Some Thoughts

... have not posted here in a long time but you will find me {elsewhere}

... thinking of and sending strength to those in Japan

... unsure about jumping on the twitter bandwagon, but I would love to be friends if you're there already

... late mornings and sunny afternoons are so, so beautiful

image: muxu @ flickr

The Furry Fashionista

I was at the small bookstore near my house yesterday afternoon and look what I managed to pick up of all things! I have been looking everywhere for this much-coveted style guide brought to you exclusively from the furry fashionista herself, Fifi Lapin. Apparently it is pretty much sold out all over the world now, so for me to have this without paying a ridiculous price is unbelievable! Here's a sneak peek...

Cyclone Yasi

First the floods and now this :( I'm keeping fellow north Queenslanders in my thoughts tonight as they prepare for a Category 5 cyclone to hit around midnight. What a terribly frightening time this must be for everyone who will be affected. Please stay safe.

Recovery Mode

Hello there dear readers, it's been... a while. Please accept my apologies for this hiatus - life has been so hectic since my last post which was written just as Brisbane was going under.

Hard to believe it's been over 2 weeks since the disaster. Thankfully, the River did not peak above the predicted flood levels of 1974. Yet so many homes, schools and local businesses have been completely inundated and thousands were left without power or electricity for days. So many lives changed for the worse in that week.

We are now in recovery mode here in Queensland, with thousands of volunteers from all over the nation pitching in to help with the massive clean up job that will no doubt take several months and possibly even years. There are those who have dug deep to donate to the flood appeal, which is currently sitting at a whopping $181,685,852 (and still climbing). Not to mention the flood heroes who have worked tirelessly and put their own lives on the line to save others. Thanks much go to each and every one of these people for their massive efforts. And thanks must also go to you, my friends, for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.

Listening to stories from the 1974 floods, I never imagined I would live to experience and tell my own tale. To say that this disaster hasn't changed my life would be impossible and a complete understatement. It really hit so close to home this time and helped to put things into perspective. I've not only had to re-evaluate the important things in my life but also learnt to not stress over the small things. Worrying and stressing over work-related issues, daydreaming about the distant future and wasting time on material objects... none of these really matter in the big scheme. I need to start living in the now. Like the people in Toowoomba/Lockyer Valley, there could easily be no tomorrow. So these past few weeks, I switched off my computer and tried to spend more time with family and friends, taking each day as it comes. No longer mulling over decisions or getting upset if things don't turn out the way I want.

Life is too short for these expectations.

The Brisbane Floods 2011

January 12, 2011 - 3:46pm

I cannot believe the scale of the natural disaster that is unfolding in my home town of Brisbane and regional areas of Queensland at the moment.

Ipswich flooding - waters have peaked at over 20m. Over 3000 people evacuated

Reports say that the next 24-36 hours will be the most critical as residents anxiously await the flood peak that is expected to hit around 4am on Thursday 13th January. Word has it that water levels will rise to similar proportions and possibly exceed that of the 1974 Brisbane floods, which saw the Brisbane River peak to 5.5m, breaking its banks and flooding surrounding CBD areas. 1974 was the year that saw 14 people lose their lives from drowning and total damage was estimated at over AU$200 million. For thousands of people, they lost everything they had and the process of rebuilding in the aftermath was painstaking and slow. As a result of this disaster, Wivenhoe Dam was built as a control measure to minimise the effects of flooding if it was to ever occur again. It was designed to hold 1.45 megalitres of additional water for flood mitigation (225% capacity) and all seemed reasonably well for another 37 years...

On 11th January 2011, the Wivenhoe Dam levels reached its highest level ever recorded at close to 192% of max capacity. Being an embankment dam, there is a risk that if water spills over the crest it could erode the dam walls and potentially fail. As a result of this, controlled release of the dam occured yesterday afternoon at 1pm to relieve the swollen flood storage compartments so as to create space for further predicted rainfall and inflows from nearby dams and connecting rivers.

These last two days have been truly harrowing, terrifying and stressful for Brisbane residents. The generation who lived through the '74 floods knew the scale of damage to be expected while the younger generation waited anxiously for news updates. Emotions are running high. At 2:10pm yesterday, it was chaos in Brisbane's Central Business District (CBD) as the mighty Brisbane River, which the city is situated on, broke its banks after days of continuous heavy rain. Road closures occured in nearby areas and the CBD was evacuated. Power remains cut off to thousands of businesses and homes in the area since early this morning, leaving the normally bustling district uncharacteristically calm and silent.

The Goodwill Bridge - waters are creeping higher and higher by the minute

The normally busy Eagle St Pier

Since 1pm this afternoon, all public transport into the CBD has been withdrawn as numerous riverside suburbs and major roads are quickly becoming inundated. Supermarkets are running amok as shoppers rush to stock up on everything from bread, bottled water and tinned food to long-life milk and apples. Helicopter roof-top rescues have ocurred and pontoons and yachts are afloat in the middle of the river after breaking off from the banks. Iconic Brisbane restaurant Drift Cafe, formerly known as Oxley's on the River, has completely submerged. Inner city suburbs are sinking fast. Yet we are all still bracing for the worst that is to come.

Sinking suburb of Rosalie - the only way to access homes is via canoes

The wheel of Brisbane at Southbank with riverside boardwalk completely inundated

At this point in time, the River is continuing to rise (4.6m) and Brisbane City is in lock down. No public transport, no electricity, no open roads. Authorities are urging people to stay at home if possible or to evacuate to higher-set areas if your area is likely to flood. Waking up to sunshine and a typical summer's day left many unconvinced but light showers have started to resume and the sky is starting to look a little cloudy. I'm sure the emotions surging through everyone at the moment are much the same. Great fears for the uncertainty and of the unknown.

The Southbank Parklands swimming area (left) - walk ways (right) now completely covered by floodwater

To my fellow Queenslanders, family and friends - please, please, please stay safe. With our determination, defiance and strength - we will get through this horrific and distressing ordeal. And we will prevail. To the emergency personnel and SES rescue teams, thank you for braving the storms, floodwaters and putting your lives at risk to save others. What you are doing is beyond amazing.

To donate to the flood relief appeal: http://www.qld.gov.au/floods or phone 1800 219 028

Stories of devastation are starting to emerge:

• Read about the parents who pushed their 4 children to the safety of the roof as they got swept away by ravaging floodwaters here
• Read about Baby Callum Jack Wieland, who is living proof of hope amongst despair here.

I will continue to post updates about the situation as able. Just thought I would let my friends from around the world know that I am safe and my family are well. Thanks for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.

Of Vernis and Parfum

Inspiring me this week {snaps from my camera}‧‧‧
gorgeous glass atomisers to hold my pretty perfume, oversized flower rings to adorn my fingers, nail lacquer in muted or dark shades to paint my nails with and finally, brass keyrings to unlock my heavy heart ‧‧‧

Ruby Red She wants the World Instead

My newest ring purchase - currently wearing this beauty on the middle finger of my left hand. The design is very delicate and petite -- imagine a band so super thin it only measures 1mm! Love.

Dear Diary,

I'm so happy to finally be using my absolutely adorable 2011 diary! Purchased this little beauty for myself a few weeks ago and it came with a matching pen + bookmark! I normally use run-of-the-mill diaries that have pretty boring covers and not-so-good paper quality but this year I decided to spend a bit more money on something that would actually make me happy to write in. The best thing about this diary is that all of the pages are illustrated, colourful and different! It's sooo cute. Almost too cute to write in.

The layout of this diary is horizontal week to a view which is a bit different to what I'm used to using. I normally prefer day to a page as there is more room for me to scribble down all my random thoughts.

Isn't this so cute?

What diary will you be using this year?

Back to Work

It's always hard to return to work after having a long weekend off! Especially at this time of the year with the festive season just past and New Year's around the corner. I'm almost over it all...

Luckily it wasn't too busy today. In fact it was a a nice change to the usual hustle and bustle of the workplace. It felt eerily quiet. Still, there were many things to do and I am now feeling absolutely exhausted and ready to collapse onto my bed. I only just got home from another evening at the shops, where I picked up some ruffle tops, a lock & key keyring, a card wallet and two size 1 children's t-shirts for 50% off (they were too cute to put back, save them for later...)!

I think I really need to get a grip on all this spending. It can't be very good for my bank account! But I keep telling myself that I'm actually saving money by spending it now rather than after the stocktake sales finish when the prices go back up. I tell myself that everyday...

See you back here tomorrow.

Now that it's Over...

It is hard to believe that Christmas has come and gone once again.

Each year, time seems to fly by quicker and quicker. Might it be because my life is getting busier, with more things to do in the day and less time to procrastinate? Perhaps I'm a happier person now, content with where I am in the whole scheme of things - aware of my goals, proud of my achievements and just enjoying what I do.

Regardless, the build up leading to Christmas and the actual excitement of celebrating the occasion with loved ones always leaves me feeling very reflective. What were the good things that happened to me this year? What would I like to have changed? What do I want to achieve in the coming 12 months?

2010, I'm thankful to you for...

Making the transition from student to employed life so smooth and easy
Giving me the opportunity to meet so many amazing people through work.
Surrounding me with such a supportive group of colleagues
Sending me away from home for an extended period of time: testing my independence and teaching me to appreciate.
Allowing me to be in the right place at the right time to come across someone who has forever changed the way in which I act and think and be.
Good health, keeping safe, happy days, to be able to dream and have the courage to seek.

2011, I hope...

That you continue to bless me and allow me to achieve all the things in which I strive for: to do my best at work, be the best friend I can be and to continue supporting those who love me.
That I can make my little contribution to this world and give back what I have taken. I want to donate to charities, do volunteer work. I want to teach others and never stop learning.
To never forget these three words and their meanings.

Hope.......... wishing that something would happen
Faith.......... believing something will happen
Courage..... making something happen

The Urge to Splurge

Most people I know are severely hungover and recovering at half past six in the morning the day after Christmas Day.

But not me.

I am wide awake, dressed and ready to make my way into the city along with thousands of other like-minded shopaholics to try and snap up the best bargains at the annual end of year stocktake Boxing Day sales. It has become a tradition for me to join the huge crowds every year but today was the first time I went with a list of things I had been eyeing for some time. Having a good idea of what I wanted really helped as I usually overspend on useless, spur-of-the-moment items that I end up returning later on. Knowing which places to check out really helped to reduce my frustration levels, because as you can imagine, fighting Christmas crowds can be a nightmare if you're wandering around aimlessly and especially if you don't have a clue what sizes fit you best. Most shops don't allow you to try anything on to prevent lengthy delays, plus the change room queues can take forever.

The best thing about this year's sales were the great deals and savings in most stores with markdowns of up to 70% off! I was also fairly impressed with the stock on sale - in previous years I've sometimes come home with nothing I was terribly excited about due to the fact that the only things I liked were the full-priced clothes. This year I didn't waste any time in stores that always seem to put the same junk on their bargain tables every year and this meant that I had more time to comb over the racks and snap up bargains.

As always, some of the more prestigious stores had massive queues needing to be monitored by security. I normally give these a miss because it's a waste of time but this year I decided to test my patience and lined up behind the security ropes. I waited... and waited... and swear it was nearly 40 minutes before I inched my way like a baby caterpillar up to the entrance of the shop. Once people started clearing out, with my ticket in hand, I was finally given the go ahead by the security guard to enter. According to the sign, we had only 15 minutes each to purchase our items. A quick look around told me there was no way that was happening! It was so crowded in there with rude people pushing, shoving and yelling at the top of their voices. There is something about Boxing Day sales that seem to bring out the worst in human nature. It didn't help that there weren't enough sales assistants to serve everyone, given that all the objects (jewellery) were locked behind glass cabinets.

I, however, am ecstatic with my purchases. Must be just me, but I love the feeling of buying things that are not only perfect in size but also the last ones in stock! Heaps of customers, after seeing what I had purchased, also wanted the exact same items only to be told I had just snapped up the last of the ones available. I was in there for probably 20 minutes before being served but it only took 5 minutes for the saleslady to bring me my goods and then I was out of the store. It really helps to know exactly what you want!

So without further ado, here's a little sneak peak of the goodies that came home with me today!

Karen Walker ruffle skirt and silk trim cardigan




Alannah Hill skirt and cardigan


Max & Co. shorts

Cue ruffle cardigan in Wine

These are only some of the things I bought today. I haven't had much time to take photos of the others but they include a set of glass tumblers, Royal Dalton crystal champagne flutes, a new pro salon hairdryer, skincare products, two fragrances I've been lusting over (Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel and Miss Dior Cherie EDP by Christian Dior). Also bought a few pieces of expensive jewellery which came to less than one-fifth of the original price in total thanks to the sales!

All in all, I am very glad that I ventured out today to brave the stocktake crowds. All the goodies that came home with me were all things that I would've ended up buying anyway, except I now have them for less money spent :) So, my tips for a good Boxing Day experience:

1. Wear comfy shoes that don't cause blisters, thereby allowing you to weave quickly through the crowds

2. If you're super organised and already have a list of things you want, find out whether the store/brand will be going on sale and how much of a discount you are likely to get. If you haven't got a list, make sure you compile one! Will make it so much easier on the day.

3. Have a rough plan of where you want to go first - it's all about prioritising! If you get this right, you will more than likely get your hands on what you're after.

4. Work out how you will pay of your items... and ensure plenty of $$$ in the bank beforehand!

5. Bring a nice roomy bag that will fit small items that you purchase (jewellery, bits and pieces) - this leaves your arms free to browse the racks!

6. Try to be courteous to your sales assistants. I imagine they have the toughest jobs on days like this, trying to keep the stores under control and ensuring their customers leave happy. Tell them if you think they're doing a wonderful job. Say thanks.

7. In the frenzy of it all, sometimes it is easy to forget that everyone is there to shop. Don't let rude people ruin your day. You will come across plenty of them, so mentally prepare yourself for this and count your blessings if you get through the day without being pushed out of the way or having things snatched off your hand.

8. If you have the day off, fantastic; otherwise try and arrange for some time off to shop properly. One year I rushed like crazy and ended up with a handful of things that were heavily discounted but of completely no use to me. Extra time means you can actually browse around for a bit - you may even find that extra special something to take home!

9. A personal preference for me is to shop alone. I find going in groups very difficult and even having a shopping buddy makes it hard to really buy things that you like. Unless it's your absolute bestie who doesn't mind waiting half an hour for you to try things on and wants to look at the same things as you. I usually feel too guilty when I go with friends and end up not really looking at things properly. Also, if you can put your man out of misery, send him out with his mates rather than drag him along with you to the sales. I felt so sorry for all the men at the shops today, minding baby prams, waiting in chairs and even sitting on the mannequin stands in the department store... all of them LOOKING SO BORED!

10. Know your sizes. Like I said before, most shops won't allow you to try anything on if things are heavily discounted or the size of the queue will make you change your mind anyway.

Finally, a good Boxing Day experience always begins and ends with purchases that you love. So if you've really worked hard all year, time to reward yourself accordingly. Don't waste money or time on things that don't make your heart skip beats but at the same time, don't put something back if you know you'll go home and think about it non-stop. Regret is the worst feeling ever!!

So if you had a Boxing Day experience, I hope it was lovely and look forward to hearing about your splurges!

Boxing Day sales

Just got home from the Boxing Day sales!! Man my legs are so sore! Very glad I wore comfy shoes today having spent the whole of 8 hours on my feet. Crowds were huge... Queues everywhere... Pushing and shoving... But well worth it because I managed to find myself some absolute steals!! I'm going to grab something to eat and then I'll be back to do a reveal post on the things I picked up!

Anyone else hit the stores today?

Miss You Most (at Christmas time)

The fire is burning
The room's all aglow
Outside the December wind blows
Away in the distance the carolers sing in the snow
Everybody's laughing
The world is celebrating
And everyone's so happy
Except for me tonight

Because I miss you
Most at Christmas time
And I can't get you
Get you off my mind
Every other season comes along
And I'm all right
But then I miss you, most at Christmas time

I gaze out the window
This cold winter's night
At all of the twinkling lights
Alone in the darkness
Remembering when you were mine
Everybody's smiling
The whole world is rejoicing
And everyone's embracing
Except for you and I

Baby I miss you
Most at Christmas time
And I can't get you
Get you off my mind
Every other season comes along
And I'm all right
But then I miss you, most at Christmas time

In the springtime those memories start to fade
With the April rain
Through the summer days
Till autumn's leaves are gone
I get by without you
Till the snow begins to fall

And then I miss you
Most at Christmas time
And I can't get you
Get you off my mind
Every other season comes along
And I'm all right...
But then I miss you, most at Christmas time


...

Where the Loveliest Things Are

... usually in the most random of places and times, wouldn't you agree?



I've had an amazing day. I don't even know where to begin.

Going to work this morning, something inside me suddenly clicked and I felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I'd finally moved on and for the rest of the morning there was no more worrying and stressing over the uncertainties of everything. Then would you believe it, come lunch time, I am pleasantly surprised by this one thing I had written off and completely lost hope in. For it to come so out of the blue made me feel incredibly happy and relieved. My gut instinct had been right. Being patient had paid off! After work, I went back to pick up the ring that I purchased the other day as I needed a smaller size to stop the ring from spinning on my finger (I hate that). Then, fate would have it and somehow I end up running into the people that I had been wanting to meet. I look forward to seeing how things progress from here on in. What surprises will the future hold?


[this is a journal entry for 21/12/10.]
- the day where so many things happened, each one so deeply meaningful to me. the day I learnt that even the most beautiful unexpected dreams can come true.

My Right Hand

Lately I have been looking to upgrade the ring that I wear religiously on my right hand. It all started when my mother handed me the one she owned when she was in her early twenties - a beautiful ruby and diamond channel ring in the 4 prong setting for my 16th birthday. I kept it on everyday for several years before noticing a tiny crack in the base of the ring. After that I placed it back in its box and carefully stowed it away for safekeeping. For a short while, I enjoyed wearing no jewellery but soon my fingers felt naked and I was once again on the hunt for RH ring number 2.




As a little graduation present for myself and to mark my first time travelling away from home, I spent my first big pay check on a dainty little gold and black sapphire heart ring earlier this year. It was a relatively pricey piece to me at the time given that all my other purchases had been big, fun, less expensive cocktail rings. However, after spending more money I noticed an increase in the number of people stopping to comment on my ring. I vowed to never again spend money on pieces that weren't absolutely classic and timeless. I worked out that I would rather fork out the money for good quality craftsmanship, if it meant that I could only have one ring as opposed to several tacky ones made from cheap materials.


Yesterday after a big week, I decided I needed a little pick-me-up and the time felt right to get myself something to commemorate the wonderful year that I've had. I tried on many different rings, store after store until I came across the most breathtaking, classy piece I had ever laid eyes on. I was a bit hesitant initially given the hefty price tag but the simple, elegant design eventually won my heart over. It was perfect: a beautiful piece to add to my growing collection and something I could continue to wear in the future with my wedding and engagement rings. I am so happy with my purchase, despite having spent over double the amount of money compared to my last ring. It's sparkly, it's pretty and it is so me. Isn't that what a right hand ring is for?

[24 hours later and I still can't stop gazing at it lovingly!]

Images from Tiffany and Co. holiday campaign 2010

12:12

So it's 12:12 and I'm still sitting around trying to put off going to bed.

I'm sad that the weekend passed so quickly and dreading the thought of returning to work tomorrow. Not sure why I feel this way, I think it must be the fact that everyone else I know is celebrating time off uni, or attending graduation ceremonies... and here I am a year into my working life and I kinda feel... old and left out? The thought that a year ago it was me doing those things makes me shudder. It's been a wonderful but overwhelming12 months, taking baby steps out into this big wide world. Learning new things, fending for myself... it's been tough. But I will admit I've had the time of my life and wouldn't change a thing for the experiences I've gained and the amazing people I have met. To me, 2010 will always be the memorable year where many beautiful things took place. Out of the blue.

So.... 2011, what will you be like?

Inspiring me today

Marine Vacth, slightly dishevelled but nonetheless, still beautiful

This feeling of disarray very much sums up how I feel about the last 12 hours. One word, work. Boy, was it a struggle to get through the day!

Today was unlike any other Monday... aside from never ever wanting the weekend to end, imagine a day filled with too many things happening all at once, and in no particular order or logic. New places, new people, new responsibilities, new schedules. Imagine trying to split yourself physically and mentally between all these places that need you. Trying to tie up the loose ends from the people who worked over the weekend. All too much (for a Monday). But, it wasn't all bad though. Between making arrangements, running classes, learning new things and helping others, I also received some of the kindest words, warmest embraces and biggest smiles from people to say thank you. Sometimes, at the end of the day when you're achey, tired, hungry and grumpy... the thought that you're appreciated for what you do - that's all you need and then everything becomes worthwhile once more.

Photography: Max Cardelli