and prepared for whatever is next. I'll let you know what that is as soon as I know it myself...
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Several Unrelated Topics
Ready to learn more Kiwi words!
sweet as! = "cool!" or, "sweet!"
chilly bin = a cooler, or an ice chest
motorway" = any highway, or freeway-type of road
heeps = a lot of, or a bunch of (as in, "There are always heeps of cars on the motorway during traffic.")
Baseball season is back! Go Sox!
I can't believe Easter is here already! The coming holiday has made me a little homesick. Good Friday at my church at home was always a big deal. Pastor Mike's concept of "The Darkest Night of the Year" was one of our church's most unique traditions. In college, I remember one disastrous Easter with Kimi at a church held in a movie theater where one of the songs for worship was by Matchbox 20. I'm not sure what this Easter will bring, but I will be sure to let you all know...
In other news, lately I am into learning new songs on my guitar (KT Tunstall, Teitur, Corinne Bailey Rae), writing a short story I just started working on (although it's turning into a novel), and listening to worship music (usually I just listen to my devil rock music). Oh yeah, and sometimes I manage to squeeze in some homework.
Had a conversation today with flatmates about the so-called differences between "Catholic" and "Christian." I am constantly being reminded of how little I know, or remember, about the Bible or church history or the world in general (if only I had gone on one less GYRAD and spent more time studying at Biola!). I keep praying that Jesus will show in my life, despite my own shortcomings and inadequacies. It is also very challenging being the token Christian--defending and explaining myself all the time. It's both wonderful and tiring. Today I was really encouraged by the song, "How Firm a Foundation"--there are some amazing lyrics in this song! I have included a few of my favorites here, but you can read the full lyrics here at: http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/How_Firm_a_Foundation/
How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said—
To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?
“The soul that on Jesus doth lean for repose,
I will not, I will not, desert to his foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.”
This past weekend, I was traveling so stay tuned for more pictures and stories.
Thanks for reading, and keeping me in your thoughts and prayers! I have gotten some very kind feedback on my blog which I really appreciate.
Happy Easter!
sweet as! = "cool!" or, "sweet!"
chilly bin = a cooler, or an ice chest
motorway" = any highway, or freeway-type of road
heeps = a lot of, or a bunch of (as in, "There are always heeps of cars on the motorway during traffic.")
Baseball season is back! Go Sox!
I can't believe Easter is here already! The coming holiday has made me a little homesick. Good Friday at my church at home was always a big deal. Pastor Mike's concept of "The Darkest Night of the Year" was one of our church's most unique traditions. In college, I remember one disastrous Easter with Kimi at a church held in a movie theater where one of the songs for worship was by Matchbox 20. I'm not sure what this Easter will bring, but I will be sure to let you all know...
In other news, lately I am into learning new songs on my guitar (KT Tunstall, Teitur, Corinne Bailey Rae), writing a short story I just started working on (although it's turning into a novel), and listening to worship music (usually I just listen to my devil rock music). Oh yeah, and sometimes I manage to squeeze in some homework.
Had a conversation today with flatmates about the so-called differences between "Catholic" and "Christian." I am constantly being reminded of how little I know, or remember, about the Bible or church history or the world in general (if only I had gone on one less GYRAD and spent more time studying at Biola!). I keep praying that Jesus will show in my life, despite my own shortcomings and inadequacies. It is also very challenging being the token Christian--defending and explaining myself all the time. It's both wonderful and tiring. Today I was really encouraged by the song, "How Firm a Foundation"--there are some amazing lyrics in this song! I have included a few of my favorites here, but you can read the full lyrics here at: http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/How_Firm_a_Foundation/
How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said—
To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?
“The soul that on Jesus doth lean for repose,
I will not, I will not, desert to his foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.”
This past weekend, I was traveling so stay tuned for more pictures and stories.
Thanks for reading, and keeping me in your thoughts and prayers! I have gotten some very kind feedback on my blog which I really appreciate.
Happy Easter!
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