Just Another Day

Revival

2010-06-16T22:00:00.002+10:00

After looking at my last post and how long it's been since I've last blogged, it's safe to say I got a little too caught up in life in Costa Rica and then back at home to have time to blog.

Costa Rica was absolutely amazing though. I still miss my host families and the ISV ticos. Got an email from my host family yesterday actually!! It was all in spanish so I had to get Anni to translate it but nevertheless it was such a beautiful email.

'Hi Julia,

This email is to say hello, hoping you're well. We are very keen to see you again.
We still remember the time that you spent here with us and ("de lo especial que fuistes con todos...something like "how special you were with everyone?")
We are very happy to write to you, we haven't written before now because we had lost your address.
We hope that you will come back and visit, since you are, for us, like a member of our own family and the doors of our house will always be open to you when you would like to come.
Yeison still remembers you, when he went with you to see the rabbits. He tells us that the white rabbit that you liked very much has had 10 baby rabbits which look really beautiful – they are all white like their mother.
Greetings from everyone,
Goodbye, with lots of affection from your tico family in Providencia.
We love you very much.'

I wish I had time to take more spanish lessons and actually converse with them. After being back for a good 4 months now it really surprised me how much I miss Costa Rica and just travelling in general - though the latter is easily fixed...EUROPE IN 9 DAYS haha. Just gotta get through exams first :S

Hasta leugo!

Julia

Off To Los Santos!

2010-01-20T11:31:00.003+11:00

I can't believe it's already been a week! Now we're off to our volunteer projects for two weeks. Mine is in Los Santos, this little village of only 200 people in the middle of Costa Rican jungle. We're going to be building some trail in the jungle and working in this place that makes wood that when it's burnt it doesn't emit CO2 which is awesome! Los Santos is going to be the first carbon neutral town which is massive! The wood aparently becomes charcoal which is used to stop erosion and replenish the soil. I can't wait to get there. There's the worlds 5th purest river there and it's apparently cleaner to drink that water than to drink bottled water!

There's only one phone in the whole village and no internet so I'll be completely cut off from the world for 2 weeks!

Love, Julia

Muchos Funos

2010-01-19T16:22:00.002+11:00

We went bungy jumping today! It was insane! I thought I'd chicken out but after seeing a couple of people come up safely, I was fine! The first couple of seconds were crazy as but once you've reached the bottom and the rope pulls you up it's so much fun swinging around, looking down at the river below. The first time wasn't enough so I went twice! I'll put up the video as soon as I can :)

Tomorrow is graduation from the spanish classes and we have to say goodbye to our homestay family. It's going to be soooo sad.
Then we stay a night in a hotel before splitting up and going to our projects. Two weeks of construction work and cold showers whoo!

Love, Julia

Montezuma

2010-01-19T00:14:00.002+11:00

Had a crazily awesome time at Montezuma and Tortuga Island the past 3 days. Montezuma is this tiny little village on the beach surrounded by rainforest, totally remote. It had such a hippie feel to it; guys in dreadlocks selling woven bracelets, coconuts just lying on the ground, people selling weed lol. It took us 6 hours to get there with part of the journey on the crappest roads ever, filled with potholes that the driver had to swerve to avoid. Ended up getting there at 11pm but the water was so warm and it was still so hot and humid so we stayed out for a couple more hours down at the beach and at chicos, this bar/club opposite our hotel.

The next day we took a boat to Tortuga Island! It is just stunning. White sand, blue water, palm trees everywhere. We went snorkelling and swimming and had a banana boat ride which was muchos fun. On the way back we stopped about 4 times just to jump off the boat and swim in the ocean. It was so lovely and warm. We also got to see a whale! After getting back we just chilled at chicos again and practiced some salsa dancing!

The next day (yesterday) we hiked through some rainforest up to this waterfall and when we got to the end, there was this lovely little lagoon at the bottom of the waterfall where we could swim and jump off rocks into the water. A few of us managed to swim behind the waterfall onto this little rock ledge where we sat and then jumped off through the waterfall. It was so magical there. Took lots of photos :) So glad I got a waterproof camera to take with me.

So today we've got spanish lessons, a salsa class and then we're going BUNGEE JUMPING! Scared out of my mind but it should be muy fun :) If I don't die, then I'll blog again later!
Love Julia

Living Like A Tico

2010-01-16T01:57:00.003+11:00

HOLA!
Wow it's been a long time since I've last blogged.

Costa Rica is absolutely amazing! Though it took us about 2 full days to get here. Our Monday was literally 43 hours long due to the time difference and it took us another half day to get here! We were so exhausted though getting the spend a day in LA was pretty fun. Most of those on the Melbourne group flight went down to Manhattan Beach for the day which was lovely and warm even though it's winter in America.

This is our fourth day in Costa Rica now and it has been amazinggggg. Definitely the best thing I have ever done in my entire life! The people on this trip with me are so friendly and we all didn't know anyone else so we got to know each other pretty quickly. There are about 50 of us here with ISV (International Student Volunteers) so I'm definitely struggling with names :P

My host family was unbelievable welcolming and have been so accommodating. They've done everything they could to make us feel like a part of their family. And they're christian as well! The first night, we sat down for dinner and our mamatico (host mum) was still getting her food. Michael (the 12 yr old nephew who is absolutely ADORABLE) started eating so we took that as our cue to start eating as well. But then the mum sat down and started saying grace out loud in spanish. Me and Jo (another girl from Adelaide staying with the same family) were just like oh crap we should have waited for her. Didn't make that mistake again!

But yes the food is so good here! Our mamatico makes us like a three course breakfast with fruit, eggs on tortillas and this rice mixed with black beans which is so so good! And after our dance class (highlight of the day - today we have a salsa class!) we get an hour for lunch and for about US $4 we get a massive plate of food with a dessert and a drink! I've been eating so much here :P

Our spanish school, Intercultura, also organises heaps of tours so tonight we're heading up to Montezuma which is apparently one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. We're staying there for two nights and it's 35 degrees there so perfect for swimming and snorkelling. We're also going to hike up to this waterfall where we can swim as well :) On Monday I might be going bungee jumping! Depends on whether enough people want to go.

Anyway our salsa class starts soon so I'll blog again when I get back from Montezuma!
Love, Julia

Here We Go

2010-01-11T07:34:00.002+11:00

Leaving for the airport now! So excited and nervous...it feels like I'm about to hyperventilate...

The next time I blog I'll be in either LA, Housten or Costa Rica!

Adios y hasta en cinco semanas!

Julia

12 Hours

2010-01-11T00:31:00.002+11:00

I can't believe it's already here. In just 7 hours I'll be leaving home and in 12 hours, leaving the country for a crazy 5 weeks in a spanish-speaking country, knowing of course, zero spanish and relying solely on the iTranslate on my ipod.

Definitely feeling mixed feelings. On the one hand my brain is screaming 'What the heck were you thinking?! You don't know anyone on this trip, you don't speak the language and do you SERIOUSLY want to go without hot water for two weeks?!' But on the other hand I know that this will be an experience that I'll never forget, a real adventure with memories that nobody else will ever understand. And so I'm excited. Sad yes, to be leaving my family for 5 weeks, but so excited to be off on my own exploring a place that makes people say 'what?! where IS that?!'.

This is so out of my comfort zone but I have faith that He'll protect me and guide me throughout the next 40 days as He has my entire life.

Love, Julia

6 Days To Go

2010-01-05T21:31:00.002+11:00

And I'm not feeling so well. Been getting headaches every day and I don't know why. The last two times I had consecutive headaches they were tension ones caused by sitting at my desk with my head down. But I haven't even been studying so whyyyyy! And I screwed up my knee too. Let's hope that can be fixed by the physio on Friday or I'm SO dead...

...uh oh

Bound To Wander Down That One Way Road

2010-01-01T23:43:00.002+11:00

Hellooooo 2010!

I have a good feeling about this year :) It's already off to a good start! Spent nye down at Phillip Island with Linley and our families and it was awesome getting to hang out after so long. Her brothers brought their own fireworks with them so at midnight we set them off and almost burnt down several houses and cars. They went off in all directions...it was a tad crazy, not to mention dangerous. But a lot of fun :)

Things to look forward to in 2010:

- COSTA RICA in ten days! I can't wait to just get on that plane to start my five week adventure already!

- EUROPE with Amy in June/July

- second year uni! and hopefully a lot fewer hours...

- getting to see Linley and Gabby around Melb Uni

Resolutions for 2010:

- spend more time with the one who loves me most

- get a job

- join the gym

- get my P's

Last years resolution of getting a job was a total fail, though what did I expect...I didn't even apply anywhere...

Here's hoping this year will be a little better :)

Love Julia

Julia - 2, Facebook - 9,263,547

2009-09-30T15:41:00.002+10:00

After the gazillions of times facebook has distracted me from my studies, I deactivated my facebook account :) And I shall attempt to not go on facebook until exams are over!

Hooray for self-control!

And They Call ME Nerdy?

2009-09-08T09:29:00.002+10:00

The PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) Song

There was a time when to amplify DNA,

You had to grow tons and tons of tiny cells.

Then along came a guy named Dr. Kary Mullis,

Said you can amplify in vitro just as well.

Just mix your template with a buffer and some primers,

Nucleotides and polymerases, too.

Denaturing, annealing, and extending.

Well it's amazing what heating and cooling and heating will do.

PCR, when you need to detect mutations.

PCR, when you need to recombine.

PCR, when you need to find out who the daddy is.

PCR, when you need to solve a crime.

HAhaha our genetics lecturer showed this in our lecture yesterday. It's so sad hahaha :D

Procrastination

2009-09-06T19:39:00.003+10:00

At least he put his ADD to good use hahaha

p.s it doesn't fit properly and you can't see all the words but it's gold anyway.

Screw Political Correctness

2009-09-06T15:07:00.003+10:00

'In the event that I am reincarnated, I would like to return as a deadly virus, in order to contribute something to solve overpopulation.'
- Duke of Edinburgh

Belle

2009-08-29T11:37:00.002+10:00

Hilarious Fact Of The Week

2009-08-28T19:56:00.004+10:00

HAHAHAHAHAHHAA ok. Did anyone know that urea (aka the main component of urine) is in cigarettes?! Well it is!! Funniest thing I have heard all week. And it's purpose in cigarettes? - a 'flavor-enhancer'. Teehee. Anyway thought that was a hilarious piece of trivia that I should share :) Oh man it's going to be hard to stop myself laughing the next time I see someone smoke.

40 hour famine just started...just reading that sentence makes me feel hungry :(

Hold On To That Feeling

2009-08-27T18:34:00.002+10:00

Last night was a really good night. Volunteered at a soup kitchen in Collingwood with Ven, Isaac, Sarah and Tim. We made sandwiches and went to the housing commission flats in Richmond to deliver the food to needy families. It's a real eye-opener to how some people, including kids, have to live. You can't help but be appreciative of what you have once you see what others don't. And they're so thankful for just a few ham and cheese sandwiches and some chicken noodle soup. It kind of makes me ashamed at how often I say I have no clothes to wear or how there's no food at home. And to be honest, if my mum gave me ham and cheese sandwiches for dinner I would probably refuse to eat them. It's such a blessing to be able to serve. It really is.

Love, Julia

I'M BACK

2009-08-21T20:48:00.003+10:00

Naww poor abandoned blog. I promise to take better care of you in the future.

Anyway, so much has happened it's hard to know where to begin!

Since the last time I blogged, I have:

- been to easter camp

- turned 18

- had an awesome party

- went on biomed camp

- passed first semester

- gotten a macbook

- been to Thailand

- went hot air ballooning

- and got a dog!

It's been a crazily awesome 6 months and with the Biomed Ball and Costa Rica coming up it doesn't look like it'll stop! Though right now, uni is killing me. Whoever said year 12 was the most stressful year was out of their minds. (I have GOT to learn to stop whinging.)

Back to physics now :(

Love, Julia

The Whisper In My Heart

2009-04-09T22:46:00.002+10:00

Life is just flying by at the moment, there are so many things happening! Easter camp tomorrow WHOOOO! And turning 18 the day after :) Then we get home and theres a massive stack of work to do and a party to organise :( Everything is going so quickly it's kind of hard to keep up. But it's a good kind of a busy. An exciting one :D

THE NEXT TIME I BLOG I'LL BE EIGHTEEN!

How scary is that?!

Love, Julia

Buzz Buzz

2009-04-03T23:08:00.003+11:00

There's a mosquito flying around in my room. It's scary. I can't go to sleep until it's dead. Or it'll bite me and buzz near my ear and wake me up :( Die, you little disease carrying monster, die.

No Ordinary Wings I'll Need, The Sky Itself Will Carry Me

2009-04-02T23:09:00.001+11:00

Today's been a good day. Prayed on the train to uni, ended up rambling about the most random things. It was so embarrassing on the train ride back though. Ok I shouldn't say embarrassing...it was more awkward. I saw this girl I had recently met at the station and we were just talking on the platform and I realised we were going to take the same train...meaning I would normally be obliged to sit next to her and talk to her...But like when I make a commitment I really try and keep it so I was trying to think up of all these ways of getting out of taking the train with her but like I couldn't without being rude. As we got on the train I finally just blurted out 'I'm doing this thing for church where I pray on the train...so I have to go...pray *awkward laugh*.' IT WAS SO FREAKING AWKWARD! She was from studentlife though (Christian group) so hopefully she won't think I was just plain weird or worse, making it up to get out of talking to her. Spent the next ten minutes asking God why he put me through that. But yes. My awkward train ride home :)

Before that, had a french listening test which I FAILED. It is SO frustrating not understanding something! I think if I got to have any superpower possible, it would be to understand/speak/read/write every language on the planet. How cool would that be? You could just go anywhere and chat with the locals, and NOBODY could pull that old 'speak in another language so everyone else can't understand thing *coughpreetaandsheharacough*. The ability to speak multiple languages is an incredibly attractive quality I reckon.

Got my braces tightened today as well, and in the process added another person onto my list of potential clients when I graduate: my ortho hahaha :) Now I just have to wait another 8 years until I BECOME a doctor. WHY did I choose medicine?!

Decided to have a party as well. Small party though. But I dunno...it's become a...source of internal conflict (ENGLISH FLASHBACKS). For one, I'm really really lazy and parties take effort. And two, I did a really stupid thing. I posted up on the page that I would be making an exception to my whole anti-drinking thing. REALLY not thought out well. People are making a big deal now and I kind of wish I hadn't said it? I think I'm really weird in that when most people face peer pressure, they cave, but when people place pressure on me I do the opposite. And I guess, like I said above, I made a commitment not to drink until I was 25 and making an exception even for my 18th, doesn't really feel like the right thing to do. Hmm still not sure what to do for this one.

The biggest thing on my mind though has definately been COSTA RICA! I got accepted onto the ISV volunteer program! I'm SO SO SO excited to go but at the same time really apprehensive. I guess, I don't want to get TOO excited in case it doesn't actually happen, like so many other things. Still, I'm so excited anyway. And I get to learn SPANISH! Exciting times ahead!

Love, Julia

A Little Blessing

2009-03-24T20:53:00.002+11:00

I'm really excited about
- Lunch with Shehaha tomorrow
- Dinner with the gang on Thursday
- Biomed camp
- Getting a car hopefully soon
And the main one:
EASTER CAMP EASTER CAMP EASTER CAMP EASTER CAMP EASTER CAMP EASTER CAMP EASTER CAMP EASTER CAMP EASTER CAMP EASTER CAMP EASTER CAMP EASTER CAMP EASTER CAMP EASTER CAMP EASTER CAMP EASTER CAMP EASTER CAMP EASTER CAMP EASTER CAMP EASTER CAMP EASTER CAMP EASTER CAMP EASTER CAMP EASTER CAMP

This afternoon I was taking the train back from uni early cos I had a driving lesson at 2, but the stupid parentals weren't picking up their phones meaning I would have to take a bus and then walk, but I didn't have a zone 2 ticket and after almost being caught at Jordanville the other day I am NEVER NEVER NEVER doing the wrong thing ever again :) Anyway I thought I'd have to get out at Holmesglen, buy a ticket and then have to wait a half hour to take the next train to Mt Wave, meaning I'd be late for my lesson. But as I got out, this little old lady in a wheelchair had to get on the train, so the driver had to get out the ramp and all, giving me enough time to buy my ticket, validate it and get on. To cut the long story short, I wasn't late. This seems like such a trivial thing, but to me, it was another answered prayer. And I dunno, I guess it's the little things that count, cos it kinda made my day :)

Love, Jd

EASTER CAMP EASTER CAMP EASTER CAMP

Further Procrastination

2009-03-23T20:43:00.002+11:00

1. My internet is capped and with a full 8 days of the month left, it's extremely annoying.
2. I almost fell asleep during the 8am chem lecture this morning. Whoever decided to change that lecture from 11am to 8am deserves to die. Ok that was a bit harsh. I don't mean that :)
3. Someone fell asleep during my calc lecture today and got yelled at by my super weird lecturer. It was hilarious :)
4. My chem lecturer uses phrases such as 'spankingly good' and manages to link pedophiles and chemistry.
5. He's actually not that creepy. My calc lecturer is the weirdest. On the first day he said something like 'And when you see the birds flying in the sky...think of me.'
6. Todays calc lecture was actually fun. I think I'm going to bring my ipod into all calc lectures from now on.
7. I suck at French. It's really depressing.
8. Some people are just too smart for their own good.
9. I'm addicted to chocolate :(
10. Uni is the best.
11. I really, really, really want a Leyland mini minor, but
a) Everyone else thinks they're ugly. I really don't get it though...they're super super CUTE!
b) They're all manual. I really regret now not learning how to drive a manual car.
12. I'm not excited at all about turning 18. In fact, it's become a bit of a burden. To throw a party, or to not throw a party. Now THAT is the question.
13. I've caught up with chem reading!!!
14. I'm really bored :)

Love, Julia

Best Episode Ever :)

2009-03-15T15:46:00.000+11:00

The Next Chapter

2009-03-09T21:45:00.006+11:00

And so uni begins. Well, it's begun for awhile already but I haven't found time to blog until now...and for once it's actually true. The past two weeks have been insanely hectic. But it's a good busy. After a three month break I'm more than ready to get back into routine although the early mornings are a killer...Aside from that though UNI IS SO MUCH FUN! I think in life so many things get built up only to let you down. Take for example O-Week. It was so TAME! And apart from meeting people, it was kinda boring...just information sessions 24/7. This only real fun part was that Friday night and sneaking into that club :D Though to be honest, I HONESTLY didn't know you needed i.d, I mean seriously. It's a uni function! As if they had frigging tight bouncers at the front! But yes, got in thanks to Andrea and her sister's connections who snuck me out a wristband. Fun times :) But back to the point. UNI IS IN NO WAY A LET DOWN. I get it now how people say that uni is the best time of your life. It's so fun and relaxed and the people are so friendly. Maybe I like it so much cos I haven't done any work yet and only opened a textbook today but seriously, it really is so much better than school. And this is coming from somebody who has 22 contact hours and wants to kill herself on Sunday nights, knowing she has to get up at 6am the next day for an 8am chem lecture.

Anyway. Point of this rant: uni rocks :) And I'm really glad I chose biomed.

Love, Julia

Clean At Last

2009-02-16T18:24:00.004+11:00

Spent the entire day cleaning my bedroom. And ahhh it's so nice now! I can actually walk around without stepping on anything! Everything is so cleannnnnnnn!

My new bookcase :)

My new shoerack :)

Tomorrow the photographer for The Age is meant to be coming over...meant to be...don't really know what's happening. But yeah. After that it's resume dropping at chaddy :D Coz it's really about time I got a job...

Love, Julia

Truth Hurts

2009-02-15T22:57:00.003+11:00

I got this from one of those chain emails which I normally hate and delete straight away, but I really liked this one. It's such an accurate depiction of society today and the irony of it all is just really sad.

"The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. W e plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."

Waiting, Wishing, Wanting ♥

2009-02-14T21:39:00.004+11:00

I just finished Friends :( It was so sadddd knowing there are no more episodes left to watch...they should seriously make a Friends movie!! Ahh what am I going to do now? There's nothing left! Ahah that's so sad...but since China all I've been doing at home is watching Friends. Now I'm going to be even more bored than I normally am. But without a doubt, Friends was the best tv show ever. Oh and on this topic, The Shawshank Redemption is the best movie ever! Saw it with Preeta and Shehara last weekend and it is SO GOOD! Just don't watch it turned up around parents or younger siblings hahahaha.

Went back to Ikea today. Bought some shoeracks and few other things. Oh and meatballs! Hahaha they're so yummm. I'm so bored. Ah ok I'll stop babbling...I should really write a resume and get a job. Yeah I think I'll do that.

Love, Julia

p.s happy valentines day!

Little Did I Know

2009-02-11T20:06:00.004+11:00

I had a random thought today; why does February have 28 days? I mean, why don't they take a day from July and another day from August and give them to February... so that February, July and August all have 30 days. I mean, then we get two extra days of summer! Doesn't that just make sense?

On a less random note, Angela got accepted onto the Junior Commonwealth Games Squad!! Only 3 girls were added onto the squad this year from the entire country and Ange was one of them!! I'm so proud of her! Congrats Pangey!

Today was so boring...just bummed at home, watching friends and answering endless questions from this lady from The Age. They're doing some article for the metro section on people starting uni soon...OH!!! Actually I did do something exciting today! I built a bookcase!! It's really pretty and fits my room perfectly. I'll put up pictures as soon as I fill it up :D

Preeta left for Sydney today :( Going to miss you. Gosh Sydney sucks. No offence :) We had lunch yesterday with Yin, Sue Yean and Amanda. Steamboat actually! It was yummy. And then we had crepes afterwards. Even yummier. And then we had pasta at Sheharas house for dinner. Yum too haha. Clearly ate way too much yesterday...

Gotta go finish these interview questions now...
Love, Julia

I'm Only Me When I'm With You

2009-02-09T23:00:00.004+11:00

It's been a fairly fun few days :) Got my braces tightened on Friday. The guy put in a wire double the thickness of the old one so I'm still not eating hard foods. And my top teeth are moving faster than the bottom ones so they don't match up and I can't bite together :( Quite the annoying.

Aside from that, I've been doing quite a bit of thinking about having an 18th party. It would be fun...but it takes too much effort...I'm quite tempted to let my birthday slide by without event. Though today I went to Ikea (LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE THAT STORE!!!) and they had all these pretty things...couldn't help buying a few lanterns and fairy lights...and oh it'd be so fun to make invites :P I don't know...might have a small party.

Last Sunday was church...and my first time looking after the kiddies! They're all 0-4 yrs and soooooo cute. Though their lack of attention span is incredible. Two minutes into a story or song and they'd start crawling off somewhere :P I can't believe I was ever that small or wriggly...

Bed now :)
Love, Julia

CHINA 25/12/08 - 15/1/09

2009-02-04T22:26:00.009+11:00

I thought this trip was going to be so boring. Three weeks in Mum's hometown, staying with her parents...what could be more boring right? Well I was wrong. This was the second best trip I've ever been on, and second best only because Disneyland can't be beaten :P

I'm actually really glad we only stayed in Fuzhou as opposed to travelling around China like in previous years. We got to spend heaps of time with the family and my chinese improved a bit haha. But what made this trip so great was, naturally, the SHOPPING. We shopped almost every single day, buying whatever we wanted at insanely cheap prices. I ended up with 9 pairs of shoes, 4 winter coats, 3 jumpers, 2 pairs of fake Levi's, 3 hoodies, a pair of trackies, a skirt, two beanies, a bag, and a crazy amount of jewellery and stationery. Oh and pirated DVDs! We came to China with 4 checked in bags, and we left with 8...

There are so many PEOPLE in China!

Aside from shopping, my grandparents insisted my brother and I spend a day doing this fob photoshoot thing where you get your makeup (my brother got his makeup done too HAHAHA) and hair done, and choose half a dozen outfits to get pictures taken in. It was fun for say the first three hours, but the last four? Repetitive death. The dresses they had there were soooo pretty though! They had racks after racks of gorgeous clothes...it was so hard to choose. The photos came out quite good though.

We also spent three days in the WuYi Mountains which were really pretty. I bought this traditional Chinese painting of the mountains with my name incorporated into it. It cost $4.50AU and took the guy 5 minutes to do...so talented. It's hanging up over my desk now :) On the last day we went rafting down the Nine-Bend River which was fun...

Chinglish hahahahha

But the funnest thing we did in China? Without a doubt the plastic water bubbles! Our Aunt and Uncle took us to West Lake where we hired a paddle boat for a half hour, ate icecreams, and walked on water! They put you in a plastic bubble which they inflate with air and zip up so it's watertight. You can walk and run on water but it's SO hard to keep your balance. I could only stand up for like a minute before I fell down :P It was so, so, so, so, so fun!

The main reason we went to China was because my Grandpa/Wai Gong was turning 80. He had a massive birthday lunch which was...an experience to say the least :P Now my chinese is ok, but still pretty bad, so you can imagine my absolute HORROR when he asked me infront of like 60 people, as his granddaughter, to make a SPEECH in FRICKING CHINESE. I mean I even forgot that morning how to say 'happy birthday' in Chinese! And I rarely speak as it is in English! Mum of course looks at my panicked face and starts laughing, while I gaze back with my cheeks bright red, at 60 people staring at me expectantly. Thankfully though Mum whispered things into my ear which I spoke out loud. I had NO idea what I was saying but since there was no snickering I guess it was ok :P I am so glad I got out of all the impromptu debates last year. Gosh I hate public speaking.

Top photo: Me and my grandpa

Middle photo: Me, my uncle, mum, dad, Jon (back), my grandparents and a family friend (front)

Bottom photo: Me, my uncle, my aunt, mum and Jon

China was such an amazing experience and I can't wait to go back :D

Love, Julia

So Freaking Cute

2009-02-03T22:35:00.002+11:00

I want that puppy!

Let The Good Times Roll

2009-02-01T23:08:00.003+11:00

It's been so long since I blogged that I actually forgot my password. And the January tab has no posts at all under it. Aaw. Poor neglected blog. I'll try take better care of you this year.

Just to get y'all back up to speed:
- Life post-results was/is amazing. Such a relief knowing I never have to think about year 12 or VCE again. The media stuff afterwards was funny but pretty cool haha. Actually more embarrassing. I'm just glad I didn't hear myself on the radio. Apparently I sounded like I had a lisp thanks to these stupid braces.
- CHINA! Ok this deserves a full post with pictures. It was such an amazing trip though.
- 19/1/09 Uni offers! That day we were meant to go to the beach but our neighbours gave us two free Rod Laver Arena passes to the Aus Open so me and Andrea spent the day there, watching Andy Roddick and Novak Djokovic thrash these randoms. And of course waiting 2 hours for a Garnier pack. All in all, over $110 worth of free stuff :D After that we went to Fed Square to get the Herald Sun's they were giving away to check our offers. Despite being clearly above the clearly-in it was actually still nervewracking but another relief to see my first pref there: BIOMED AT MELBOURNE :)
- 20/1/09 I was on the tram with the PLCers to the beach when I got THE call! It was a lady from Melbourne Uni offering me a scholarship! $6000 a year means I can definately go on a mission trip this year but the best part is, it effectively ended all nagging from my mother about getting a job :D Ah best two days ever.
- 27/1/09 Academic Advice Day - was so exhausting! From 9 till 5 me and Venetia ran all across campus listening to info session after info session with only a half hour break in the middle. I still haven't decided on my breadth subjects yet. Torn between French and Chinese :( I'm so excited about uni though. Can't wait to start :D

I'll blog about China later. Right now I am being eaten alive by mozzies.

Love, Julia

My Dad

2008-12-15T07:00:00.002+11:00

This ACTUALLY happened 1 minute ago:
Me: Hey Dad, I got --.--
Dad: Oh dear...and I thought you were going to do well! Oh well never mind.
Me: Dad you have got to be joking. --.-- Are you kidding me? That's GOOD! Ok so it's not the 99.95 everybody thought I'd get but YOU agreed last night that if I got 49.95 and failed vce you'd still be happy.
Dad: I know...but still...(looks at computer screen) THERE 51 out of 50. Now THAT's what we expect!!
Me: That's spesh. It gets scaled up like 10 points.
Dad: Oh dear.

The Way We Were

2008-12-11T12:10:00.003+11:00

Wow I haven't blogged in over a month! So much has happened I don't really know where to start. Well firstly, exams are over, so is schoolies (which was AWESOME), I now have BRACES (all together now: eeeew), and most importantly; results come out tomorrow! I don't actually feel that nervous...probably being a bit too overconfident, instead of bracing myself for the 90 that I won't be surprised to get. Ahhh don't have very high hopes for tomorrow BUT on the flipside, look out for me and seven other PLCers in the Herald Sun! It'll probably be out the day after tomorrow...and in typical PLC style, I'll only be in it if my enters good :P

All the best for tomorrow yr 12s!
Love, Julia

It's A Jungle Out There

2008-11-06T19:50:00.003+11:00

Exams are driving me craaaazy. I can't wait until they're over just so I can sleep better at night.

Methods tomorrow :)

It's Amazing What You Can Hide Just By Putting On A Smile

2008-11-03T12:38:00.000+11:00

I am so so screwed. I have officially failed both english and bio. Well I guess that's what I get for spending my whole swotvac on english even when I knew I was going to fail that. Urgh. So should have spent it on subjects that I actually have some chance of passing. But now I shall just go fail everything, like bio this morning. Which was SO bad. And spesh. Which I haven't done yet but I'm pretty sure I'll fail that too.

Think positive thoughts. Positive thoughts. Revs can save my enter score. And my two midyears. If worst comes to worst I can just do science at Melb :) No stress.

I'm On My Knees Looking For The Answer

2008-10-31T19:58:00.002+11:00

NO MORE ENGLISH EVER!!!
No more Kite Runner, no more freaking CONFLICT and no more language analysis!!! I don't even care how I did, I'm just so glad it's over!! Wooo!
And now on to spesh. Ugh.

Happy times :)

I've rediscovered the piano. And it's so much fun!

Love, Julia

Do Not Enter

2008-10-30T20:47:00.002+11:00

English is tomorrow! And that's not an excited exclamation mark, it's an 'oh my gosh I'm going to die tomorrow cos I only just realised it's actually tomorrow tomorrow and not I-still-have-plenty-of-time-to-study tomorrow' exclamation mark. And it's kinda dumb to try cram but I have to if I want to be able to write anything down tomorrow...wooo 25 here I come! So far, I have not done any essays to time, haven't memorised any quotes and have pretty much zero modern day examples of conflict. Ok, maybe exaggerating a little bit, but I'm still soooo dead. I figure that if I'm going to fail english anyway, the least I can do is make everybody else feel better about their english prep :) Don't worry, I'm happy to oblige.

After tomorrow I'm going SHOPPING. Yes I know, spesh and bio on monday but I'm prepared for bio and going to try cram spesh...it should so be the other way round, but at least maths has generally been nice to me over the years...But yeah I get to spend my $60 book vouchers at my favourite shop ever BORDERS, and know that I will NEVER have to touch english again! After 12:15 tomorrow, I will be a very happy girl.

And just to rub it in to all those people doing languages, ONLY 14 DAYS LEFT OF EXAMS! Bahaha languages might scale but you get an extra week of stress. So not worth it.

I really don't want to go to sleep. Cos then I know that when I wake up, I'll have to prepare for the thing I have been dreading all year. But I guess since I've already sabotaged myself enough, I should at least get a good nights sleep.

Ok gotta stop being negative. I'd probably never feel prepared for this even if I did all the practice in the world. It's in your hands God.

'Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.' 1Peter 5:7
Best advice ever.

If I actually manage to pass this...it won't be because of me.

Good luck everybody!
Love, Julia

The End's Not Near, It's Here

2008-10-21T20:09:00.003+11:00

I love you guys so much. Thanks for making my years at PLC the best I've ever had. I'm going to miss seeing your smiling faces every morning...but I'd better not start on everything I'm going to miss or I'll make myself cry again.

Thank you guys so much for being the best friends anybody could ask for.

TO THE CLASS OF 08. WE. ROCK.

Throw Me A Lifeline

2008-10-17T22:50:00.003+11:00

Ahahah clearly that hasn't sunk in yet or I wouldn't be mucking around in my spares.

Sorry for the extended hiatus. I'd like to say I've been studying but I try not to lie, so I won't. As far as work goes, I'm definately on the verge of drowning in it all. But even then I still don't feel stressed. Instead my mind is planning life post-exams. And geez it's going to be good. Shopping, schoolies, trip to Adelaide, road trip to Queensland, China perhaps? Though I really should be focusing on everything I have to do before then. But I don't know why I'm making myself feel so bad when all I need is a 95 to get into biomed at Melb. And that right there is why I have zero motivation to do anything.

Two days of school left. I'm not ready to leave ;(
Love, Julia

It's The Faith That Makes You Stronger

2008-09-23T17:56:00.003+10:00

Looks like I'll be going to Melbourne.

I Was Meant To Tread The Water, But Now I've Gotten In Too Deep

2008-09-22T16:09:00.002+10:00

Just got back from Marysville after staying one night up there. That's where I was yesterday if anyone at church was wondering...no doubt my presence was greatly missed by everybody...
Oh and thank you to the person who voted for me to fail my exams. That's just lovely. It's so nice knowing that I have such great supportive friends around me :)

Too much sarcasm. I'm going now. To study. So that I hopefully won't fail exams. Fingers crossed.

Love, Julia

Walk Me Down Your Broken Line

2008-09-20T16:40:00.002+10:00

And so ends the first week of the holidays... I'm not yet stressed, but definately feeling the pressure. I keep procrastinating. It's really annoying...
Delete msn and facebook? Yes? No? Pick an answer on the left.

Hmm I haven't blogged in a while...
Sarah's party was awesomeeeeee best 18th yet. But I forgot my camera so no pictures...
Been shopping a bit....
I'd like to say I've been studying...but I haven't, so I shouldn't lie.
Missed the winter sleepout yesterday...was too tired and had no lift...geez I can't wait till I get my P's...

Ugh should probs try studying.
Anyone wanna go state on tuesday?

Love, Julia

I've Got My Hands In My Pocket And My Head In A Cloud

2008-09-12T17:40:00.002+10:00

I really can't be bothered doing anything...

So Please, Use Your Powers For Good

2008-09-11T21:41:00.004+10:00

I feel really high. I think it's sugar. Like I'm laughing at nothing. I don't understand myself sometimes.

Anyway. It's been a while since I posted pictures. So here are a few pics from Gabby's deb last Saturday. It was such a good night!!

Last day of term 3 tomorrow! Though I'm not looking forward to the holidays :( Thinking of all that exam prep makes me feel dizzy and less high, but definately still abnormally happy/carefree/energentic/hyper.

So I think I'm back in my bubble. Not completely though, more like I know what's on the outside but would rather not let anything in? Bad analogy, but I'm feeling rather untouchable/invincible.
Like I said, sugar.

Love, Julia

I Need Light In The Dark As I Search For The Resolution

2008-09-08T19:01:00.002+10:00

Crappiest day ever yesterday. But it's all good now. Never underestimate the power of a good nights sleep and the perspective that a new day can bring.

Anyway I can't wait till Jack's Mannequins new album comes out!! And the holidays are in a week!!

Double Biology

2008-09-04T20:44:00.002+10:00

Was freaking hilarious. A few quotes from Ms O'Brien herself:

'And the dark moth stood out like dog's balls!'

*whispering* 'Mr Poustie looks so innocent...but really he's so EVIL!'

'Aren't they cute the blue footed boobies?'

'mechanical isolation - where the genitals just don't fit'

HAHAHAHA so inappropriately funny. Well it is biology so I guess it is appropriate...in a way...actually no.

Anyway. Exams are over in ten weeks!

Love, Julia

The Beginning of The End

2008-08-31T22:11:00.003+10:00

So today marks the end of August, and come tomorrow, the last week of school uniform, the beginning of September, the beginning of spring, the beginning of the revision period, and the beginning of the end of our school days. *sob* Everything's winding down to an end, but I'm not sure if I'm ready for it to end yet. Call me a freak if you like, but I love school. Seriously :(

The good old days.

Love, Julia

Someone Else's Dream

2008-08-25T22:31:00.002+10:00

Grr capped internet. Can't wait till September.
BUT I can tell you, without a doubt, that this is amazing :)

HAHAHAHA

2008-08-23T15:11:00.003+10:00

Found this on the internet:

The Chemical Engineer's Chocolate Chip Cookies
1. 532.35 cm3 gluten
2. 4.9 cm3 NaHCO3
3. 4.9 cm3 refined halite
4. 236.6 cm3 partially hydrogenated tallow triglyceride
5. 177.45 cm3 crystalline C12H22O11
6. 177.45 cm3 unrefined C12H22O11
7. 4.9 cm3 methyl ether of protocatechuic aldehyde
8. Two calcium carbonate-encapsulated avian albumen-coated protein
9. 473.2 cm3 theobroma cacao
10. 236.6 cm3 de-encapsulated legume meats (sieve size #10)

To a 2-L jacketed round reactor vessel (reactor #1) with an overall heat-transfer coefficient of about 100 Btu/F-ft2-hr add one, two, and three with constant agitation.
In a second 2-L reactor vessel with a radial flow impeller operating at 100 rpm add four, five, six, and seven until the mixture is homogeneous.
To reactor #2 add eight followed by three equal portions of the homogeneous mixture in reactor #1. Additionally, add nine and ten slowly with constant agitation. Care must be taken at this point in the reaction to control any temperature rise that may be the result of an exothermic reaction.
Using a screw extrude attached to a #4 nodulizer place the mixture piece-meal on a 316SS sheet (300 x 600 mm). Heat in a 460 K oven for a period of time that is in agreement with Frank & Johnston's first order rate expression (see JACOS, 21, 55), or until golden brown. Once the reaction is complete, place the sheet on a 25 C heat-transfer table allowing the product to come to equilibrium.

Oh. My. Gosh. To think that it's actually written in english.
I googled the ingrediants; they're actually:
1. Flour
2. Baking soda
3. Salt
4. Shortening (butter)
5. White sugar
6. Brown sugar
7. Vanilla flavoring
8. Eggs
9. Chocolate chips
10. Crushed nuts

Anyway, gotta stop procrastinating :P

Basically I'm Really Bored

2008-08-21T21:30:00.005+10:00

I was on dictionary.com and an ad was on the page with a kid that looked exactly how I imagined Hassan to look as a baby:

Anyway guess what I'm doing? Procrastinating!! What else? :P Trying to delay doing this Kite Runner essay as long as possible. At this stage, I'll probably be trying to do it during double spesh tomorrow :)

Love, Julia

Bombshell

2008-08-21T20:29:00.001+10:00

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=618463&rss=yes

How could someone keep that up for TWO years?! And how come nobody suspected?!
Insane. And shockingly sad. I love that song 'healer' :(

Three Things

2008-08-20T22:22:00.003+10:00

1. I loathe english...hate isn't even a strong enough word
2. PEOPLE WHO HANG UP ON OTHER PEOPLE ARE MEAN :)
3. I don't understand how people can straighten their hair everyday. I tried for a week and I already cbb. Back to the messy, unpredictable half-curls :(
4. I'm turning into a rebel :O

Ok that was four things.

Tell Me How Anybody Thinks Under This Condition

2008-08-20T17:14:00.003+10:00

I'm getting braces. For two years :(
I was incredibly annoyed. But now I'm not. Sugar does that to me. And after that mango cheesecake, two chocolate muffins and countless choc chip cookies, I have enough sugar in me for the next few days.
So if you want to tell me you hate me, now's the time. I'm feeling very mellow :)
When actually I shouldn't. Loads of homework after that wasted weekend. *SIGH* And now the braces news. I can't believe I have to go through graduation, my 18th, first year uni and most of second year, with braces. Eeeew.
Ok I'll stop whinging now. I guess if braces are the only thing I have to complain about, I'm pretty lucky :)

Love, Julia

P.S Happy hundredth blog to me :) Ahaha talk about a summer-holiday-boredom-filler that went way overboard.

Got Nothing But Time On My Hands

2008-08-16T12:19:00.003+10:00

Wagged JWalk last night. Well not technically since I had no lift back. But yeah at least it was productive? Made nutella cupcakes and gosh NUTELLA IS SO YUM! Couldn't stop eating it from the jar :P No pics, camera dead.
Zero sacs next week makes for a very relaxing weekend. Melb Uni open day tomorrow and then Linley and her family's coming over :) Minimal amounts of homework so yay. Found this recipe on the internet I want to try out... caramel apple cupcakes. And it has nothing to do with chocolate which is good...gotta break that addiction of mine :P Not that caramel is much better. But still.
Everyone seems sick...Dad, Andrea, Julie...get better soon! And don't make me sick either :P
Good luck to everyone doing the 40 hr famine this weekend!

Love, Julia

I'm Making Plans Not To Make Plans While I'm Here

2008-08-13T19:03:00.002+10:00

Got my statement today. A bit disappointed to be honest. I know, I know, any sane person would be happy, overjoyed in fact to get those marks. Guess that makes me insane? But I was a bit...I dunno...dissatisfied? I think that's the right word. Though it was quite amusing...doing better in chem than bio that is :P Doubling the scores though is really really dumb..cos every mistake you make gets doubled. Mmm I should be happy.
Quadruple spare tomorrow :)

Love, Julia

A Locked Room In A Tall Tower

2008-08-11T20:27:00.003+10:00

Went to state with Andrea today, although we spent half the time eating :D Ahaha we had lunch then went to Max Brenners to eat more. Gosh it's so yummmmmm...
Dyed my hair yesterday. Total failure :P Got a haircut today...nothing major, just a trim.
I'm boredddd...should probably go studyyyy.

Love, Julia

Random Fact Of The Day:
My mum does not like being hung up on.

This Night's A Perfect Shade Of...

2008-08-09T23:09:00.002+10:00

Yay for icecream, friends, Saturday night worship.
For long weekends and late nights.
For freedom.
For surviving the last major sac period. EVER.

I have a lot to be thankful for :)

I Officially Have The Coolest Friends

2008-08-07T21:23:00.003+10:00

Amy G and Christine at PLC's Got Talent semi-finals.
Andrea's camera could only record 1 minute though, so not all of it's on it. But it was awesome :D

Even The Wrong Words Seem To Rhyme

2008-08-05T21:23:00.003+10:00

I'm so dead. I have five sacs in the next three days...and not only did I not to do anything yesterday but today I bought Breaking Dawn and surprise surprise. Got no work done today either :) Breaking Dawn is weird. I hope it gets better. It seems so different from the other three books. Maybe I'm just reading it too fast.

Wow...got a bit distracted. Finished Breaking Dawn. AND IT'S PERFECT. The endings right. A bit tame...not enough action...but right :) omgosh it's ONE IN THE MORNING. I have definately not stayed up this late on a school night before. So dead. dead. dead. dead. Going to bed. NOW.

Love, Julia

I ♥ Cupcakes

2008-08-03T21:21:00.003+10:00

Baking is so much fun. And relaxing. These are chocolate cupcakes with chocolate strawberry filling, chocolate glaze and vanilla buttercream frosting. I think I added an extra cup of sugar into the frosting by accident...recipe said 2 cups...I think I did 3...oops. Oh well. If they're really too sweet I can always scrape it off. They're for tomorrows bake day :) Everyone in our group (hopefully) is making something and bringing it to school to share...it's going to be so yummmm.

This weekends been pretty good. Went shopping yesterday and bought a belated bday present for Amy. Monash Uni open day was todayyy...I think I'm gonna make med at Monash my first preference. But they confirmed my worst fears...interviews are given based purely on your UMAT result and not enters. So. Chance of me getting an interview is very slim... Nevertheless if God wants me at Monash, I'll get in. Otherwise I guess thats not where I'm meant to be. Trust and obey right? I guess it was silly to think that getting into med would be easy. Nobody said it'd be a piece of cake.

Ah back to cake. I can't wait for tomorrow :) Results are out too! Finally!

Love, Julia

Qeb Buqbkq Lc Jv Ylobalj

2008-07-31T18:52:00.004+10:00

Yxpfzxiiv F'j obxiiv yloba F pxt qefp obxiiv zlli xoqfzib lk qeb fkqbokbq xylrq elt qefp xozefqbzq cfiiba qefp xmxoqjbkq tfqe mrwwibp xka zirbp, xka fq'p grpq xjxwfkd.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/12/garden/12puzzle.html

Fq tlria yb pl jrze crk, xka fq dxsb jb qeb fabx ql tofqb fk zlab clo x axv. Fq'p qxhfkd clobsbo ql tofqb qefp yrq fq'p prze x dlla afpqoxzqflk colj pmbpe :) F exsb x pxz qljloolt yrq F zyy pqravfkd. Xkvtxv, telbsbo zoxzhp qefp, zljjbkq xka tofqb 'F ilsb vlro zllhfbp' xka F'ii dfsb vlr x zlrmib lc zllhfbp qexq F'j dlkkx yxhb lk qeb tbbhbka :) Xka fc vlr zxk obxa qefp, qebk vlr xob x obxiiv obxiiv pxa pxa mboplk tfqe kl ifcb. Kl lccbkzb fkqbkaba. Zlw F drbpp qexq jxhbp jb x pxa pxa mboplk qll :D

Ilsb, Grifx

Guessing Games

2008-07-30T16:01:00.002+10:00

So the umat sucked. I thought it'd be hard but not that hard. Oh I dunno. There were always two options that I couldn't choose between. I don't think I did very well...but I can probs get an interview based on enter score, if I do well. If I do well. Ah pressure...something to think about another day :)

Went to San Churros with Andrea and Venetia. SO YUMMM. I also got a pastry/icing bag so I can frost cupcakes better yay. I'm making chocolate/strawberry cupcakes this weekend for our groups bake day :) And also cookies if I have enough ingrediants. Ah fun. Baking's such a relaxing activity.

Love, Julia

It's Over!

2008-07-28T21:31:00.002+10:00

The worst part of the week is over! English sac sucked...but it's over nowwwwwwwww. Only one more english sac for my ENTIRE life!! I am so unbelievably excited for the end of year 12 :D Amy found out that COLDPLAY is coming this summer!!! And we are definately going. Ahh they're so good. Tickets will be expensive though. I'm so excited! Seems like year 12 is already almost over :)

Wasted the entire day today :) Was fun though. I made mini chocolate cupcakes. They're so yum...I would post pictures but the cameras dead.

Love, Julia

To-Do List

2008-07-27T21:42:00.003+10:00

- survive english sac
- do umat practice papers
- chem chapter 17 questions
- study for spesh sac
- write up spesh cheat sheet
- write up bio summary notes
- study for methods sac

I CAN'T WAIT FOR TOMORROW TO END.
Procrastinated this wholeeeee week....and now am so totally screwed for english.

In Over My Head

2008-07-24T17:08:00.003+10:00

I haven't blogged in ages...we haven't even gone two weeks in but there's already so much WORK to do! And next week is going to be absolute torture...dreading it already. English sac and umat. Umat should be ok-ish but I have no doubt that the English sac will be the worst 2 hrs of my life...the practice sac confirmed that :P

In response to Julie's posts about how I am apparently so 'hard working' (or so my mother thinks):

Julia's Tips For Keeping Parents Happy :)
- Set up messenger lock so all you have to do is press alt shift and all your msn windows disappear
- Always keep a textbook open on your desk
- Always have an essay open on your computer so if annoying people (aka siblings) come in you can legitimately tell them to buzz off cos you're working :)
- Use the internet explorer tabs to hide the fact that you're using facebook

See this is how my parents think I'm the hardest working kid ever. When really I'm always on facebook and signed onto msn 24/7 mostly on appear offline but still.
But don't do this when you have an english sac coming up or you'll fail like me :)
It's so easy to procrastinate :(

Oh and as for the 99.95? That's so not happening. I've realised the best I can do (after playing with the enter calculator for ages) is a 99.75 and that's IF I can get a 45 in all subjects...which might actually have been semi-achievable if it weren't for english. Gosh I hate english. Jump off a cliff and die. I can't believe next years yr 12s don't have to have english in their top four. So ridiculously unfair.

Love, Julia

SCHOOL TOMORROW!

2008-07-14T21:03:00.005+10:00

These holidays have been awesome, but I actually don't mind going back to school tomorrow. I think things will be alright, at least for the first two weeks, before the english sac. Tomorrow will be good :) Triple spare yay.

Pictures!

(SUN!)

(I have a Miley Cyrus wannabe for a sister)

(In an old WW2 fighter plane)

Today was such a nice day. Shame that the sun comes out not when we're on holidays, but when it's time for school. Oh well. I got my fair share of sun :D

Love, Julia

Melbourne is Freaking Freezing

2008-07-11T22:03:00.003+10:00

Cairns was AWESOME. It was so WARM and SUNNY. Perfect for lying on the beach and snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef which we did lots of :) It's so unbelievably nice up there. Everything's all green and the ocean's this amazing turquoise colour. Ah the tropics. It'd be so nice to live there, though it'd get hot in the summer. And there's so much to do. In a week, we squeezed in shopping at the city, snorkelling at the Barrier Reef, exploring/snorkelling at Green Island, visited endless national parks, ate sugarcane at one of the sugar mills (YUM), went go-karting, went to a wildlife sanctuary, read three books, went to Port Douglas, Mossman, Kuranda, Atherton and Innisfail, (random towns) and hung out at the resorts four pools. Ah now that's a holiday. And notice how I didn't mention homework, of which I now have a massive pile of. Damn English. Ooh and turned out I didn't need to go for a week without internet. We got free wireless at the hotel :) Except I had to use Jonathan's laptop so I only got less than an hour :( Being in Cairns really shows just how cold Melbourne is. When we got back it was four degrees. FOUR DEGREES. So my heaters been on ever since :P Probs not very good for the environment.

I saw Mamma Mia today with Glenny ppl. A pretty good movie but it's still weird how they randomly burst out singing and dancing. I love those old ABBA songs though and it was good to catch up with the Glennies.

Cbb putting pictures up :)

Love, Julia

12 Hours Till Sunshine

2008-07-03T17:15:00.002+10:00

We're leaving for Cairns now :) I'm so excited! Finally getting some sun!

Only downside...no internet for a wholeeee week :( Oh WELL...

Have a good holidays everyoneeeeee

Love, Julia

Time For A Change?

2008-07-01T21:53:00.003+10:00

Ahh this background is so fun and summery :) It goes with the title...which is actually so obsolete now that this has become more than something to fill my summer holiday boredom. But it still is the best time-waster ever. That said, everybody should update their blogs cos I'm really bored :)

Actually the more I look at it, the more I don't like it. The background that is.

Hm. What the heck I'll change it after I'm back from Cairns :)

I should start packing...

Sugar Hit

2008-06-29T15:08:00.003+10:00

MMMMMM

I Hate Making Decisions

2008-06-26T22:25:00.003+10:00

I dunno what to put on my rugby jumper :(

Options:
- Julz
- JD
- Ulia
- Goolia
- Juliargh
- Julzie
- Donald Duck
- J. Dizzle
- Squeak
- Donald
- Jube
- Jols
- Judo
- Jukebox
- Julia Ceasar (lol)

Aha it's a bit late to be brainstorming now though. It's due tomorrow :D
I hate making decisions.

TODAY WAS SUCH A GREAT DAY

Love, Julia

Saved

2008-06-26T15:57:00.002+10:00

OMGOSH. I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO HAPPY, RELIEVED, EUPHORIC, JOYFUL, CHEERFUL, CONTENTED, BUOYANT OR CAREFREE IN MY ENTIRE LIFE.

The intense humilliation that accompanies impromptu, secret-topic debating has been postponed indefinately since LAURISTON FORFEITED TONIGHTS DEBATE!!!!! So not only do I NOT have to debate tonight but technically WE WON!!!!

I have never been happier since I got my 50. Scrap that. This takes the cake.

I just thought I should share this with everybody before the euphoria wears off :)

Heehee. I can't stop smiling.

Happy June 20th :)

2008-06-20T23:24:00.004+10:00

So today Shehara goes to me 'Today it's June 20th!'. I look at her like she's a complete idiot...well duh it's June 20th...tomorrow it's June 21st...WOW. She stared at me waiting for it to click. AND OMGOSH. THE JOURNEE OF JUNE 20TH 1792!! As if I didn't remember it! So much for the 50 :P (For those non revsies, the June 20th journee was where the sansculottes stormed the Tuilieries Palace in Paris demanding a whole heap of stuff. And no I couldn't even remember that. I spent practically the whole of English reading about it on wikipedia :D )
It's not an isolated memory lapse either. The other day I was reading something and the words 'Compte Rendu' came up. They sounded SO familiar but I couldn't figure out why...I knew it was something to do with revs...but other than that I had no clue. To be completely honest I thought it was some important person HAHAHAHAH I'm such an idiot. I googled it and then remembered (with wikipedias help) that it was Necker's account of the French finances at the time :P HAHAHAHAHHA I seriously need to reread the textbook or sit in on a revs class. I can't believe I have such a bad memory :D

Ooooh english was sooo boring today. And Morrissey came up and asked me what point I was making in one of my sac paragraphs. HAHAHAHAHA well now I guess I know what my sac mark will be: BAD. Ah I love english...NOT.

I'm so glad it's the weekend though...this week went for ages. Now there's only one more week till the holidays! And only 12 days till Cairns!! I can't wait :D Desperately need some sun. And a tan would be nice though I'll probably come back red rather than brown. I'm so pale now but yay sun in 12 days :) It's 26 degrees there these days :D

Paleness clearly evident here:

Me, Tam and Cam at Tam and Mel's 18th (plus Squish in the background - she's too dark to be seen :D )

I'm skipping special tuition again tomorrow. Yay :D

Love, Julia

Dumdidum

2008-06-19T09:51:00.003+10:00

Far out. This is so boring. Morissey is such a bad teacher.

freetetris.org is fun but even that gets boring.

Yay 2 minutes till second period. Eew english tomorrow again.

I'm so freaking bored. Maybe I have ADD or something.

Bored

2008-06-19T09:32:00.002+10:00

I hate English...but at least we have laptops today :) Even though facebook and youtube is blocked.

I'm bored.

2008-06-15T22:00:00.001+10:00

This one's so much better.

The Big Freeze

2008-06-15T21:46:00.000+10:00

That looked so fun!!! I so would have gone if I had known!

Potentially Dangerous

2008-06-14T23:27:00.002+10:00

THE ANSWERS TO THE CHEM EXAM ARE ON THE INTERNET!!

http://vcenotes.com/forum/index.php/topic,3799.0.html

You have to register though, but it's quick. And they're not the official answers...just the answers according to whichever mega nerd posted it.

I'm so glad exams are over. I'm so tired though...drained.

Love, Julia

EXAMS ARE OVER :)

2008-06-13T15:45:00.002+10:00

Ahh feels so good :D The gat was actually quite fun, and (nobody kill me for saying this) but chem was quite fun too? Bio was annoying and boring though... but yeah THEY'RE OVER!!! For four months at least.

FAR OUT. My phone started working again. But now it's not :( UGH. Time for a new phone I reckon...guess I can't complain after having that phone for over 5 years :P

Oooh the plane tickets for Cairns came today. Tres excited. Ahhh the thought of sun :)

Love, Julia

Gymspastics

2008-06-10T21:01:00.005+10:00

Watch it. It's my sister's vault and beam routine for nationals that some random videoed and posted on youtube. I think her friend's vault routine is on it too.

Ahahah the beam routine. Flawless except for the fall at the end...which cracks me up each time :)

TIMES UP

2008-06-10T18:41:00.002+10:00

Exams begin tomorrow. FAR OUT HOW DID THE WEEK PASS?
So. Not prepared for bio...AND I'M SICK!!! Had a headache yesterday and today and the brain's just not functioning as it's meant to. Spent half the day sleeping...only got one prac paper done. And I have to make a conscious effort not to hyperventilate.

*48 hours and it's over. 48 hours and it's over. 48 hours and it's over. 48 hours and it's over. 48 hours and it's over. 48 hours and it's over. 48 hours and it's over. 48 hours and it's over. 48 hours and it's over. 48 hours and it's over. 48 hours and it's over. 48 hours and it's over. 48 hours and it's over. 48 hours and it's over. 48 hours and it's over *

I'm ok now :)

GOOD LUCK FOR YOUR EXAMS EVERYONE!!

Love, Julia. who is calm and totally not the least bit anxious or nervous in any way. totally.

If Anyone Is Wondering...

2008-06-07T22:51:00.003+10:00

(1) I'm not going to church tomorrow because the fam wants to go to Knox afterwards and shop
(2) My phone hasn't been working for the past month, so if you've called/texted, I didn't know or I would have replied. SORRY.

Absence Makes The Heart Grow Fonder

2008-06-07T22:03:00.003+10:00

Ah, I apologise for my lack of posting recently...but if you've got midyears coming up then you shouldn't be reading this anyway. GO STUDY. (Which is what I should be doing...anyway)

OMGOSH. I read the BEST book in like the whole wide world a few days ago, Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. If you haven't read it then you'll probably find it mildly strange and neurotic that I'm in love with a fictional character. But if haven't read, go do it. And then you'll be in love like me and my sister (she's twelve, has no hormones and yet is still just as in love) and Preeta and Charlene and a million other girls who have similar facebook bumper stickers. No seriously. I would let Edward Cullen bite me anyday.

Ah. I don't think I can ever get married now. Cos any guy I meet, I'll compare to EC and no guy can stand up to that utter perfection that is the epitome of Edward Cullen. I mean besides his personality and looks, he has TWO medical degrees, went to Harvard, has a photographic memory, has an IQ of 10000000, plays the piano, composes music, dances (ballroom, not gay hiphop) AND is a traditional old soul like me :) Um hello? Perfect guy much? If that's not enough, go read Twilight. Then you'll understand ;)

But it's SO DISAPOINTING...the guy that's playing Edward in the movie is NOT GOOD LOOKING AT ALL!!!! And he has disgusting poofy hair. It's the guy that plays Cedric Diggory in HP4. Seriously. Major let down. I'm so glad I bought the book though.

GOOD LUCK STUDYING EVERYONE!
Love, Julia

Release

2008-05-30T22:46:00.002+10:00

ENGLISH SAC IS OVERRRRR
Biggest burden lifted, even though midyears are in like 11 days. I mean, I can do chem and bio. I might not do that well, but I can do it. English just scared the crap out of me. But no more english until 8 weeks :D Yay. I didn't do any work today :S So not smart. Instead I watched 'What Happens in Vegas'. Not a bad movie...pretty funny actually.

JULIA IS IN LOCKDOWN MODE STARTING FROM NOW.

Wait who am I kidding. I'm going shopping on Sunday.

Have a good weekend everybody!
Love, Julia

Another Day, Another Drama

2008-05-26T19:48:00.002+10:00

Angela came back from nationals yesterday and she came third overall! Thats third in the country for her level, and her level is only two below the olympians :) So yay well done Pange.

Has anyone seen the 'social commenter' blog? It's hilarious, but kind of psychotic. Like, as if girls schools don't have a bad enough rep. But what's funnier than this blog is when people find out who this 'social commenter' is. Oh man. They're going to be killed. I wonder what the school will do, cos no doubt sooner or later somebody's going to tell Fern or someone. Ahh whoever is behind that blog is a very sad, sad person.

And I thought our group had issues.

Be nice everybody,

Love, Julia

Time To Just Be

2008-05-24T20:26:00.002+10:00

Everything's happening so fast...

Monday - chem sac
Tuesday - bio sac
Wedbesday - chem sac
Thursday - bio trial exam
Friday - english sac

AND THEN MIDYEARS.

Feels like everything is just going over the top of me. I start off a day with a list of 5 things to do. And I only get 2 done. WHERE DID ALL THAT TIME GO? I swear I had three weeks till midyears. But now a whole week's gone by without me even noticing. Year 12 is half over. How did that happen?

I've decided. If could have a superpower like the ones on Heroes, I don't want to be able to fly although that would be SO cool. I'd rather have Hiro's power, and fast forward three weeks. TO CAIRNS :D ahhh sun, beach, warm weather...

Love, Julia

ARGH

2008-05-17T22:42:00.002+10:00

MIDYEARS ARE IN THREE WEEKS AND THREE DAYS!!!

*breathe in, breathe out*
everything's going to be ok.

Let Me Just Add Another Photo To That

2008-05-15T21:58:00.001+10:00

aaaaahahahah not photoshopped at all...

This Is Why I Love My Special Class

2008-05-15T20:00:00.005+10:00

Best class ever.

The Aftermath

2008-05-12T21:04:00.004+10:00

OMYGOSH there's so many photos of the formal on facebook. And predictably, it was the talk of school today.

More photos:

Love, Julia

Take Me Back To The Start

2008-05-10T16:41:00.006+10:00

It's over :( But without a doubt, the best night of the year.

The limo was SO COOL

My very special special class (ahah we're all asian)

We have a year 6 graduation pic of the three of us so it seemed appropriate to do a year 12 one :)

I can't wait for the pro pics!

Love, Julia

THE FORMAL IS TOMORROW!!

2008-05-08T20:54:00.002+10:00

I am tres excited. Woohoo. Very. VERY excited. I still need to get a clutch though. And jewellery. Talk about last minute. I'll get them in between hair and makeup :) Ooooh I'm so excited.

Methods sac first period tomorrow though. I haven't studied. As if anyone would be in the mood to study. Do you think I can just wing it? Shouldn't be too hard. It's just methods. Mmm. Sleep or study? I think I'll go sleep. Since I won't get any tomorrow night with the A.P and then Sarah's place with her indoor pool :D GOSH IT'LL BE FUN. Formal then afterparty/Prachi's 18th then pool party. And then tuition the next morning. Ultimate anticlimax.

Ok bedtime. Have a good weekend kiddies.

Love, Julia

I Did No Homework Today

2008-05-02T21:44:00.002+10:00

Instead me and Mum went shoe shopping. And I got a pair of fantabulous black and silver heels for the formal. After going into every single shoe store in Knox and Chadstone and having no shoes fit me properley. I hate having small feet.

Umat prep course tomorrow and the day after. I hope it helps. Because the umat counts as much as the enter does when it comes to getting into med/bioscience courses. Which is really scary.

I'm really scared actually. Midyears are so close.

And next week really sucks. But the formal's next friday :D So hopefully it'll get to friday quickly.

Love, Julia

What A Wonderful Weekend

2008-04-27T19:11:00.006+10:00

Friday: Was the best day ever. Me, Amy, Sarah, Venetia and Nicole met at Andreas house and then went to an all you can eat Thai buffet place. SO YUM. We were so loud though :P One time, we just stopped talking, and the whole restaurant went quiet. And people were listening to our conversation :P Came back to my place, ate even MORE food, went up to the park, took photos, bummed around. They left, except Andrea, and we had dinner at a Korean restaurant at the Glen with Jon, Blick, Marcus, Vicky and Michael. I was already feeling SO BLOATED, but then we (all seven of us) piled into Marcus' two door tiny car and drove to Max Brenners. Ate even more. Then went to Safeway to buy vanilla icecream and milo, which we ate in a circle on the floor at the front of Safeway :) It was such a good day.

Saturday: Linley came over! We made cookies and watched Harry Potter and remenisced on our primaryschool-embarrassing-obsessive-littlegirl crushes on Daniel Radcliffe. AHAHA. The cookies turned out so funny. They spread so MUCH.

Sunday: I thought it'd be a bit of a downer of a day, but it turned out good :) Went to church, left early cos I thought I was going to get my tooth pulled out but on Sunday you have to pay extra so Mum wanted me to wait for tommorrow. So I'm getting my tooth pulled out at EIGHT AM tomorrow. That's the time I normally wake up :( But anyway. Went to Knox. Tried on more formal dresses for fun :D

Tomorrow's gonna suck.

Love, Julia

I Surrender!

2008-04-24T22:23:00.003+10:00

Tongue sticking out :P

Such a cutie.

It's mine and Andrea's combined bday party tomorrow :) We're eating thai. Can't wait :)

Love, Julia

I Can Almost Taste The Weekend

2008-04-23T21:55:00.002+10:00

I can't wait for tomorrow to be over :) Then three days of no school, no sacs to study for, no tests to study for, no essays to be handed in, no assignments to do, and hopefully no homework. Instead I'll be shoe shopping, jewellery shopping, reading, baking, meeting up with Linley and having FUN. Gosh. It'll be like a mini holiday.

Is this possible?

Love, Julia

How Do I Hate Thee? Let Me Count The Ways

2008-04-21T18:27:00.004+10:00

My dear friend English;

How do I hate thee? Let me count the ways.
I hate thee to the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach.
- More than spiders, snakes and the ever disgusting leech.
I hate the way you make me sit there
- Knowing nothing, playing with my hair.
I hate how you have no finite answer
- No right, no wrong, is it because I'm a dancer?
I hate how you take up all of my time
- Writing rubbish when I think that I'm doing fine.
I hate thee and thy metalanguage
- They make me want to ingest a fridge.
I hate how you're the only subject that ever gives me A's
- That's asian fail you know, and haunts me for days.
I hate thee for making me speak in public
- And no, Australia should not become a republic.
I hate how you made me concentrate for three hours
- Yes actually I would rather be skipping around flowers.
I hate thee for all of thy six sacs
- Only half done, oh cut me some slack(s).
I hate thee and thy language analysis
- Three articles?! Plain mental is your diagnosis.
I hate thee for making me pen you a poem
- Don't you know I could be studying the fascinating phloem?
I hate thee and thine Look Both Ways
- Quotes in my head and nightmares for days!
I hate thee for my poor sac mark, oh how thy dares
- Let Meryl eat Nick for all I care
I hate thee for my too small vocabulary
- Oh how I wish I was a fairy, or is it faery?
I hate thee for thy strange spelling, see,
- Why is it 'i' before 'e' but not after 'c'?
I hate thee for demanding to be in my top four
- This should be illegal! Change the damn law!
I hate how you mark me down for structure
- Intro, conclusion? My hand has a fracture.
I hate thee and thy lengthy, hand-hurting, notes
- They will be burnt or drowned or eaten by goats!
I hate thee for making my brain have a dent
- Although I guess I should thank you, I needed to vent
I hate thee and thy mind consuming ways
- My hatred will not end, not at death, on my last day
Just mark my words, I will have my revenge
- MY SANITY WILL BE ONE DAY AVENGED!!!

With love, Julia

I Hate Mondays

2008-04-20T19:43:00.003+10:00

No actually I don't hate mondays. I hate mondays with english sacs. Have I said lately how much I hate english? Well. I'll say it again. I hate english.

That is all all I have to say.

Actually no it's not. I feel like writing some more.

Friendships are fickle things aren't they? They come, they go, they get stronger, they get weaker, sometimes without you even noticing at all. It just seems strange how quickly things can change. How do you know when to let go of things or keep trying? I dunno. Seems like a lot of groups are having friendship difficulties.

Ange came first at states today. So she'll be competing at nationals next month in Vodaphone Arena. I used to think it'd suck to have a famous or successful sister...but I can't wait. YOU BETTER GO TO THE OLYMPICS OR I'LL
...never help you with math again?

I thought I'd end with a short statement. I hate english.

Love, Julia

P.S

HAHA I just realised. Those are Preeta's initials. Quite appropriate since I stole this picture from her.

Ah. The PLC class of '08. I love these people. They give me warm and fuzzy feelings.

Shoved to the Ground

2008-04-19T14:50:00.003+10:00

Cookie loves to sleep on my desk chair, so today when I went to get something to eat, she jumped up and settled herself on the chair. I brought another one in so I could sit down and do my work. Then I went to get something to drink. When I came back, Tiger had jumped on the other chair. So now I'm sitting on the ground while the cats sleep on the chairs. Ahh sacrificial love.