Mortereve, all!

*comes in flexing her arm* I've been knitting a lot for these past few days... trying to finish some projects. And I've also been reading quite a bit. Before you know it, though, the holidays will end. Of course, just as they do, I've been bitten by the writing bug...
School starts in a few days, and that, along with some other things, means that I might not be able to come on as much as often for some time, but I figured I'd drop by the Square to say hello.
Lots of people showed up! Some old faces I know, some old faces I do not know!

*waves to Narnian_Storm and Trusty* I don't think we've met before. You can call me AitB or Bella (not from Twilight). *extends hand in greeting*

You know, about extending hands in greeting, my sister and I were discussing a modern version of Narnia that involved Lucy going into the wardrobe (or probably Ikea closet) and, when she met Tumnus, she would extend her hand for a fist bump. Tumnus would look surprised. "...You lightly punch it back. People do it when they meet each other." .. anywho.

We had some of the snow that y'all were discussing. But we didn't even bother to shovel it, as it melted today. I'm not sure if I'm happy or sad that the snow is gone. I was in the process of building a really cool snow fort, and just as I thought, "Wow, this is the coolest thing I've ever done with snow! (sorry for the pun)," the roof caved in....

*takes a cup of Jo's hot cocoa...* It stayed warm!

It was sooooo cold yesterday--my siblings made ice cream.

Wow! That's a good idea!
Ditto to the exhaustion after being out in the snow... at the onset of the blizzard, I was walking back and forth to get shovels and stuff, and I actually started sweating. I really enjoyed the snow, for the most part!

I'm curious--what is the boiling water trick that you guys speak of?

It's so good to see you, Poggy!! It's been so long! Congratulations on graduating high school. What was your trip to China like? That sounds really neat!

ILF! Nice to see you in the square. Wow... congratulations on your graduation, too! Laboratory Medicine? I tip my hat to you.

Trusty, that's really neat that you can speak in German! Where did you go to on your world trips?

Hi AitB! Nice to meet you. I'm a little bit jealous of everyone's reports of snow haha. I've only seen it once in my life and only then for 20 minutes! Sounds like that side of the world is getting some pretty hectic weather.

Trusty, that's really neat that you can speak in German! Where did you go to on your world trips?

I'm only a beginner at German but as I'll be living with family friends there for a year I hope to pick it up quite fast. In 2010 (during my gap year after high school) I did a solo trip for 3 months to America, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy (the latter where my family originates from - stayed in the village there & met the relatives).

Then 6 months ago I went to Oxford Uni for a politics summer school! It was only a four week trip and I didn't get to do much sightseeing in the UK due to study and a sneaky trip over to Germany to stay with that same family again haha (which is coming to be my fav place besides my home country, Australia)!

Trusty: I had to use hesc to pay for my course for obvious and common reasons people do such thing. Though I will possibly end up getting a casual job. I will see how I do on my saving and centrelink.

aitb: I am assuming you are questioning my choice to study lab medicine? fair question. Well basically I decided I was going to attend curtin university in perth because of reasons that would be difficult to explain to someone who didn't live in Western Australia. I decided I liked chemistry and science in general and the career outcomes of the course seemed like jobs that I would like to do. Also you are given a number of options at the end of the course.

I am having the opposite to snow at the moment. It is around 30C and it is 10:30 at night. It is meant to drop 10 on monday for a high of 29C for the rest of the week which is a refreshing thought,

They made chocolate banana ice cream. It was good; it tasted a lot like a thicker version of chocolate banana pudding. (I don't know how y'all make it but we take over-ripe bananas and mash them, then add coca powder and sweetener to taste. Simple!)

*dittos the question to Poggy about the China trip*

You know, about extending hands in greeting, my sister and I were discussing a modern version of Narnia that involved Lucy going into the wardrobe (or probably Ikea closet) and, when she met Tumnus, she would extend her hand for a fist bump. Tumnus would look surprised. "...You lightly punch it back. People do it when they meet each other." .. anywho.

Aww, that sounds like a cute adaptation. Also, speaking of Ikea, the last time I was there (which was also the first time I was there ) I did thump the back of their wardrobes--just in case.

Trusty, what all did you do on your 3 month trip? Was it sight-seeing, and what sort of things did you go see? And how does one plan for that sort of thing? I've always wanted to do something like that but I haven't the faintest idea where to start planning.

I've only seen it once in my life and only then for 20 minutes!

Growing up, I had only seen snow on TV. When I saw it for the first time, I grabbed a snowball with bare hands... the aftermath was me crying and burying my hands in my coat.

Austria and Switzerland and Germany--that sounds like quite an adventure! I echo Mel's question about the solo trip! What did you do for it? That's really cool that your family is from Italy. Did you get to see the non-tourist-y sites with Germany and Italy, because you saw family?

I am assuming you are questioning my choice to study lab medicine? fair question. Well basically I decided I was going to attend curtin university in perth because of reasons that would be difficult to explain to someone who didn't live in Western Australia. I decided I liked chemistry and science in general and the career outcomes of the course seemed like jobs that I would like to do. Also you are given a number of options at the end of the course.

Yes-- Lab Medicine seems like a really challenging subject! I respect that you chose something like it. I wish you all the best in it! Do you know what you want to do after school, like whether you want to work in a lab or a pharmacy?

Mel, my sister has been researching vegan food, and she mentioned banana ice-cream that sounded similar to what you described. Essentially, it is mashed up, frozen bananas, right?

Hahaha! To think of all places, IKEA would have Narnia. That reminds me of when Jo, Dot, and Nellie and I saw C.S. Lewis' wardrobe--we thumped it just to make sure that we wouldn't miss the opportunity. I was tempted to disappear for some time (presumed to be looking at other artifacts) and then come and say, "I'm back, I'm back, I'm alright!"

Well, my semester started this year... It's off to a good start. Right now, I've not been assigned a slew of homework... but I'm anticipating it, with the courses I took. (Chem and Calculus are among them. >.> <.< ) But I have good instructors this semester, so I'm looking forward to it.

I think I will work in a lab(Pharmacy is a different course in Australia anyway. I originally signed up to do it but changed my mine). I spent the last year working as a pharmacy assistant and I don't think it is for me. I mean it is alright but not for a life time.

Here is a link to the course outline:
http://handbook.curtin.edu.au/courses/31/311376.html

As for IKEA ..... Talk about walking around for age to get out of the place.(The one I went in had a one way policy. They had arrows on the floor and everything). As a result I haven't been to one since 2008(which was the first time I went to one).

Wow, it's so great to see both familiar and new faces!

Ilovefauns! Great to see you. Sounds like your life has been pretty busy! I know work can really take up a lot of time. Wow, that's awesome studying labratory medicine in Perth. I have a couple of friends in Perth, apparently it's like the most isolated city in the world! I hope you enjoy the uni life.

Hi, Trusy! I don't believe we've met. You can call me Poggy, I guess that's my nickname. Yeah, I always feel bad when I get busy with life and don't come on here for a while. But there are some really great people here, it's always great to come back on and catch up with everybody. Wow, congrats on graduating! That's a neat degree, I enjoy philosophy too. You sound like a real world traveler! Going to Germany sounds so exciting!! I think living in a new culture is one of the most growing experiences you can have. What will you be doing there? China was amazing for me, it really gave me a bigger perspective on the world. It also helped me decide to major in teaching English as a foreign language and go into missions! I knew I've wanted to go into missions for a long time, but that trip really helped me focus, and kind of confirm it's what I want to do.

Bella!! So great to see you still come on here. Sounds like you've been putting your break to good use! My trip to China was amazing. It was a mission trip, and we were teaching English to high school students. I definitely left part of my heart there. But I'm really excited because now I'm old enough to actually travel! So I'm hoping this year to go to Italy or China again. So where are you in school? Have you graduated high school? Chem and Calculus...that's a challenge right there! Do you have other, more enjoyable classes?

Hi Mel!! How have you been? I'm glad to hear your life is being filled with wonderful things like chocolate banana ice cream. I've never had it, but it sounds fabulous!

Alright, my dears, until next time!

Poggin: Yes apparetly it is a close second in the worlds most isolated cities. Auckland, New Zealand taking the title. http://blog.id.com.au/2012/australian-p ... the-world/

I am just enjoying my holidays after finishing work before uni now. It is nice o just relax. something I haven't done for more than 2 days(if that) for over 3 years. It feels strange but good.

Trusty, what all did you do on your 3 month trip? Was it sight-seeing, and what sort of things did you go see? And how does one plan for that sort of thing? I've always wanted to do something like that but I haven't the faintest idea where to start planning.

I stayed with friends and/or family half the time (they're the best tour guides too haha) and just did a lot of planning beforehand, in terms of booking flights, hotels, and ground transport. Once you've done that, you just arrive in a city/town and then go the discovery! TripAdvisor.com was very helpful in finding highly rated accommodations and attractions.

I echo Mel's question about the solo trip! What did you do for it?Did you get to see the non-tourist-y sites with Germany and Italy, because you saw family?

It is definitely a million times better if you can stay with a local! They generally know what they're doing and where they're going - what to avoid and where to find the hidden gems. But it isn't too bad travelling on your own either! Again, TripAdvisor is a helpful guide, as well as local visitor information booths.

Going to Germany sounds so exciting!! I think living in a new culture is one of the most growing experiences you can have. What will you be doing there?

I'll be working for spare cash plus studying German & doing a year of distance education in economics (prepping for postgrad uni). But mostly I'll be hanging out with the family I know, and making memories! Can't wait.

Love that you're looking at getting into missions. Great idea in teaching English too - you could earn a decent wage on that and the job is definitely in heavy demand in the developing world! What an opportunity to share about God too, I have a few friends who do it this way with a missions organisation in the Philippines.

Meltintalle: A lot of people always say there is no point waiting around once you are ready just do it. Do not dwell because you will always come up with reasons not to go. I have dwelled on things in the past(mainly related to school and going to events). I usually ended up going but there were a few opportunities I didn't take due to being scared or what ever. So yeah book the flights and plan the trip, go have fun and I am sure you will plan another as soon as you get back. A work colleague of mine never went outside of Australia until 2012(she went to Indonesia which is a popular holiday destination for Australians). The next week she planned a 3 month holiday to Europe. I would do the same if I wasn't going to uni this year.

Mortereve, all!

It's been a peaceful week. I'm procrastinating Math homework. I ended up reading a Polish WWII memoir, and kept on saying, "just one more chapter, just one more chapter...."
My semester is getting off to a good start, academically, if not of the procrastination.

Ah, that makes sense, ILF. I was considering Pharmacy Assistant for a temporary job, but, yeah, I don't think Pharmacy is for me either. You mentioned you are on holidays... what are your semester schedules like? Are they broken up into Fall/Spring, or something else?

Yeah, IKEA can be really big... I don't recall a short trip there. Do the IKEA's in Australia have the meatballs and the cinnamon rolls? Their frozen yogurt is really good, too.

That's lovely, about your trip to China, Poggy! It sounds really exciting--to experience a different culture and work in missions at the same time. Did you have some fun adventures when there?
I hope you have a good next trip!!
I'm a freshman in college... it's been an interesting experience. I like being a student, so I'm enjoying it. Haha, yeah, I can tell this semester is going to be challenging. I have a research writing class and a Linguistics class, which both redeem the calculus and chemistry. It's kind of hard deciding what I want to major in--I look at catalogs and want to ask for the possibility of double majors and triple minors and things like that, but I'm getting my pre-requisites out of the way for now, at least.

It is definitely a million times better if you can stay with a local! They generally know what they're doing and where they're going - what to avoid and where to find the hidden gems.

Yes, that's what I figured. It can help see the local color that tourists could easily miss.

I saw in the present movies thread that you saw The Book Thief and liked it. I haven't seen it yet, but I like the fact that it's drawn out and paced, like you said, almost to the consistency of a book's narration. Have you read the book?

AITB: Yeah it is a good temporary job(gap year job) or a casual job while studying. You learn a lot, you have to deal with methadone dosing patients(since they come daily, weekly or what ever to dose). Some of these people due to the drugs have very mixed personalities.

As for semesters for university they work like this: Semesters run for 4 months each semester 1: March-june(with 1 or 2 study weeks), a mid year break in july(4 weeks) and semester 2 August-November with a 3 month summer break. Yeah you get quite some time off each year. They say the long summer break is so students whose parents can't afford to send them can work for the summer to support themselves easier(you can get student allowance from the government).

Good Mortereve everyone! I hope everyone is doing well and keeping warm.

Trusty- Your German trip sounds like it's going to be great. It sounds like it will be pretty laid back, then? I think one of the best things about traveling is just being wherever you're at! It sounds like the perfect scenario for grand adventures!
Yes, I always thought about teaching English as a second language, but I only learned recently how in demand it was, especially in Asian countries. So I'm really excited about what opportunities I find as I head in that direction. Of course, I'm pretty flexible in my life plans. I'm just praying that I do whatever the Lord's will is!

Ilovefauns- I'm so glad you're getting time to relax! Busyness is good, but relaxation is definitely important. What have you been doing in your free time? When do you go back to school?

Bella- I did have many fun adventures in China! My favorite part was probably the street markets, they were pretty surreal. It's also funny to be a white person like me while in a place like China...you definitely get stared at, and get pictures taken of you and stuff. But the Chinese are very friendly and hospitable people, and were surprisingly very open to the gospel! I hope I get to go back soon.
Wow, so you like the college life? Are you living on campus? That's smart to balance out the bad classes with the good classes...I was not that smart and will be paying for it next semester. Haha, I feel your pain about deciding a major! I think if I had the time and resources to do everything, I would! What kind of majors are you considering?

Ah, today has been quite a dramatic day filled with dreaded homework assignments, a little boy trouble, and work scheduling woes! I'm going to go drink my tea and finally get around to watching Westside Story. Anybody seen it? I've heard it's good.
Goodbye m'dears!

pogginfan: I have my orientation week the last week of feb and than I start actual uni around the 2nd of march. I have a bit to sort out before than suh as books and selling some stuff before I move(which has been hard). I am basically giving away two ball/prom dresses(If anyone is interested in aus size 6/8 which I believe is 2/4US please inbox me ha) they are worth $850 and $1000 in new condition for only $100 aud each and no one wants them. I have had interest in other casual clothing items and video games.

I had a great thought just than. I am never going to have to do useless math again. Only chemistry math which is fine by me. None of this area under the curve rubbish and trig nonsense(no year 9 math teacher I have not right-angled triangle shaped garden bed and I do not plan to).

Wow, it's been a while since I stopped in here. And so much has happened since then!

Todd! It's wonderful to see our favorite fox gracing the Town Square again.

*Waves to pogginfan, IloveFauns, and Trusty* Hello, all! I don't know if I've met any of you before (though I've seen some of you around the forum), so I wanted to make sure to say hello. And pogginfan, I like your avatar. (I believe that one's from the Puppetmaster--which is among my favorite episodes of the series. )

So, how did the whole jury duty thing go, Ryadian?

Well, I never ended up going in. Because I was on "call in" status, I would only ever have to go in if they needed me. By the time December 23rd rolled around, they just said, "Everyone on call-in status is done." And now that means I can't get called in for jury duty for another four years, so... yay?

I've got a couple presents that I can't wait for my family to open them--my brother found something that's absolutely perfect for my mom. (For the record, I was there when he bought it--I'm not that sneaky. )

LOL! And now that Christmas is over, may I ask what it was? Or would you prefer not to divulge?

The present in question was Scrabble--the chocolate edition. Basically, all the letter tiles are actually chocolate candies. You only play once, but my mom loved it just the same.

You know, about extending hands in greeting, my sister and I were discussing a modern version of Narnia that involved Lucy going into the wardrobe (or probably Ikea closet) and, when she met Tumnus, she would extend her hand for a fist bump. Tumnus would look surprised. "...You lightly punch it back. People do it when they meet each other." .. anywho.

But don't say things like this too loudly--the movie-makers might get ideas! Actually, I vaguely remember hearing something, a long time ago (I believe it was 1998 or 99) about someone who wanted to get the rights to LWW and "modernize" it--I remember something about Turkish Delight becoming a cheeseburger, or something like that. Admittedly, I'm not even sure that this wasn't a joke article, a la the Onion, or if someone seriously suggested that. I'm just glad it never happened.

Well, things have been interesting for me the last month or so. Since the last time I posted in here, I've gotten in touch with a staffing company, and I may have a new job soon. That's so weird to say--I've been working at my current job for almost 7 years, and the idea of working somewhere else is almost surreal. I will miss working at Culver's, but at the same time, I'll be glad for a better paying job.

In addition to that, I've been getting quite a bit of writing done. I made it my New Year's resolution to finish at LEAST a) a draft of one of my longer stories or b) a complete comic (drawn and colored) for the superhero universe my brother and I are writing. I've actually made quite a bit of progress in some of my stories, though I can't seem to stay focused on any particular one for longer than a week. (One of the reasons none of these stories are finished yet!) It doesn't help when I get really invested into one of the stories, start making real headway... then run straight into a plot hole that I don't know how to resolve. Ah well; I'll figure it out eventually.

Well, now I'm off to shovel the driveway. I was grateful for plenty of snow this year--we definitely got a White Christmas --but this is going way too far. (As in, "my dad couldn't make it to work because traffic was so bad" too far. And we're born Minnesotans. )