tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5742232155554082162024-02-21T17:38:13.571+13:00Lisa's Life from Wellington.The blog all about things I get up to in Wellington, New Zealand. Originally this blog was created to share my adventures with friends and family back home. Today it is an online space where I share things that are on my mind... and photographs and things along the way. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207809455933375979noreply@blogger.comBlogger193125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574223215555408216.post-14120197891391382282016-08-01T09:00:00.000+12:002016-08-01T09:00:17.109+12:00Happy International Childfree day 2016 Today is August 1st.<br />
<br />I cannot believe how fast this year has flown by.<br />
It's the third week of term two of university as well, and I have mere weeks left before exams and then months off before Graduation!<br />
I feel like I'm on a roller coaster right now.<br /><br />This week's blog is all about being Childfree because today--<br />
<b> <a href="https://internationalchildfreeday.com/">August 1st is International Childfree Day</a>.</b><br />
One day each year internationally recognised to celebrate Childfree and Childless couples.<br /><br /><b>Who are the childfree and childless?</b><br />You probably know a few of them yourself - that young couple who live down the road, newly married or they just moved in together and they don't have children yet.<br />
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They may have a fur child or pet ... or maybe it's just the two of them living there.<br />
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Maybe they are like Dan and I living with other adults in a flatting situation.<br /><br />Maybe they own the home they moved into.<br />
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The reason for no children in the home could vary, it's always personal and not to be asked about outright.<br />
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<b>Childfree and Childless couples look a little different - </b><br />
There's circumstantial childlessness where one or both in the couple cannot have a child for biological reasons, maybe infertility. Maybe they have been dealing with multiple miscarriages and don't want to talk about it. Maybe they have a medical condition that would be passed on and they don't want that to happen. Maybe they just don't want to pass on any medical conditions from within their family...<br /><br />Or they chose not to have a child - this is childfreedom and it looks a little different than that I described above... Maybe they can't afford to have a child. Or perhaps their career, life style or finances dictate that they shouldn't have a child. They may have huge student loan or personal loan debt that they want to pay off before moving into a new owned home or travel or other endeavors.<br /><br /><b>But what about Regret?</b>Regret is the biggest BINGO I've been given time and time again. Like I will one day be an old lady next to Daniel in a rest home and who will come visit us? Where will our children be - oh without children who will take care of us? My response has been for years - Oh but having a child does not mean they will be there for you when you're old. Once they're an adult and leave home you can't expect them to come back and do everything for you.<br />
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There have been multiple articles about this <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/life/73583159/Will-women-who-choose-to-go-childfree-regret-it">here</a> and <a href="http://www.childfreereflections.com/blog/">here is a blogger</a> who talks about it more.<br /><br /><b>Elsewhere </b>-<br />In some cultures there is an obligation on children to care for their elderly parents, and for us this is no different. Of course I wish my parents good health and all those things - of course I want to help make sure they are looked after... and at the same time for my own future I am trying to put things in place now - creating a Will, putting aside money for Retirement funds (I happen to use KiwiSaver in New Zealand) with voluntary payments being paid into there as well as whatever I'd earn from working. (I'm currently a student so not working, hence putting in voluntary payments).<br />Daniel is doing the same thing.<br /><br />No-one can expect a handout just because they are old. For years now there have been talks about the Retirement funds drying up. So yeah, when we get to retire we won't get much at all.<br />
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Until next week,<br />
xo Lisa.<br /><br /><b>Blog posts from my blog about our Childfree life:</b><br />Three years ago Daniel and I both wrote <a href="http://werenothavingababy.com/childfree/childfree-new-zealand-part-1/">posts </a>about being Childfree in New Zealand.<br />
His can be found <a href="http://werenothavingababy.com/childfree/childfree-new-zealand-part-2/">here</a>.<br />
Update in 2015 <a href="http://lisaslifefromwellington.blogspot.co.nz/2015/10/childfree-in-new-zealand-update-from.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207809455933375979noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574223215555408216.post-14159360020728801692016-07-25T09:00:00.000+12:002016-07-25T09:00:01.569+12:00Just some things I'm really proud of...This week I have been thinking about the things I'm proud of and I came to the conclusion that I don't just have one thing, so here's my round up of things I'm proud of...<br />
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In no particular order -<br />
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1. Proposing to Daniel my darling fiance and husband to be. And reaching our 5 year anniversary is another thing I'm proud of too! It's the longest relationship either of us have had and we have both grown a lot in the past 5 years. I'm really proud of what Dan has achieved with work, travel (for work and with me) and just being together.<br />
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The ring is engraved and says "Will you marry me?"</div>
He said Yes!<br />
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<i>Here we are with our flatmate Loren - photographed by Gareth from Duo Photography -</i><br />
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2. Making a future for myself and sticking with study, even through the tough times, illness and failures. Everything has helped build me up to be the woman I am today. </div>
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In under six months I'll be all done with study and exams... And in less than a year I'll be walking across the stage at Graduation!</div>
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3. My nails - just having long nails and going to see my nail lady Serenity every month - has filled me with pride. I used to be a chronic nail biter from anxiety. </div>
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4. Furthering my skills through online courses and courses from the university - just creating a better future for myself. To be doing what I love and learning lots every chance I get is amazing.<br />
Recently I completed a few courses over the break from uni with Shaw Academy for Blogging and Content Marketing; learning how to be a Celebrity Fashion Stylist and Event Planning courses through Skill Success.<br />
These cheaply found courses online have helped me to develop skills I didn't know I had to make me a more employable person. I've decided that Fashion Styling isn't for me, but the skills I've gained in learning how to tape shoes and such skills I've learned from these courses may be beneficial in future.<br />
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5. Working through my Anxiety and Depression and finding an awesome counsellor and doctor who helped me work through and learn techniques to help me control my panic attacks and keep calmer in exams. I must be doing a great job of it because I sat two exams recently without fear and without having any panicky feelings. So I'm really proud of myself for pushing through the tough times and persevering! I'm also really thankful and grateful for Daniel sticking by me throughout all these times, the good and the bad.<br />
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6. Having friends, family and flatmates who are there for me when I need them, and when they need me. They know who they are.<br />
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Until next week,<br />
xo, Lisa.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207809455933375979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574223215555408216.post-68418049462889718182016-07-18T09:00:00.000+12:002016-07-18T09:00:14.816+12:00Learning and Educational opportunities.This year is my final year at university and as I get ever closer to graduation and my final two papers being done. I realise that Education, and learning for that matter, is an every day occurrence both in and out of the classroom.<br /><br />For me learning is about gaining knowledge and is a skill that many possess but not many actually take advantage of. For me I am always on the lookout for skills and try and learn new skills through courses and online classes. I enjoy being in the classroom but I also enjoy working through things at my own pace.<br /><br />I have been taking some online classes recently in Event Planning, learning skills to be a Fashion Stylist, and furthering my skills as a Blogger, Photographer and individual.<br />I hope to be able to apply the skills learned to my life now and in the future as an educator and teacher for ESOL students. I find vouchers online from sites such as <a href="http://new.grabone.co.nz/wellington/search?query=course">GrabOne</a> for educational opportunities which I take on. I've also done a 140 hour ESL teaching certificate through them too.<br />
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<br /><br />One of the difficulties I face is in organisation of actually getting work done when I work from home. Because I often find other jobs to complete before I allow myself to really get into study and get the course work done. When I'm on campus and working in a lecture theatre I'm more organised because I can attend at the lecture and tutorial times which are pre-set by the university. When I'm working from home I have to really work to schedule these work and study times or I can easily stay distracted all day or just not work on the things I'm meant to be doing.<br />
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<br />Today for example instead of studying for my online courses I vacuumed the house and made dinner and extra food. I tidied up. I did a bunch of cleaning that needed to be done.<br />
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And I didn't get my work done for study.<br />
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Sometimes I have to remind myself that some days just getting out of bed and breathing is a big achievement for the day.<br />
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I hope to report back with the good news of completing assignments for my courses and that I've been awarded the certificates soon...<br /><br />Until next week,<br />xo, Lisa.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207809455933375979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574223215555408216.post-72613928310860232472016-07-11T09:00:00.000+12:002016-07-11T09:00:04.489+12:00Our Bedroom a super quick Room Tour in Photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">Photo special this week - Our bedroom... and how I have changed up the decor since we moved in. </span></div>
<span style="text-align: start;">December 2015 to now - </span><br />
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When we had just moved in.</div>
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I don't know why the wall looks like it's two tones - in person it is all the same white. </div>
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Bedside table - only on my side of the bed ... </div>
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it has changed decor a lot over time from tissues and a power box to candles, Sheepy, flowers, a Heart print from Princess and the Pen, and a Heart lamp (from Typo), and much, much more.</div>
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Polaroids, and a novel...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGp8gch-593vBVfQdgcgmt9F0PV4_aI01Sb7phsNRHrAJ-FvMuVEGqSRkXrUzBfGDebDLs23U_F0kt6fB1T4UrfXvJRGu8M0lAsC324TAN0ItX3348Os6gLPm1Y4kYptI0FPunOkfPAGfN/s1600/IMAG0711_BURST002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGp8gch-593vBVfQdgcgmt9F0PV4_aI01Sb7phsNRHrAJ-FvMuVEGqSRkXrUzBfGDebDLs23U_F0kt6fB1T4UrfXvJRGu8M0lAsC324TAN0ItX3348Os6gLPm1Y4kYptI0FPunOkfPAGfN/s640/IMAG0711_BURST002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Polaroids then got changed up to be strung along a light set. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYo2SGhTeTfN-WKN9I8Vue0IuasMkySPzlVeLnA6yI8t_u0V6SvDmwLl5ngPQBNeitrUcAwF7C3qt7-CBzRfoypGM6bw4UzF2kk-QCyOXFsnQz6b_fWO0wMha0zPuBLcd8h0lEf1Net33G/s1600/IMG_20160311_003410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYo2SGhTeTfN-WKN9I8Vue0IuasMkySPzlVeLnA6yI8t_u0V6SvDmwLl5ngPQBNeitrUcAwF7C3qt7-CBzRfoypGM6bw4UzF2kk-QCyOXFsnQz6b_fWO0wMha0zPuBLcd8h0lEf1Net33G/s400/IMG_20160311_003410.jpg" width="301" /></a></div>
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My dressing table too has changed over time too.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigU3Ay6P_KassHo-JHdBUhimx9_hgHDBgk3HLbHmPqOrEs6zKqkRCeQrhU4iOOCnabZZhe9-XSXPqgc2Fvmk2H7ER9V2yhV1_G5OjUESAcIZAAFJfWeMDj5XxLFCpP_ywhy7gj6Xo4sIgI/s1600/IMG_20160310_170208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigU3Ay6P_KassHo-JHdBUhimx9_hgHDBgk3HLbHmPqOrEs6zKqkRCeQrhU4iOOCnabZZhe9-XSXPqgc2Fvmk2H7ER9V2yhV1_G5OjUESAcIZAAFJfWeMDj5XxLFCpP_ywhy7gj6Xo4sIgI/s400/IMG_20160310_170208.jpg" width="301" /></a></div>
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This candle is so right - All you need is Love.</div>
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Until next week, </div>
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xo, Lisa.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207809455933375979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574223215555408216.post-52670452360976536012016-07-04T09:00:00.001+12:002016-07-07T22:05:04.630+12:00Special Post PSA: Foot and Toe Pain OH NO Morton's Neuroma I have a Morton's Neuroma and that's a swollen nerve. Yes it is painful. No I won't need an operation yet. No I don't want the injection therapy for it.<br />
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Since April 28th* I've been battling sore feet.<br />
More specifically it feels like there's a marble or stone in my shoe.<br />
Wearing sneakers hasn't helped.<br />
Nor has buddy taping the offending toes.<br />
Having a pad attached to the sole of my foot hasn't helped either.<br />
And sleeping with it raised on a pillow is often uncomfortable until I can find a good place to lie down and relax properly.<br />
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So I saw my GP who sent me for an Ultrasound, after that it came back as a Probable Morton's Neuroma, so she suggested I go to a local Podiatrist for further treatment. <br />
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We started off with taping padding under the foot across the Metatarsal pad area to try and unload the area where the Neuroma is. This is meant to remove some of the pressure build up so it will reduce the pressure on the nerve. I kept this on for a week, and when I went back to my Podiatrist I had said it didn't really help, the pain was still there and it was frustrating because I couldn't get it wet. This week I also learned how hard it is to keep a limb (or in this case, foot) completely water-resistant in order to keep the padding on. Let's just say that taping three layers of shopping bags over the foot, is 1. Slippery and 2. very, very uncomfortable. I ensured safety by showering when someone was home in case I did fall. And with the door closed but not locked in case of needing assistance.<br />
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Week 2 appointment changed to make a padded the area of the Metatarsal pad with the Neuroma area having a "cut out" in that zone. And the insertion of padding in my shoe in the form of a foam orthotic. This was a bit better, but still painful to walk. When I had just the padding on my foot (eg in socks) I could walk without pain, like I could tell I had a neuroma but it wasn't aching. When I went out wearing the orthotic with the underfoot padding my foot became achy.<br />
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Week 3 appointment - this week we removed the padding off the foot, and moved to a foam insert in the shoes. I had two sets made one for the sneakers and one for my ugg boots.<br />
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Now it's been a couple of weeks with these and my foot is feeling good. I still have sore feet when walking barefoot (so I try and only do that when I'm going from the shower - to bedroom to get dressed).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDnNTp6AfJyZiOWIXeyJq4Dz6t9z627xm-xqBNUi1L5gHAVa5VxSeNWt-UTgG3iFjGlzEJBUzuE2o35UmHDq8yCoz5cMopAZ62aE_5s-mZjiAcDVDEca116NnESutZQRK7qu6zSPVsm3Q/s1600/IMAG0842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDnNTp6AfJyZiOWIXeyJq4Dz6t9z627xm-xqBNUi1L5gHAVa5VxSeNWt-UTgG3iFjGlzEJBUzuE2o35UmHDq8yCoz5cMopAZ62aE_5s-mZjiAcDVDEca116NnESutZQRK7qu6zSPVsm3Q/s320/IMAG0842.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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Gap toes, with the V sign on the right foot - characteristic of Morton's Neuroma. </div>
<b><br />Below are some photos of the various padding stages - </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSTITpgA1aycHEgS91dGTIQEpNGmHdJPs4zcJMX2YRKTNCEuU_UCOUnss8L_8L3nixQ3jpNlx_9OWj81nbOI8qnonV59rEsoMl_LSdTPWgfA40kfrt9AcduFA1ondd-kWbJAhVBV-xOahJ/s1600/IMAG0677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSTITpgA1aycHEgS91dGTIQEpNGmHdJPs4zcJMX2YRKTNCEuU_UCOUnss8L_8L3nixQ3jpNlx_9OWj81nbOI8qnonV59rEsoMl_LSdTPWgfA40kfrt9AcduFA1ondd-kWbJAhVBV-xOahJ/s320/IMAG0677.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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Initial Buddy taped toes with a strapping across the metatarsal pad which helped with pain.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3PXs5_0a6iP3RaA3TJmnF4QvpEnKzqtGnvVPaeuTIiG4LPkxNoFhY2Bhi2Sx1_UrjbMSA-jdFCbbQD8LR_6ZzAAGw99XGpHdbZhlNDA40btKPf3cVLOXYk8pEwV1XjfhWvKtkE8npmId/s1600/13239232_10209636802186750_3287898483186314153_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3PXs5_0a6iP3RaA3TJmnF4QvpEnKzqtGnvVPaeuTIiG4LPkxNoFhY2Bhi2Sx1_UrjbMSA-jdFCbbQD8LR_6ZzAAGw99XGpHdbZhlNDA40btKPf3cVLOXYk8pEwV1XjfhWvKtkE8npmId/s320/13239232_10209636802186750_3287898483186314153_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Buddy taped toes with soft soled slippers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEsXUyAhr9gydTspd4Oehwqx-HRn8llON23RKSefhbh5J0TAeQwgUN6K2SCXWGz2vCVz1T3XduWyjUAesDyCZqDXLZjuKZEhWxkB2EQYjJYRSp1su9n3J9ZYub0UxkYHVsRr2s8IRDX4f/s1600/13331036_10209717706609310_7341951203691692461_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEsXUyAhr9gydTspd4Oehwqx-HRn8llON23RKSefhbh5J0TAeQwgUN6K2SCXWGz2vCVz1T3XduWyjUAesDyCZqDXLZjuKZEhWxkB2EQYjJYRSp1su9n3J9ZYub0UxkYHVsRr2s8IRDX4f/s320/13331036_10209717706609310_7341951203691692461_n.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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Waterproofing foot for shower. Two notes: this is slippery and dangerous. </div>
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IF ever need to do again get a "cast cover" from pharmacy near hospital.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTSEVat4fvR5Y7Qlr9g9ni456kabGRG93rGqmmaEpNeervdYjPkYURdJXtfLK8trK8Ooq-gcLIVbEeV-ReWbuwnOGlhO_BdNh38ymxKYBcYRTFY_pGxiMuYWz1gcjxnfX2ttBl6gBVM2Y/s1600/13339487_10209717706809315_4644813291424333307_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTSEVat4fvR5Y7Qlr9g9ni456kabGRG93rGqmmaEpNeervdYjPkYURdJXtfLK8trK8Ooq-gcLIVbEeV-ReWbuwnOGlhO_BdNh38ymxKYBcYRTFY_pGxiMuYWz1gcjxnfX2ttBl6gBVM2Y/s320/13339487_10209717706809315_4644813291424333307_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Week 1 taping with padding across the whole metatarsal area.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_PaElQLMPLIa0CFQa8UTzKAd4-lGM2RulycyZ6jb_WgjFoHHhK7IFeoVUKxsRueCl6Iycp_c-OV02a8XBXSclZisFnhtygCeQmjetTbnMEnHQi2LqufaqLCNfO9K8dLOCTy641yCxXB1/s1600/13413549_10209763922164670_5897060601509568669_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_PaElQLMPLIa0CFQa8UTzKAd4-lGM2RulycyZ6jb_WgjFoHHhK7IFeoVUKxsRueCl6Iycp_c-OV02a8XBXSclZisFnhtygCeQmjetTbnMEnHQi2LqufaqLCNfO9K8dLOCTy641yCxXB1/s320/13413549_10209763922164670_5897060601509568669_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Week 1 padding after a lot of wear.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazOFJ0SnyHGJ73B3nNEgBBWJB7z8Pv7AW7yaecy85aaTDvrw6NAugijoYu2hlBZFHJaBeIibUilPwwJNnK4sqBCFz74ZIpV19fNn4yZb5qiDE4y1EVe1z51oEkYpJKxtq30UhIx9VY1ag/s1600/13434880_10209763921204646_5015572583486724820_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazOFJ0SnyHGJ73B3nNEgBBWJB7z8Pv7AW7yaecy85aaTDvrw6NAugijoYu2hlBZFHJaBeIibUilPwwJNnK4sqBCFz74ZIpV19fNn4yZb5qiDE4y1EVe1z51oEkYpJKxtq30UhIx9VY1ag/s320/13434880_10209763921204646_5015572583486724820_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Week 2 padding across whole metatarsal with the 'neuroma area' cut out of the padding.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3WgUyjqZ87762azGmpJl78pr8aiW2Rpi6_xk893GxNm-AxrG0d4YzbzXqRVLt5XwWgeVr-qgWcnDhcbey-OzD_IkiJvzz3i0QcoXTh1ZHx0Sg1NtFh3jGY_71SuqWtsPm-afL1Mf2LATK/s1600/IMAG0937%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3WgUyjqZ87762azGmpJl78pr8aiW2Rpi6_xk893GxNm-AxrG0d4YzbzXqRVLt5XwWgeVr-qgWcnDhcbey-OzD_IkiJvzz3i0QcoXTh1ZHx0Sg1NtFh3jGY_71SuqWtsPm-afL1Mf2LATK/s320/IMAG0937%255B1%255D.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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Week 3: last Podiatrist appointment waiting for the in-shoe orthotic things to be made. </div>
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I don't have a photo of the inserts for my shoes, they're made of foam and fit into my sneakers and ugg boots. </div>
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*The pain has probably been there a lot longer, but that's the date I really noticed the pain in my foot and then went to my General Practitioner for it. She diagnosed a possible Morton's Neuroma and advised to Buddy Tape the offending toes. She also ordered an Ultrasound which came back with 'probable Morton's Neuroma'.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207809455933375979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574223215555408216.post-43344120866103789822016-06-27T09:00:00.000+12:002016-06-27T09:00:03.405+12:0010 things I think about Winter This week it has been feeling colder as Winter brings in more cool weather and snow hits the mountains... I was thinking about how Winter is a pretty special time of year - for us in New Zealand it's winter in the middle of the year June to August ... and starts warming up again for Spring in September (just in time for my birthday!).<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W8KD6IXFDO0/V29SiR-fSXI/AAAAAAAARJw/78JNcMyYnTEglUdAe-oOPG1QoHvG3ngdACLcB/s1600/IMAG0051_BURST001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W8KD6IXFDO0/V29SiR-fSXI/AAAAAAAARJw/78JNcMyYnTEglUdAe-oOPG1QoHvG3ngdACLcB/s640/IMAG0051_BURST001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's a round up of my 10 favourite and least favourite things about winter:<br />
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1. The Wind - the chill of it gets into your bones.<br />
But it also means you have an excuse to be indoors eating soup, enjoying cup after cup of hot chocolate and staying in bed all weekend!<br />
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2. Hot Water Bottles - heaven.<br />
Whoever created them is a genius.<br />
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3. Ugg Boots - Fur and Slippers.<br />
Warmth is key. I don't care if you think Ugg's are fashionable or just uggly (Sorry I had to!).<br />
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4. Snuggling under blankets on the couch, or bed...<br />
Any excuse to keep warm and watch Netflix, am I right?<br />
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5. Soup, hot foods, roasted meals, and ordering take out - pizza delivery is the best!<br />
Or cooking a pot of Slow Cooked soup in the slow cooker is also a great all day heater.<br />
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6. Layers - you can wear three shirts and look warm and be warm.<br />
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7. Snow and Ice - these are both good and bad, depending on if you're on foot, or driving through it. Snow can also create fun for kids and adults alike with building snowmen and having snowball fights. <i>I strongly recommend checking the weather updates prior to driving in wintertime, as icy conditions can cause vehicles to easily skid off the road. I've driven in Sleet before - that's the weird weather formation that is between hail/rain and actual snow falling. Sleet is dangerous on the roads too - as black ice can easily form. </i><br />
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8. Scarves - I'm a fan of wearing scarfs nearly year round although I don't wear them in the hottest part of summer. They do make good wraps in summertime in the warm evenings.<br />
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9. In New Zealand winter time also means more storms which means plenty of wet weather. Personally I'm not a huge fan of being soaked all day long, so where possible seeking out shelter, taking public transport is a good option. I also Uber to university if I can't go by bus. Anything to keep warm and dry.<br />
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10. Hot Cider, warm toddies and alcoholic hot chocolates... Drink in moderation. And not at all if you're driving.<br />
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Until next week,<br />
xo, Lisa.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207809455933375979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574223215555408216.post-43252754829905704322016-06-20T09:00:00.000+12:002016-06-20T09:00:15.435+12:00A check in and some new things in the works!<b>Back on January 4th 2016 I wrote this post and highlighted these goals - </b><br />
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<i>1. To finish my final 5 papers for my final year of study at VUW. I'm enrolled in a paper for summer which starts tomorrow - I'm excited and nervous to get these final 5 papers done. - I don't know what 2017 will bring - uni will be done and I'll be working!?</i><br />
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<i>2. To lose weight, and this isn't a generic "I'll lose weight because it's New Years" thing, I'm serious.</i><br />
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<i>3. To actually push myself creatively - writing blog posts, photographing for my Instagram, making YouTube videos? Actually doing things regularly to get my creative juices flowing.</i><br />
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<i>And the usual New Years Goals:</i><br />
<ul>
<li><i>have fun, </i></li>
<li><i>keep growing my nails out, (2015 and prior every year it was hard to stop biting nails, counseling helped on this one!)</i></li>
<li><i>exploring more of the city,</i></li>
<li><i>learning new skills,</i></li>
<li><i>and learning new things.</i></li>
</ul>
<b>Well, now for an update - </b><br /><br />
1. I've just done both the exams for my first two papers and I'm waiting patiently on the results from those and my course overall.<br />
Oh! And I talked to my course advisor who has said I only need to do 4 papers this year, so the compulsory English 201 paper, then one from English 300-399, one from English 300-329 and another Religion paper... and then I can have a double major for my BA in English Literature and Religious Studies!<br />
And in my exams, yes there were two! I didn't have any anxiety problems, no panic attacks or fear during the exam. I kept calm and got it done. (Go me!)<br /><br />2. I haven't been doing much actively towards this goal, because of having a possible Morton's Neuroma in my toes diagnosed. I'll write a longer blog post about that later.<br /><br />3. I've currently got 3 weeks off between exams ending and term 2 starting, so I've signed up to THREE online courses and I hope to upskill myself by doing those. They are in -<br />- Fashion stylist<br />-Blogging<br />-Event Planner<br /><br />My nails still look awesome, although no photo as the polish needs replacing, my appointment is in a week, so I'll do a post about them later too.<br /><br />I haven't been exploring more of the city recently at all. I really should do it more.<br />
<br />As for learning - see above with the online courses.<br /><br />I feel like this post is more of an update kind of one, but that's okay. Sometimes we just need to check in and see how things are going.<br /><br />Until next week,<br />
XO, Lisa.<br />
<br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207809455933375979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574223215555408216.post-42664350977884696112016-06-13T09:00:00.000+12:002016-07-03T19:08:33.991+12:00Names and naming rights.<div style="text-align: center;">
So for a while now I've been thinking about names and how we name the things we do.</div>
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Children, pets, vehicles, trees and plants, heck even our homes... </div>
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Not much can escape being named by most people!</div>
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<b>This blog's name -</b><br />
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My blog's name is "Lisa's Life From Wellington" the main reason that I chose this name is because my blog was originally a place I could write to my family and friends about what my life in Wellington was like... hence the name. It may not be very original but it works.<br />
<strike>When</strike> If I move away from Wellington in the future, I may also change the name of the blog, but for now it'll stay as it is.<br />
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<b>Vehicle names -</b><br />
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Strangely I didn't name my car when I had it, it was an awesome little Ford Laser from 1991. I miss that car! Loren our flatmate said recently that her car doesn't have a name either. Weird how some people name their vehicles and others just don't seem to.<br />
Some of the cars my Dad has owned over the years have had names.<br />
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<b>Changing names at marriage -</b><br />
When we (eventually) get married I said I'd like to take Daniel's last name. The main reason for this is because I currently have a constant battle of having a dreaded Duplicate Name - there's a number of us on the Electoral Roll here in New Zealand with the same First, Middle and Surnames. Luckily we are different in our birthdates and other details (like postal addresses).<br />
On the whole people know me as Lisa anyway, so it's rare to hear anyone call me my full name (exceptions: parents and legal things).<br />
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<b>Baby name's too go through stages of popularity - </b><br />
With the creation of new, different and special spellings of names it is nice to see normal names also making a comeback.<br />
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Even <a href="http://nameberry.com/babyname/Daniel">Daniel's name</a> hasn't lost popularity over the years, consistently staying in the top 100 boy's names year in and year out.<br />
<a href="http://nameberry.com/babyname/Lisa/girl">Mine however</a> has not made it back onto the top 100 girl's names for the past year.<br />
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I like looking at the top 100, or <a href="http://www.baby2see.com/names/2000s.html">Top 1,000 names lists</a> and seeing which names will come through school next. (Lisa is at 349 on that list, while Daniel is in the top 10 at number 9.)<br />
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But if you<a href="http://www.baby2see.com/names/1980s.html"> jump back to the 1980's</a> when Daniel and I were both born and my name pops to number number 31, and Daniel jumps to number 7.<br />
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I have realised though that I have a penchant for old names - like <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravity_Falls">Mabel</a>, Gertrude - it reminds me of the nickname I had as a child... and yeah.<br />
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<b>Medically speaking -</b><br />
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In the medical sense I wish more people referred to human anatomy in correct terminology - you can't see a vagina, you see the vulva... it's not pee it's urine, it's not a pee-pee it's a penis. Just be open and honest about (correctly) naming things.<br />
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Why complicate things?<br />
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Which names are you fond of?<br />
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Wish we used more of?<br />
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Until next week -<br />
XO Lisa.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207809455933375979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574223215555408216.post-33814840142688547882016-06-06T09:00:00.000+12:002016-06-06T09:00:25.560+12:00Hello blog no I haven't forgotten about you <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;">Two weeks ago was my last blog post ... Oops!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;">and to be honest I've been very, very busy the past couple of weeks! </span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I went home for the weekend and celebrated with </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Daniel and his family for his Nanna's 80th birthday. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Had a family dinner with our parents, siblings and grandparents all meeting up before the Engagement Party in July. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Saw great Aunty Pat; and Great Uncle Buster with my Dad and Chris. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Visited with my Nana a whole bunch at the Rest Home where she lives. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also booked in to see a Podiatrist for Friday this week - about my toe/foot pain, from the Morton's Neuroma. I'll be keeping updates regularly about that. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been really busy with the final week of university for the trimester. I've got to write one more essay which is due today, and hand in the one I just finished today... </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before preparing for exams for the next week before they start in two weeks time! </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A bookcase at my Great Uncle Buster's house.</div>
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My little brother Chris took me for a walk in Pukekura Park while Dad, Nana, great aunt Pat and great uncle Buster had tea. </div>
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Chris in the Fernery tunnel, he's so tall he has to duck his head...</div>
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Pretty flowers all over the place - Cyclamens.</div>
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Pukekura Park main lake...</div>
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More flowers from the Greenhouses and Fernery at Pukekura Park.</div>
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Donuts from the airport when I got back to Wellington.<br /></div>
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Hopefully when things are even more settled down I'll be able to actually blog more. I feel like something had to be neglected... </div>
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Until next Monday!</div>
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xo. </div>
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Lisa.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207809455933375979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574223215555408216.post-13807899921913981662016-05-16T09:00:00.000+12:002016-05-16T09:00:23.933+12:00Update for the year and the future is comingIt is insane how fast this year has flown by, it's already the middle of May and that means that I have only mere months before I'm all done with study.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmGhZ-OrAqPL6kUqgOUq2nkECYs2vzvJJ5HM4AbbzThX6vzqtVWWKhF6oFdYR69p3Jyu_HdQSlJqEeLJcMOlwdTwmuh3B9IHH9ZV3VnAAPUU6SXjQnUPHmgGvvVaVkoRLJzdMQOxwdgQE/s1600/Books.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmGhZ-OrAqPL6kUqgOUq2nkECYs2vzvJJ5HM4AbbzThX6vzqtVWWKhF6oFdYR69p3Jyu_HdQSlJqEeLJcMOlwdTwmuh3B9IHH9ZV3VnAAPUU6SXjQnUPHmgGvvVaVkoRLJzdMQOxwdgQE/s320/Books.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /><br />Come mid November after my final two exams are done, <i>I'm a free woman - from university life at least</i> - entering the big wide world of full time employment. I have a few ideas up my sleeve from working for myself as an ESOL Teacher, to finding full time work in a local tutoring service or school... or heading out overseas into the ESOL role I was offered in South Korea. There's plenty of options and I'm sure more will come knocking this year.<br />
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<br />In the meantime I have to keep studying and reading - two more novels this week, and two essays by the end of the month... before two exams in June. I really hope I have managed to learn some relaxation techniques for my exam anxiety. I just want to pass the two classes and be done with school. <br />
<br />Then the excitement and madness of the Engagement Party in July with our families back in New Plymouth... Before it all starts again for the second term of uni study!<br />
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(A dated selfie at Te Papa).</div>
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Daniel just celebrated making 5 years at his job at <a href="https://www.crichq.com/">CricHQ</a> which is quite impressive. He started at CricHQ when we hadn't started dating yet. I've certainly never worked that amount of time in one job!<br />
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I am also considering blogging more often in 2017, like a few times each week instead of just one post per week, but Daniel suggested I find a bit more of a niche market to write to, write about and share things from. Truth be told I don't really know what my overall theme or topic is, because I just write about my life - maybe I'm a lifestyle blogger? I do like a variety of themes though - I decided against cooking as an overall topic just because I find it hard to write a lot about cooking and baking... so while I enjoy doing it I won't be writing about it... I also like interior design type things but I also like to read about what others are doing in that realm!<br />It's hard to nail down to one or two topics.<br /><br />If anyone has help or advice about how to nail down a blog topic - I'd love to hear it.<br />You can contact me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LisaTaylorlisaslifefromwellington/">facebook - here</a>, or on <a href="https://twitter.com/listay1">twitter here</a> or leave me a comment below!<br /><br />Until next Monday,<br />xo Lisa.</div>
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<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207809455933375979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574223215555408216.post-18033767653530578942016-05-09T09:00:00.000+12:002016-05-09T09:00:17.283+12:00Life, foot problems and UniversityThis week's blog isn't as happy as normal and that's because I'm trying to view the world through rose tinted glasses after receiving some bad news last week from my doctor. As always I'm trying to see the positives and thinking this is just a test on my patience and I'm learning that while I may be down with the pain, I'm definitely not out - and it doesn't help my study so much... Got to do what I have to do though to get through. <br />
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I'd been having foot pain for about a week and I'd been complaining about it a whole bunch when Dan suggested I see my doctor and get it checked out. So I did.<br /><br />There's a high likelihood I have something called a <a href="http://www.foothealthfacts.org/footankleinfo/mortons-neuroma.htm">Morton's Neuroma</a> it's a benign (non-cancerous) growth in the nerve of the toe. In my case it's in my second and third toes on my right foot.<br /><br />Now I'm on a bunch of pain meds and I've been having a hard time remembering to take them every 4-6 hours because <i>as long as I'm busy with my essay and sitting still </i>I don't feel the pain in my foot.<br />More to the point it's toe pain near the ball of my foot; it feels like I have a small stone or pebble in my shoe, even in bare feet! So yeah. It's not fun.<br /><br />I have my toes buddy taped together in the hopes of preventing the V sign from getting worse. It's where the nerve is pushing my toes apart so they get more of a split between them. Normally toes sit nicely side by side, mine however have decided they really don't want to be friends any more and have split into a V shape.<br /><br />Today I have to call and make an appointment for an ultrasound to be done to determine (if they can spot it on the scan) if it is a Morton's Neuroma. There's also a chance it won't be seen on the screen. Sometimes, especially if they're smaller, they can't get spotted easily. Obviously I'm hoping it is big enough to be seen.<br /><br />The pain may have been happening for only 10 days or so at this stage, but it's enough for me to realise just how much we use our feet and rely on things not to hurt!<br />
<br />Daniel was really lovely and took me shoe shopping on Saturday so I have a second pair of sneakers to wear. All of last week I had to wear my bright (neon) coral sneakers as I couldn't wear my flat black cheap (chuck taylor type) kicks.<br />
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<br />I've also worn leggings nearly every day too as it's easier than dresses when paired with sneakers. I also have been clever and just go to uni for as long as my lectures are on, then back home on the bus, and then back up again for tutorials. I try and keep walking to a minimum to help minimise the pain. Really, really bad for my fitness levels and I think I'm getting fatter, but I have to do what I have to... Otherwise the foot pain is too severe and I can definitely feel when I've walked far the next day!<br /><br />If anyone has any advice about Morton's Neuroma pain and recovery... I'd appreciate the feedback. From what I've read online the past few days - the end result will be surgery after some time. However initially it looks like shoe inserts, taping the foot and toes ... and other such measures will be used first.<br />
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If you can give me advice on how to fashion sneakers better - I'd love some help and advice.<br />
So far I've been wearing leggings, with a long top and something like a coat or long jersey over top with sneakers on my feet.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207809455933375979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574223215555408216.post-21476482024670044382016-05-02T09:00:00.000+12:002016-05-02T15:48:00.516+12:0026 places to see, do stuff and go to in Wellington, New ZealandThis week I decided to do a re-run of the Top 26 things about Taranaki post, but with a twist - everything is about Wellington and the city is the main feature.<br />
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Here goes my A to Z of Wellington, New Zealand!<br />
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Arts and Culture Capital - there's so many spaces to see and do things, from local art galleries to theatres for shows...<br />
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<a href="https://nz.patronbase.com/_BATS/Productions">BATS Theatre</a> - so many shows, so little time. I've counted up all that I've seen as an Usher and I'm up to show 146 in a week or so. Not far to 200 shows! #Counting<br />
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"Coolest little capital in the world" - The 2011 one liner in Lonely Planet about Wellington.<br />
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<a href="http://dirtylittlesecret.co.nz/">Dirty Little Secret - rooftop bar.</a><br />
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Exhibitions - at various art galleries and museums.<br />
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Fever Hospital, Mount Victoria - now the <a href="http://www.wellingtonspca.org.nz/">SPCA </a>location.<br />
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<a href="http://garageproject.co.nz/">Garage Project </a>- beers and brews.<br />
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Hutt Valley - Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt at the base of the Rimutaka Hills.<br />
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Improvised theatre - <a href="http://wit.org.nz/">Wellington Improv Troupe</a>.<br />
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Jackson - Sir Peter Jackson turned JRR Tolkien's books the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit, into award winning cinematography.<br />
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<a href="http://www.katherinemansfield.com/">Katherine Mansfield House and Garden (formerly Birthplace)</a> - I'm yet to go and check this out. It's up in Thorndon.<br />
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Love - what I found when I met Daniel my now fiancé!<br />
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Mount Victoria - the <a href="http://www.wellingtonnz.com/discover/things-to-do/sights-activities/mount-victoria-lookout/">Lookout </a>is a must, also the <a href="http://wellington.govt.nz/recreation/enjoy-the-outdoors/walks-and-walkways/across-the-city/southern-walkway">Southern Walkway</a>.<br />
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Newtown - <a href="http://www.newtowncommunity.org.nz/">the community centre</a> has a good feel for what's happening in this bustling suburb.<br />
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Oriental Bay - from the <a href="http://wellington.govt.nz/recreation/enjoy-the-outdoors/beaches-and-coast/central-city/oriental-bay-beach">beach to the views over the harbour</a> and the ice cream shops along the way, O'Bay has it all!<br />
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Porirua - from <a href="http://www.northcityshopping.co.nz/">the Shopping Mall </a>to a <a href="http://www.pcc.govt.nz/Visiting">list of places to visit</a>... I need to spend more time in Porirua ~ It's a bit of a hike from where we live, but well worth the cheaper prices! (About 21 minutes on the train, plus time spent getting to and from the station...)<br />
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<a href="https://www.westfield.co.nz/queensgate">Queensgate shopping mall</a> - the main shopping mall of Wellington, located in Lower Hutt.<br />
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<a href="http://rnzb.org.nz/">Royal New Zealand Ballet</a> - Ballet troupe of New Zealand based in the St. James Theatre on Courtenay Place. Flatmate Loren and I are going to a show very soon!<br />
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<a href="http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/wellington-kapiti/places/matiu-somes-island/">Somes Island</a> - the island in Wellington Harbour, where at one stage Enemy Alien Internees were kept during WWII. Today the buildings are still on the island and can be visited. The island is a special place with shared history of many people. It is a great photography spot.<br />
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<a href="https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/">Te Papa</a> - the National museum. Lots of it is free and there's a wing that has a charge to see the exhibits. Well worth paying the small fee for many of them. We've seen a number of them. Keep an eye out for Locals deals too.<br />
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<a href="https://www.uber.com/cities/wellington/">Uber X</a> - a popular ride-sharing company that usually riles up taxi companies. I really like using it. It's in New Zealand in selected cities, so keep an eye on the app. (Use my code for a free $10 credit: lisat2293ue )<br />
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<a href="http://www.victoria.ac.nz/">Victoria University</a> - where I am in my final year of study for my BA in English Literature with a minor in Religious Studies.<br />
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Windy Wellington - the weather in Wellington is somewhat all over the place with a Marine climate; Windy Wellington is the nickname given to the city especially when it's blowing a gale.<br />
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X-plore Wellington - a favourite pastime is to go somewhere and just explore the surroundings. It's a great way to learn the city when you move somewhere new. A few weekends back Dan and I went out to Island Bay, he had never been before. I'd been once, years ago. We went to the Aquarium there -<a href="http://www.octopus.org.nz/"> the Island Bay Marine Education Centre</a> - well worth the $5 (adults) or $2 (kids) entry.<br />
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<a href="http://www.youngandhungry.org.nz/">Young and Hungry</a> - Wellington theatre from young actors.<br />
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<a href="http://www.visitzealandia.com/">Zealandia </a>- a wildlife sanctuary in Karori which happens to also be the first suburb I moved to when I first moved to Wellington for University way back in June of 2009.<br />
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Until next week,<br />
xo Lisa.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207809455933375979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574223215555408216.post-31784684702161848332016-04-25T09:00:00.000+12:002016-04-25T09:00:21.667+12:00Top 26 places of things to do and see in Taranaki, New Zealand This week I decided to take on the A-Z challenge and decided to focus on Taranaki, New Zealand.<br />Here's my top 26 things to do and see in Taranaki:<br /><br />Americarna - a yearly car festival celebrating American cars.<br />
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Beauden Barrett and Waisake Naholo and a number of other Taranaki players have <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taranaki_Rugby_Football_Union">gone on to become All Blacks</a> (in the National rugby team).<br />
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Centre City - the <strike>main</strike> <i>only </i>shopping mall in New Plymouth.<br />
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Dawson Falls - a sweet waterfall on Mount Egmont/Taranaki, you can access it by following <a href="http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/taranaki/places/egmont-national-park/dawson-falls-area/">these directions</a>.<br />
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Egmont Village - a quiet little village, with spectacular views of the Mountain, situated perfectly between New Plymouth and Inglewood, and Bell Block, it's where my family live. The local primary school pool is a popular hangout in the summertime.<br />
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Francis Douglas - the local Catholic boys high school and where Daniel went to high school.<br />
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Gables - <a href="http://kete.pukekura.org.nz/documents/0000/0000/0297/Newsletter_The_Gables_-_Brooklands_Era.pdf">an old hospital in Brookland's Park</a>, the location of my parent's wedding photos - funnily enough their wedding photos were used by the local Police in order to find the missing light's which featured in their wedding photos.<br />
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Home - it's where both mine and Daniel's families come from; we both grew up there.<br />
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Inglewood - a sleepy little town where an aunt and uncle and a number of my cousins live, about 20 minutes from New Plymouth.<br />
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Jewellery shopping from one of the many boutique jewellers in New Plymouth, or head further afield to <a href="http://www.dalgleishjeweller.co.nz/">Dalgleish </a>in the city, or <a href="http://www.silveradojewellery.co.nz/product_info.php?products_id=3641">Silverado in Hawera</a>.<br />
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Kawaroa Pools and Park - the location of the <a href="http://www.newplymouthnz.com/OurDistrict/Attractions/ToddEnergyAquaticCentre/">New Plymouth Todd Energy Aquatic Centre</a>. Be mindful of trains in the area as the train track is used (daily) by trains ferrying goods to and from the nearby Port Taranaki.<br />
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Lucy's Gully - <a href="http://pukeariki.com/Learning-Research/Taranaki-Research-Centre/Taranaki-Stories/Taranaki-Story/id/331/title/lucy-of-lucys-gully">a romantic bush walk</a> which is picture perfect, with views over the city and sea; It happened to also be the <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/30470/No-mitigating-factors-in-backpackers-murder-judge">scene of a murder in 2007</a>. For <a href="http://www.doc.govt.nz/Documents/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/wanganui/kaitake-range-walks-factsheet.pdf">directions to Lucy's Gully click here</a>.<br />
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Mangorei Road - where you can see sweet views of the city and sea at one end and the mountain at the other.<br />
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New Plymouth - the main metropolis of Taranaki. Population of 68,901.<br />
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Oakura - a surfer's haven and township, just south of New Plymouth.<br />
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Pukekura Park - the botanical garden of New Plymouth. Fun fact: I used to live in the Curator's Cottage at 25 Victoria Road.<br />
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Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip's Royal Visit of 1954 -<span style="color: #777777; font-family: "proximanova"; font-size: 0.938rem; line-height: 2.4em;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 0.938rem; line-height: 2.4em;">"I was a young school teacher and a cub leader in Hawera…. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 0.938rem; line-height: 2.4em;">the streets chosen [for the visit] had some very unsightly </span><span style="font-size: 0.938rem; line-height: 2.4em;">and the powers that be who arrange these things</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 0.938rem; line-height: 2.4em;"> decided something had to be done to cover these sights from royal eyes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 0.938rem; line-height: 2.4em;"> Every school child set about making paper flowers </span><span style="font-size: 0.938rem; line-height: 2.4em;">in red, white and blue crepe paper. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 0.938rem; line-height: 2.4em;">These were gathered and hung on these." - </span><span style="color: #504d3d; font-family: proximanova; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.75em;">Judith Foy</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">For more about the Royal's 1953 - 1954 visit you </span><a href="http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/culture/royal-visit-of-1953-54/itinerary" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: start;">can go to this website</a><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">.</span></div>
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Rewa Rewa Bridge - the location of the Proposal/where we got engaged. It's a bridge on the Coastal Walkway. <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/Attraction_Review-g1122051-d2469107-Reviews-Te_Rewa_Rewa_Bridge-Taranaki_Region_North_Island.html">For directions go here.</a><br />
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Spotswood College - where I went to high school.<br />
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Taranaki - the only region where you can Surf and Ski in one day! Mount Egmont/Taranaki and surf at Oakura.<br />
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Urenui - a sweet little coastal town in Taranaki.<br />
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Valley "The Valley" - with lots of Outlet style stores and a large supermarket make it a popular shopping destination.<br />
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Walkways - there are many in the city and include the amazing <a href="http://www.newplymouthnz.com/OurDistrict/Attractions/CoastalWalkway.htm">12.7km long Coastal Walkway</a>.<br />
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X-perience - the Forgotten World Highway. <a href="http://www.newzealand.com/int/trips-and-driving-itineraries/north-island/taumarunui-to-stratford/">Take the scenic route from Stratford to the border of Taranaki</a>; Grab a bite to eat and a beer at <a href="http://www.whangamomonahotel.co.nz/district.html">the pub/hotel at the Republic of Whangamomona</a>.<br />
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York Loop Track - for <a href="http://www.visit.taranaki.info/visit/see-and-do/york-loop-track.aspx">directions visit here</a>.<br />
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Zoo (at Brooklands Park) - where you can visit and see many kinds of animals.<br />
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Let me know in the comments if there's anywhere you'd like to visit, or see... In a few weeks I'm going to do the Wellington version of this with an A-Z of Wellington. </div>
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Until next week, </div>
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xo Lisa.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207809455933375979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574223215555408216.post-36314648341311089162016-04-18T09:00:00.000+12:002016-04-18T12:19:18.796+12:00Photography and photo shoots<br />
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So this past week has been awesome, with preparing a bunch of stuff for our engagement party...<br />
The past two weekends we have been getting photo shoots under way. Daniel was in charge of booking a photographer to take our engagement portraits and stuff... and we just got everything organised with that and waiting on the venue... and then I get a phone call saying I had won a free photo shoot and three complimentary 5x7" photos (from the Wellington Women's Expo we had gone to earlier in the year/late last year). So of course we couldn't say no to a free $249 photo shoot! Fast forward - we get the free shoot done of us as a couple, and had a number of extras taken of us with Loren and Thomas, our flatmates. Such a fun time!<br />
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Here are some behind the scene's shots that I took on my phone, so please excuse the quality.<br />
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You can see the mobile studio backdrop, lighting gear and such too.<br />
We moved all the lounge furniture and positioned everything.<br />
With the studio lights and professional camera the light from the window isn't seen.<br />
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Hero pose.</div>
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Dan modelling for Hallensteins? hehe.</div>
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Behind the scenes setting up the camera and stuff</div>
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Dan with his Bug-assault rifle - getting directions from Gareth.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO1C5THNlwGKQgZ5P-ozHrIvxJHnpCm59KjdwvwOyRaARfox1TONfwINewqxelKi83nxhzbAZCV0E3Ffv7CmqM-8Xriq4bgvAPSCclunaqehNBzjpAYZDLC08VKX6-RI8mKIwhiQbfNZT_/s1600/IMAG0432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO1C5THNlwGKQgZ5P-ozHrIvxJHnpCm59KjdwvwOyRaARfox1TONfwINewqxelKi83nxhzbAZCV0E3Ffv7CmqM-8Xriq4bgvAPSCclunaqehNBzjpAYZDLC08VKX6-RI8mKIwhiQbfNZT_/s640/IMAG0432.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Dan sniping bugs.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-63iexRwH3fY/VvdIoVVCwVI/AAAAAAAAOuk/chYX96jXIKI3TC6AswL6o_etWOtJjS_Ag/s1600/IMAG0429_BURST001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-63iexRwH3fY/VvdIoVVCwVI/AAAAAAAAOuk/chYX96jXIKI3TC6AswL6o_etWOtJjS_Ag/s640/IMAG0429_BURST001.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Gareth snapping away and Dan being a model...</div>
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The photographer for this shoot was Gareth from <a href="http://www.duophotography.co.nz/">Duo Photography</a>.<br />
He was really fun to work with and put us all at ease being in front of the camera.<br />
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At the end of the shoot we booked a time for Gareth to come back and show us the photos, so on Monday evening at 7:30pm we sat with Loren and looked through all the photos in a huge slide show. Duo are pretty neat in that they create a video slide show - we didn't purchase this as we just wanted a number of digital files of our photos. We ended up getting a deal from Gareth - 18 for the price of 10 plus the 3 free prints and he threw in a few extras; since we couldn't whittle down the choices much more!<br />
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These following images are some throw back images - Dan and I on the waterfront with my Asahi Pentax K1000 film camera...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzNIxQ-CYdVg3h8OeMr_WGhQZgzwqtnkxCPv-7tfZ-Eam5Jcs5J6N8-KBiZKeO_JXKUoogBvnJlsNWUUCWUufUSqqvuGyPUiXu1tNzbqXxPqdB1OGWe6gyXeoveOt43jCE-XjowNEo9BL/s1600/1-20-2015_079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzNIxQ-CYdVg3h8OeMr_WGhQZgzwqtnkxCPv-7tfZ-Eam5Jcs5J6N8-KBiZKeO_JXKUoogBvnJlsNWUUCWUufUSqqvuGyPUiXu1tNzbqXxPqdB1OGWe6gyXeoveOt43jCE-XjowNEo9BL/s320/1-20-2015_079.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhxxE58HpiKM8Jxg-vz8dK-yP_9_1cTfLJ04RUlfUCy_XCEL4uVHkOA7OEl3bw-lqsjIBJ19GdLVA22AEcV2Eu53PZHk0btZisz2TQsiZFeZlzmJU6pneeYQHUl86zlLvWiojhTA0sjtJ/s1600/1-20-2015_075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhxxE58HpiKM8Jxg-vz8dK-yP_9_1cTfLJ04RUlfUCy_XCEL4uVHkOA7OEl3bw-lqsjIBJ19GdLVA22AEcV2Eu53PZHk0btZisz2TQsiZFeZlzmJU6pneeYQHUl86zlLvWiojhTA0sjtJ/s320/1-20-2015_075.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglIFEkikFd2W63U2Fi-9-_hRxHrcdcnF0H4bi4DCgFFoiwZSjpttjGMRHHDGvKKKAr-KrY4vOJoavz2oVhw6umNEwBEOmsfSdvQi_Rg1rFJN2_wUMP-3vUJAjIZFTnoDgl4KtfAdmY_9UP/s1600/1-20-2015_078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglIFEkikFd2W63U2Fi-9-_hRxHrcdcnF0H4bi4DCgFFoiwZSjpttjGMRHHDGvKKKAr-KrY4vOJoavz2oVhw6umNEwBEOmsfSdvQi_Rg1rFJN2_wUMP-3vUJAjIZFTnoDgl4KtfAdmY_9UP/s320/1-20-2015_078.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our second photo shoot was with David from <a href="http://www.wellingtonphotography.net/#!about/c240r">Von Photography</a> - this was the <a href="http://www.wellingtonphotography.net/#!engagement/c7c6">engagement shoot package for $99</a> it's for an hour shooting, and has a set of 20 digital images at the end.<br />
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We <a href="http://bats.co.nz/rehearsal-rooms/">hired the Dome</a> at <a href="https://nz.patronbase.com/_BATS/Productions">BATS Theatre</a> as the venue - I volunteer as an Usher there so it made sense to come and play around on the stage area! The Dome is a large space, with a matte black floor, amazing white columns on the walls, <br />
We had plenty of fun playing with shadows from the lights that David bought with him, and the Dome, then a few sneaky stairs shots.<br />
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I really enjoyed this photo-shoot because David made us totally relaxed in front of the camera - we even got a few public displays of affection shots - kissing and holding hands!<br />
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My favourite shot so far - us on the stairs, with our D and L letters on the windowsill.</div>
David was lovely and took this on my <a href="http://www.fujifilm.com/products/instant_photo/cameras/instax_mini_8/">new Polaroid camera</a> (from Dick Smith for $77.40).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKxbJRNizXUVojVrKGbYjrUeGXWQt4FbDuvU-2lkGReFM7sqT4fx9LlJ9XmCV76d_ddvsvIdqVV7JZYRUQezcJazbVtlyYTxMXDCe1FjNiHWSpsiYW1bqgOUkurHtYxL_aP3De5k-ThBb/s1600/IMAG0494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKxbJRNizXUVojVrKGbYjrUeGXWQt4FbDuvU-2lkGReFM7sqT4fx9LlJ9XmCV76d_ddvsvIdqVV7JZYRUQezcJazbVtlyYTxMXDCe1FjNiHWSpsiYW1bqgOUkurHtYxL_aP3De5k-ThBb/s640/IMAG0494.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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More shots from the day...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC7OvclUkv_tQlsg6iQep8O5HCwIMRH1Oz88JrIEbKQhQ_q_a53QgOk_7uflDAp2SzIYObv8AvK-lIdLXDkyqFdlgdhrakM0dLFRuykTshXhksAyFFJOtT71TRJBmRNv_Yd1wTBQzf5I19/s1600/IMAG0496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC7OvclUkv_tQlsg6iQep8O5HCwIMRH1Oz88JrIEbKQhQ_q_a53QgOk_7uflDAp2SzIYObv8AvK-lIdLXDkyqFdlgdhrakM0dLFRuykTshXhksAyFFJOtT71TRJBmRNv_Yd1wTBQzf5I19/s400/IMAG0496.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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Us holding hands. </div>
Oh do you see that? Hot damn gurl! my manicure from <a href="http://absolutetherapy.co.nz/services#service-75">Serenity at Absolute Therapy</a> looks amazing!<br />
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Until next week, </div>
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xo, Lisa.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207809455933375979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574223215555408216.post-51969511192906763712016-04-11T09:00:00.000+12:002016-04-11T11:15:12.281+12:00Volunteering - skills for life<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">This week it is Student Volunteer's Week: 11-17 April. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img height="427" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/xFofzdsFqMXEQhzzZi-9-xccX97CcSw7dh9AoNob41IWuHZyceCaOdOPMAhLA-MdY4q8Z5tJQPA0Tv4Rb5wj627L_K6_cq355rSvAs5N8Dm5IqJkFhRcpt4etA3rt3UjwOGa4Hh_" style="border: none; transform: rotate(0rad);" width="301" /></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.volunteeringnz.org.nz/student-volunteer-week-2016/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Image credit: Volunteering NZ</span></a></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I saw an advert on Victoria Plus asking people to make contact if they wouldn't mind doing an interview for Student Volunteer's Week through Volunteering New Zealand. I thought I would sign up to do it and then I thought well, why don't I write a blog post at the same time - about what I've been doing and how awesome volunteering is?</span></div>
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<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Throughout my time at Victoria University I signed up to Vic Plus, it's an award and certificate system that recognises student leadership and volunteering. I've really enjoyed the opportunities I've been given to excel in my areas of expertise, and developing skills I didn't really have before. You can sign up to and learn more about </span><a href="http://www.victoria.ac.nz/students/get-involved/vic-plus" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Vic Plus here.</span></a></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One part of the programme is developing skills through personal and professional sessions and this helps the student to transition from study into paid work. Some of the workshops I've done through the Vic Plus programme cover things like how to write a kick-ass cover letter and curriculum vitae, and how to really nail an interview and get the job! </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The second part is based around volunteering and giving back to the community. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Through my time doing Vic Plus I've done a range of things from charity letterbox drops for fliers as a one off day with my sister; volunteering long term as an usher, fire warden and ticket taker at BATS Theatre (just passed three years!); helping to man the stalls for Vic Plus at Club's Week 2016; and a range of other things on campus like Class Rep for my classes (for a trimester for each paper) and being on the FHSS Faculty board as a student rep (for one year).</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Part three of the Vic Plus programme is writing an E-Portfolio, I am doing this step now. This is a place where the student reflects on what they have been doing, what they have learned and what they can take away from the experiences they have been doing. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Through being Class Rep and Faculty representative I've worked closely alongside VUWSA (the student association at VUW) and a large number of fellow students. The Class Rep acts as a voice between the students of the class and the lecturers and the school. They have training from VUWSA and that includes free pizza! And then at the end of the trimesters they also meet with the department and talk about the issues raised by students. The more the Class Reps put in the more they get out of it. In my first trimester I impressed the head of school of English so much that he offered me a PhD position when I get to that level... Needless to say that is no longer in my plans. But still pretty awesome!</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Through my volunteer ushering, fire-warden-ing and ticket taking role (I wear many hats at once) at BATS I've learned to multi-task and prioritise things. I've also developed more confidence with talking to strangers and public speaking in general. </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">I still have a few (rare) moments of worry like when a siren is in the sound effects of a show (and I think it's the real alarms going off!) </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am currently working really closely with the Box Office staff each night - we also communicate via radios and I help to ensure that the audience is kept happy and safe within the space. </span></div>
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<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Because of my love of theatre and box office assistance at BATS - I decided to take on the role of volunteer Front of House Manager for Summer Shakespeare, where I took on full responsibility for all of the Box Office area - from selling tickets, to training fellow Vic Plus volunteers and other community volunteers, and being the main First Aider and on the Health and Safety team. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/qNgSNx89I1ywB_TOAS4V6-PfpQcE5XXmDVgF1EmhlP4yEg8U7v35lP1F5voPHPYb9igoNfwT7oJUSv1Xue91EaQp3oyVQW5KV2HSHFZWn5WbUM6BKH2U9qGkNkOdF4OkkwD_HsqX" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="427" /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Summer Shakespeare 2016 - Cast and Crew first rehearsal photo.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img height="427" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NlFxGYv0VXV-ydHMIYEfPVcUMsL7UWzL9N-V5I9bd6CXQAJrI0qPZFTsDEseggYszjRcIC7CJgtMNowBSCyfpLo8Vosor-xLtYv357JV4gWZxsWf808bX1erFELkh02xA9h-AXD" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="240" /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Posters by Glover Park, in Ghuznee Street, Wellington. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I had a number of challenges through the season from an audience member being involved in an accident with a prop, to EFTPOS terminals and ticket scanners malfunctioning! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thanks to my training at BATS I was able to apply a lot of what I already knew, mostly regarding how to fix things up - I had friends who had come along to the show comment that they had never seen me so organised, in control and busy before! </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Due to personal reasons* I will not be returning to Summer Shakespeare in 2017. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img height="427" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/mgU9QwPrL2K3XdoSVEBfDfviB4NlC97tdnFW2ZmY9Wj0LrllAHOmPMvFNnBjub1ZD5oNndKQK6d0E3_ujZnx3m_JEIX_9vlPgEKuAuWV5rulc7yrQD7diL40h9xLezu-eRCTiIhK" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="284" /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">From the pre-promotional shoot we did which was used for styling ideas.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I had a great costume and didn't know what to do with this apple. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Volunteering for me is about giving back to the community, but it's also about a transfer and use of skills. When I'm not volunteering - I'm often studying. Studying only uses certain parts of my brain. I like being creative - volunteering in the theatre allows me to explore my business side as well as my more creative outlets. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Because of my volunteering at BATS I was introduced to a theatrical genre called Improvisation, because of that exposure I signed up to community college classes for Improv in 2015. I really, really liked performing and I want to expand my skills in that area.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 11pt; margin-right: 11pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img height="427" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/e4TSkqZtxY8NrBQiHoIMTpmcs-ASttirglNnk7YLNbA--rPDVXBaW3Y9HLUmhFIN6MQB3WibQOmbniaLlVPBxL94eVCMH4VqQXnRTpPQ-msiPeWTBBscg2yT0EeiDz13Nzi6G69A" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="284" /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">From the pre-promotional shoot we did which was used for styling ideas.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I had a great costume and didn't know what to do with this apple. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">*I have to work and get money to help fund our wedding. So by this summer I should be in employment which means less time for all of the volunteering I like to do. However I am sure I will continue doing some volunteering things just because I love doing them so much. For example - BATS you haven't seen the last of me yet! </span></div>
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<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Until next week, </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">xx Lisa.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207809455933375979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574223215555408216.post-61276663866702832042016-04-04T09:00:00.000+12:002016-04-04T09:00:00.199+12:00Do little and oftenThe quote on the whiteboard above my desk in the office says "Do little and often" - it's my personal saying for this year to help keep me on track. I'm not even sure where it came from as a quote, because I can't find it online. I like it as a saying anyway.<br />
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I'm in my final year of university and it feels like life is going by super fast. <br />
Possibly due to the excitement of being engaged, and our upcoming parties and plans for this year travelling back and forth between our home town of New Plymouth and our home here in Wellington.<br />
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I find that sometimes little quotes and sayings help me to keep on track and keep myself grounded.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Now of course I have to save up to buy the film because it doesn't come with any. But yeah. Super excited. I can't wait to use it for like my Bachelorette Party and maybe the Engagement Party too. </span><br />
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This past week was one of excitement - every time a courier came it was another box for me. Another and another. So many boxes. Not too many to count though!<br />
Two on Tuesday.<br />
Four on Wednesday - well three boxes and a courier package:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5A_G_6pUmlZp48EB6yN2T4lDNbjeOwxIVptV1CPq311_CF5KBr8j2jUQ5wkcaHreYg3dRt67NdLSqU5y6eaDBdaLo4dXIphxm6LugScxVWB-ososN7Fv6l04xIyZM0SF4bQMZKIO9xwp/s1600/IMAG0448_BURST002%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5A_G_6pUmlZp48EB6yN2T4lDNbjeOwxIVptV1CPq311_CF5KBr8j2jUQ5wkcaHreYg3dRt67NdLSqU5y6eaDBdaLo4dXIphxm6LugScxVWB-ososN7Fv6l04xIyZM0SF4bQMZKIO9xwp/s320/IMAG0448_BURST002%255B1%255D.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VVU_HHH7KuDNmc7dLFrd9NJg2S3sVe4WWyOvEesFyC-Cr03dJq-jfD56JWfvguUOT1bYAldajyD_jlO8ZG-vKUlk6gCRoVe00AcphKyaK99JFVGO7nyJK6KWaMVKsxuSjaItoJyn_6q7/s1600/IMAG0456%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VVU_HHH7KuDNmc7dLFrd9NJg2S3sVe4WWyOvEesFyC-Cr03dJq-jfD56JWfvguUOT1bYAldajyD_jlO8ZG-vKUlk6gCRoVe00AcphKyaK99JFVGO7nyJK6KWaMVKsxuSjaItoJyn_6q7/s320/IMAG0456%255B1%255D.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
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The courier package contained this amazing long cardigan from The Warehouse. </div>
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I've been wearing these loose long cardigans for a while now, they're really nice and layered.</div>
This one is a red with black flecks colouring. So like a burgundy red.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrt4C7CXtkNQVTHpOrr9t_0OwAB21HG_fuRndf7TEJswYiPpLHZiHgSeemeJFJ-c71U8Ir5VrJ8LuHkgpT3yGNJiKTZQ_Wb0fE7KKVmJQRl3vpNUAoHvWlv9KCfNWEcUBfJPjBZ-m_Sioc/s1600/IMAG0461%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrt4C7CXtkNQVTHpOrr9t_0OwAB21HG_fuRndf7TEJswYiPpLHZiHgSeemeJFJ-c71U8Ir5VrJ8LuHkgpT3yGNJiKTZQ_Wb0fE7KKVmJQRl3vpNUAoHvWlv9KCfNWEcUBfJPjBZ-m_Sioc/s320/IMAG0461%255B1%255D.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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The small box was from The Body Shop - I ordered a Blueberry body wash 250ml, then there was an Easter special online and I found their Easter Egg so it was a free hand cream: coconut flavoured. Plus they threw in a free sample of the Japanese Cherry Blossom perfume spray. </div>
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I really like that this is in an actual mini spray bottle. </div>
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No more messing around with the annoying dropper their old samples used to have!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7e1PBt-Cq5rIJL1RSTnH8IdVzqD3UNx9Q4uq2FtAMZQTxbS_ZkNM0oO2LfTE7O_gDIwuESEFzYZVk8rhD-jC7UxbVFkvWv3YbmR5ljII6nysrEidZVkJ6Bht4rYHQCxPOeC6zi02YKofR/s1600/IMAG0458%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7e1PBt-Cq5rIJL1RSTnH8IdVzqD3UNx9Q4uq2FtAMZQTxbS_ZkNM0oO2LfTE7O_gDIwuESEFzYZVk8rhD-jC7UxbVFkvWv3YbmR5ljII6nysrEidZVkJ6Bht4rYHQCxPOeC6zi02YKofR/s320/IMAG0458%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then one of the boxes had the two black fake fur pillows -also from The Warehouse.</div>
The Body Shop things on top of them.<br />
The canvas wall art is also from The Warehouse.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01gPAfpEry70FIO4-rN-S0E8lud46jpd6J0z2sacCu3Ni7t6-nBOkuORiQ3sUxEKSS4UM8QHS3H-FxSZpbBC8fUE-pM8X2L44YCkcJjcN5MM0mXoiSbAhs3zFEZurVPlyoIlqVt-Vf6EX/s1600/IMAG0465%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01gPAfpEry70FIO4-rN-S0E8lud46jpd6J0z2sacCu3Ni7t6-nBOkuORiQ3sUxEKSS4UM8QHS3H-FxSZpbBC8fUE-pM8X2L44YCkcJjcN5MM0mXoiSbAhs3zFEZurVPlyoIlqVt-Vf6EX/s320/IMAG0465%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Tuesday's Haul: Two striped throw blankets for the couches in the lounge.</div>
The coasters and the place-mats (all from Farmers)<br />
The aqua/turquoise throw from The Warehouse.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKACaad9f9Xt8qblRd4tGekf1meSTCY_T5TaHEjzzLYcltdQCd86h3Mslwz6ufAiC4ntgA39hl4JaugFMwaGm9uAfUBveDo8nHtvM1HC_8skNRBVrM0yaTR-vub7NZyFpMcRLpSQGtkttm/s1600/IMAG0453%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKACaad9f9Xt8qblRd4tGekf1meSTCY_T5TaHEjzzLYcltdQCd86h3Mslwz6ufAiC4ntgA39hl4JaugFMwaGm9uAfUBveDo8nHtvM1HC_8skNRBVrM0yaTR-vub7NZyFpMcRLpSQGtkttm/s320/IMAG0453%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Also from Tuesday's haul: a grey they call it "taupe" on the website fake fur pillow </div>
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also from The Warehouse.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIyZrt_tjD_ejZbvLr0a0h_y8TO7IL1DZdgj9peNQsxJzhwxEKhevKao6zO_H4JEpEbUoxRG6QCu4m0Vn4Lj_hw1s8oCOSRT7IqzlIx-lllvFC-AvfRMj-JbxdCFsRW4VFcKPfMy6Uu3Cf/s1600/IMAG0451%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIyZrt_tjD_ejZbvLr0a0h_y8TO7IL1DZdgj9peNQsxJzhwxEKhevKao6zO_H4JEpEbUoxRG6QCu4m0Vn4Lj_hw1s8oCOSRT7IqzlIx-lllvFC-AvfRMj-JbxdCFsRW4VFcKPfMy6Uu3Cf/s320/IMAG0451%255B1%255D.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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On Monday we went to Neil and Erin's house for lunch, then wandered into town. I'd seen the advert for the <a href="http://www.dicksmith.co.nz/point-shoot/fuji-mini-8-instax-pack-blue-dsnz-xg6592">Fujufilm Instax Mini 8 camera at Dick Smith for $77.40</a> so we wandered down to Dick Smith after lunch and I grabbed the deal with a baby blue one. </div>
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They had a few other colours in store too - pastel yellow, pastel blue, white or black. </div>
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I just really wanted the pastel blue one.</div>
<i>Sadly the sale on them ended on 30/03/2016 so it won't be available when this post goes live. </i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnqJVf-fF5n6Q2b92Bc5EFGzX8jnO6HjSnb87pI9bJ9IiXVCNG4i86IM470_YXvVJkLfPwZIHjkqw9og7aValg4kplABgI6FU6LoFj20yQ4VWmL7UInoD-2bba0i9U-VfVSnshqs9cc4h/s1600/IMAG0447%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnqJVf-fF5n6Q2b92Bc5EFGzX8jnO6HjSnb87pI9bJ9IiXVCNG4i86IM470_YXvVJkLfPwZIHjkqw9og7aValg4kplABgI6FU6LoFj20yQ4VWmL7UInoD-2bba0i9U-VfVSnshqs9cc4h/s320/IMAG0447%255B1%255D.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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Now of course I have to save up to buy the film because it doesn't come with any. But yeah. Super excited. I can't wait to use it for like my Bachelorette Party and maybe the Engagement Party too. </div>
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I feel like I've been super productive this week - all the parcels arrived and the flat things were all put away today. Yesterday I also washed all the new lounge throws so they're all nice and clean. Today I also hung some art in our bedroom and ensuite! In between times I've also been watching lots of vloggers on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/">YouTube </a>- notably <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxjZe0qTFXh6jGm54LFWEDw">Aspyn + Parker</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/caseyneistat">Casey Neistat</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/erikconover">Erik Conover.</a><br />
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And we have two photo shoots this week - we started the week with one on Sunday (March 27th) from <a href="http://www.duophotography.co.nz/">Duo Photography</a> and I'm going to do a blog post behind the scenes and talk about what we did, and then this Sunday (April 3rd) we had another one with David from <a href="http://www.wellingtonphotography.net/#!about/c240r">Von Photography.</a><br />
The second shoot is just us as a couple though. Totally different styles for each of them and I'm really excited to get our pictures back when they are all done.<br />
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Considering we have been in our house now for about three months, it feels like it has been longer ... I was thinking that I feel like I have known Loren (our flatmate) for a lot longer than a couple of months.<br />
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All of us as flatmates get along really well, and I'm loving it!<br />
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Until next week,<br />
xo Lisa.<br />
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<i>I've just realised that I haven't posted a quote in quite a while either - </i><br />
Quote of the week:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">"It's the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen." </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">~ <a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/j/johnwooden384652.html">John Wooden</a></span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207809455933375979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574223215555408216.post-4313600491724239322016-03-28T09:00:00.000+13:002016-03-28T09:00:14.185+13:00That's a billionaires dream and we're not billionaires...The past few weeks I've been going slowly more crazy with the workloads of uni life piling up and just feeling overwhelmed by literally everything going on.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6lR6wt0V1amrx5_X3mubQjioGFqZkPOBfZyVykZkBaqTgEbONyHfBEhJc_ZZtpybEsbggZjXApCnwIIcxm00GuNMPy4f7ka9TNYEDCNOUqHSeWNBQjlluMWNciZ9XjydY9s16BbJY5aV/s1600/drawn+cartoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6lR6wt0V1amrx5_X3mubQjioGFqZkPOBfZyVykZkBaqTgEbONyHfBEhJc_ZZtpybEsbggZjXApCnwIIcxm00GuNMPy4f7ka9TNYEDCNOUqHSeWNBQjlluMWNciZ9XjydY9s16BbJY5aV/s320/drawn+cartoon.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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On top of two English papers, which have many hours of reading novels, plays and poetry between them, as well as worksheets for the tutorials (both classes), and studying towards assignments (both classes seem to have essays due at the same times), ... Life is just a bit hectic.<br />
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One paper (201) has a large novel (600 pages),<br />
three small novels,<br />
a huge number of poems<br />
and a Shakespeare play.<br />
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The other paper (312) has a larger novel (860 pages),<br />
two smaller novels,<br />
and a large number of poems.<br />
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My desk right now is covered in piles of books...</div>
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Along side all of the university study and work I've been doing this year - I am also trying hard to keep my sanity and find information about, research and plan out things for our engagement party, and future planning researching for our wedding.<br />
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So far I know the wedding will be in New Plymouth, sometime in 2018.<br />
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No - I don't know who is on the guest list.<br />
No - I don't know if you can bring a plus one.<br />
No - I don't even know if you're invited yet!<br />
Yes - there are limits in place, and yes some friends and family??? may simply not be invited.<br />
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I am not saying these things to be bitchy, I'm trying to be honest.<br />
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Wedding planning is not easy.<br />
I'm finding it hard to do this from afar. We currently live 4-5 hours away and thinking about all the details does my head in at times. Both of our families are based in New Plymouth which is why we are going to have it there. While I have had a few years of pinterest and learning about etiquette and things, Daniel is totally new to all of this. So we are learning together.<br />
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If budget allowed we would bring them all to Wellington, or to another destination; but that's a billionaires dream and we're not billionaires.<br />
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Marriage, engagement life so far is about doing things as a team. We're not doing this all alone. It's a team effort. It's not up to one of us to make all the choices, even though it has kind of been like that so far. I've done a lot of legwork to get things sorted (like the invites for the engagement)... But then some is also legwork for Dan to do (like organising the photographer for our photo-shoot before our engagement party).<br />
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I'm also having to learn lessons about wedding/marriage/engagement etiquette and how to deal with the people who think they can invite themselves, or change things, or add things, or do things when it isn't their place to do so. Unless the couple actually asks you to do something, please don't just assume you can go ahead and do that thing. We are not about to start paying for things we didn't ask for!<br />
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Also if you don't get an invite don't be put off, it may be for a number of reasons that simply you don't know about. We have limits on our budget, our venue has maximum attendee limits due to health and safety, fire safety etcetera etcetera, plus we are choosing carefully who we are inviting (or not inviting) and have our own reasons to do so. Life is complicated. It's not a simple act of making a list and inviting every single person we know. We have many limits.<br />
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To put it simply - we cannot afford to have a huge lavish affair with every single person we know (or coupled up person we know for that matter!)<br />
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If you're asked not to do something by someone - please just don't do it!<br />
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It's all simple common sense, which doesn't seem to be common now.<br />
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Next week it's volunteers week and I'm thinking about all the volunteering I do and I am going to do a post about what gets me excited about volunteering...<br /><br />
Until next week,<br />
xo, Lisa.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207809455933375979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574223215555408216.post-72446136103569138992016-03-21T09:00:00.000+13:002016-03-21T09:00:00.185+13:00Dan is 29 and other thoughts about growing up.This past week has been one of fun, mundane day to day life of a university student - filled with reading, studying, classes and tutorials... The usual really. And Dan had his birthday on Thursday the 17th march. Yes, Saint Patrick's day.<br />
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I tried to trick him into thinking we were going for a romantic dinner date, but in reality I had been planning with friends to meet up and go to a local restaurant with a bunch of our friends!<br />
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On the night of, I showered, got dressed and put make-up on, anyone who knows me well knows I don't wear make-up! Anyway, we were all ready to go, and I was refusing to order the Uber, until I got a text back. Dan thought this was suspicious.<br />
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Anyway, a few minutes passed, we were getting later, and by then it was well past the time I'd said we needed to leave by - and Dan saw I wasn't freaking out. (I have anxiety and will often freak out over what seem's like 'nothing'). So got the awaited for text, ordered the Uber, and left for the restaurant. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_yaGHGyxpTkc4QlG37A1QzquMB_uSHsOGzGT6dLSSp_M1IExzqCLHwgt6OQ1ExXUw_PhX7mZWluJkJGh_iUMrNA84WqFbmDADy9dy5UImBa_UGZLk_raPvFgGLVsOpGUAshC-ptXf0gN/s1600/IMAG0380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_yaGHGyxpTkc4QlG37A1QzquMB_uSHsOGzGT6dLSSp_M1IExzqCLHwgt6OQ1ExXUw_PhX7mZWluJkJGh_iUMrNA84WqFbmDADy9dy5UImBa_UGZLk_raPvFgGLVsOpGUAshC-ptXf0gN/s320/IMAG0380.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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Dan all dressed up, looking flash!<br />
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Dan had no idea where we were going. </div>
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Thankfully also the Uber driver dropped us off at a side street, not right outside, so we had to walk a little bit to get to the place. When we arrived he spotted the restaurant and knew where we were going. What he didn't expect was the group of people at the table waiting for us! </div>
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Thank again to our friends for keeping the secret from him, and not ruining the surprise!<br />
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Dan's 29 now and we're thinking about how our 30's will be different. </div>
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Here's some photos of our dinner and friends - </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzR34niQxx3pRPI8XqV-Xq7oLDkuU8GaANuaibGwXP250pckeC7LCs9S3UALN7SnKotiIQwhZsRECU8rypqPkCbs7LF8tbC1xYiwXT6t-Hc7I9YXf_Ag5KGPr7bCeIqBQqkXoCmZpWDZm/s1600/IMAG0381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzR34niQxx3pRPI8XqV-Xq7oLDkuU8GaANuaibGwXP250pckeC7LCs9S3UALN7SnKotiIQwhZsRECU8rypqPkCbs7LF8tbC1xYiwXT6t-Hc7I9YXf_Ag5KGPr7bCeIqBQqkXoCmZpWDZm/s320/IMAG0381.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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Fiancé Dan looking dapper in his suit.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8mqKWOf5q51epOInlwJPQ2yZQXu08M6_BJ96TdIPWuVqF7YERvZ1jkA5l-hCORDpYLEQOgXOvWA8m7DER5pWsScn2Mb5xWzE8kJCcX4s3JvZKPywiqyud6hJ4KGSsiLRryJutRpq37oTG/s1600/IMAG0384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8mqKWOf5q51epOInlwJPQ2yZQXu08M6_BJ96TdIPWuVqF7YERvZ1jkA5l-hCORDpYLEQOgXOvWA8m7DER5pWsScn2Mb5xWzE8kJCcX4s3JvZKPywiqyud6hJ4KGSsiLRryJutRpq37oTG/s320/IMAG0384.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Me and our friends - Mark, me, Tim, Chris, Loren and Thomas</div>
James, (Helen obscured), Dan B and Mike.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgszPCe7sUurvpXPPMwhqDkNb-LMq0RDjizmM7htEupnq3tOv0qx9rS6V7a0jFDoqDRYhK9gPovufpFxL14RsS6IMkgqAuoavyz-ItKftCNSsnKfWMuX_rRyy18atY0MO2oJToWNh-z8wMv/s1600/IMG_20160318_091611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgszPCe7sUurvpXPPMwhqDkNb-LMq0RDjizmM7htEupnq3tOv0qx9rS6V7a0jFDoqDRYhK9gPovufpFxL14RsS6IMkgqAuoavyz-ItKftCNSsnKfWMuX_rRyy18atY0MO2oJToWNh-z8wMv/s320/IMG_20160318_091611.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Us again with friends and the birthday boy/fiancé himself!<br />
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Dan and I were also talking about how turning 30 seems to be grown up. I was saying that we're growing up anyway - we're engaged now and have a wedding on the table in a couple of years time... I've got this year left of study and then I'll be entering the workforce again too.<br />
We also have parties to plan for the wedding and stuff too, like the upcoming engagement party in July. I feel like I've taken on a lot of 'stuff' to get these organised, but it's also not all on me to do so. I have to let things go and delegate more often, and I find that difficult because I like to be fiercely independent and do it myself and I have come to realise that I can't do everything alone. It's a team effort. I'm going to write another post about this in more detail - next week.<br />
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The text I was waiting for was from Thomas (one of our flatmates) who had gone ahead with Loren (our other cool flatmate) to check out the first place's seating arrangement and to see if we could all fit. Original plan was to go to The Ramen Shop in Newtown Wellington, but apparently (according to Thomas and Loren) the seating isn't great in there, and they don't take bookings. So we ended up changing locations at -literally- the last minute to ensure we could all fit together! That's why I was waiting on his text message to see where I needed to tell our Uber driver to go. </div>
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Until next week, </div>
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xo Lisa.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207809455933375979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574223215555408216.post-4865154271723911062016-03-14T09:00:00.000+13:002016-03-14T09:00:07.231+13:002016 and beyond reflectionsThis year has been a year of reflecting, a lot. So far at least, I've spent a bit of time each month and each week just reflecting on what I'm up to and where I am going next. Not in a sense of moving as such, but onto the next project, the next thing, the next assignment. Taking a new step in a new direction, in a new way.<br /><br /><br />This weekend I spent three days at BATS Theatre; It's Writer's Week for the New Zealand Festival.<br />
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Yesterday I had a fan girl moment when Witi Ihimaera talked to me, granted he was only asking for directions on how to leave the venue... But he saw me and talked to me. It's humbling seeing these writers I look up to seeing me as a person too.<br />
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Witi Ihimaera is a New Zealand / Maori author who has written novels such as:<br /><br />
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20.3636px; list-style-image: url("data:image/svg+xml,%3C%3Fxml%20version%3D%221.0%22%20encoding%3D%22UTF-8%22%3F%3E%0A%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20version%3D%221.1%22%20width%3D%225%22%20height%3D%2213%22%3E%0A%3Ccircle%20cx%3D%222.5%22%20cy%3D%229.5%22%20r%3D%222.5%22%20fill%3D%22%2300528c%22%2F%3E%0A%3C%2Fsvg%3E%0A"); margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 1.6em; padding: 0px;">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><i>Tangi</i> (1973)</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><i>Whanau</i> (1974)</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><i>The Matriarch</i> (1986)</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><i>The Whale Rider</i> (1987)</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><i>Bulibasha: King of the Gypsies</i> (1994)</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><i>Nights in the Gardens of Spain</i> (1995)</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><i>The Dream Swimmer</i> (1997)</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><i>Woman Far Walking</i> (2000)</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><i>The Uncle's Story</i> (2000)</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><i>Sky Dancer</i> (2004)</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><i>Whanau II</i> (2004)</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><i>The Rope of Man</i> (2005) - features 'Tangi', and its sequel 'The Return'</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><i>Band of Angels</i> (2005)</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><i>The Trowenna Sea</i> (2009)</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><i>The Parihaka Woman</i> (2011) </li>
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witi_Ihimaera" style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20.3636px;">Novels by Witi Ihimaera</a></div>
<br />I also really enjoyed the Slam Poetry by Anis Mojgani. His words are mesmerising.<br />Here's a video I found on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATC5OGh3adg">YouTube of Anis Mojgani performing 'Come Closer'</a>.<br />
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Because it was a festival, and in a theatre, I didn't take any photographs during the event. There was a photographer on site who was amazing, she would come in and take photographs near the end or near the middle of each talk and it made it easy for me to know when the talk was coming to a close, without having to check the time on my phone!<br />
<br />Through working as a volunteer in the theatre now for three years I've noticed I am more confident in walking up and asking people to follow my directions (eg, to kick them out of the theatre* at the end of the show, or to move along so seats are free'd up during the times the audience finds their seats.)<br /><br /><br />This Thursday it is Daniel's birthday. I've arranged a dinner for just us in a local restaurant, so I hope he likes it!<br /><br />Last week we picked up my engagement ring, but I will write all about <i>that </i>in another post.<br />
I'm waiting on photographs and also showing my family in person before I post more online about the ring choice, stone choice etcetera.<br />
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Currently in the middle of university, week 3 of the trimester, and more assignments are due - so that's up first.<br />
<br />Second is arranging our engagement party - lots still to do!<br />
<br /><br />Last week I reorganised the bedside table - I bought two new candles from the Warehouse - they're super cute and have this written on them:<br />
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'All you need is love,<br />
forever and always,<br />
no matter what'<br />
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Sheepy, a heart LED light, and candles.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMI-po73wDLuz2Yno5GrKUUHYMJCpSSsdRXIS5aj0R-Jym8fxYmHadCaSMGT7y7LSFMYSPo71HqoWmGSm_nHIO4jvuwZwuaakPnVI1Cs4Y68VokpwvdGL_YjbDONvG2M2RVLadczr4nPjq/s1600/IMG_20160310_170208%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMI-po73wDLuz2Yno5GrKUUHYMJCpSSsdRXIS5aj0R-Jym8fxYmHadCaSMGT7y7LSFMYSPo71HqoWmGSm_nHIO4jvuwZwuaakPnVI1Cs4Y68VokpwvdGL_YjbDONvG2M2RVLadczr4nPjq/s320/IMG_20160310_170208%255B1%255D.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.thewarehouse.co.nz/red/catalog/product/Living-%26-Co-Valentine-Glass-Candle-Cup-Assorted--7cm-x-7.5cm?SKU=2054424">Gold and Black candle</a> - I have two of these.</div>
<br />Until next week,<br />
xo Lisa.<br /><br /><br /><br />*Of course I ask them politely and don't actually kick people! That's uncalled for violence!<br /><br />All links worked as of 11:30pm Sunday 13th March 2016. (NZ).<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207809455933375979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574223215555408216.post-80799523305418727322016-03-07T09:00:00.000+13:002016-03-07T09:00:00.172+13:00SIX YEARS!?Hello dearest reader,<br />
<br />
Can you believe that it was SIX years ago that I wrote and posted my first ever blog post on this blog? Six years! Where does the time go?<br />
<br />
Throw back to <a href="http://lisaslifefromwellington.blogspot.co.nz/2010/03/hi-everyone-its-lisa.html">my first ever blog post</a>.<br />
<br />
"<span style="background-color: #aedce9; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-transform: uppercase;">SATURDAY, 6 MARCH 2010</span><br />
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<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
Hi everyone, it's Lisa.</h3>
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Hello to all my readers,<br />
My name is Lisa.<br />
I am a 21 year old female.<br />
I am a Kiwi.<br />
Born and bred in New Zealand.<br />
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I am working part-time in a bakery and studying full-time at University.<br />
I love cooking (recipe sharing), dancing (hip hop, jazz, ballet, salsa, tango, ballroom and many others), writing (I am studying English, writing and languages). I also love the internet; Online gaming (Lord of The Rings) etc.<br />
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Through my studies I read and write a lot. Many assignments are time consuming. I will see how much blogging I will get done... as well as dancing, singing and partying! Since I am also working too.<br />
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Lord of the Rings Online game, I played full time for two years and only gave up on the break-up of a relationship.<br />
Now I am looking at getting a bigger, faster computer. I'm currently running a 4 gig laptop (Asus EEEPC with a 7" screen)... not quite big enough to run any significant games, let alone get music or downloads going on!<br />
But don't worry I am working on saving up for a new laptop with hopefully more space to save stuff, as well as more screen!<br />
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Anyway, I will write more soon.<br />
You can also catch me on Twitter; http://twitter.com/listay1 "<br />
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HOW adorable was that? I was a young 21 year old, freshly moved to Wellington to start university. In a little over a year (May 2017) I'll be finally finishing that degree and graduating!<br />
Anyway, this was just a fun little Throw Back to when I was Younger. <br />
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<span style="color: blue;">I also want to know what YOU think. I've created a quick survey <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SRD3FKX">HERE</a> which shouldn't take too long. </span><span style="color: blue;">I'd love to hear your FEEDBACK! </span></div>
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Until next time, <br />
xx, Lisa.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207809455933375979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574223215555408216.post-27780978787555672252016-02-29T09:00:00.000+13:002016-02-29T09:00:00.259+13:00Life Update - I'm engaged? and a bunch of new things...So over the past few months I've been donning a new hat - that of the Front of House Manager for <a href="https://summershakespeare.wordpress.com/">Summer Shakespeare Trust's 2016 production of Love's Labours Lost.</a><br />
This is the first time I've been the FOH Manager for a production, and I have to say I have really enjoyed doing so. A huge shout out and thanks for the memories and new friendships to all the Cast and Crew. I adore and appreciate each and every one of you. I'm looking forward to what this year brings for theatre in general for me and what I can get under way in terms of career, professional and personal development for myself. I'm also in my final year of university... Lots of changes are coming!<br /><br />In December <a href="https://www.facebook.com/listay1/posts/10208428085929599">Daniel got the best Christmas gift</a>* and surprise of his life when I asked him to marry me. Today it's February 29th, perfect for "ladies to ask their man for their hand in marriage"... apparently. I wrote a more detailed post about this <a href="http://lisaslifefromwellington.blogspot.co.nz/2015/12/special-post-psa-why-can-man-ask-but.html">here</a>. I'm still buzzing that we're engaged. <br />
In a couple of weeks it will feel even more real when I have the ring on my finger too. It was ordered and it's being made now. I really love it. I'll write a post about the ring and why it was chosen and others we tried and why we went to the jewellers we did.<br />
<br />On the note of being engaged, I'm also in the process of finding a venue, and setting up everything for the Engagement Party. So far I think it will just be family, but with some friends - have to organise travel for some of us from Wellington back up to New Plymouth too.<br />Not much point having a big do down here in Wellington when our families are based in New Plymouth! Tentatively planning a smaller thing for our friends here at some stage this year.<br /><br />
Wedding plans aren't for a few years yet though - as we need to save up, and I need a full time job before we can really afford to do everything we want to do.<br />I started pinning ideas onto my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/listay1/future-plans-marriage/">Pinterest board</a>, but over time things have changed, so it's not too accurate of what will actually happen.<br /><br />Wedding bells in 2018? Most likely. All comes down to finances.<br />
<br />Uni starts back today, so I'm busy having classes Monday to Friday and I'm doing both 200 and 300 level English Literature papers this trimester. Going back as Limited Full Time too, so I've jumped from one to two papers each trimester.<br />Final 4 papers (courses) here I come!<br /><br />
Until next time,<br />xx<br />
Lisa<br />
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*Well I think so anyway! That image and post is from our friends coming over for dinner and celebrating. Not of the engagement. (Sorry to disappoint!)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207809455933375979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574223215555408216.post-15240555522075624132016-02-22T09:00:00.000+13:002016-02-22T09:00:01.859+13:00Iced Tea obsession!Okay, so I am not kidding when I say that my favourite summertime drink is Iced Tea.<br />
It can't be any iced tea either, the flavour has to be spot on.<br />
<br />
It has to be sweet, but not too sweet -<br />
And ice cold but no ice cubes either -<br />
And it has to be chilled to perfection.<br />
<br />
<b>Here's my recipe for DIY Home Made Iced Tea...</b><br />
<br />
You will need:<br />
<ul>
<li>1L jug to mix everything into.</li>
<li>A couple of bags of tea (I like this one: <a href="http://www.redseal.co.nz/product/peach-pineapple/" rel="nofollow">Peach & Pineapple</a> from Red Seal.)</li>
<li>Juice or cordial or other flavouring to add to and compliment the tea (I like this one: <a href="http://shop.countdown.co.nz/Shop/ProductDetails?stockcode=747444" rel="nofollow">NJoy Fruit Juice Lime with Apple, Lemon & Mint.</a> </li>
<li>Cold water, or room temperature water from your kitchen sink taps.</li>
<li>A fridge to chill the mixture in.</li>
</ul>
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Step 1:<br />
Mix the tea according to the directions, place 2 teabags into the litre jug, adding water </div>
<div>
(I made it up to about half water with the tea mixture). </div>
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<br /></div>
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Step 2:</div>
<div>
Let the tea steep into the cool water for the 3-5 minutes (as per tea packet directions).<br />
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Step 3:</div>
<div>
Remove the tea bags from the jug.<br />
Add the Lime, Lemon, Apple & Mint juice to the jug of tea mixture.<br />
Refrigerate until chilled to your liking.<br />
</div>
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Step 4: </div>
<div>
Enjoy!<br />
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It probably comes to no surprise then that my favourite <a href="http://www.starbucks.com/menu/drinks/iced-tea/teavana-shaken-iced-passion-tea" rel="nofollow">Starbucks drink is the Passion Tea with Lemonade!</a> (US web link, but similar info for the NZ version).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8V67KVhn08SnFUE7nY5MkfRkM8S7T6t9eFLL4nhQ-hvQdCq_F41x_UedfKUjb1xkHzN9JmJVM-eMnoP44fjIQ44oYzs29TGk3G2fpxQys1GKEYO6ohuqpFEAKGM4e6HfUq3K5ZWqojg7/s1600/starbucks.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8V67KVhn08SnFUE7nY5MkfRkM8S7T6t9eFLL4nhQ-hvQdCq_F41x_UedfKUjb1xkHzN9JmJVM-eMnoP44fjIQ44oYzs29TGk3G2fpxQys1GKEYO6ohuqpFEAKGM4e6HfUq3K5ZWqojg7/s1600/starbucks.PNG" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: "lato" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.7274px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 20.3638px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The ingredients of which of course are: (from the US website linked above).<br /><b><i>An Infusion Of </i></b></span><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lato" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.7274px; line-height: 20.3638px;">[Water, Hibiscus Flowers, Citric Acid, Natural Flavors, Cinnamon, Apple, Licorice Root, Lemongrass, Fruit Juice Extract]</span><b style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.7274px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 20.3638px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">, Ice.</b></i><br />
<i><b style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.7274px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 20.3638px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></b></i>
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: "lato" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.7274px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 20.3638px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">There are lots and lots of YouTube videos on how to make Iced Tea - I watched a few, but a lot of them seem to think you need hot water to steep tea in, not true!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: "lato" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.7274px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 20.3638px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: "lato" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.7274px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 20.3638px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=db5Cqi6CrOQ" rel="nofollow">Alexa Golden</a> - she makes green tea in a keurig machine, I don't have one, but you can use your coffee pod machine to make iced tea (who knew?!)<br /><br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2NB47cn574" rel="nofollow">The Domestic Geek</a> - is a favourite to watch, she's amazing and has LOADS of other drink recipes on her channel.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: "lato" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.7274px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 20.3638px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">If you buy the cold/hot brew type you can choose making it in hot or cold water. It's a bit freaky to start with, but it makes sense. Also I don't sweeten my tea - if you choose good flavourings you won't need to sweeten it.<br /><br />Diva's Can Cook also has a YouTube channel but I found them <a href="http://divascancook.com/southern-sweet-iced-tea-recipe-perfect/" rel="nofollow">here</a>. So good! They also have loads more recipes for food and other beverages, so check them out!</span><br />
<br /></div>
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<i><b style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.7274px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 20.3638px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What are some of your favourite recipes for making iced tea?<br />What's your favourite summertime drink? </b></i><br />
<i><b style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.7274px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 20.3638px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></b></i>
<span style="color: blue;">I also want to know what YOU think. I've created a quick survey <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SRD3FKX">HERE</a> which shouldn't take too long. </span><span style="color: blue;">I'd love to hear your FEEDBACK! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: "lato" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.7274px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 20.3638px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />Until next Monday,<br />xx Lisa.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207809455933375979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574223215555408216.post-33059780395608946792016-02-15T09:00:00.000+13:002016-02-15T09:00:00.237+13:00F.A.Q's and getting to know me. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">2016 so far has been all about getting to know me in a new way. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">This week I've decided to write a bit about myself. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: start;"><b>Last week I did a call for AMA (Ask me anything submissions and questions)...</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimIS1N9cfitTH9us9MlUsk98C5BmZUOupbfetfYOTW70aYcVowJue9I_ZuUseIM_SYjAzN3IROABSc7JKvLSm2RHQ1RGy-ht8i4yRmPnqYkG0X4fQJrFoS-FP_kGqn9meQdcdrK7lJaqND/s1600/drawn+cartoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimIS1N9cfitTH9us9MlUsk98C5BmZUOupbfetfYOTW70aYcVowJue9I_ZuUseIM_SYjAzN3IROABSc7JKvLSm2RHQ1RGy-ht8i4yRmPnqYkG0X4fQJrFoS-FP_kGqn9meQdcdrK7lJaqND/s320/drawn+cartoon.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">I'm a "mature" student at university. I'm an undergraduate. In my final year. I'm going to talk about this a lot, on and off for 2016. I've been enrolled in study on and off since moving to Wellington in June of 2008. I'm still doing the same degree: Bachelor of Arts, but I changed my minor and major since starting study. I'm doing a BA in English Literature with a minor in Religious Studies. (I also did a number of Linguistic papers, as well as a couple of Education ones).</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">I grew up in a kind of Christian home, in that we didn't go to church, but we have values like 'treat others how you would like to be treated.' And 'always respect your elders'. Even today, living in another city I still live by a number of these values. Kindness goes far. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcoa7PfrxUZ7UzyY6dztvWf3p7WedzP3brAvoiX8L5m1JyVEJxYda6be76JrHJybd5fdsGa4I5EqDeUMiSA4mHwYOiEAqskBxG4FDfu2_iXvv2WEUT6LTOyi2uei_8wJahVqod2RiUaAE8/s1600/IMG_20150705_093143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcoa7PfrxUZ7UzyY6dztvWf3p7WedzP3brAvoiX8L5m1JyVEJxYda6be76JrHJybd5fdsGa4I5EqDeUMiSA4mHwYOiEAqskBxG4FDfu2_iXvv2WEUT6LTOyi2uei_8wJahVqod2RiUaAE8/s320/IMG_20150705_093143.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I'm a self taught and semi-trained teacher in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages). I've taught high school kids and adults. (Aged 11-17 and 30+). I've been fortunate so far to have taught a couple of students from China and some more are from South Korea. I'm currently on a break from teaching as I'm studying for summer, but I might start again sometime later in the year*. Tough to work with students, preparing work for them as well as studying. I may readjust this again later and reassess just how much I can take on.<br />
<br />
In 2017, after university studies are all done I am thinking to either go into teaching more ESOL, or going into full time blogging. Then again I do need an income because we need to save up for our wedding and impending move overseas!<br />
If only studying meant I'd be paid well enough to not need to work... Haha. As if!<br />
I just hope I can find a good job where I'm doing something I love every day and not feeling down or anxious about the work, wherever we end up.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZDbND5WdEPW_-D4O_VV-C6hp7f1s36_-KRYmjfAKxYyVzL2z_YtQ1TfljPrQdtC3C8FiLWni4qoaADhS8co9UvwwpV-eWMLvGo1mkdVbtC5O2-3_ET7KyOTUNBIxSV6FgWr1lYR_jAojQ/s1600/IMG_20150707_153322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZDbND5WdEPW_-D4O_VV-C6hp7f1s36_-KRYmjfAKxYyVzL2z_YtQ1TfljPrQdtC3C8FiLWni4qoaADhS8co9UvwwpV-eWMLvGo1mkdVbtC5O2-3_ET7KyOTUNBIxSV6FgWr1lYR_jAojQ/s320/IMG_20150707_153322.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I'm the oldest of four children. The oldest grandchild in both families too (of my parents that is).<br />
Daniel is also the oldest child. It makes it difficult when we're both stubborn about certain things. One of us has to let the other lead and such sometimes too. We're both super stubborn with some things. Makes fighting interesting!<br />
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On top of all of that I am also aware of how lucky and fortunate I am for the life I currently have. If I didn't have such a loving and wonderful fiance I don't know where I would be living right now. I certainly couldn't afford not to work and just study full time! I am also looking forward to getting some financial assistance from the government for my studies this year, the past few years have been self funded (from fiance) and it has created stress between us. This year I'll get a little to put towards expenses so that will be nice and help relieve some of that stress we currently face.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2C1SMYzM6oYSmHRntqD0WCiGZtZ8HhjIX8N0i3fz3ymiWEp6hw3UsIDe7JEp6aej9rB_OCfWrYsA7NMSRf5a6D9KmTcMvMQ0sexXCPvg1CkL1K7X0yrOjvTkqd3aQmKqCUdXEHtccNx6b/s1600/IMG_20150801_195851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2C1SMYzM6oYSmHRntqD0WCiGZtZ8HhjIX8N0i3fz3ymiWEp6hw3UsIDe7JEp6aej9rB_OCfWrYsA7NMSRf5a6D9KmTcMvMQ0sexXCPvg1CkL1K7X0yrOjvTkqd3aQmKqCUdXEHtccNx6b/s320/IMG_20150801_195851.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">I have a social media empire growing more and more every day</span><span style="text-align: start;">.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"> I'm on </span><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/listay1/" style="text-align: start;">Pinterest</a><span style="text-align: start;">, </span><a href="https://twitter.com/listay1" style="text-align: start;">Twitter</a><span style="text-align: start;">, </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/LisaTaylorlisaslifefromwellington/" style="text-align: start;">Facebook </a><span style="text-align: start;">and here. I also have </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3bON5xpkBqc5uDcYTv_LUw" style="text-align: start;">YouTube </a><span style="text-align: start;">but I'm less active on there now as I've chosen to go more of a written (blogging) and photography route with my creativity. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">This is also why the post a couple of posts back has a new Photography Theme on it. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">I want to showcase more of my creative side this year. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">I'm on a Podcast called </span><a href="http://skepticism.today/" style="text-align: start;">Skepticism Today</a><span style="text-align: start;"> - with fellow skeptics Mark, Sara, Tim and my fiance Daniel. We talk about a variety of topics each month when we meet to record. We haven't been the greatest in getting recordings out quickly, if I'm being totally honest and blunt... The aim for 2016 so far has been to record more. We will see how that goes. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvwqu-ELsJtBtUi3YOURv56i2NTck4wBA_uB6vKRCbMO2N6GUlKbIdDuM5vZNsM4hvsz8SQOUd-jPoUx0KqqLOsjGCthyFmFwXaLKWAF3UZ6rMZmMAdXw6v6pNPvOxRWdXTuTtnkkaGf8/s1600/IMG_20150903_082321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvwqu-ELsJtBtUi3YOURv56i2NTck4wBA_uB6vKRCbMO2N6GUlKbIdDuM5vZNsM4hvsz8SQOUd-jPoUx0KqqLOsjGCthyFmFwXaLKWAF3UZ6rMZmMAdXw6v6pNPvOxRWdXTuTtnkkaGf8/s320/IMG_20150903_082321.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I love listening to music, to the point I'll find something that I love and play it on repeat for hours on end. Right now? It's this remixed song: <a href="http://listenonrepeat.com/watch/?v=72nHJJJBaLs#Oh_Wonder_-_Lose_It_(Jerry_Folk_remix)">Oh Wonder - Lose It.</a><br />
Sorry not sorry flatmates (and neighbours) hehe. Just kidding - when they're near I have it turned down. Also I wear awesome noise-cancelling headphones.<br />
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I'm a very busy person - between full time study, part time teaching*, recording a podcast, blogging here and being a flatmate/ fiancee/ daughter, it's a tough life! I'm also a volunteer at local theatre - BATs and currently doing a lot of shows (think every night) as the Front of House Manager for<br />
<a href="http://www.summershakespeare.co.nz/">Wellington Summer Shakespeare's</a> show of Love's Labours Lost, <a href="http://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2016/2016-summer-shakespeares-loves-labours-lost/wellington">tickets are available here</a>**.<br />
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Until next Monday,<br />
xx Lisa.<br />
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*TBC<br />
** Until the end of the season.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207809455933375979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574223215555408216.post-57760304375218494972016-02-08T09:00:00.000+13:002016-02-08T09:00:02.832+13:00University and College Life SimplifiedBack when I was a young first year starting at Victoria University for the first time I had been flatting for about 18 months prior to changing locale and moving to the big smoke of Wellington City. There I met Neil (a great friend even today, 7.5 years on).<br />
<br />
Yes, 7.5 years ago I moved to Wellington. Today's post is focused on what I've learned during my time studying and will focus on campus life.<br />
As a side note, I never stayed in a dorm/ hall so I have no idea what they are like.<br />
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My top 10 things to know about moving and living the university/college life.<br />
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<b>1. You'll meet heaps of new people.</b> Don't worry about making too many friends. I aim to have one or two people in each class I meet through the Tutorials we have to attend. This way I have one or two people I can sit by in the lectures and in the tutorials and actually get to know.<br />
There may be literally hundreds of people in your lectures in first year, so it's crazy to think you'll know all their names at the end of the 12 week course. (Even your professors and tutors don't know everyone's names in that time period!)<br />
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<b>2. Think about what you're taking with you to move, now halve it.<br />You really only need a few things while you're studying: </b><br />
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<b>a. A place to sleep (aka a bed).</b> I had a mattress on the floor of my flat and did fine. Stack two on top of each other, or seriously invest in a bed base, your spine will thank you for it.<br />
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<b>b. a Desk or Table to study at.</b> I honestly used the dining table in one flat.<br />
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<b>c. Flatmates or roommates to share the costs.</b> It is very expensive to live alone. Get friends in to help financially. More people generally means the costs will be cheaper, but see what you can handle. I've lived with just the 1 flatmate and in larger places with up to 5 others. My fiance lived in a large house with 9 people in it! (That was too large, too loud and way too dysfunctional for me).<br />
<br />
<b>d. A little money and the ability to Budget - Budget really well... </b><br />
First take out how much your rent is.<br />
Then your estimated bills (power, internet and cell phone all have monthly charges. Work these out and save up for when the bills come in).<br />
Then anything else: food.<br />
Then save the rest for a Rainy Day Fund,<br />
Then some (if there's any left) for partying, drinking and anything you want for entertainment.<br />
<br />
I decided that paying rent, bills and food were my three most important things. Some months I had very little food money left so I would talk to my Student Advisors on campus and pick up a Food Bank Parcel for that month. I didn't go to a movie at the cinema for over two years at one stage, just because I was saving and living pay-check to pay-check. Not ideal. So on that note: <b>Always, Always have a "rainy day fund" stashed away, and for this I do not mean Movie or Coffee or Date Night, I mean for the times you're so sick you need to see a doctor*.</b><br />
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3. <b>Changes with friendships:</b> <br />
Your old friends from school may leave your life as you move into campus and study mode, and that's okay. Their lives are changing too. They may also be really special and stay around even if you're in separate places and living different lives.<br />
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4. <b>You'll grow up.</b><br />
You'll learn a lot of new things in classes.<br />
You'll also learn to be a functioning adult able to budget and pay bills.<br />
Look at you being all adult and adulting all over the place!<br />
<br />
5. <b>You might fall in love. </b><br />
Life will be sunshine and rainbows and 24/7 happiness.<br />
It may be a long lasting romance, or a summertime fling.<br />
<br />
6.<b> And out of love. </b><br />
Or lose someone you were close to.<br />
You soon realise that life is not always sunshine and happiness.<br />
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7. <b>You may find a job</b> you're only doing for the pay, or to get to know that cute person better, or to learn new skills. You'll probably have fun there and no adult job after you finish studying will quite be the same. You'll also appreciate how much your family did for you to help get you to where you are now.<br />
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8. <b>At the end of your degree you'll look back and wonder what all the fuss was about when you first started. </b><br />
Everyone's scared of doing new things.<br />
Everyone's afraid of failure.<br />
You're also not everyone, because you're here and giving it a go, no matter how scared you feel.<br />
Life has up's and down's, and part of college life is learning to embrace them, and learning to accept changes. If you're having a bad time emotionally, please seek the advice of the counsellors available to students on campus*.<br />
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9. <b>Everyone started in the same place</b> - Your professors were once first years, nervous and timid on their first day too. Some of them even feel first day jitters even now years and years on. Treat everyone as equal to you. You never know if they will be your future boss, or you could be their future boss! Literally everyone started at the bottom and worked their way up through life to get to where they are today.<br />
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10. <b>Encourage your fellow students, and citizens of the city you're in. </b><br />
The students at least are feeling the same things you are - homesickness, they're nervous about getting lost, they're scared they will fail the upcoming assignment/ test/ exam... they're scared they're not good enough to be here. Everyone gets these feelings. It's normal.<br />
Over time it gets easier. In the second trimester/semester onwards life on campus got easier. I didn't feel lost, I could (kind of) get my way around campus, and people would ask *me* for directions on the street in town.<br />
<br />
<i>* Some campus' have FREE medical services for students. See if your campus offers this. </i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">Hopefully these 10 points have helped a little. I think this year I'm going to try and write more about self-help type topics as well as keeping up with my usual random ramblings each week. I also want to know what YOU think. I've created a quick survey <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SRD3FKX">HERE</a> which shouldn't take too long. </span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">I'd love to hear your FEEDBACK! </span><br />
<br />
Until next time,<br />
xx. Lisa.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207809455933375979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574223215555408216.post-86585132551114309852016-02-01T09:00:00.000+13:002016-02-01T14:26:49.942+13:00Have you ever thought about where your clothing comes from?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">Hello dearest reader, <br /><br />Have you ever thought about where your clothing comes from?</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><i>I mean really where it comes from? <br /> I don't mean in reference to the labels, or the store you bought it from -</i></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><i> but who actually designs and who actually makes these items of clothing?</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpNHsoal1qUl3R6sCimw20mK7uHxv5fV8LF8FWxiz1vkugb3ue_t9B_y6fHK9vjKhoSEhzQeT3GXWDTZH-51-3S_ONpBvIw9yr6nU99_Cq8t7D5xM9H9NOpVPEx3Xqbw0BuqApUwq_j5I/s1600/IMAG0217%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpNHsoal1qUl3R6sCimw20mK7uHxv5fV8LF8FWxiz1vkugb3ue_t9B_y6fHK9vjKhoSEhzQeT3GXWDTZH-51-3S_ONpBvIw9yr6nU99_Cq8t7D5xM9H9NOpVPEx3Xqbw0BuqApUwq_j5I/s320/IMAG0217%255B1%255D.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<i>Clothing from my wardrobe.</i></div>
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<i>From a variety of brands and shops.</i></div>
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In my own wardrobe I have a wide variety of items, from different shops, different brands. </div>
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Varying prices. I don't know where the majority are actually made. I mean a label may have a name and a brand, or a shop name... but often the Country of Origin may not be accurate.</div>
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I am not about to uncover a great expose - but rather I'm hopeful those who read this will think a little more about what they buy, where they buy it from and who actually manufactures such items. Even if we do not think about child labour in these sweatshops, but even consider the adults who work in these factories with low pay. We have to ask what will we as consumers do to help the people who create our clothing items? What will we do to ensure their work conditions are safer. Safer to work in without fear of death or serious injury.<br />
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I am going to highlight some particular cases and media reports - some of these are horrific, so I do advise discretion when reading, viewing and talking about them.<br />
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<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweatshop">Wiki </a>explains that "<b style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 20.3636px;">Sweatshop</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 20.3636px;"> (or </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 20.3636px;">sweat factory</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 20.3636px;">) is a pejorative term</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 20.3636px;"> for a </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Workplace" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 20.3636px; text-decoration: none;" title="Workplace">workplace</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 20.3636px;"> that has harsh/poor (</span><a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socially_acceptable" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 20.3636px; text-decoration: none;" title="Socially acceptable">socially unacceptable</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 20.3636px;">) working conditions. </span></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 20.3636px;"><i>The work may be difficult, dangerous or underpaid. </i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 20.3636px;"><i>Workers in sweatshops may work long hours with low pay, </i></span></div>
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<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 20.3636px;">regardless of laws mandating overtime pay or a </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minimum_wage" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 20.3636px; text-decoration: none;" title="Minimum wage">minimum wage</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 20.3636px;">; </span></i></div>
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<i><a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child_labor" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 20.3636px; text-decoration: none;" title="Child labor">child labor</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 20.3636px;"> laws may also be violated."</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioo9m80_m81CRllAG9BIS9tUlU5Rb3lnYt4cWz3uBQ3_oheXWzWnBZVZOdd8eUwikXsRg67jt7HP_usfVc07_CSRU9eobjx9vUDmg1oIYLlBkyRirkTHKfFbYQWHwIdIOkqAvUMkXiwpxg/s1600/IMAG0218%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioo9m80_m81CRllAG9BIS9tUlU5Rb3lnYt4cWz3uBQ3_oheXWzWnBZVZOdd8eUwikXsRg67jt7HP_usfVc07_CSRU9eobjx9vUDmg1oIYLlBkyRirkTHKfFbYQWHwIdIOkqAvUMkXiwpxg/s320/IMAG0218%255B1%255D.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<i>Clothing from my wardrobe.<br />From a variety of brands and shops.</i></div>
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Last year on June 15, TV3 in New Zealand showed a TV show called "Reality Trip" it was a group of teenage fashion designers who have their minds blown when they find out who actually works in the factories creating these designer labels. Some of these sweatshops also manufacture items for everyday clothing stores which every day Kiwi's wear (and others around the world).<br />
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Watch what happens when a fashion blogger visits a sweatshop (<a href="http://www.whowhatwear.com.au/bloggers-sweatshop">blog</a>).<br />
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The TV show '<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdLf4fihP78">Last Week Tonight Show</a>' has a funny take on sweatshops and the effect they have.<br />
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A <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/asia/69379480/wests-fashion-industry-relies-on-sweat-of-asias-teenagers">New Zealand article blames sweatshops on the West's Fashion Industry</a> - where people have a high turnover of clothing items.<br />
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2008 TV Documentary called <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1722506/">Blood, Sweat and T Shirts</a>.<br />
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Salon wrote a piece entitled "<a href="http://www.salon.com/2013/03/21/sweatshops_still_make_your_clothes/">Sweatshops still make your clothes</a>".<br />
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Treehugger put together a list of '<a href="http://www.treehugger.com/style/are-these-unethical-fashion-brands-hiding-in-your-closet.html">unethical clothing makers and asks if they could be in your closet.'</a><br />
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The Daily Mail has an article on <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2456412/My-life-sweatshop-worker-Undercover-reporter-tells-crushing-work-terrible-pay-girl-boss-aged-just-NINE.html">Sweatshops and a reporter went undercover to seek the truth</a>.<br />
<a href="http://www.waronwant.org/sweatshops-china"><br /></a><a href="http://www.waronwant.org/sweatshops-china">War on Want has another article; based in China</a>.<br />
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A <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/fashion/65357868/Reality-show-sends-fashion-bloggers-to-work-in-Cambodian-sweatshop">Norwegian show also sends local teenagers into sweatshops</a>. I watched these documentary style shoots on YouTube and found it very enlightening.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-890MXWMChYaihyphenhypheniMD-gTred2zgG58HFtVHqQJSxvsFCFf87gG3SoXyKgFsp0VqfXJMbUmKKg062ZG1-Zdch5JiMBPcK9dvo6tT8jsY_vctgpdrhWt5C1OPmuDTIkK3gwyBw_1tJEcHo/s1600/IMAG0128_BURST001%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-890MXWMChYaihyphenhypheniMD-gTred2zgG58HFtVHqQJSxvsFCFf87gG3SoXyKgFsp0VqfXJMbUmKKg062ZG1-Zdch5JiMBPcK9dvo6tT8jsY_vctgpdrhWt5C1OPmuDTIkK3gwyBw_1tJEcHo/s320/IMAG0128_BURST001%255B1%255D.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<i>$5 duvet cover, and another discounted duvet cover. </i><br />
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<i>Both from Briscoes NZ.</i></div>
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<b>So how do we prevent this?</b><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>1. We enforce fair and safe working conditions for all workers. No matter if they're in India, or China or elsewhere.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>2. We seek out prevention of, and removal of, child labour work forces.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>3. We seek out those who use these sweatshops and we, as a collective, petition them to use fair work spaces for all their workers.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>4. Research and seek out fair trade agreements between countries.</i><br />
<i>Fair Trade for workers rights, workers pay and worker safety in the work place.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>It seems no matter what you do, you can't win - if you try and purchase the expensive labelled items, or the cheaper everyday clothing it's likely to be made in a sweatshop.</i><br />
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All well worth considering while shopping,<br />
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Until next Monday,<br />
xx Lisa.<br />
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<b>P.S. Next Monday's post has some new excitement - I turn the tables and ask you some questions (survey time!) </b><br /><b>AND I'm doing my first ever Q and A! Send me your questions to </b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/LisaTaylorlisaslifefromwellington/timeline" style="font-weight: bold;">facebook</a><b>, </b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BBOZdTNNd9c/?taken-by=listay1" style="font-weight: bold;">instagram</a> - <b>OR you can tweet me </b><a href="https://twitter.com/listay1" style="font-weight: bold;">@listay1</a><b> with the hashtag #LisaTaylorAMA</b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207809455933375979noreply@blogger.com0